fc_10q-81031.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

[ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008

Commission File Number     0-20722    

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
 
16-1400479
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
3108 Ponte Morino Drive, Suite 210
Cameron Park, CA
 
95682
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
Zip Code
     
Issuer's telephone number: (530) 677-5974

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

YES      X                                                  NO             

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
 
YES                                                          NO      X     

Common stock, $0.001 par value, of which 131,145,543 were issued and outstanding as of December 15, 2008.
 
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    
 
 
 
1

INDEX
 
 
 
Page
   
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
     
 
3
     
 
20
     
 
26
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
26
     
 
26
     
 
29
     
 
29
     
 
29
 
 
 







2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
INDEX TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
Page
   
 
4
   
 
6
   
 
7
   
10


























3

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
BALANCE SHEET

 
   
October 31
   
January 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
 
             
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 467,602     $ 383,223  
Receivables
    52,776       196,811  
Deposits
    71,668       295,281  
Prepaid expense
    235,514       242,577  
Inventory
    208,026       7,721  
                 
Total current assets
    1,035,586       1,125,613  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of    $583,914 and $205,084 at October 31 and January 31, 2008, respectively
    13,545,730       8,438,997  
                 
Other Assets
               
Restricted cash
    2,980,102       674,850  
Deferred reclamation costs
    2,864,172       680,326  
                 
Total other assets
    5,844,277       1,355,176  
                 
Total assets
  $ 20,425,593     $ 10,919,786  
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

Current liabilities
           
Accounts payable
  $ 1,228,839     $ 2,730,596  
Accrued expenses
    1,085,349       538,987  
Convertible debenture net of deferred financing costs of
               
$17,577 and $32,162 at October 31 and January 31, 2008, respectively
    632,423       501,520  
Note payable
    79,619       163,726  
                 
Total current liabilities
    3,026,230       3,934,829  
                 
Long-term liabilities
               
Senior secured notes net of deferred  financing  costs of
               
$7,934,109 and $0 and original issue discount of $1,542,682 and $0
               
at October 31 and January 31, 2008, respectively
    4,065,891       -  
Accrued reclamation costs
    2,864,172       680,326  
Notes payable
    798,184       192,691  
Deferred revenue
    800,000       937,650  
                 
Total long-term liabilities
    8,528,247       1,810,667  
                 
Total liabilities
    11,554,477       5,745,496  
 
 
4

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
BALANCE SHEET

 
   
October 31,
   
January 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
   
(unaudited)
       
             
Commitments and contingencies
           
             
Shareholders' surplus (deficit)
           
Common stock, $0.001 par value
           
250,000,000 shares authorized at October 31 and January 31, 2008, respectively
           
131,145,543 and 117,432,317 shares issued and outstanding at
           
October 31 and January 31, 2008, respectively
    131,146       117,432  
Additional paid in capital
    49,813,400       36,447,996  
Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage
    (41,073,430 )     (31,391,142 )
                 
Total shareholders' surplus (deficit)
    8,8171,116       5,174,290  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' surplus
  $ 20,425,593     $ 10,919,786  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine and Three Months Ended October 31, 2008 and 2007
and for the Period from January 1, 1995 to October 31, 2008

 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
   
For the Three Months Ended
   
For the Period From January 1,
 
   
October 31,
   
October 31,
   
1995 to October
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
    31, 2008  
Net Sales
  $ 722,466     $ -     $ 77,106     $ -     $ 1,273,745  
                                         
Exploration and maintenance costs
    4,382,503       870,828       1,368,990       505,037       8,471,855  
                                         
Gross loss
    (3,660,037 )     (970,828       (1,291,884 )     (505,037 )     (7,198,110 )
Operating expenses
    (4,638,709 )     (3,933,654       (1,669,783 )     (1,664,954 )     (26,221,683 )
                                         
Loss from operations
    (8,298,746 )     (4,904,482 )     (2,961,667 )     (2,169,991 )     (33,419,796 )
                                         
Other (expense)
                                       
Interest income
    23,876       172,310       1,344       89,004       302,547  
Dividend income
                                    30,188  
Gain on settlement of obligations
    22,851       455,533       -       454,653       1,149,375  
Other income
                                    6,565  
Adjustments to fair value of derivatives
    -       (703,992 )     -       -       (1,357,903 )
Interest expense
    (1,430,271 )     (831,319 )     (1,275,991 )     (307,780 )     (5,305,727 )
Loss from joint venture
                                    (859,522 )
Loss on sale of marketable securities
                                    (281,063 )
Bad debt expense
                                    (40,374 )
Loss on disposal of plant, property
                                       
and equipment
                                    (334,927 )
Loss on disposal of bond
                                    (21,000 )
                                         
Total other income (expense)
    (1,383,544 )     (907,468 )     (1,274,647 )     (235,877 )     (6,711,841  
                                         
Net loss
  $ (9,682,290     $ (5,811,950 )   $ (4,236,314 )   $ (1,934,114 )   $ (40,131,637  
                                         
Basic and diluted loss per share
  $ (0.08 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.02 )        
                                         
Basic and diluted weighted-
                                       
average shares
                                       
outstanding
    129,011,548       94,725,487       130,855,326       109,455,871          


6

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2008 and 2007
and for the Period from January 1, 1995 to October 31, 2008
 
 
 
               
For the Period
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
   
From January 1, 1995
 
   
October 31,
   
to October 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                 
   Net loss
  $ (9,682,290 )   $ (5,811,950 )   $ (37,279,345 )
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
                       
      used in operating activities:
                       
         Accretion of warrants issued as a debt discount
    456,547       32,370       1,776,692  
         Accretion of beneficial conversion
    -       -       107,468  
         Accretion of debt discount
    -       279,437       531,110  
         Adjustments to  fair value of derivatives
    -       703,992       1,357,904  
Loss from joint venture
    -       -       859,522  
         Loss on sale of marketable securities
    -       -       281,063  
         Depreciation and amortization
    742,191       509,733       1,005,521  
         Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    -       -       334,927  
         Impairment in value of property, plant and equipment
    -       -       807,266  
         Loss on disposal of bond
    -       -       21,000  
         Impairment in value of Relief Canyon Mine
    -       -       3,311,672  
         Impairment in value of joint  investments
    -       -       490,000  
         Bad debt
    -       -       40,374  
         Assigned value of stock and warrants exchanged for services
    -       358,062       2,108,452  
         Assigned value of stock options issue for compensation
    179,518       83,015       958,743  
         Gain on write off of note payable
    -       -       (7,000 )
         Judgment loss accrued
    -       -       250,000  
         (Increase) decrease in:
                       
            Restricted cash
    (2,305,252 )     (463,169 )     (2,967,888 )
            Receivables
    144,035       82,647       39,052  
            Deposits
    223,613       (563,372 )     93,633  
            Deferred reclamation costs
    -       -       214,848  
            Prepaid expenses
    7,063       (35,997 )     (251,449 )
            Inventory
    (200,305 )     -       (289,362 )
            Reclamation bonds
    -       -       185,000  
            Other assets
    -       -       (1,600 )
         Increase (decrease) in:
                       
            Accounts payable
    (1,501,757 )     (392,957 )     (425,419
 
 
7

 
 
            Accrued expenses
    (546,363 )     (139,827 )     420,013  
                         
               Net cash used by operating activities
    (12,483,000 )     (5,358,016 )     (25,965,159 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
   Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    -       -       34,124  
   Investment in marketable securities
    -       -       (315,188 )
   Advances from shareholder
    -       -       7,436  
   Contribution from joint venture partner
    -       -       775,000  
   Purchase of joint venture partner interest
    -       -       (900,000 )
   Capital expenditures
    (5,485,563 )     (2,019,313 )     (16,139,347 )
   Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
    -       -       278,783  
   Investments in joint ventures
    -       -       (490,000 )
   Note receivable
    -       -       (268,333 )
   Repayment of note receivable
    -       -       268,333  
                         
               Net cash used by investing activities
    (5,485,563 )     (2,019,313 )     (16,749,192 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
   Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
    7,621,515       11,010,441       28,258,782  
   Proceeds from notes payable
    12,149,707       1,010,000       19,390,474  
   Principal repayments of notes payable
    (1,580,630 )     (13,085 )     (4,044,446 )
   Repayment of advances to affiliate
    -       -       (231,663 )
   Deferred revenue
    (137,650 )     -       800,000  
                         
               Net cash provided by financing activities
    18,052,942       12,007,356       44,173,137  
                         
                  Net increase  in cash
    84,379       4,630,027       460,915  
                         
Cash, beginning of year
    383,223       150,647       6,687  
                         
Cash, end of period
  $ 467,602     $ 4,780,674     $ 467,602  










8

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2008 and 2007
and for the Period from January 1, 1995 to October 31, 2008
 
Supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 and January 1, 1995 through October 31, 2008 as follows:

               
For the Period
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
   
From January 1,
 
   
October 31,
   
1995 to October
 
   
2008
   
2007
     
31, 2008
 
                     
Cash paid for interest
  $ -     $ -     $ 161,107  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
                         
Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
                       
Conversion of related party note payable to common stock, including interest payable of $446,193
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,093,573  
Conversion of convertible debentures to common stock, including interest of $217,151
  $ -     $ 3,186,203     $ 4,359,609  
Issuance of warrants as financing costs in connection with convertible debt
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,093,573  
Issuance of common stock as payment for settlement of liabilities
  $ 111,999     $ -     $ 2,141,573  


















 
9

FIRSTGOLD CORP.
(A DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2008

 
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND LINE OF BUSINESS

Firstgold Corp. has been in the business of acquiring, exploring, developing, and producing gold properties.  Firstgold had rights to mine properties in Nevada and Montana.  Its primary focus was on the Relief Canyon mine located near Lovelock, Nevada, where it has performed development and exploratory drilling and was in the process of obtaining permits to allow operation of the Relief Canyon Mine.  In December 1997, Firstgold placed the Relief Canyon Mine on care and maintenance status.  From mid-2001 until the beginning of 2003 Firstgold was essentially inactive, only continuing with some of the care and maintenance at Relief Canyon, as provided for by a non-affiliate company owned by the Chief Operating Officer of Firstgold.

Firstgold has embarked on a business strategy whereby it will invest in and/or manage the exploration of gold and other mineral producing properties.  Currently, Firstgold’s principal assets include various mineral leases associated with the Relief Canyon mine located near Lovelock, Nevada along with various items of mining equipment located at that site.  Firstgold’s business will be to acquire, explore and, if warranted, develop various mining properties located in the state of Nevada.  Firstgold plans to carryout comprehensive exploration and development programs on its properties.  Firstgold plans to conduct these activities itself, although some activities may be outsourced.  Consequently, Firstgold's current plan will require the hiring of significant amounts of mining employees to carry out its future mining and current exploration activities.

NOTE 2 - GOING CONCERN
 
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.  During the years ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from January 1, 1995 to January 31, 2008, Firstgold incurred net losses of approximately $7,632,537, $4,728,070,  and $30,449,347, respectively.  In addition, Firstgold has been in the exploration stage since inception and through October 31, 2008.  Information for the nine months ended October 31, 2008 include a net loss of $9,682,290, negative cash flows from operations of $12,483,000 and a deficit accumulated during the exploration stage of $40,131,637.  The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate profitable operations in the future and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due.  The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time.  Since inception, the Company has satisfied its capital needs by issuing equity and debt securities.
 
Management plans to continue to provide for its capital needs during the year ending January 31, 2009 by issuing equity securities or incurring additional debt financing, with the proceeds to be used to re-establish mining operations at Relief Canyon as well as improve its working capital position.  These financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should Firstgold be unable to continue as a going concern.
 
NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnotes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations.  
 
10

 
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Firstgold’s Form 10-KSB, as filed with the SEC for the year ended January 31, 2008.

Exploration Stage Company
Effective January 1, 1995 (date of inception), the Company is considered a development stage Company as defined in SFAS No. 7.  The Company’s development stage activities consist of the development of several mining properties located in Nevada. Sources of financing for these development stage activities have been primarily debt and equity financing.  The Company has, at the present time, not paid any dividends and any dividends that may be paid in the future will depend upon the financial requirements of the Company and other relevant factors.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, Firstgold considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents a certificate of deposit with Umpqua Bank to serve as collateral for a reclamation bond with the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection at the Relief Canyon Mine.

Deferred Reclamation Costs
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which established a uniform methodology for accounting for estimated reclamation and abandonment costs.  The statement was adopted February 1, 2003.  The reclamation costs will be allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and will be adjusted for changes resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate.

Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 143, estimated future reclamation costs were based principally on legal and regulatory requirements.  Such costs related to active mines were accrued and charged over the expected operating lives of the mines using the UOP method based on proven and probable reserves.  Future remediation costs for inactive mines were accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the undiscounted costs expected to be incurred at a site.  Such cost estimates included, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs.  Changes in estimates at inactive mines were reflected in earnings in the period an estimate was revised.

Valuation of Derivative Instruments
FAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" requires bifurcation of embedded derivative instruments and measurement of their fair value for accounting purposes. In determining the appropriate fair value, the Company uses the Black Scholes model as a valuation technique.  Derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in results of operations as Adjustments to Fair Value of Derivatives. In addition, the fair values of freestanding derivative instruments such as warrants are valued using Black Scholes models.
 
Revenue Recognition
Revenues will be recognized when deliveries of gold are made, title and risk of loss passes to the buyer and collectibility is reasonably assured.  Deferred revenue represents non-refundable cash received in exchange for royalties on net smelter returns on the Relief Canyon Mine.  Deferred revenue will be amortized to earnings based on estimated production in accordance with the royalty agreement.
 
11

 
Risks Associated with Gold Mining
The business of gold mining is subject to certain types of risks, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, and theft.  Prior to suspending operations, Firstgold carried insurance against certain property damage loss (including business interruption) and comprehensive general liability insurance.  While Firstgold maintained insurance consistent with industry practice, it is not possible to insure against all risks associated with the mining business, or prudent to assume that insurance will continue to be available at a reasonable cost.  Firstgold has not obtained environmental liability insurance because such coverage is not considered by management to be cost effective.  Firstgold currently carries no insurance on any of its properties due to the current status of the mine and Firstgold’s current financial condition.

Comprehensive Income
Firstgold utilizes SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.”  This statement establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its components in a financial statement.  Comprehensive income as defined includes all changes in equity (net assets) during a period from non-owner sources.  Examples of items to be included in comprehensive income, which are excluded from net income, include foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities.  Comprehensive income is presented in Firstgold's financial statements since Firstgold did have unrealized gain (loss) from changes in equity from available-for-sale marketable securities.

Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Loss Per Share
Firstgold utilizes SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.”  Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive.  Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive.

The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share since their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
  
   
2008
   
2007
 
Warrants
   
65,125,530
     
39,500,976
 
Stock options
   
5,833,790
     
3,750,000
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159).  Under the provisions of SFAS 159, Companies may choose to account for eligible financial instruments, warranties and insurance contracts at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings each reporting period. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  
 
12

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 159 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 159 will have a material impact on Firstgold's results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

In December 2007, the FASB released FAS 141R, “Business Combinations” and FAS 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.”  Both standards will be effective for transactions that occur after January 1, 2009.  FAS 141R applies to all business combinations and will require the acquiring entity to recognize the assets and liabilities acquired at their respective fair value.  This standard changes the accounting for business combinations in several areas.  If we complete an acquisition after the effective date of FAS 141R, some of these changes could result in increased volatility in our results of operations and financial position.  For example, transaction costs, which are currently capitalized in a business combination, will be expensed as incurred.  Additionally, pre-acquisition contingencies (such as in-process lawsuits acquired) and contingent consideration (such as additional consideration contingent on specified events in the future) will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, with subsequent changes in fair value reflected in our results of operations.  Under current accounting guidance, adjustments to these contingencies are reflected in the allocation of purchase price if they occur within a certain period of time after the acquisition date.

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment was recorded at $14,129,644 and $2,968.192 at October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Depreciation expense was $378,830 and $110,389 for the nine months ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

NOTE 5 - NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following at October 31, 2008:

Equipment notes payable
 
$
550,684
 
         
The first note does not bear any interest and is due in December 2010.  The second note bears interest at 8.6% and is due June 2011.  The third note bears interest at 5.7% and is due June 2013.The loans are secured by a Caterpillar loader, backhoe and grader.
       
         
Mortgage notes payable
   
315,000
 
         
The first note of $247,500 bears interest at 6.75% with monthly principal and interest payments and is due in September 2013.  The second note of $67,500 bears interest at 6.75% and is due March 2009 with accrued interest and principal due at maturity.  If Firstgold completes required water line improvements to the property by the due date of the second note then the second note and accrued interest will be forgiven.  The loans are secured by a building and five acres of land in Lovelock, NV.
       
         
Insurance premium note payable
   
12,119
 
The note bears interest at 5.6%, is payable monthly and is due December 2008.
       
         
Total notes payable
 
$
877,803
 

13

Firstgold recorded interest expense of $1,275,991 and $1,430,271 for the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2008 compared to interest expense of $307,780 and $831,319 for the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2007.

NOTE 6 – CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES AND SENIOR SECURED NOTES

September 2006 Convertible Debenture
In September 2006, Firstgold entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and other agreements, as amended on November 1, 2006, in connection with the private placement of convertible debentures, in the aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 and bearing interest at 8% per annum (the “Debenture”).  The Debentures were funded $1,000,000 on September 26, 2006, $1,000,000 upon the filing of a resale registration statement with the SEC on December 1, 2006 and $1,000,000 on March 15, 2007.  Of the $1,000,000 funded on September 26, 2006, $120,000 was paid for various loan fees and closing costs; of the $1,000,000 funded December 1, 2006, $90,000 was paid for various loan fees and closing costs; and of the $1,000,000 funded March 19, 2007, $90,000 was paid for various loan fees and closing costs.  
 
The Debentures were due and payable three years after the issue date unless converted into shares of common stock or repaid prior to its expiration date.  The conversion rate was adjustable and at any conversion date, would be the lower of $0.45 per share or 95% of the Market Conversion Price.  On July 13, 2007 $450,000 of the Debenture dated March 15, 2007 was converted into 1,000,000 shares of common stock. On September 13, 2007 the $1,000,000 Debenture dated September 26, 2006 was converted into 2,222,222 shares of common stock. On October 12, 2007 $450,000 of the Debenture dated December 1, 2006 was converted into 1,000,000 shares of common stock. On October 16, 2007 $450,000 of the Debenture dated December 1, 2006 was converted into 1,000,000 shares of common stock. On October 30, 2007 1,444,444 shares of common stock were issued in conversion of the remaining $650,000 in principal of outstanding Secured Convertible Debentures.  An additional 413,784 shares of common stock was issued in conversion of $186,203 of accrued interest on the Secured Convertible Debentures.

October 2006 Convertible Debentures

In October 2006, Firstgold issued convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $650,000 and bearing interest of 8% per annum.  The Debentures and accrued interest are convertible into shares of Firstgold common stock at a conversion rate of $0.405 per share.  The Debentures are due and payable three years from the date of issue unless they are converted into shares of the Company’s common stock or are repaid prior to their expiration date.  Additionally, the investors were issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 746,843 shares of Firstgold common stock exercisable at $0.45 per warrant.  The warrants were issued as financing costs and total deferred financing cost of $173,114 was recorded in relation to this debt.

May 2008 Convertible Debenture

In May 2008, Firstgold issued a convertible debenture in the principal amount of $1,100,000 and bearing interest of 10% per annum.  The Debentures and accrued interest are convertible into shares of Firstgold common stock at a conversion rate of $0.80 per share.  The Debentures are due and payable 20 months from the date of issue unless they are converted into shares of the Company’s common stock or are repaid prior to their expiration date.  Additionally, the investor was issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,100,000 shares of Firstgold common stock exercisable at $1.00 per warrant.  The warrants were issued as financing costs and total deferred financing cost of $296,102 was recorded in relation to this debt.  The May 2008 Convertible Debenture along with a $250,000 Note Payable were repaid in full in August 2008..

14

August/September 2008 Senior Secured Promissory Notes

On August 7, 2008, Firstgold Corp. (the “Company”) entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Platinum Long-Term Growth, LLC and Lakewood Group, LLC, two US-based investment funds (the “Lenders”).  Pursuant to the Agreement, the Lenders will fund up to $15,750,000 in Senior Secured Promissory Notes.  Funding of the loan will occur in five tranches of which the first occurred at the initial closing on August 7, 2008 in the aggregate amount of $6,742,625 (the “Initial Note Amount”).  A first interim funding occurred August 27, 2008 in the amount of $472,973. A second interim funding occurred September 10, 2008 in the amount of $1,351,351.  The second close funding occurred September 29, 2008 in the amount of $3,433,051.  Three additional tranches of $1,250,000 each will be available during the months of November and December, 2008 and January 2009 subject to the Company achieving certain operational conditions.  The loans bear an interest rate of 4% per annum with interest payments commencing in September, 2008.  The loans are due and payable on March 1, 2010.
 
During the time that any debt remains owed to the Lenders the Agreement limits the Company’s ability to incur any additional indebtedness and, the Company must obtain the Lender’s consent to enter into certain future transactions including any future merger, sale of a substantial portion of its assets or becoming involved in any partnership or joint venture.
 
In conjunction with the making of the loan, the lenders were issued, on a pro rata basis, Warrants to purchase up to 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $.4357 cents per share which may be adjusted downward based on future market conditions but in no event less than $.3961 cents per share.  The Warrants have a term of 3 years. The Warrants also provide for a Put Right in which the Warrant holder after August 7, 2009 may require the Company to repurchase the Warrants at a redemption price of $.30 per Warrant.  The Put Right is exercisable for a period of one year.
 
The cost of the loan transaction includes an original issue discount of 15% on each note amount plus a 4% origination fee and 7% broker’s commission.
 
NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Except for the advance royalty and rent payments noted below, Firstgold is not obligated under any capital leases or non-cancelable operating lease with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year as of October 31, 2008.  However, minimum annual royalty payments are required to retain the lease rights to Firstgold’s properties.

Relief Canyon Mine
Our mining property rights are represented by 141 unpatented mill site and mining lode claims which were re-staked in October 2004 and June 2006.  Unpatented mining claims are generally considered subject to greater title risks than patented mining claims or real property interests that are owned in fee simple.  To remain valid, such unpatented claims are subject to annual maintenance fees.  As of October 31, 2008, we were current in the payment of such maintenance fees.

During 1996, Repadre Capital Corporation (“Repadre”) purchased for $500,000 a net smelter return royalty (Repadre Royalty).  Repadre was to receive a 1.5% royalty from production at each of the Relief Canyon Mine and Mission Mines. In July 1997, an additional $300,000 was paid by Repadre for an additional 1% royalty from the Relief Canyon Mine.  In October, 1997, when the Mission Mine lease was terminated, Repadre exercised its option to transfer the Repadre Royalty solely to the Relief Canyon Mine resulting in a total 4% royalty.  The total amount received of $800,000 has been recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying financial statements.

15

On February 8, 2007, a complaint was filed against ASDi, LLC, Crescent Red Caps LLC, Firstgold, and Scott Dockter by the Lessors of the Crescent Valley and Red Caps mining properties.  The complaint was filed in the Sixth Judicial District Court of Lander County, Nevada (Case No. 9661). In the complaint the plaintiffs allege that ASDi, LLC wrongfully assigned its lessee rights in the Crescent Valley and Red Caps mining properties to Crescent Red Caps LLC (of which Firstgold is the Managing Member).  
 
In late March, 2008 the parties reached a settlement agreement and the case was dismissed by the Court on April 4, 2008.  As a result of the Settlement, Firstgold paid $150,000 to Plaintiffs and Firstgold, ASDi LLC and Crescent Red Caps LLC relinquished all right, title and interest in the Red Caps and Crescent Valley leases to the Plaintiffs.  Consequently, Firstgold no longer has any interest in these leases and will not pursue any further exploration activity on such leased property.
 
On September 24, 2007, a complaint was served on Firstgold by Swartz Private Equity, LLC.  The complaint was filed in the District Court for the Western District of New York (Case No. 07CV6447).  In the complaint, plaintiff alleges that pursuant to an Investment Agreement dated October 4, 2000, and entered into with Firstgold’s former management, it is entitled to the exercise of certain warrants in the amount of 1,911,106 shares of Firstgold common stock or the equivalent cash value of $0.69 per share and a termination fee of $200,000.  Firstgold filed an answer to the complaint on December 3, 2007 and expects to vigorously defend this action.  The lawsuit is now in the discovery phase.
 
On January 30, 2008, a complaint was served on Firstgold by Park Avenue Consulting Group, Inc.  The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York but was subsequently removed to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 08CV01850).  In late October 2008 the parties reached a settlement agreement.  As a result of the Settlement, Firstgold is to pay to the Plaintiff $300,000 cash of which $50,000 has been paid and $250,000 remains outstanding; issue 300,000 shares of common stock and issue 250,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at a price of $0.4357 for a term of 3 years.
 
Firstgold is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate dispositions of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on Firstgold’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

NOTE 8 - SHAREHOLDERS' SURPLUS

Common Stock
In February 2008 warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock were exercised at an average exercise price of $0.25 per share.
 
In February 2008 Firstgold received proceeds of $3,450,975 upon the issuance of Units consisting of 5,309,193 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 2,654,460 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.   The warrants have a term of 18 months.

In March 2008 Firstgold received proceeds of $4,261,822 upon the issuance of Units consisting of 6,556,650 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 3,278,325 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.   The warrants have a term of 18 months.

In April 2008 Firstgold received proceeds of $330,100 upon the issuance of Units consisting of 507,846 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 253,923 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.   The warrants have a term of 18 months.

16

In April 2008 warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock were exercised at an exercise price of $0.50 per share.

In May 2008 Firstgold received proceeds of $300,000 upon the issuance of Units consisting of 461,538 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 230,769 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.   The warrants have a term of 18 months.

In May 2008 Firstgold issued 127,999 shares of common stock to one person in settlement of an existing note payable and accrued interest totaling $63,999.

In October 2008 Firstgold issued 300,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.16 per share to a consulting company in partial settlement of a prior contract.

Warrants
The fair market value of warrants issued during the nine months ended October 31, 2008 in conjunction with the issuance of common stock was determined to be $1,836,890 and was calculated under the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used:

Expected life
1.5  to 3 years
Risk free interest rate
1.53% to 2.72%
Volatility
63.39% to 162.87%
Expected dividend yield
None

The fair value of these warrants has been recorded as both a debit and credit to additional paid in capital.

The following table presents warrant activity from January 31, 2008 through October 31, 2008:
 
   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
             
Outstanding, January31, 2008
   
39,507,146
   
$
0.47
 
Exercised
   
(450,000
)
 
$
(0.36
)
Expired
   
(567,311)
   
$
(0.65
)
Granted
   
26,635,695
   
$
0.58
 
Outstanding, October 31, 2008
   
65,125,530
   
$
0.51
 
Exercisable, October 31, 2008
   
65,125,530
   
$
0.51
 
 
Stock options
The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of non-qualified or incentive stock options to employees, non-employee members of the board and consultants. The exercise price per share is not to be less than the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Board of Directors has the discretion to determine the vesting schedule. Options may be either immediately exercisable or in installments, but generally vest over a three-year period from the date of grant. In the event the holder ceases to be employed by the Company, all unvested options terminate and all vested installment options may be exercised within an installment period following termination. In general, options expire ten years from the date of grant. Stockholders voting at the 2007 Annual Stockholders meeting held on September 20, 2007 approved an increase in the shares issuable under the 2006 Plan to a total of 10,000,000.

17

Effective February 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options based on their fair values. Firstgold had not previously issued any stock options prior to adoption of the 2006 Plan.  In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107) to provide guidance on SFAS 123(R). The Company has applied SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method as of and for the three months ended April 30, 2008. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R). Share-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Statement of Operations during the three months ended April 30, 2008 includes compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted during the current fiscal year.

In conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company elected to attribute the value of share-based compensation to expense using the straight-line method. Share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants was $59,311 for the three months ended April 30, 2008, and was recorded in the financial statements as operating expense.

For the nine months ended October 31, 2008 the Company’s calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected life, 36 months following the grant date; stock volatility, 63.4% to 165.45%; risk-free interest rates of 1.77% to 2.97%; and no dividends during the expected term. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R) is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, expense for grants beginning upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) on February 1, 2006 will be reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:

           
Weighted Ave.
   
Aggregate
 
   
# of Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Intrinsic Value
 
                         
Outstanding as of January 31, 2008
   
4,650,000
   
$
0.61
   
$
0
 
Granted
   
   1,183,790
   
$
0.63
   
$
0
 
Exercised
   
0
   
$
0.00
         
Cancelled
   
0
   
$
0.00
         
                     
Outstanding as of October 31, 2008
   
5,751,038
   
$
0.61
   
$
0
 
                     
                         
Exercisable as of October 31, 2008
   
4,075,260
   
$
0.59
   
$
0
 
 

18

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

As of December 16, 2008 the Company was technically in default for non-payment of a required principal payment of $400,000 on the Senior Secured Promissory Notes.  As a result of the default, the $12 million principal balance can be called immediately due and payable by the Lenders and the Lenders can charge a default interest rate that is the lesser of 18% or the maximum applicable legal rate per annum.  Additionally, all assets of the Company are secured by the Senior Secured Notes.  As of December 21, 2008 the Company had not received a formal notice of default from the Senior Secured Lenders

As described in Note 6 above, the Senior Secured Note lenders provided for three additional tranches of $1,250,000 each to be funded based on certain operating conditions being met.  Operating conditions for the first two tranches in November and December 2008 were not met and are no longer available to Firstgold.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATIONS

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking” statements about future financial results, future business changes and other events that haven’t yet occurred.  For example, statements like Firstgold “expects,” “anticipates” or “believes” are forward-looking statements.  Investors should be aware that actual results may differ materially from Firstgold's expressed expectations because of risks and uncertainties about the future.  Firstgold does not undertake to update the information in this Form 10-Q if any forward-looking statement later turns out to be inaccurate.  Details about risks affecting various aspects of Firstgold’s business are discussed in Firstgold’s Form 10-KSB as well as throughout this Form 10-Q and should be considered carefully.

Overview

We are an exploration-stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and, if warranted, development of various mining properties located in the State of Nevada.  We are currently conducting a comprehensive exploration and development program on various mineral leases associated with our Relief Canyon Mine property located near Lovelock, Nevada. Since February 1, 2007 we have completed drilling 83 reverse circulation drill holes .  We have also drilled a total of  57 sonic holes  in the existing heap leach pads to assess the economic potential of reprocessing the ore and extracting any remaining gold.  These drill results will be added to the historic drill hole database to help develop a new mining plan for Relief Canyon Mine property.

In preparation for the resumption of ore processing at the Relief Canyon Mine, on August 7, 2007 we received an “Approval of the Relief Canyon Mine Heap reprocessing amendment to the Plan of Operations” from the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”).  In conjunction with the BLM action, Firstgold increased its posted reclamation bond to $2.8 million with the BLM.
 
On August 16, 2008 an “Amended Reclamation Permit No. 264” issued by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) became final. In addition, Firstgold has recently received its Water Pollution Control Permit and Air quality Permit from the NDEP.

The above approvals and permits allow Firstgold to begin construction of a new heap leach pad and to construct and operate an ADR Process Plant and crushing facility at the Relief Canyon Mine site. On December 15, 2008 we completed the new heap leach pad and on December 16, 2008 commenced stacking ore on the pad. Upon completion of the stacking, application of the cyanide solution and the leaching process will commence. In addition, the on-site processing plant and crushing facilities have been completed.

In October 2006, we entered into a Mineral Lease Agreement to explore, and, if warranted, develop up to 25,000 acres of property called Antelope Peak located in Elko County, Nevada.  The Lease allows us the exclusive right to explore for, and, if warranted, develop gold, silver and barite minerals on the leased property.  Based on the results of our preliminary exploration, we determined that the land package and potential did not fit the geologic profile we are pursuing at this time.  Consequently, the lease was terminated on October 24, 2008.

We have conducted preliminary sampling of approximately 4,200 acres of potentially mineralized ground in the Horse Creek area located approximately 100 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada.  During the course of the property evaluation, rock chip samples were collected showing the potential presence of intrusion-related mineral systems.  During the third quarter we commenced the extensive mapping of the area’s bedrock geology.  Additionally, we plan to conduct an airborne geophysical survey to map the magnetic character of the rocks.  Geochemical exploration efforts continued with more rock chip sampling as well as an in-depth soil sampling survey.

On January 11, 2008 we secured claims on approximately 2,300 acres of potentially mineralized ground near Fairview, Nevada referred to as the Fairview-Hunter property.  We are conducting preliminary sampling of the area.  
 
20

During the course of the property evaluation, rock chip samples were collected.  The next phase of this project will be to conduct extensive mapping of the area’s bedrock geology.  Additionally, we plan to conduct an airborne geophysical survey to map the magnetic character of the rocks.  Geochemical exploration efforts will continue with more rock chip sampling as well as an in-depth soil sampling survey.
 
On February 22, 2008, we secured claims on approximately 3,300 acres of potentially mineralized ground north of Winnemucca, Nevada referred to as the Honorine Gold property.  We are conducting preliminary sampling of the area.  During the course of the property evaluation, rock chip samples were collected.  The next phase of this project will be to conduct extensive mapping of the area’s bedrock geology.  We completed the initial sampling and 6 drill holes on the project.  Drill results from this first round of drilling are expected only to provide basic geologic information and direction for future drill work.  Additionally, we plan to conduct an airborne geophysical survey to map the magnetic character of the rocks.  Geochemical exploration efforts will continue with more rock chip sampling as well as an in-depth soil sampling survey.
 
In July 2008, Firstgold opened a full service metals and mineral assay laboratory in leased buildings located in Lovelock, Nevada.  On September 30, 2008 Firstgold purchased the laboratory facility for an aggregate purchase price of $450,000.  The laboratory will process mineral samples from Firstgold’s Relief Canyon Mine, other Firstgold exploration properties and provide excess capacity to process mined samples from other outside mining and exploration companies.  At peak operation, the laboratory is designed to process up to 2,200 fire assays and up to 250 geochemical analyses per day.

Plan of Operations for the Next Twelve Months

Certain key factors and objectives will affect our future financial and operating results.  These include, but are not limited to the following:
 
●     
Gold prices, and to a lesser extent, silver prices;

●     
The amount of mineralization at the Relief Canyon Mine as estimated by us (based on past and current exploration by Firstgold and work done by others).

●     
Our proposed exploration of properties now include 146 mill site and unpatented mining claims contained in about 1,000 acres of the Relief Canyon Property; approximately 4,200 acres in the Horse Creek area of Nevada; 2,300 acres near Fairview, Nevada and 3,300 acres near Winnemucca, Nevada.

●     
Our operating plan is to continue exploration work on the Relief Canyon mining property during calendar 2008.    During 2008, we plan to resume heap leaching at the Relief Canyon Mine and we anticipate commencing ore processing at the Relief Canyon Mine thereafter.  Through the sale of additional securities and/or the use of joint ventures, royalty arrangements and partnerships, we intend to progressively enlarge the scope and scale of our current exploration, and future mining and processing operations, thereby potentially increasing our chances of locating and processing commercially viable ore deposits which could increase both our annual revenues and ultimately our net profits.  Our objective is to achieve annual growth rates in revenue and net profits for the foreseeable future.

●     
We expect to make capital expenditures in calendar year 2009 of between $5 million and $10 million, including costs related to the exploration, development and operation of the Relief Canyon mining property.  If cash flow from operations is not adequate we may have to raise additional outside capital to pay for these activities and the continuation of exploration activities and possible future production at the Relief Canyon mine.
 
21

 
●     
Additional funding or the utilization of other venture partners will be required to fund exploration, research, development and operating expenses at the Horse Creek,  Fairview-Hunter and Honorine Gold properties when and if such activity is commenced at these properties. In the past we have been dependent on funding from the private placement of our securities as well as loans from related and third parties as the sole sources of capital to fund operations.
 
●     
Completion of the ore processing facility at the Relief Canyon site and installation of a new jaw crushing unit.
 
Results of Operation

Our current business strategy is to invest in, explore and if warranted, conduct mining operations of our current mining properties and other mineral producing properties.  Firstgold is a public company that in the past has been engaged in the exploration, acquisition and development of gold-bearing properties in the continental United States.  Currently, our principal assets include various mineral leases associated with the Relief Canyon Mine located near Lovelock, Nevada along with various items of mining equipment and improvements located at that site.  We have also entered into (i) the staking of approximately 4,200 acres of property located in Humboldt County, Nevada; (ii) claims to explore 2,300 acres of property located near Fairview, Nevada; and (iii) mineral leases on 3,300 acres of property located near Winnemucca, Nevada.
 
Operating Results for the Fiscal Quarters Ended October 31, 2008 and 2007

Although we commenced efforts to re-establish our mining business early in fiscal year 2004, no mining operations have commenced and no revenues from mining operations have been recognized during the quarters ended October 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We have granted a 4% net smelting return royalty to a third party related to the Relief Canyon mining property which has been recorded as an $800,000 deferred option income.  During the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 we recognized revenue of $35,026 from the leasing of drill rigs and crew to other nearby mining operations; $35,080 from performing assays for customers at our lab; and $7,000 from the sale of an internet domain name.  No revenues were recognized during the comparible quarter of fiscal 2008.

During the quarter ended October 31, 2008 we spent $1,368,990 for exploration, reclamation and maintenance expenses related to our mining properties.  Reclamation and maintenance expenses expended during the same quarter ended October 31, 2007 were $505,037.  These expenses relate primarily to exploration activities and installation of processing facilities at the Relief Canyon Mine.  The increase in costs was due to extensive building and facility improvements at the Relief Canyon mine and significant exploration drilling.  During the quarter ended October 31, 2008 we expended approximately $97,429 on preliminary exploration activities at the Horse Creek, Fairview-Hunter and Honorine Gold properties.  We incurred operating expenses of $1,669,783 during the quarter ended October 31, 2008.  Of this amount, $170,523 reflects promotion expense, $256,750 reflects officer and director compensation during the quarter and $432,058 reflect fees for outside professional services.  We incurred operating expenses of $1,664,954 during the quarter ended October 31, 2007.  Of this amount, $34,671 reflects outside director compensation expense, $265,198 reflects promotion expense, $93,500 reflects officer compensation and related payroll taxes during the quarter related to stock options issued and $480,785 reflect fees for outside professional services.  
 
A large portion of the outside professional services reflects legal and accounting work pertaining to our annual and quarterly reporting on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q occurring in fiscal year 2008 and 2009 respectively, as well as the preparation and filing of Amended Form S-1’s.  It is anticipated that both mining costs and operating expenses will increase significantly as we continue our exploration program and prepare for mining operations.

 
22

We incurred interest expense of $1,275,991 during the quarter ended October 31, 2008 which compares to interest expenses of $307,780 incurred during the same quarter of 2007.  The principal balance of loans outstanding at the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 increased by $12,714,077 to $13,527,803 compared to a principal balance of $813,726 outstanding at the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, which was primarily the result of an increase in senior secured promissory notes issued during the third quarter..  The increase in accrued interest expense during the quarter ended October 31, 2008 was primarily due to the increase in the principal balance of promissory notes outstanding during the period offset by the write-off of unamortized debt costs related to convertible debt which was converted in full during the period.
 
Our total net loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 increased to $4,236,314 compared to a net loss of $1,934,114 incurred for the same quarter ended October 31, 2007.  The larger net loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 reflects the substantial increase in the exploration and mine site improvement expenses as well as an increase in interest expense. The increase in net loss for the quarter ended October 31, 2008 was partially offset by the net sales revenue recognized during the quarter.

Operation results for the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2008 and 2007

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008 we recognized revenue of $722,466 from the leasing of drill rigs and crew to other nearby mining operations and the operation of the mineral assay laboratory.  No revenues were recorded for the nine months ended October 31, 2007.

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008, we spent $4,382,503 on exploration, reclamation and building and facilities expansion expenses related to our mining properties.  Reclamation and maintenance expenses expended during the nine months ended October 31, 2007, were $870,828.  These expenses relate primarily to repairing and upgrading costs required to resume exploration drilling and facilities upgrading at our Relief Canyon mining claims.  We incurred operating expenses of $4,638,709 during the nine months ended October 31, 2008.  Of this amount, $284,028 reflects promotion expense; $653,226 reflects director and officer compensation; and $1,165,876 reflects fees for outside professional services.  A large portion of the outside professional services reflects legal costs associated with litigation involving the Crescent Red Caps LLC as well as legal and accounting work pertaining to our annual and quarterly reporting on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and financing activities.  During the nine months ended October 31, 2007, we incurred operating expenses of $3,933,654, of which $442,476 reflects outside director compensation expenses related to director fees and stock options issued, $567,878 reflects promotion expenses, $273,009 represented officer compensation, and $885,883 reflected fees for outside professional services.  It is anticipated that both mining costs and operation costs will increase significantly as we continue our exploration program and initiate mining operations.

We incurred interest expense of $1,430,271 during the nine months ended October 31, 2008, which compares to interest expenses of $831,319 incurred during the same nine months of 2007.  The principal balance of loans outstanding at October 31, 2008 increased by $12,714,077 compared to October 31, 2007, primarily the result of the issuance of $12 million of Senior Secured Promissory Notes.  The increase in additional interest expense during the nine months ended October 31, 2008, was primarily due to the increase in outstanding promissory notes.

Our total net loss of the nine months ended October 31, 2008, increased to $9,682,290 compared to a net loss of $5,811,950 incurred for the same nine months ended October 31, 2007.  The higher net loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 reflects the increase in exploration, maintenance, and operating expenses as we continue our exploration activities, construct processing facilities and establish a mineral assay laboratory. These expenses were partially offset by revenues recognized during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and during the nine months ended October 31, 2008 which has resulted in an accumulated deficit of $41,073,430 as of October 31, 2008.  At October 31, 2008, we had cash and other current assets of $1,035,586 compared to $1,125,613 at January 31, 2008 and a net working capital deficit of $1,923,144 as of October 31, 2008.  
 
23

Since the resumption of our business in February 2003, we have been dependent on borrowed or invested funds in order to finance our ongoing operations.  As of October 31, 2008, we had outstanding debentures and notes payable in the gross principal amount of $13,527,803 (net balance of $4,710,433 after $(7,951,686) of deferred financing costs) which reflects an increase in the gross principal balance of $12,714,077 compared to notes payable in the gross principal amount of $817,163, (net balance of $657,775 after $(159,389) of note payable discount and deferred financing costs) as of October 31, 2007.

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008 we received proceeds of $7,621,515 from the issuance of stock and $12,000,000 from the issuance of promissory notes.

Due to increased costs and funding delays we believe that an additional $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 of additional funding will be necessary to bring the Relief Canyon Mine into full production and carry out planned initial exploration on our other properties.  To raise these additional funds our intention will be to pursue several possible funding opportunities including the sale of additional securities, entering into joint venture arrangements, or incurring additional debt.
  
Due to our continuing losses from business operations, the independent auditor’s report dated May 15, 2008, includes a “going concern” explanation relating to the fact that Firstgold’s continuation is dependent upon obtaining additional working capital either through significantly increasing revenues or through outside financing.  As of October 31, 2008, Firstgold’s principal commitments included the following:

It is likely that we will need to raise additional capital to fund the long-term or expanded development, promotion and conduct of our mineral exploration.  Due to our limited cash flow, operating losses and limited assets, it is unlikely that we could obtain financing through commercial or banking sources.  Consequently, any future capital requirements will be dependent on cash infusions from our major stockholders or other outside sources in order to fund our future operations.  Although we believe that our creditors and investors would continue to fund Firstgold’s expenses if such became necessary based upon their significant debt and/or equity interest in Firstgold, there is no assurance that such investors would continue to pay our expenses in the future.  If adequate funds are not available in the future, through public or private financing as well as borrowing from other sources, Firstgold might not be able to sustain its mineral exploration or mining program.
 
Recent Financing Transactions

During February, March and April of 2008, Firstgold received gross proceeds of $8,042,897 upon the private placement of Units consisting of 12,373,689 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 6,186,845 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.   The warrants have a term of 18 months.

On May 1, 2008, we issued a Convertible Debenture in the principal amount of $1,100,000 and bearing interest of 10% per annum. The transaction included the issuance of warrants to purchase 1,100,000 shares of Firstgold common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share.  On July 11, 2008 we issued a Note Payable in the principal amount of $250,000 and bearing interest of 12% per annum.  The transaction included the issuance of warrants to purchase 500,000 of Firstgold common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share.  On August 7, 2008 both the Convertible Debenture and the Note Payable were repaid in full for the amount of $1,459,707.

During the third fiscal quarter of 2008, Firstgold issued Senior Promissory Notes in the principal amount of $12,000,000 which resulted in net proceeds to Firstgold of $8,880,000.  The transaction included the issuance of warrants to purchase 16,050,000 shares of Firstgold common stock at an exercise price of $0.4357 per share.
 
24

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2008, Firstgold did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial conditions and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and disclosures on the date of the financial statements.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to revenue recognition.  We use authoritative pronouncements, historical experience and other assumptions as the basis for making judgments.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  We believe that the following critical accounting policies along with those set forth in Note 3 to the financial statements, affect our more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our financial statements.
 
 Valuation of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment, patents and trademarks, and goodwill, comprise a significant portion of our total assets.  Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of an asset to the future net cash flows expected to be generated by those assets.  The cash flow projections are based on historical experience, management’s view of growth rates within the industry, and the anticipated future economic environment.

Factors we consider important that could trigger a review for impairment include the following:

 
(a) 
significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results,
 
 
(b) 
significant changes in the manner of its use of the acquired assets or the strategy of its overall business, and
 
 
(c) 
significant negative industry or economic trends.

When we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets and related goodwill and enterprise-level goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in its current business model.

Exploration Costs

Exploration costs are expensed as incurred.  All costs related to property acquisitions are capitalized.

Mine Development Costs

Mine development costs consist of all costs associated with bringing mines into production, to develop new ore bodies and to develop mine areas substantially in advance of current production. The decision to develop a mine is based on assessment of the commercial viability of the property and the availability of financing. Once the decision to proceed to development is made, development and other expenditures relating to the project will be deferred and carried at cost with the intention that these will be depleted by charges against earnings from future mining operations.
 
25

No depreciation will be charged against the property until commercial production commences. After a mine has been brought into commercial production, any additional work on that property will be expensed as incurred, except for large development programs, which will be deferred and depleted.
 
Reclamation Costs

Reclamation costs and related accrued liabilities, which are based on our interpretation of current environmental and regulatory requirements, are accrued and expensed, upon determination.

Based on current environmental regulations and known reclamation requirements, management has included its best estimates of these obligations in its reclamation accruals.  However, it is reasonably possible that our best estimates of our ultimate reclamation liabilities could change as a result of changes in regulations or cost estimates.
 
ITEM 4T.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
 
We have adopted and maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required under SEC's rules and forms and that the information is gathered and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by SEC Rule 15d-15 (b) we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act 15d-14 as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report. Our management periodically assesses our internal controls over financial reporting based upon the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO Framework”).  Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to Firstgold that is required to be included in our periodic SEC reports and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure as a result of any deficiency detected in our internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter covered by this report, there was no change in Firstgold’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1A.    FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

We are a development stage company and an investment in, or ownership position in our common stock is inherently risky.  Some of these risks pertain to our business in general, and others are risks which would only affect our common stock.  
 
26

The price of our common stock could decline and/or remain adversely affected due to any of these risks and investors could lose all or part of an investment in our company as a result of any of these risks coming to pass. Readers of this Report should, in addition to considering these risks carefully, refer to the other information contained in this Report, including disclosures in our financial statements and all related notes.  If any of the events described below were to occur, our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations or cash flow could be materially adversely affected.  When we say that something could or will have a material adverse effect on Firstgold, we mean that it could or will have one or more of these effects.  We also refer readers to the information in this Report, discussing the impact of Forward-Looking Statements on the descriptions contained in this Report and included in the Factors discussed below.

As an exploration stage company with no proven mineral reserves, we may not be able to prove viable mineral reserves or achieve positive cash flows and our limited history of operations makes evaluation of our future business and prospects difficult.  We reactivated our business operations in early 2003 and we have not generated any revenues, other than leasing certain of our drill rigs and crew for short periods of time, since our reactivation.  As a result, we have only a limited operating history upon which to evaluate our future potential performance.  Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and difficulties encountered by companies which have not yet established their mining operations.

We believe we currently have sufficient funds to finance our near-term mining activities at the Relief Canyon Mine and preliminary exploration activities at our other properties.  We had cash reserves of $467,602 and a working capital deficit of $1,923,144 as of October 31, 2008.  Furthermore, subsequent to the fiscal quarter, on December 15, 2008, we were unable to make a required $400,000 principal reduction payment to our secured lenders.  As a result, our ability to fully implement our business plan and meet our long-term obligations in the ordinary course of business is dependent upon our ability to raise additional capital through public or private equity financings, establish cash flows from operations, enter into joint ventures or other arrangements with capital sources, or secure other sources of financing to fund operations. Our continuing reliance on outside capital is a consequence of our negative cash flows from operations.  

At any time, a serious deficiency in cash flows could occur and it is not always possible or convenient to raise additional capital.  A problem in raising capital could result in temporary or permanent insolvency and causing potential claims by unpaid creditors and perhaps closure of the business.

Our current independent certified public accountants have expanded their opinion contained in our financial statements as of and for the years ended January 31, 2008, and January 31, 2007 to include an explanatory paragraph related to our ability to continue as a going concern, stating, in the audit report dated May 15, 2008, that “the Company has incurred a net loss of $7,632,537 and had negative cash flow from operations of $4,832,217.  In addition, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $31,391,142 and a shareholders’ surplus of $5,174,290 at January 31, 2008.”  These factors, among others, as discussed in “Note 2- Going Concern” to the financial statements, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.  The auditors recognize that the cash flow uncertainty makes their basic assumptions about value uncertain.  When it seems uncertain whether an asset will be used in a “going concern” or sold at auction, the auditors assume that the business is a “going concern” for purposes of all their work, and then they disclose that there is material uncertainty about that assumption.  It is certain, in any case, that analysts and investors view unfavorably any report of independent auditors expressing substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern.

The price of gold has experienced an increase in value over the past five years, generally reflecting among other things relatively low interest rates in the United States; worldwide instability due to terrorism; inflation affecting the US dollar and a slow recovery from the global economic slump.  However, current economic conditions have caused the price of gold to fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.  Any significant drop in the price of gold may have a materially adverse affect on the results of our operations unless we are able to offset such a price drop by substantially increased production.

27

We have no proven or probable reserves and have no ability to currently measure or prove our reserves other than estimating such reserves relying on information produced in the 1990’s and thus may be unable to actually recover the quantity of gold anticipated.  We have retained an independent mining consulting firm to perform a resource evaluation which is expected to be completed early in 2009.  We can only estimate a potential mineral resource which is a subjective process which depends in part on the quality of available data and the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting such data.  There is significant uncertainty in any resource estimate such that the actual deposits encountered or reserves validated and the economic viability of mining the deposits may differ materially from our expectations.

Gold exploration is highly speculative in nature.  Success in exploration is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, quality of management, quality and availability of geological data and availability of exploration capital.  Due to these and other factors, the probability of our exploration program identifying individual prospects having commercially significant reserves cannot be predicted.  It is likely that many of the claims explored will not contain any commercially viable reserves.  Consequently, substantial funds will be spent on exploration which may identify only a few, if any, claims having commercial development potential.  In addition, if commercially viable reserves are identified, significant amounts of capital will be required to mine and process such reserves.
 
Our mining property rights consist of 146 mill site and unpatented mining claims at the Relief Canyon Mine, our leasehold interest in the Fairview-Hunter and Honorine Gold properties, and recently staked claims in the Horse Creek area of Nevada.  The validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain and is always subject to contest.  Unpatented mining claims are generally considered subject to greater title risk than patented mining claims, or real property interests that are owned in fee simple.  If title to a particular property is successfully challenged, we may not be able to carryout exploration programs on such property or to retain our royalty or leasehold interests on that property should production take place, which could reduce our future revenues.

Mining is subject to extensive regulation by state and federal regulatory authorities.  State and federal statutes regulate environmental quality, safety, exploration procedures, reclamation, employees’ health and safety, use of explosives, air quality standards, pollution of stream and fresh water sources, noxious odors, noise, dust, and other environmental protection controls as well as the rights of adjoining property owners.  We believe that we are currently operating in substantial compliance with all known safety and environmental standards and regulations applicable to our Nevada property.  However, there can be no assurance that our compliance could not be challenged or that future changes in federal or Nevada laws, regulations or interpretations thereof will not have a material adverse affect on our ability to resume and sustain mining operations.

The business of gold mining is subject to certain types of risks, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, and theft.  We carry insurance against certain property damage loss (including business interruption) and comprehensive general liability insurance.  While we maintain insurance consistent with industry practice, it is not possible to insure against all risks associated with the mining business, or prudent to assume that insurance will continue to be available at a reasonable cost.  We have not obtained environmental liability insurance because such coverage is not considered by management to be cost effective.  We currently carry insurance on our property, plant and equipment as well as comprehensive general liability insurance.

As of October 31, 2008, Firstgold had approximately 131,145,543 shares of Common Stock outstanding and options and warrants to purchase a total of 65,125,530 shares of our Common Stock were outstanding as of October 31, 2008.  The possibility that substantial amounts of our outstanding Common Stock may be sold by investors or the perception that such sales could occur, often called "equity overhang," could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities in the future.


28

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

On August 7, 2008, Firstgold issued Senior Secured Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $7,215,597 which resulted in net proceeds to Firstgold of $4,989,543. On August 27, 2008, additional promissory notes in the principal amount of $472,973 were issued resulting in net proceeds of $350,000.  On September 10, 2008, Firstgold issued additional Senior Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,351,351, which resulted in net proceeds to Firstgold of $1,000,000.  On September 29, 2008, promissory notes in the principal amount of $5,257,375 were issued resulting in net proceeds of $2,460,457 to Firstgold.  This brought the total principal amount of promissory notes issued to $12,000,000.  The Notes bear interest of 4% per annum payable monthly and are due and payable on March 1, 2010.  In addition, commencing in December 2008, Firstgold is required to make minimum monthly principal reduction payments of $400,000. The Notes are secured by all of the assets of Firstgold including its interests in the Relief Canyon Mine property and facilities.  The proceeds of these Notes will be used to fund the final permitting, deposits and facility construction at the Relief Canyon Mine site.

The issuance of the above-referenced debt instruments and warrants were made without any public solicitation to a limited number of investors or related individuals or entities.  Each investor represented to us that the securities were being acquired for investment purposes only and not with an intention to resell or distribute such securities.  Each of the individuals or entities had access to information about our business and financial condition and was deemed capable of protecting their own interests.  The debt instruments and warrants were issued pursuant to the private placement exemption provided by Section 4(2) and Regulation D there under or Section 4(6) of the Securities Act.  The debenture and notes are deemed to be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the warrant certificates and stock certificates issuable upon exercise of the warrants will bear a legend limiting the resale thereof.
 
ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
Subsequent to the end of our third fiscal quarter we held our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 20, 2008.  At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, 130,845,543 shares of common stock were entitled to vote at such meeting of which there were present in person or by proxy 66,426,137 shares of common stock which represented a quorum.  At the Annual Meeting, the holders of our common stock elected the following nominees to our Board of Directors:  Stephen Akerfeldt, Kevin Bullock, Donald Heimler and Terrence Lynch.  All of the directors nominated were duly elected by a vote of 66,108,050 shares voting for the nominees, 262,727 shares voting against the nominees and 55,360 shares abstaining.  Fraser Berrill did not stand for re-election.  As a result, Mr. Berrill’s term as a director ended on November 20, 2008.

Our stockholders also ratified Hunter & Renfro LLP as Firstgold’s principal independent public accountants for fiscal year 2009 with 66,342,961 votes cast for and 71,622 votes against and 11,554 votes abstaining.
 
ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

 
31.1
 
31.2
 
32.
 
 
 
29

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FIRSTGOLD CORP.
 
       
Dated: December 21, 2008
By:
/s STEPHEN AKERFELDT
 
   
Stephen Akerfeldt, Chief Executive Officer
 
       
       
    /s/ JAMES KLUBER  
   
James Kluber, Principal Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
       

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30