UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2007
o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period From ________ to _________
Commission File Number 0-50218
BEKEM METALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Utah |
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87-0669131 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
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Identification No.) |
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170 Tchaikovsky Street, 4th Floor |
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Almaty, Kazkahstan |
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050000 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
+7 (3272) 582-386
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for any shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):
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Large accelerated Filer o |
Accelerated Filer o |
Non-accelerated Filer |
x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes o No x
As of May 3, 2007, the registrant had 125,172,011 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.
1
BEKEM METALS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 |
3 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 |
4 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 |
5 |
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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
6 |
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Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
11 | |
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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
25 | |
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures |
25 | |
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION |
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Item 6. Exhibits |
26 | |
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Signatures |
27 |
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
|
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2007 |
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2006 |
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|
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|
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ASSETS |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
$ |
6,398,169 |
$ |
8,583,680 |
Trade accounts receivable |
|
6,280 |
|
2,776 |
VAT recoverable |
|
205,899 |
|
186,915 |
Inventories |
|
396,794 |
|
377,018 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
332,916 |
|
139,293 |
Deferred compensation |
|
353,119 |
|
450,267 |
Total Current Assets |
|
7,693,177 |
|
9,739,949 |
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and mineral interests (net of accumulated |
|
|
|
|
depreciation of $172,173 and $144,030 ) |
|
14,419,407 |
|
13,870,563 |
Non-current deferred compensation |
|
1,584,067 |
|
1,584,088 |
Other assets |
|
165,086 |
|
169,130 |
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|
|
|
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Total Assets |
$ |
23,861,737 |
$ |
25,363,730 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current Liabilities |
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|
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Accounts payable |
$ |
615,752 |
$ |
530,665 |
Accrued expenses |
|
316,252 |
|
274,739 |
Due to related party |
|
297 |
|
9,644 |
Total Current Liabilities |
|
932,301 |
|
815,048 |
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|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
29,460 |
|
513,385 |
Asset retirement obligation |
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995,704 |
|
951,355 |
Total Liabilities |
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1,957,465 |
|
2,279,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies |
|
- |
|
- |
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|
|
|
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Shareholders Equity |
|
|
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Preferred stock; $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
authorized, no shares outstanding |
|
- |
|
- |
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, |
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|
|
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and 125,172,011 and 124,088,888 shares issued and outstanding |
|
125,172 |
|
125,172 |
Additional paid-in capital |
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29,025,272 |
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29,025,272 |
Accumulated deficit |
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(7,197,141) |
|
(6,036,286) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(49,031) |
|
(30,216) |
Total Shareholders Equity |
|
21,904,272 |
|
23,083,942 |
|
|
|
|
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Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
$ |
23,861,737 |
$ |
25,363,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
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|
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For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Revenue |
$ |
|
$ |
64,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
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Cost of product sold |
|
|
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29,410 |
General and administrative expenses |
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1,255,862 |
|
357,538 |
Research and development costs |
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|
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293,009 |
Exploratory costs |
|
834,196 |
|
60,929 |
Accretion expense on asset retirement obligations |
|
19,911 |
|
17,544 |
Depreciation expense |
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26,666 |
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18,158 |
|
|
|
|
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Total Operating Expenses |
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2,136,635 |
|
776,588 |
|
|
|
|
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Loss From Operations |
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(2,136,635) |
|
(711,946) |
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|
|
|
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Other Income (Expense) |
|
|
|
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Interest expense |
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(1,018) |
|
(64,898) |
Stock grant compensation expense |
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(97,169) |
|
|
Translation adjustment |
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(83,724) |
|
(43,462) |
Exchange gain |
|
480,132 |
|
240,055 |
Other income (expense) |
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193,634 |
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(35,947) |
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|
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Net Other Income (Expense) |
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491,855 |
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95,748 |
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Net Loss Before Taxes |
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(1,644,780) |
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(616,198) |
Deferred tax benefit |
|
483,925 |
|
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|
|
|
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Net Loss |
$ |
(1,160,855) |
$ |
(616,198) |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Basic Loss per Common Share |
$ |
(0.01) |
$ |
(0.01) |
Weighted-Average Shares used in |
|
|
|
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Basic Loss per Common Share |
|
111,266,970 |
|
10,088,888 |
4
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
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For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2007 |
|
2006 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
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Net loss |
$ |
(1,160,855) |
$ |
(616,198) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to |
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net cash provided by operating activities: |
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|
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Depreciation and amortization |
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26,666 |
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18,158 |
Accretion expense on asset retirement obligations |
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19,911 |
|
17,544 |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment |
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(2,673) |
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Interest expense from debt discount |
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|
|
46,734 |
Deferred tax benefit |
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(483,925) |
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Foreign currency exchange gain and translation |
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|
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adjustment |
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124,400 |
|
289,765 |
Stock grant compensation expense |
|
97,169 |
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
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Trade accounts receivable |
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(3,954) |
|
(1,390) |
Inventories |
|
(10,050) |
|
(29,427) |
VAT recoverable |
|
(14,100) |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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(153,946) |
|
(40,379) |
Accounts payable |
|
79,598 |
|
11,994 |
Accrued expenses |
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(552,895) |
|
|
Net Cash From Operating Activities |
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(2,034,654) |
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(303,199) |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
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|
|
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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(221,699) |
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(469,142) |
Purchase of intangible assets |
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(5,808) |
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Change in related party receivables/payables |
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(8,783) |
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(12,340) |
Net Cash From Investing Activities |
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(236,290) |
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(481,482) |
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|
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
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Proceeds from notes payable |
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|
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1,084,914 |
Payments on notes payable |
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|
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(353,213) |
Proceeds from notes payable related parties |
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|
|
100,000 |
Net Cash From Financing Activities |
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|
|
831,701 |
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Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash |
|
85,433 |
|
(1,995) |
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|
|
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Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash |
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(2,185,511) |
|
45,025 |
Cash at Beginning of Period |
|
8,583,680 |
|
89,366 |
Cash at End of Period |
$ |
6,398,169 |
$ |
134,391 |
|
|
|
|
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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
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|
|
|
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|
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Cash paid for interest |
$ |
1,018 |
$ |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
66,193 |
|
11,029 |
5
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
|
NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS |
Interim Financial Information The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they are condensed and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and reclassifications considered necessary for a fair and comparable presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Bekem Metals, Inc. most recent audited financial statements included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-KSB filed for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.
Basis of Presentation
On October 24, 2005, Bekem Metals, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as us, we, the Company, BMI or Bekem) entered into an Acquisition Agreement with Kazakh Metals, Inc., a British Virgin Islands international business company (KMI), under which BMI acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of KMI in exchange for the issuance of 61,200,000 common shares.
The KMI shareholders received 61.1% of the BMI common stock outstanding after the transaction and therefore KMI was considered the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements include financial statements of KMI for all periods presented.
Brisa Equities Corporation, a British Virgin Islands holding company (Brisa), together with other entities its owners control, is the controlling shareholder of KMI and was also the controlling shareholder of BMI. Accordingly, the transaction was considered to be between entities under common control and did not result in a change in control of BMI. Following the transaction, entities over which the controlling shareholder maintained voting and investment control held 51,600,000 BMI common shares, which represented 51.5% of the 100,088,888 outstanding common shares.
The acquisition of the portion of the net liabilities of BMI relating to the common shares owned by the controlling shareholder was recorded at historical cost of $(161,998). The acquisition of the common shares of BMI purchased from the minority shareholders of BMI were recorded at $345,000, which was the estimated fair value of those shares on the date of acquisition. KMI accounted for the purchase of BMI similar to a pooling.
Bekem Metals, Inc. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Condesa and Kaznickel, since the date of its acquisition by Condesa, and the accounts of BMI since its acquisition by Condesa. Condesa was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on March 5, 2004. Condesa acquired BMI in a reverse acquisition, on January 28, 2005. On July 24, 2006, Condesa transferred its interest in Kaznickel to Bekem, making Kaznickel a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bekem. On September 30, 2006 Bekem sold Condesa to a third party for a nominal value. Condesa is included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and to the date of disposal.
Kazakh Metals, Inc. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of KMI and its wholly-owned subsidiary, KKM, which it acquired on June 1, 2005 in a purchase business combination.
Name Change On February 9, 2005, the Board of Directors of EMPS Research Corporation approved, and the stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares of the company approved and ratified by written consent, a change in the Companys name from EMPS Research Corporation to Bekem Metals, Inc. On March 16, 2005, the Company filed an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to affect the change.
6
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Currency Translation The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Companys subsidiaries operating in Kazakhstan is U.S. dollars for Kaznickel and Kazakh tenge for KKM. Results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities of Kaznickel are translated into U.S. dollars, using historical exchange rates and monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates on the date of the financial statements. Translation differences are included in results of operations. All balance sheet accounts of KKM are translated at exchange rates on the date of the financial statements and translation differences are included in stockholders equity as cumulative translation adjustments.
Nature of Business
The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and production of mineral resource properties. Kaznickel owns the right to the Gornostayevskoye (Gornostai) nickel and cobalt deposit located in the East Kazakhstan Oblast in northeast Kazakhstan. The subsoil use contract and license is for exploration and production of cobalt and nickel ores and is valid through February 26, 2026. KKM holds exploration and production subsoil use contracts and licenses from the government of Kazakhstan to a 575,756 acre parcel, located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Aktobe, Kazakhstan. This deposit is referred to as the Kempirsai deposit. The subsoil use contracts and licenses grant KKM the right to explore for and produce nickel and cobalt from deposits located within the territory through October 12, 2011, which may be extended upon agreement between KKM and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources (MEMR) of the Republic of Kazakhstan. KKM also holds a subsoil use contract and a license to explore for and produce Mamyt brown coal from a deposit located within 40 kilometers of its cobalt and nickel deposit. This subsoil use contract and license expires on December 11, 2018 with further possible extensions.
Business Condition The Company has no proven mineral reserves that conform to U.S. accounting standards and has had only limited ore and Mamyt brown coal production from its Kempirsai deposit since its acquisition on May 31, 2005. The Gornostai deposit has not yet entered the development stage with respect to its mineral interests and has no production. There has been only limited revenue from the Kempirsai operations, and the Company has incurred a net loss of ($1,160,855) and ($616,198) for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $6,760,876 at March 31, 2007, compared to $8,924,901 at March 31, 2006. Management expects that the Company will need significant additional capital to fund construction of a processing plant in 2007-2008. The Company anticipates it will need to raise additional capital through the sale of its equity securities or debt securities. Certain shareholders of the Company have indicated a willingness to provide the Company a line of credit. The Company has no formal agreement with said shareholders to provide this line of credit and the shareholders are under no obligation to enter into any agreement or make available any funds to the Company.
Kempirsai Production Stage The Kempirsai, or KKM, operations are considered to be in the production stage.
Gornostai Exploration Stage The Gornostai, or Kaznickel, operations are considered to be in the exploration stage. Since its inception on March 4, 2004, the Company has devoted a substantial amount of effort in raising capital, acquiring Kaznickel, and exploring the Gornostai deposit under its exploration contract. This mineral property has not yet reached development or production stage and accordingly, no revenues from production have been recorded.
7
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 2 - CASH
Cash consists of the following:
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|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Current accounts (USD) |
$ 635,477 |
|
$ 479,947 | |
Current accounts (Tenge) |
95,716 |
|
38,379 | |
Bank deposit (USD) |
1,132,992 |
|
8,065,354 | |
Bank deposit (Tenge) |
4,533,984 |
|
| |
Total |
|
$ 6,398,169 |
|
$ 8,583,680 |
Bank deposit accounts are located in a Kazakhstani Bank (Center Credit Bank). Bank deposits earn interest from 3% to 8% annually. Restrictions on the use of these facilities vary with a maximum term of 15 months. Cash of $100,000 restricted in its use over 15 months is shown as other non-current assets.
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINERAL INTERESTS
Property, plant and mineral interests consist of the following:
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Buildings |
$ |
2,211,348 |
$ |
2,156,326 |
Machinery and equipment |
|
3,783,914 |
|
3,474,858 |
Other fixed assets |
|
70,434 |
|
69,665 |
Unproved mineral interests - net |
|
8,525,884 |
|
8,313,744 |
|
|
14,591,580 |
|
14,014,593 |
Accumulated depreciation |
|
(172,173) |
|
(144,030) |
Net Property and Equipment |
$ |
14,419,407 |
$ |
13,870,563 |
Unproved mineral interests represent the acquisition costs of the mineral interests upon the purchase business combinations with Kaznickel and with KKM. The government of Kazakhstan retains the title to the property upon which the Companys mineral rights pertain; however, the Companys mineral interests are considered to be tangible assets.
Gornostai Deposit
Kaznickel acquired its interest in the Contract on Exploration and Development of Gornostai Cobalt and Nickel Deposit (the Contract) issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MEMR) dated February 26, 2004. By virtue of the Contract, Kaznickel acquired the right to exploit the mineral property including the right to explore, develop and produce the cobalt and nickel mineral resources on the Deposit through February 26, 2026. The Company has the right to re-negotiate the contract at that time for an additional 30 years. The government of Kazakhstan retains the title to the property; however, the Companys mineral interests are considered to be tangible assets. The Company capitalized the acquisition costs of its mineral interest upon the purchase business combination with Kaznickel. The allocated purchase price included a capitalized amount of an acquired asset retirement obligation. While the property is not in production, the asset retirement cost is depleted over the life of the contract from the date of acquisition.
8
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
The Contract provides the Company certain rights and also imposes certain obligations and commitments. The rights include exploration through February 2008, and development and production of minerals through February 26, 2026. The Company may transfer its right to third parties in accordance with Kazakh laws and regulations and has a right to renegotiate an extension of the Contract. Significant rights and obligations and commitments of the Contract include monetary commitments for exploration of $1,105,100 in 2006 and $1,576,480 in 2007, and expenditures to support social projects amounting to $300,000 during the production stage. In addition, the Company was required to pay a fee of $2,000 upon award of the Contract, and a fee for the use of Kazakh owned technical data of $735,400 of which $4,179 was paid on award of the Contract and $731,221 will be due upon a finding of commercial deposits. Royalties of 0.5% of ores extracted and sold will be required. The Contract subjects the Company to pay regular income tax of 30 percent and requires an excess profits tax of 15 to 60 percent if its net profits exceed 20 percent of gross profit. Obligations also include the establishment and funding of a reclamation fund that includes the cost of removing buildings and equipment used in the Deposit area. The Company is also required to comply with Kazakh environmental laws and regulations.
Kempirsai Deposit
Bekem acquired two contracts to explore for and extract minerals in connection with the purchase of KKM. One contract is for the exploration and extraction of nickel and cobalt ore from deposits located in an approximately 575,756 acre site in the northeast area of the Republic of Kazakhstan approximately 130 kilometers northwest of the city of Aktobe, Kazakhstan, near the town of Badamsha, referred to as the Kempirsai deposit through October 12, 2011. The other contract is for the exploration and extraction of Mamyt brown coal at a site located within 40 kilometers of the Kempirsai deposit through December 11, 2018. The contracts may be extended upon agreement between KKM and the Geology and Minerals Resources Committee of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kempirsai contract requires the Company to pay royalty payments equal to 2.21% of gross ore sales. The Mamyt brown coal contract requires a royalty payment equal to nine tenths of one percent (0.9%) of gross coal sales. Both contracts require the Company to pay an excess profits tax ranging from 4 to 30 percent based upon the reaching of an internal rate of return (as defined in the contracts) ranging from 22 to 30 percent. The allocated purchase price of the mineral interest included a capitalized amount of an acquired asset retirement obligation. The asset retirement cost is depleted over the life of the contract from the date of acquisition.
NOTE 4 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Concentration of Risk Relating to Foreign Mining Operations All of the Companys properties are located within the Republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asia. In addition to general industry risks of nickel and cobalt price fluctuations, and potential lack of economic viability of the claims, the Company has a concentration of risk related to its foreign properties and interests which are subject to political uncertainty, changes in government, unilateral renegotiation of licenses, claims or contracts, nationalization, or other uncertainties. In addition, the validity of mining claims which constitute the Companys property holdings in Kazakhstan, may, in certain cases, be uncertain and are subject to being contested.
Kazakhstan Business Environment Kazakhstan, as an emerging market, has a legal and regulatory infrastructure that is not as mature and stable as those usually existing in more developed free market economies. As a result, operations carried out in Kazakhstan can involve risks and uncertainties that are not typically associated with those in developed markets. The instability associated with the ongoing transformation process to a market economy can lead to changes in the business conditions in which the Company currently operates. Changes in the political, legal, tax or regulatory environment could adversely impact the Companys operations.
Tax Matters The local and national tax environment in the Republic of Kazakhstan is subject to change and inconsistent application, interpretation and enforcement. Non-compliance with Kazakhstan laws and regulations, as interpreted by the Kazakh authorities, can lead to the imposition of fines, penalties and interest.
9
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Environmental Matters Extensive national, regional and local environmental laws and regulations in Kazakhstan affect the Companys operations. These laws and regulations set various standards regulating certain aspects of health and environmental quality provide for user fees, penalties and other liabilities for the violation of these standards and establish, in some circumstances, obligations to remediate current and former facilities and off-site locations. The Company believes it is currently in compliance with all existing Republic of Kazakhstan environmental laws and regulations. However, as new environmental laws and legislation are enacted and the old laws are repealed, interpretation, application and enforcement of the laws may become inconsistent. Compliance in the future could require significant expenditures, which may adversely affect the Companys operations.
Due to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan In connection with the Companys acquisition of the exploration contract covering the Gornostai deposit, it is required to repay the Republic of Kazakhstan for historical costs incurred in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements. The repayment terms of this obligation will not be determined until the Company applies for and is granted a contract by the Republic of Kazakhstan to engage in commercial production. That amount is expected to be $731,221 and has not been recorded as a liability. Under the current contract, once the Company determines the property contains commercially producible reserves, and desires to commence commercial production, it must apply for such right prior to the expiration of its exploration and development rights in February 2026. The Company anticipates it will apply for a commercial production contract within the next 1-3 years. Of course, there is no guarantee when or if the Company will discover commercially producible reserves within the Gornostai deposit. Should the Company decide not to pursue a commercial production contract, then it can relinquish the Gornostai deposit to the Republic of Kazakhstan in satisfaction of this obligation.
The Company is required, under its subsoil use contracts and licenses, to submit a proposed annual work program to the MEMR for approval. Failure to meet the minimum work program requirements could cause the Company to lose its subsoil use contracts and licenses.
Operating leases Bekem leases approximately 400 square feet of office space located at 324 South 400 West, Suite 225, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 for its administrative and registered office in the United States. The Company pays annual rents of approximately $7,800 for this space pursuant to a lease agreement that expires December 31, 2007 with an option to extend the lease for an additional year.
The Company also maintains a representative office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where it leases approximately 1,575 square feet of office space. The lease agreement expires on December 31, 2007. In April 2007, our monthly lease payment increased from $5,250 to $7,000. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the owner of the space could terminate the lease at any time and require the Company to vacate the premises.
Kaznickel LLP rents an office (approximately 1,840 square feet) in Semei, Kazakhstan, for approximately $4,000 per month. Semei is the closest city to the Gornostai deposit. This lease agreement expires in May 2007. Kaznickel also rents approximately 4,450 square feet of warehouse space in Semei for $4,000 per month. Kaznickel uses this space to store test ore. Also, Kaznickel LLP rents an office (approximately 350 square feet) in Astana, Kazakhstan, for approximately $1,600 per month. This space is leased on a year-to-year basis. If at any time the owner of this space decides they need or want the space for other purposes, Kaznickel has no right to continue to occupy the space and could be forced to move.
In April 2007, KKM increased the size of its offices in Aktobe, Kazakhstan from 1,260 square feet to 1,900 square feet. As a result, KKMs monthly lease payment increased from $4,000 per month to $5,400 per month. This space is leased on a year-to-year basis.
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Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
For a complete understanding, this Managements Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes to the Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Forward Looking Information and Cautionary Statement
Certain statements contained herein including, but not limited to those relating to our plan of operations, future potential revenue, future expenses, future development of our mineral properties, the development and commercial viability of our processing technology, our ability to obtain future governmental approvals, expansion of our operations, our ability to generate cash flow, future demand for nickel, cobalt and brown coal, future commodity prices, integration of new technologies into operations, credit facilities, future capital expenditures and working capital, sufficiency of future working capital, borrowings and capital resources and liquidity, expectations of timing, satisfaction of contingencies, the impact of any change in accounting policies on our financial statements, future acquisitions, managements assessment of internal control over financial reporting, financial results, opportunities, growth, business plans and strategy and other statements that are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. When used in this document, words like believe, expect, project, intend, estimate, budget, plan, forecast, predict, may, will, could, should, or anticipates and similar expressions or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or discussions of strategy that involve risk and uncertainties are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, market factors, market prices (including regional basis differentials) of nickel, cobalt and brown coal, results of future exploration and extraction activities, future production and costs, unsettled political conditions, civil unrest and governmental actions, foreign currency fluctuations, and environmental and labor laws and other factors detailed herein. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and we assume no obligation to update this information. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
|
Overview |
We are engaged in the exploration and mining of nickel, cobalt and brown coal in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We carry out our operations through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kaznickel LLP (Kaznickel) and Kyzyl Kain Mamyt LLP (KKM).
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The primary asset of Kaznickel is a subsoil use contract issued by the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This contract grants Kaznickel the exclusive right to explore for and engage in test production of nickel, cobalt and other minerals in a 12,232 acre area in northeastern Kazakhstan referred to herein as the Gornostayevskoye (Gornostai) deposit.
KKM holds a subsoil use contract for a 575,756 acre territory in northwestern Kazakhstan referred to herein as the Kempirsai deposit. The contract grants KKM the right to extract and process nickel and cobalt ore from the Kempirsai deposit, which is comprised of the Kara-Obinskoe and Novo-Shandashinskoe deposits. KKM also holds a subsoil use contract to produce brown coal from the Mamyt coal deposit, which is located within 40 kilometers of the Kempirsai deposit.
The following table provides additional information regarding our subsoil use contracts:
Territory Name |
Size of Territory |
Primary Minerals |
License Type |
License or Contract # |
License and Subsoil Use Contract Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gornostai |
12,232 acres |
Nickel and cobalt ore |
Exploration and Production |
1349 |
Exploration period expires Feb. 26, 2008 unless extended. Production period expires Feb. 26, 2026 unless extended. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kempirsai |
575,756 acres |
Nickel and cobalt ore |
Production |
MG #420 MG #426 |
Expire Oct, 12, 2011 unless extended. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mamyt |
116 acres |
Brown coal |
Production |
MG #9-D |
Expires Dec, 11 2018 unless extended. |
We are currently at the exploration stage on the Gornostai deposit. To retain our subsoil use contract during exploration stage we are required to satisfy a minimum work program that is approved by the Geology Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR). We are currently in the third year of a three-year work program. Under this program, we are required to engage in an exploratory drilling program designed to identify and evaluate the mineral resources contained within the contract territory. In 2007, we are required to drill test holes totaling at least 12,961 meters. We plan to drill approximately 600 test holes totaling 15,000 meters during 2007. As of the quarter end, we have drilled a total of 9,110 meters (355 holes). We anticipate we will complete our minimum work program before year end.
The objective of our current drilling program is to complete a detailed study of the structural characteristics of what we believe to be the two largest ore bodies in the Gornostai deposit, as well as certain other ore bodies where high grade nickel deposits have been located. The drilling is being conducted on a 50 x 50-100 meter grid, which will make it possible to convert indicated and inferred resources to proved and probable reserves as development of the property progresses.
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When we complete exploration of the Gornostai deposit, assuming we make commercial discoveries, we will apply to the MEMR to move to commercial production.
As noted above, our subsoil use contract for the Kempirsai nickel and cobalt deposit and Mamyt brown coal deposit grant us commercial production rights. The Kempirsai deposit was discovered in 1938 and at its peak in the late 1980s produced almost five million tons of ore annually. Since the mid-1990s, however, mining activity at the deposit has been insignificant.
We also have minimum work program requirements under our subsoil use contracts for the Kempirsai and Mamyt brown coal deposits. Our current work program calls for us to extract the following amounts of ore and brown coal:
|
Tons of Ore |
Tons of Brown Coal |
2007 |
175,000 |
60,000 |
2008 |
350,000 |
200,000 |
2009 |
1,000,000 |
200,000 |
2010 |
1,000,000 |
200,000 |
2011 |
1,000,000 |
200,000 |
2012 |
|
200,000 |
2013 |
|
200,000 |
2014 |
|
200,000 |
2015 |
|
200,000 |
2016 |
|
200,000 |
2017 |
|
200,000 |
2018 |
|
200,000 |
Should we fail to complete the minimum work program imposed by any of our subsoil use contracts in a given year, the MEMR could review the work program, request an update and amendment to the work program, impose fines and penalties upon us or even revoke our subsoil use contracts and licenses.
We currently have no processing facilities at either the Gornostai or Kempirsai deposits to process the ores we will mine. We are currently investigating the viability of constructing a pyrometallurigcal processing plant at our Kempirsai deposit. We are also in the process of testing and developing a proprietary hydrochlorination processing technology. If we determine that construction of a pyrometallurgical processing plant to produce ferronickel is our best option for realizing cash flow from the Kempirsai deposit, and we are able to obtain the necessary funding to finance construction, we would not expect a first phase of the plant, with capacity to process up to 500,000 tons of ore annually, to be completed and operational prior to the first quarter 2009. If our hydrochlorination process proves to be economically viable for commercial production of nickel and cobalt, we would not expect to have the first phase of a commercial hydrochlorination plant completed prior to 2010. We anticipate the cost to construct the
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first phase of a processing facility will be $100-$150 million dollars. Because we do not currently generate cash flow and we do not anticipate generating significant cash flow until we have an operating processing facility producing ore that we can sell, we will be completely dependent on investors funds, if any, to support our operations until such time as we are able to generate sufficient revenues to cover our operating expenses.
Results of Operations
Since inception we have generated limited revenue from operations. We have spent millions of dollars to date and anticipate that we will spend significant additional capital before we begin to realize significant revenue from operations.
In July 2006 we raised $28,000,000 through a private placement of our equity securities. After deducting fees and costs, we netted approximately $26,600,000. As of March 31, 2007, we had spent approximately $20,300,000 of those funds. Approximately $12,200,000 was used to repay loans, $1,900,000 was used to meet our minimum working program obligations, approximately $2,200,000 was spent developing our hydrochlorination technology and $4,000,000 was used as working capital. At March 31, 2007, we had cash on hand of $6,398,169. The funds raised in July 2006 represent only a small portion of the funds we will need to reach commercial production. We anticipate the need to seek significant additional funding by the end of fiscal 2007. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funding in the future on favorable terms, or at all. At this time, we have no commitments from any parties to provide us additional funding.
Three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006
|
Revenue |
During the first quarter 2006 we realized $64,642 in revenue from coal sales. By comparison, during the first quarter 2007 we engaged in no coal sales and realized no revenue. We do not anticipate realizing significant revenue during 2007.
|
Cost of Products Sold |
Because we did not produce or sell anything during the first quarter 2007 we incurred no cost of product sold. By comparison during the first quarter 2006 we realized $29,410 in cost of product sold. As we do not expect to engage in significant production during 2007, we do not expect to incur significant cost of products sold.
|
General and Administrative Expenses |
Our general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased to $1,255,862 from $357,538 during the first quarter 2006. This increase in general and administrative expenses in the first quarter 2007 is mainly
14
attributable to a $542,799 increase salary and related taxes as a result of an increase in the number of personnel we employ and salary increases for existing employees, as KKM hired a number of personnel to carry out development and testing of the pilot plant, additional geologists, metallurgists and ecology supervisors. We also hired additional in-house accounting, finance, legal and information technology personnel. We do not expect to hire a significant number of additional employees until such time as operations or funding so justify. Therefore, we do not expect to experience significant increases in salaries and related taxes during the remainder of the 2007 fiscal year. Another contributing factor to the increase in general and administrative expenses was a $300,000 increase in professional fees, primarily attributable to increased legal and accounting fees and costs associated with a resource estimation prepared by a third party consulting firm. We believe this increase in professional fees was more a matter of timing and the one-time cost of the resource estimation than a trend and we expect professional fees to return to more traditional levels in upcoming quarters.
Research and Development Costs
We engaged in no research and development in connection with the development and testing of our hydrochlorination processing technology during the first quarter 2007. During the first quarter 2006 we spent $293,009 in research and development costs, primarily in connection with the development of our pilot plant. During the 2007 fiscal year we have budgeted $200,000 for testing of our pilot plant.
|
Exploratory Costs |
As a result of our aggressive exploratory drilling program for 2007, we incurred $834,196 in exploratory costs during the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $60,929 during the three months ended March 31, 2006. We budgeted $1,765,000 for drilling and core sampling expenses during 2007. We have spent almost half of that amount to complete approximately 60% of our planned drilling program for the year. We expect that exploratory costs will continue to be significantly higher during the balance of 2007 fiscal year and we continue to pursue our planned drilling and core sampling program.
|
Accretion Expense |
Accretion expense increased $2,367 during the three months ended March 31, 2007. Because we do not expect to engage in significant mining and production activities during 2007, we believe accretion expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
|
Depreciation Expenses |
During the first quarter 2007 depreciation expenses increased to $26,666 from $18,158 during the first quarter 2006. This increase resulted primarily from equipment
15
acquisitions made during the past year. We believe depreciation expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
|
Total Operating Expenses |
As a result of the 253% increase in general and administrative expense and the 1,270% increase in exploratory costs, which were only partially offset by a decrease in research and development costs, combined with the fact we had capital available to us from our private placement, our total operating expenses increased from $776,588 during the three months ended March 31, 2006 to $2,136,635 during three months ended March 31, 2007. We expect total operating expenses during the balance of 2007 will remain significantly higher as compared to 2006.
|
Loss from Operations |
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 we experienced a loss from operations of $2,136,635 compared to a loss of $711,946 during the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase in loss from operations during the first quarter 2007 is the result of the increase total operating expenses and the reduction in revenue during 2007 as compared to 2006. We expect we will continue to generate losses from operations until such time as we begin significant ore production.
|
Net Loss |
For the foregoing reasons, during the three months ended March 31, 2007 we experienced a net loss of $1,160,855 compared to a net loss of $616,198 during the three months ended March 31, 2006. We anticipate we will continue to experience increasing net losses until we are able to engage in significant nickel and cobalt ore extraction, processing and sales. We do not expect to be engaged in significant ore extraction and processing prior to the 2009 fiscal year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our capital resources have consisted primarily of funds we have borrowed from related and non-related parties and the sale of our equity securities and funds we raised through a private placement of our equity securities in July 2006. These funds, however, represent only a portion of the funds we will need to complete exploration and development and move to commercial production. As of March 31, 2007, we have $6,398,169 of the approximately $26,600,000 in net proceeds we realized from the private placement. We have used the money raised in the private offering to reduce debt, acquire equipment, continue exploration and fund operations. We anticipate the need for substantial additional capital resources, which will likewise consist primarily of funds raised in financing activities and debt, by the end of fiscal 2007.
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During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, cash was primarily used to fund operations and repay notes payable. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.
For the Three Months Ended March 31 |
2007 |
2006 |
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
$(2,034,654) |
$(303,199) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(236,290) |
(481,482) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
831,701 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
85,433 |
(1,995) |
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH |
$(2,185,511) |
$ 45,025 |
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 net cash used in operating activities was $2,034,654 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $303,199 during the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase in net cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to increases in salary and related taxes, exploratory costs and professional fees.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 net cash used in investing activities was $236,290. By comparison, during the three months ended March 31, 2006 we used net cash in investing activities of $481,482. We used more cash in investing activity in 2006 primarily resulting from the purchase of equipment for KKMs pilot plant.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 no cash was generated in financing activities compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $831,701 during the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease in net cash used in financing activities is explained by availability of capital from our private placement.
Plan of Operations
As of March 31, 2007 we had cash on hand of $6,398,169. As discussed above, we have budgeted to spend all of these funds in operations and development activities during the remaining nine months of 2007. Following is a brief description of how we anticipate allocating our cash on hand during the next nine months.
Drilling and core analysis
We will allocate approximately $900,000 to drilling and exploration. This includes drilling of approximately 6,000 meters of the South section of the Gornostai deposit. Estimated drilling costs include both direct and indirect drilling costs, including geologist fees and costs for site supervisors, geological data processors, core sample takers, topographers, site procurement specialists, etc.
17
Reserve Report
During the second quarter Wardell Armstrong, a qualified independent engineering firm, completed a resource estimation of our Kempirsai nickel and cobalt deposit. The resource modeling was based on previous exploration and mining of the deposit and was done as an independent audit of an earlier reserves and resources study conducted during the Soviet period to Soviet standards. Wardell Armstrong also completed a scoping study for the south section of the Gornostai deposit. The scoping study is our first step to evaluating the results of our drilling activities at the Gornostai property and will provide the foundation for a preliminary development feasibility study for the Gornostai deposit. We anticipate the cost of the resources estimation will be approximately $135,000.
The State Reserves Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan recognizes that we have proven and probable reserves at the Gornostai and Kempirsai deposits, as per their standards for classification of reserves. Wardell Armstrong is in the process of estimating these reserves per JORC code standards. We expect that the minable reserves of the Kempirsai deposit will be estimated per JORC code standards in September 2007 while the minable reserves of the Gornostai deposit will be estimated after completion of the drilling program and during the preliminary stage of the feasibility study preparation.
Please note that the State Reserves Committee standards for classification of proven and probable reserves differs from the standard set forth by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. None of our resources at either the Gornostai or Kempirsai deposits currently qualify for classification as proven or probable reserves under the standards of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, we have not made in this report, nor will we in subsequent reports, make any claim to proven or probable reserves until such time as our resources qualify for classification as proven or probable reserves in accordance with the standards of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Hydrochlorination processing technology testing
During the next nine months we expect to spend approximately $200,000 for continued testing at our pilot plant of the mineral concentrating capability of our proprietary hydrochlorination processing technology and to formulate required procedures, protocols and operational guidelines.
Feasibility Study
We anticipate spending approximately $940,000 for the preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for the construction of the pyrometallurgical plant at the Kempirsai deposit. This amount could increase if we retain a western consulting firm.
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Field modernization
We have allocated approximately $1,000,000 for modernization of vehicles and equipment at the Kempirsai deposit to allow us to increase our ore extracting capabilities.
Administrative Expenses
We plan to allocate approximately $2,600,000 for administrative expenses during the next nine months, which include expenses of maintaining offices in the United States and Kazakhstan, for salaries and taxes.
Professional Fees
We expect to incur approximately $170,000 in expenses for services of our financial auditors and securities attorneys during the next nine months.
Additional Activities
As discussed above, we are currently considering alternatives to a hydrochlorination processing plant to allow us to begin to generate cash flow from the Kempirsai deposit. We do not currently have sufficient cash on hand to fund these activities, nor have we budgeted for these items in our 2007 budget. Therefore, to undertake these activities we will need to obtain additional capital either through equity or debt financing. We plan to seek this funding through private equity investments or debt financing to be obtained from banks or shareholders. We currently have no firm commitment from any party to provide us additional funding.
We are considering the economic viability of a pyrometallurgical processing plant to produce ferronickel at our Kempirsai deposit. As noted above, we have allocated $940,000 in our 2007 budget for the preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. Assuming the results of those studies are positive, we would like to move to the design phase of a commercial pyrometallurgical plant, including obtaining detailed engineering and design for plant construction. This would include flowsheet design and pilot testing. We estimate the cost to do this will be roughly $2.5 million.
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Summary of Material Contractual Commitments
The following table lists our significant commitments as of March 31, 2007:
Contractual Commitments |
Total |
Payments Due by Fiscal Year | |||
Less than 1 year |
2-3 years |
4-5 years |
After 5 years | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monetary commitments for exploration |
$ 686,450 |
$686,450 |
$ -0- |
$ -0- |
$ -0- |
Due to the government of Republic of Kazakhstan(1) |
731,221 |
-0- |
731,221 |
-0- |
-0- |
Training |
39,300 |
39,300 |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Social projects(2) |
417,906 |
-0- |
-0- |
300,000 |
117,906 |
Asset retirement obligation(3) |
951,333 |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
951,333 |
Operating leases |
203,050 |
203,050 |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Total |
$ 3,029,260 |
$928,800 |
$ 731,221 |
$ 300,000 |
$ 1,069,239 |
(1) In connection with our acquisition of the exploration contract covering the Gornostai deposit, we are required to repay the Republic of Kazakhstan for historical costs incurred by it in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements. The repayment terms of this obligation will not be determined until such time as we apply for and are granted a contract to engage in commercial production by the Republic of Kazakhstan. Under our current contract once we determine the property contains commercially producible reserves, if we wish to commence commercial production, we must apply for such right prior to the expiration of our exploration and development rights in February 2026. We anticipate that we will apply for a commercial production contract within the next 1-3 years. Of course, there is no guarantee when or if we will discover commercially producible reserves within the Gornostai deposit. Should we decide not to pursue a commercial production contract, we can relinquish the Gornostai deposit to the Republic of Kazakhstan in satisfaction of this obligation.
(2) Under the terms of our subsoil use contracts, we are required to provide funding for social projects relating to employees of KKM, including improvements to living conditions, etc., in the amount of $117,906. We are also required to donate $300,000 for the ongoing development of Astana and Kurchatov, which are cities in Kazakhstan.
(3) Under the terms of our subsoil use contracts, we are required to remove all operating equipment and remediate the property. This remediation work can be done during the term of the subsoil use contract or upon completion of the terms of the contract.
As discussed above, to maintain our rights to the Gornostai, Kempirsai and Mamyt deposits we must satisfy the minimum work program requirements of the MEMR. Should we fail to complete the minimum work program in some year, the MEMR could review the work program, request an update and amendment to the work program, impose fines and penalties upon us or even revoke our subsoil use contracts and licenses.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
|
As of March 31, 2007 we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements. |
20
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the recorded values of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues recognized and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Our estimates and assumptions affect our recognition of deferred expenses, bad debts, income taxes, the carrying value of our long-lived assets and our provision for certain contingencies. We evaluate the reasonableness of these estimates and assumptions continually based on a combination of historical information and other information that comes to our attention that may vary our outlook for the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions.
We suggest that our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, as described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-KSB for December 31, 2006, be read in conjunction with this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We believe the critical accounting policies that most impact our consolidated financial statements are described below.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; asset impairments; write-down of inventory to net realizable value; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; reserves for contingencies and litigation; and the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Currency Translation The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Companys subsidiaries operating in Kazakhstan is U.S. dollars for Kaznickel and Kazakh tenge for KKM. Results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities of Kaznickel are translated into U.S. dollars, using historical exchange rates and monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates on the date of the financial statements. Translation differences are included in results of operations. All balance sheet accounts of KKM are translated at exchange rates on the date of the financial statements and translation differences are included in stockholders equity as cumulative translation adjustments.
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Revenue Recognition For its operating mine, revenues currently arise from the limited sale of ore and Mamyt brown coal. Revenue is recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title to product transfers to the customer, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Produced, but unsold minerals or ore are recorded as inventory until sold.
Trade Receivables In the normal course of business, the company extends credit to its customers on a short-term basis. The principal customers are local companies and government agencies. Although credit risks associated with these customers are considered minimal, the company routinely reviews its accounts receivable balances and makes provisions for doubtful accounts.
Related Party Receivables Related party receivables consists of short-term advances to employees. No allowance has been provided due to the historic short-term nature and recoverability of such advances.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. At December 31, 2006, we reviewed our long-lived assets as disclosed above and determined no impairment was necessary.
Income taxes Income taxes are calculated using the liability method of tax accounting. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are computed based on temporary differences between the tax basis and carrying amount on the balance sheet for assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets and liabilities are calculated using tax rates anticipated to apply in the periods that the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expenditures for new facilities or equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the estimated future lives of such facilities or equipment. These lives do not exceed the estimated mine life based on proven and probable reserves as the useful lives of these assets are considered to be limited to the life of the relevant mine.
Costs incurred to develop new properties are capitalized as incurred, where it has been determined that the property can be economically developed based on the existence of proven and probable reserves. At our surface mines, these costs include costs to further delineate the ore body and remove overburden to initially expose the ore body. All such
22
costs are amortized using the units-of-production (UOP) method over the estimated life of the ore body based on recoverable minerals to be mined from proven and probable reserves.
Major development costs incurred after the commencement of production are amortized using the UOP method based on estimated recoverable minerals to be mined from proven and probable reserves. Depending upon whether the development is expected to benefit the entire remaining ore body, or specific ore blocks or areas only, the UOP basis is either the life of the entire ore body, or the life of the specific ore block or area.
The calculation of the UOP rate of amortization, and therefore the annual amortization charge to operations, could be materially impacted to the extent that actual production in the future is different from current forecasts of production based on proven and probable reserves. This would generally occur to the extent that there were significant changes in any of the factors or assumptions used in determining reserves. These factors could include: (i) an expansion of proven and probable reserves through exploration activities; (ii) differences between estimated and actual cash costs of mining, due to differences in grade, mineral recovery rates and foreign currency exchange rates; and (iii) differences between actual commodity prices and commodity price assumptions used in the estimation of reserves. Such changes in reserves could similarly impact the useful lives of assets depreciated on a straight-line basis, where those lives are limited to the life of the mine, which in turn is limited to the life of the proven and probable reserves.
The expected useful lives used in depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are determined based on applicable facts and circumstances, as described above. Significant judgment is involved in the determination of useful lives, and no assurance can be given that actual useful lives will not differ significantly from the useful lives assumed for purpose of depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations.
Stripping Costs In general, mining costs are allocated to production costs, stockpiles, and inventories, and are charged to costs applicable to sales when minerals are sold. However, the mining industry, generally, defers and amortizes certain mining costs on a units-of-production basis over the life of the mine. These mining costs, which are commonly referred to as deferred stripping costs, are incurred in mining activities that are normally associated with the removal of waste rock. The deferred stripping accounting method is generally accepted in the mining industry where mining operations have diverse grades and waste-to-ore ratios; however, industry practice does vary. Deferred stripping matches the costs of production with the sale of minerals, where this procedure is employed, by assigning each quantity of mineral with an equivalent amount of waste removal cost. When stripping costs are expensed as incurred, there might be greater volatility in a companys period-to-period results of operations. We did not acquire any deferred stripping costs in the acquisition of KKM.
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In March 2005, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry, (EITF 04-6) which addresses the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine and refers to these costs as variable production costs that should be included as a component of inventory to be recognized in costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. As a result, capitalization of stripping costs is appropriate only to the extent product inventory exists at the end of a reporting period and the carrying value is less than the net realizable value. We adopted the provisions of EITF 04-6 on January 1, 2006. We have had very limited production activity in the recent period, so the full effect of this adoption will be felt as production increases in the future periods.
Mineral Property Rights Mineral property acquisition costs, site restoration costs and development costs on mineral properties with proven and probable reserves are capitalized and will be depleted using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the reserves. If there are insufficient reserves to use as a basis for depleting such costs, they are written off as a mineral property or mineral interest impairment in the period in which the determination is made. Site restoration costs are depleted over the term of their expected life. Interest costs are capitalized on mineral properties and mineral interests in development. The development potential of mining properties is established by the existence of proven and probable reserves, reasonable assurance that the property can be permitted as an operating mine and evidence that there are no metallurgical or other impediments to the production of saleable metals.
Exploration costs incurred on mineral interests, other than acquisition costs, prior to the establishment of proven and probable reserves are charged to operations as incurred. Development costs incurred on mineral interests with proven and probable reserves will be capitalized as mineral properties. We regularly perform evaluations of our investment in mineral interests to assess the recoverability and / or the residual value of its investments in these assets. All mineral interests and mineral properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances change which indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, utilizing established guidelines based upon undiscounted future net cash flows from the asset or upon the determination that certain exploration properties do not have sufficient potential for economic mineralization.
Our estimates of mineral prices, recoverable probable reserves, and operating, capital and reclamation costs, when available, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which may affect the recoverability of mineral property costs. Although we have made our best estimate of these factors, it is possible that changes could occur in the near term, which could adversely affect the future net cash flows to be generated from the properties.
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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our primary market risks are fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not currently use derivative commodity instruments or similar financial instruments to attempt to hedge commodity price risks associated with future crude oil production.
Commodity Price Risk
Our revenues, profitability and future growth will depend substantially on prevailing prices for nickel and cobalt. When we commence commercial production, prices will affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to either borrow or raise additional capital. Price will also affect our ability to produce, transport and market the nickel and cobalt we produce.
Historically, nickel and cobalt prices have been subject to significant volatility in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control. Nickel and cobalt are likely to continue to be volatile in the future and this volatility makes it difficult to predict future price movements with any certainty. Any declines in nickel and cobalt prices would reduce the revenues we could earn when we begin commercial production, and could also reduce the amount of nickel and cobalt that we can produce economically. As a result, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Our Kazakhstani subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar for Kaznickel and the Kazakh tenge for KKM as their functional currencies. To the extent that business transactions in Kazakhstan are denominated in the Kazakh Tenge we are exposed to transaction gains and losses that could result from fluctuations in the U.S. DollarKazakh Tenge exchange rate. When the US dollar strengthens in relation to the Kazakh Tenge, the US dollar-reported expenses will decrease. We do not engage in hedging transactions to protect us from such risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (the Certifying Officers) are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Such officers have concluded (based upon their evaluations of these controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report) that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in this report is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Certifying Officers as
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appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Certifying Officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits. The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
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Exhibit 31.1 |
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to |
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
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Exhibit 31.2 |
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant |
| |
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to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| ||
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Exhibit 32.1 |
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to | ||
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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Exhibit 32.2 |
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to |
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized.
BEKEM METALS, INC.
Date: May 8, 2007 |
/s/ Marat Cherdabayev |
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Marat Cherdabayev, Chief Executive Officer |
Date: May 8, 2007 |
/s/ Yermek Kudabayev |
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Yermek Kudabayev, Chief Financial Officer |
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