starfield20f.htm


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 or
 
X
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 or
 
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 or
 
 
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report _______________________
 
Commission File Number 000-29948
 
 
STARFIELD RESOURCES INC.
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Alberta, Canada
 
 
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
120 Adelaide Street, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1T1
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
None
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
 
Common Shares, without par value
 
 
(Title of class)
 
 
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.  Title of class ___None_________
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.  718,800,545
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     Yes o       No x
 
If this report is an annual report or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.     Yes o      No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x       Noo
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x       No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  o                                                    Accelerated filer  o                                                      Non-accelerated filer  x
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP o
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the x
International Accounting Standards Board 
 Other o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x     No o
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement the registrant has elected to follow.  Item 17 o       Item 18 o
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes o       No x
 



 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PART I
 
 
  1
 
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS.
1
 
ITEM 1.A.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT.
1
 
ITEM 1.B.
ADVISERS.
1
 
ITEM 1.C.
AUDITORS.
1
 
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
1
 
ITEM 2.A.
OFFER STATISTICS.
1
 
ITEM 2.B.
METHOD AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
1
 
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION.
1
 
ITEM 3.A.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
1
 
ITEM 3.B.
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS.
3
 
ITEM 3.C.
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
3
 
ITEM 3.D.
RISK FACTORS.
3
 
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.
9
 
ITEM 4.A.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY.
9
 
ITEM 4.B.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW.
9
 
ITEM 4.C.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.
10
 
ITEM 4.D.
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT.
11
 
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.
47
 
ITEM 5.A.
OPERATING RESULTS.
47
 
ITEM 5.B.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES.
46
 
ITEM 5.C.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
50
 
ITEM 5.D.
TREND INFORMATION.
50
 
ITEM 5.E.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS.
50
 
ITEM 5.F.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS.
50
 
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
50
 
ITEM 6.A.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT.
50
 
ITEM 6.B.
COMPENSATION.
52
 
ITEM 6.C.
BOARD PRACTICES.
55
 
ITEM 6.D.
EMPLOYEES.
56
 
ITEM 6.E.
SHARE OWNERSHIP.
56
 
ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
59
 
ITEM 7.A.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS.
59
 
ITEM 7.B.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
59
 
ITEM 7.C.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.
60
 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
60
 
ITEM 8.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
60
 
ITEM 8.B.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES.
60
 
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING.
60
 
ITEM 9.A.
OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS.
60
 
ITEM 9.B.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.
61
 
ITEM 9.C.
MARKETS.
61
 
ITEM 9.D.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS.
61
 
ITEM 9.E.
DILUTION.
61
 
ITEM 9.F.
EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE.
61
 
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
61
 
ITEM 10.A.
SHARE CAPITAL.
61
 
ITEM 10.B.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.
62
 
ITEM 10.C.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS.
64
 
ITEM 10.D.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS.
64
 
ITEM 10.E.
TAXATION.
65
 
ITEM 10.F.
DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS.
66
 
ITEM 10.G.
STATEMENT BY EXPERTS.
66
 
ITEM 10.H.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY.
66
 
ITEM 10.I.
SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION.
66
 
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.
66
 
ITEM 11.A.
QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK.
66
 
ITEM 11.B.
QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK.
66
 
ITEM 11.C.
INTERIM PERIODS.
67
 
ITEM 11.D.
SAFE HARBOR.
67
 
ITEM 11.E.
SMALL BUSINESS ISSUERS.
67
 
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
67
 
ITEM 12.A.
DEBT SECURITIES.
67
 
ITEM 12.B.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS.
67
 
ITEM 12.C.
OTHER SECURITIES.
67
 
ITEM 12.D.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES.
67
 
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.
67
 
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
67
 
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
68
 
ITEM 15.A.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
68
 
ITEM 15.B.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING.
68
 
ITEM 15.C.
ATTESTATION REPORT OF THE REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
68
 
ITEM 15.D.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING.
68
 
ITEM 15T.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
68
 
ITEM 16.
[RESERVED.]
69
 
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
69
 
ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS.
69
 
ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
69
 
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES.
70
 
ITEM 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
70
 
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
70
 
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
70
 
ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS.
71
SIGNATURES
   
72
 
 
 

 
 

 

NOTE TO US READERS - DIFFERENCES REGARDING THE DEFINITIONS OF RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA  
   
Mineral Reserve
The terms “mineral reserve,” “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” used in the Corporation Resources Inc.’s (the “Corporation”) disclosure are Canadian mining terms that are defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) Best Practice Guidelines for the Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves (the “CIM Standards”), adopted by the CIM Council on November 23, 2003. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) Industry Guide 7 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under Industry Guide 7 standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.  Under Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
 
Mineral Resource
The terms “mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource,” “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” used in the Registrant’s disclosure are Canadian mining terms that are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards; however, these terms are not defined terms under Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.  “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically mineable.
 
Accordingly, information contained in this report containing descriptions of the Corporation’s mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.  
 



 
 

 

PART I
 
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS.
 
Item 1.A.
Directors and Senior Management.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 1.B.
Advisers.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 1.C.
Auditors.
 
No disclosure required.
 
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
 
Item 2.A.
Offer statistics.
 
Not Applicable
 
Item 2.B.
Method and expected timetable.
 
Not Applicable
 
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION.
 
Item 3.A.
Selected financial data.
 
The selected consolidated financial information set forth in the table below for each of the two years ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011, which is expressed in Canadian dollars (the Company prepares its financial statements in Canadian dollars), has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements as at February 29, 2012, February 28, 2011 and March 1, 2010, and for the financial years ended February 29, 2012  and February 28, 2011 filed as part of this Form 20-F under Item 17. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), which differ in certain respects from the principles the Company would have followed had its consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("United States GAAP"). The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the discussion in Item 5 of this Form 20-F and the said consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Historical results from any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.


 
   
(in $000 except share data)
 
IFRS
 
2012
   
2011
 
Revenue
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Exploration expenditures
   
5,236
     
3,508
 
Loss from operations
   
(6,644)
     
(5,956
)
Net loss for the year
   
(8,604)
     
(6,522
)
Basic and diluted loss per share
   
(0.01)
     
(0.01)
 
Current assets
   
1,527
     
4,775
 
Total assets
   
17,539
     
21,575
 
Current liabilities
   
1,031
     
1,219
 
Total liabilities
   
1,060
     
1,219
 
Share capital
   
155,155
     
152,647
 
Shareholders' equity (net assets)
   
16,479
     
20,356
 
Dividends declared per share
   
-
     
-
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
700,625
     
562,312
 

 
 
1

 
 
 
Exchange Rates
 
On October 31, 2012, the buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was US$1.00 = Cdn$1.0004. The following table sets forth, for each of the years indicated, additional information with respect to the noon buying rate for Cdn$1.00. Such rates are set forth as U.S. dollars per Cdn$1.00 and are based upon the rates quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
 
Rate
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Average (1)
   
1.0005
     
0.9888
     
1.0304
     
1.0660
     
1.1411
 
 
 
(1) The average rate means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the year.
 
United States Dollar/Canadian Exchange Rates for the Previous Six Months
 
Rate
 
May
2012
   
June
2012
   
July
2012
   
August
2012
   
September
2012
   
October
2012
 
High  
   
1.0288
     
1.0406
     
1.0209
     
1.0050
     
0.9899
     
1.0004
 
Low 
   
0.9832
     
1.0185
     
1.0029
     
0.9871
     
0.9675
     
0.9765
 
 
 
Item 3.B.
Capitalization and indebtedness.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 3.C.
Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 3.D.
Risk factors.
 
The securities of the Corporation are highly speculative and subject to a number of risks. These risks might affect the Corporation reaching its business objectives, which include successfully exploring and developing further mineral resources.
 
In addition to the matters set out elsewhere in this annual report, the following are also risks related to the Corporation.  The risk factors outlined below are not a definitive list of all risk factors associated with an investment in the Corporation or in connection with the Corporation’s operations.
 
(a)
Competitive Conditions

The mineral exploration and mining business is competitive in all phases of exploration, development and production. The Company competes with a number of other entities in the search for and the acquisition of productive mineral properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals, but conduct refining and marketing operations on a global basis. As a result of this competition, the majority of which is from companies with substantially greater financial and technical resources than Starfield, the Company may be unable to acquire attractive properties in the future on terms it considers acceptable or recruit and retain qualified employees. In addition, Starfield competes with other resource companies, many of whom have more advanced properties that are better able to attract equity investments and other capital. Existing or future competition in the mining industry could adversely affect the Company’s prospect for mineral exploration and success in the future.


 
2

 


The ability of the Company to acquire properties depends on its success in exploring and developing its present properties and on its ability to select, acquire, and bring to production suitable properties or prospects for mineral exploration and development. Factors beyond the control of the Company may affect the marketability of minerals mined or discovered by Starfield. Mineral prices have historically been subject to fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company.

(b)
Title Matters

The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a very detailed and time-consuming process. Title to, and the area of, mineral concessions may be disputed. Although the Company believes it has taken reasonable measures to ensure proper title to its properties, there is no guarantee that title to any of its properties will not be challenged or impaired. Third parties may have valid claims on underlying portions of the Company’s interests, including prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects.

A significant part of the Company’s mineral rights consist of “unpatented” mining claims created and maintained in accordance with the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872. Unpatented mining claims are unique U.S. property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations that supplement the U.S. General Mining Law of 1872. Also, unpatented mining claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or contests by the federal government. The validity of an unpatented mining claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a complex body of federal and state statutory and decisional law. In addition, there are few public records that definitively control the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims.
 
In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered a number of proposed amendments to the General Mining Law. Although no such legislation has been adopted to date, there can be no assurance that such legislation will not be adopted in the future. If ever adopted, such legislation could, among other things, impose royalties on production from currently unpatented mining claims located on federal lands. If such legislation is ever adopted, it could have an adverse impact on earnings from the Company’s operations, and it could reduce estimates of the Company’s present resources and the amount of the Company’s future exploration and development activity on federal lands.

(c)
Going Concern
 
The business of mining and exploring for minerals involves a high degree of risk and there can be no assurance that current exploration programs will result in profitable mining operations.  The recoverability of the carrying value of exploration properties is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to raise financing, the achievement of profitable operations or, alternatively, upon the Company’s ability to dispose of its interests on an advantageous basis.  Changes in future conditions could require material write-downs of the carrying values of mining assets.  Some of the Company’s mining assets are located outside of Canada and are subject to the risk of foreign investment, including currency exchange fluctuations.
 
At February 29, 2012, the Company had a deficit of $156.5 million. In addition, the Company has flow through share expenditures commitments totalling $3.8 million which is required to be spent on qualifying Canadian Exploration Expenditures prior to December 31, 2012. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the ability of the Company to raise equity financing.  There are no assurances that the Company will be successful in achieving this goal and as a result there is substantial doubt regarding the applicability of the going concern assumption.  Subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, February 29, 2012, the Company completed the sale of 179 mining claims of the company’s Stillwater property for approximately $US 2.0 million.

 
3

 


(d)
Acquisition and Integration

From time to time the Company examines opportunities to acquire additional mining assets and business. Any acquisition that the Company may complete may be of significant size, may change the scale of the Company’s business and operations, and may expose the Company to new geographic, political, operating, financial and geological risks. The Company’s success in its acquisition activities depends on its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable terms for any such acquisition, and integrate the acquired operations successfully with those of the Company. Any acquisition would be accompanied by risks. For example, there may be a significant change in commodity prices after the Company has committed to complete the transaction and established the purchase price or exchange ratio; a material resource may prove to be below expectation; the Company may have difficulty integrating and assimilating the operations and personnel of any acquired companies, realizing anticipated synergies and maximizing the financial and strategic position of the combined enterprise, and maintaining uniform standards, policies and controls across the organization; the integration of the acquired business or assets may disrupt the Company’s ongoing business and its relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contractors; and the acquired business or assets may have unknown liabilities which may be significant. In the event that the Company chooses to raise debt capital to finance any such acquisition, the Company’s leverage will be increased. If the Company chooses to use equity as consideration for such acquisition, existing shareholders may suffer dilution. Alternatively, the Company may choose to finance any acquisition with existing resources. There can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisition.
 
(e)
The Company is Experiencing Negative Cash Flow
 
The success of the Company’s business will depend upon the Company’s ability to develop its cash flow from operations to a point where it becomes profitable. The Company currently has limited cash on hand and no revenue from operations. Since it is experiencing negative cash flow, its cash reserves are being depleted. Accordingly, the Company must obtain additional funds presently through the sale of equity and/or debt capital. The only alternatives for the financing of the Company’s business would be the offering by the Company of an interest in its mining properties to be earned by another party or to obtain project or operating financing from financial institutions.
 
If the Company cannot increase its cash flow and become profitable, it will have to raise additional funds. However, such funds might not be available on acceptable terms, and, as a result, there would be a material adverse effect on the Company (in terms of its business and results of operations), and it may not achieve its business objectives.
 
(f)
The Company has No History of Operations
 
The Company has no history of development on any of its properties. The Company may experience higher than budgeted costs and delays which were not expected. The Company must also locate and retain qualified personnel to conduct exploration work.  Further adverse changes in any one of such factors or the failure to locate and retain such personnel will have an additional adverse effect on the Company, its business and results of operations.
 
(g)
The Mining Industry is Speculative and of a Very High Risk Nature
 
Mining activities are speculative by their nature and involve a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome.
 
The Company’s drilling activities are in the advanced exploration stage, and such advanced exploration is subject to the risk that previously reported inferred mineralization may not be economic. If this occurs, the Company’s existing resources may not be sufficient to support a profitable mining operation.
 
The Company’s activities are subject to a number of factors beyond its control, including intense industry competition and changes in economic conditions (including some operating costs, such as electrical power). Its operations are subject to all the hazards normally incidental to exploration, development and production of base and precious metals, any of which could result in work stoppages, damage to or loss of property and equipment, and possible environmental damage.

 
4

 

An adverse change in any one of such factors, hazards and risks would have a material adverse effect on the Company, its business and results of operations. This might result in the Company not meeting its business objectives.

(h)
Foreign Operations
 
Many of the Company’s property interests are located in the United States of America (“USA”), and are subject to that jurisdiction’s laws and regulations. The Company believes the present attitude of the USA to foreign investment and mining to be favourable, but investors should assess the political risks of investing in a foreign country. Any variation from the current regulatory, economic and political climate could have an adverse effect on the affairs of the Company.

(i)
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are presented in Canadian dollars, the functional currency. The operations of its US subsidiaries are also in Canadian dollars as the functional currency.  The operations of the subsidiaries are translated as follows: monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date; non-monetary items and any related amortization of such items are translated at the rate of exchange in effect when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred; and all income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Exchange gains and losses are included in net loss for the year. Management monitors foreign exchange derived from currency conversions but does not hedge its foreign currency.

(j)
The Company is Dependent on Various Key Personnel
 
The Company’s success is dependent upon the performance of key personnel. The Company does not maintain life insurance for key personnel, and the loss of the services of senior management or key personnel could have a material and adverse effect on the Company, its business and results of operations.
 
(k)
The Company’s Activities might suffer Losses from or Liabilities for Risks which are not Insurable
 
Hazards, such as unusual or unexpected geological formations and other conditions, are inherent in mineral exploration and development. The Company may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or hazards against which it cannot insure or against which it may elect not to insure. The occurrence of such liabilities could have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operation.
 
The Company currently carries general commercial liability, tenant’s legal liability, building, contents and contractors equipment insurance, as well as directors’ and officers’ insurance. Additionally, all contractors carry their own general and equipment liability insurance. Although the Company intends to maintain liability insurance in an amount which it considers adequate, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities might exceed policy limits, the liabilities and hazards might not be insurable against, or the Company might not elect to insure itself against such liabilities due to high premium costs or other reasons, in which event the Company could incur significant costs that could have a materially adverse effect upon its financial condition and results of operation.
 
(l)
There is Uncertainty of the Nature and Amount of the Company’s Resources
 
While the Company has carried out estimates of its mineral resources, this should not be construed as a guarantee that such estimates are accurate. If such estimates prove to be materially inaccurate, that would have a material effect on the Company’s business and operations.

 
5

 


(m)
The Company may Experience Uncertainty in Marketing the Nickel, Copper, Platinum, Palladium, Chromium, Gold and Cobalt which it may Potentially Mine
 
The Company’s future revenues are expected to be in large part derived from the mining and sale of nickel, copper, platinum, palladium, chromium, gold and cobalt. The prices of these metals fluctuate, and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control, including international economic and political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumptive patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to new mine development and improved mining and production methods. Any unfavourable change in these factors could cause the Company’s revenues, operations and financial condition to be materially adversely affected.
 
(n)
The Company’s Activities are Subject to Extensive Governmental Regulation and Permitting Requirements
 
Exploration, development and mining of minerals are subject to extensive federal, provincial and local laws and regulations governing the acquisition of the mining interests, prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, land claims of First Nations and local people, environmental protection and remediation, endangered and protected species, mine safety and other matters. These laws and regulations are administered by various governmental authorities including but not limited to:
 
 
(a)
Government of Canada
 
(i)
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (taxation)
 
(ii)
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Environment Canada (environ-mental protection)
 
(iii)
Natural Resources Canada (land use and conservation)
 
(iv)
Department. of Fisheries and Oceans (land use and conservation)
 
(v)
Department. of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (land use and conservation)
 
 
(b)
Government of Nunavut
 
(vi)
Department. of Sustainable Development (mineral tenure, development and use)
 
(vii)
Nunavut Planning Commission (land use and conservation)
 
(viii)
Nunavut Water Board, (environmental protection) (land use and conservation)
 
(ix)
Department. of Finance (taxation)
 
(x)
Nunavut Impact Review Board (mine plans, labour rights and relations)
 
(xi)
Department. of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (mine plans, labour rights and relations)
 
(xii)
Kivalliq Inuit Association (land use and conservation)
                 
 
(c)
Kivalliq Designated Inuit Organization
 
(xiii)
Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (tax assessment)
 
(xiv)
Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan (building permitting)
 
(xv)
Kivalliq Inuit Association (business licensing)

 
(d)
Government of the United States of America

 
(e)
Government of California

 
(f)
Government of Montana

 
(g)
Government of Nevada

 
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In addition, the current and future operations of the Company, from current exploration through to future development activities and production, require permits, licenses and approvals from some of these governmental authorities. The Company has obtained all government licenses, permits and approvals necessary for the operation of its business to date, however, additional licenses, permits and approvals may be required. The failure to obtain any licenses, permits or approvals that may be required or the revocation of existing ones would have a material and adverse effect on the Company, its business and results of operations.
 
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring the Company’s operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.  The Company may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits. Any such events could have a material and adverse effect on the Company and its business and could result in the Company not meeting its business objectives.
 
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties, or require abandonment or delays in development of its mining properties. Failure to comply with the conditions set out in any permit or failure to comply with the applicable statutes and regulations may result in orders to cease or curtail production, development or exploration.
 
(o)
The Company’s Activities are Subject to Extensive Environmental Protection Requirements
 
All phases of the Company’s operations are subject to federal, provincial and local environmental regulation in the various jurisdictions in which it operates, which potentially could make operations expensive or prohibit them altogether. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation.  They also set limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect the Company’s operations or prevent operations all together.  Environmental hazards may exist (on the properties on which the Company holds and will hold interests) which are unknown to the Company at present and which have been caused by previous or existing owner or operation of the properties.
 
Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with the Company’s operations, which could potentially make operations expensive or prohibit them altogether. To the extent such future approvals are required and not obtained, the Company may be curtailed or prohibited from restarting, continuing or proceeding with planned exploration or development of the Resource Property.
 
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations or in the development of resource properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities, and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.

(p)
Conflicts of Interest

Certain of the directors and officers of the Company may also serve as directors and officers of other companies involved in gold and precious and base metals or other natural resource exploration and development and consequently, the possibility of conflict exists. Any decisions made by such directors involving the Company will be made in accordance with the duties and obligations of directors to deal fairly and in good faith with the Company and such other companies. In addition, such directors declare, and refrain from voting on any matters in which such directors may have a conflict of interest.

 
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(q)
The Company does not Pay Dividends

The Company has never paid a cash dividend. Investors cannot expect to receive a dividend on their investment in the foreseeable future, if at all. Accordingly, it is likely investors will not receive any return on their investment in the Company’s securities other than possible capital gains.
 
(r)
Supply/Demand Outlook for Metals

The Company believes that there are a significant number of external forces acting on supply and demand of base and precious metals. The metal markets for nickel, copper, platinum and palladium, chromium, gold, and cobalt demonstrate considerable volatility, and the Company is unable to predict future metal prices with any certainty.



 
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PART II
 
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.
 
Item 4.A.
History and development of the Company.
 
The Corporation is a Canadian-based natural resource exploration company. The Corporation was incorporated on April 22, 1994, under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), and changed its name to Starfield Resources Inc. in 1997.  On October 27, 2006, the Corporation filed articles of continuance in British Columbia, which are filed as an exhibit to the Corporation’s filings with the SEC. The Corporation is also governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and in the North West Territories. The Corporation’s registered office is located at 2900-550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 0A3, and the head office is located at 120 Adelaide Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1. In December 1999, the Corporation acquired a 100% interest in certain mineral claims in the Ferguson Lake area of the Nunavut Territory, Canada and a five-kilometer area of influence around the claims (the “Ferguson Lake Property”).
 
The Corporation, which was listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, applied to list its common shares on the TSX. That application was approved, and on April 24, 2007 the Corporation’s common shares began trading on the TSX under the symbol “SRU”.
 
Recent Acquisition
 
The Corporation completed the acquisition of Nevoro Inc. on October 8, 2009, exchanging 0.87 of one Starfield common share for each common share of Nevoro Inc..  The three primary assets acquired in the acquisition are as follows:
 
 
the Stillwater Project, a nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM and chromium exploration property located in Montana, USA, covering 15,700 acres adjacent to the Stillwater Platinum Mine, one of the world’s highest grade and largest producers of platinum group metals;
 
 
the Moonlight Project, a copper-silver exploration property located in California on which two advanced stage copper-silver targets have been defined by previous mining and exploration; and
 
 
In addition to the Moonlight project, the company controls two early stage Nevada gold properties (Dome Hill and Stealth), which are located in historic high-grade gold mining districts.
 
 
Item 4.B.
Business overview
 
The Corporation is an advanced exploration company whose assets include the following properties (the “Properties”) all of which are 100% owned:
 
 
the Ferguson Lake Property, a nickel-copper-platinum-palladium-cobalt property located in Nunavut, Canada;
 
the Stillwater Project, a nickel-copper-cobalt and chromium property located in Montana, USA, adjacent to the Stillwater Platinum Mine;
 
the Superior Project, a copper-silver property located in California, and
 
one Nevada gold property.


 
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The overall business objective of the Corporation is to explore, develop and commence production on the Properties. The Corporation’s management team has substantial expertise and experience in the operations of mines and the development of mining properties.
 
 
The Company will continue to focus on its operating priorities during 2012:
 
Actively seek joint venture partners for its properties;
 
Maintain the Ferguson Lake camp, review the 2012 updated Preliminary Economic Assessment to determine a 2012 exploration program subject to availability of funding (see item 3.D.(c)); and
 
Review the assay results from the completion of the 2011 drilling program at the Stillwater Project to determine 2012 exploration plans subject to availability of funding (see item 3.D.(c))..
 
 
Competitive Conditions

Competition in the mineral exploration and production industry is intense.  Competitors include other metallic mineral exploration companies that are looking for similar resource properties. The Corporation competes with other mineral exploration and development companies, many of which have greater financial resources and technical facilities for the acquisition and development of, and production from, mineral concessions, claims, leases and other interests, as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and consultants.
 
Material Effects of Government Regulations
 
The Corporation’s current and anticipated future operations, including further exploration and/or production activities require permits from numerous Canadian and U.S. federal, provincial, state and territorial governmental authorities. Such operations are subject to various laws governing land use, the protection of the environment, mining production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, well safety and other matters. Unfavorable amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of resource exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a materially adverse impact on the Corporation and cause increases in capital expenditures which could result in a cessation of operations.
 
Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner such that standards, enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are increasingly stringent. Companies and their directors, officers and employees carry a heightened degree of responsibility in respect of environmental assessments. The cost of compliance with changes in government regulations has the potential to reduce the profitability of future operations.
 
Item 4.C.
Organizational structure.
 
The Corporation was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta, Canada) on April 22, 1994, registered in the province of British Columbia as an extra-provincial company on April 22, 1998 and in the Nunavut Territory, Canada as an extra-territorial corporation on March 18, 2003. The Alberta registration was discontinued and continued in British Columbia on October 27, 2006. The Corporation’s major business activity is the exploration of mineral properties located in Canada and the US.

 
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On October 8, 2009, the Corporation completed its acquisition of Nevoro Inc.  The Corporation’s current organizational structure is illustrated below:

GRAPHIC


Item 4.D.
Property, plant and equipment.
 
The Corporation’s executive offices are located at 120 Adelaide Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1T1.  Its registered office is located at 2900-550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 0A3.
 
Project Descriptions and Locations

The Ferguson Lake project consists of ten mineral leases totalling 23,935 acres and active current claim blocks spanning 220,273 acres. Indicated and Inferred resources total more than 44 million tonnes. The Ferguson Lake Project is the largest base metal (nickel-copper-cobalt) and platinum group metals (“PGM”) project in Nunavut.  Advanced exploration has been conducted by the Company since entering into an option agreement in 1999 whereby Starfield purchased a 100% interest in the mineral claims comprising the Ferguson Lake Property. The Company has undertaken a number of exploratory programs, which have included geological mapping and prospecting, surface and airborne geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling. Additionally, Starfield has been carrying out exploration for diamonds and gold in other areas of its property. By advancing the massive sulphide discovery towards development, and uncovering value in additional areas of its large land holding, Starfield believes it could take advantage of future metal markets from the existence of current resources.
 
The Stillwater Project, comprising approximately 15,700 acres, is located in south central Montana, approximately 129 kilometres west southwest of the city of Billings. The project consists of 45 patented lode claims, 740 unpatented lode mining claims and 39 mill site claims. The project area is in the southern part of the Stillwater Complex, an Archean-age layered mafic-ultramafic magmatic intrusion exposed for 48 kilometres along the northern margin of the Beartooth Mountains. The Stillwater Complex and adjacent rocks have been known to contain copper, nickel, cobalt and chromium deposits since the late 1800s. More recently, deposits of PGM elements have been recognized. Historical resources were defined on the properties, but are not in compliance with NI 43-101.

 
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The Superior Mine Project, totalling approximately 3,160 acres, is located approximately 140 kilometres northwest of Reno, Nevada, in Plumas County, north-eastern California. The project consists of 36 patented claims leased from California-Engels Mining Company and 122 unpatented mining claims (Teagan claims), which are subject to the terms of the California-Engels lease agreement.  During the quarter ended November 30, 2010, the Company dropped certain claims in the Moonlight project that were considered ancilliary to the core project, and these claims did not have any ascribed value in the acquisition.

FERGUSON LAKE PROPERTY

The Ferguson Lake Property consists of ten mineral leases comprising an area of 23,935 acres and 107 active claims totalling 220,273 acres in the Kivalliq region of southern Nunavut Territory some 240 kilometres west of Rankin Inlet and 160 kilometres south-southwest of Baker Lake. Ferguson Lake, central to the large property area, is midway between Yathkyed and Kaminuriak Lakes. The Ferguson Lake Property currently measures 80 kilometres in an east-west direction and approximately 40 kilometres north-south. These mineral claims are issued pursuant to the Canada Mining Regulations, C.R.C.C. 1516.
The project consists of four non-contiguous groups of claims that extend east, west, south and northwest of Ferguson Lake between latitudes 62° 30’ and 63° 15’ North and longitudes 96° 00’ and 98° 15’ West.

 
12

 

GRAPHIC

 
 
13

 


 
 In 2006 and 2007, the Corporation contracted McElhanney Associates Land Surveying Ltd., a Canada Land Surveyor, to conduct Canadian Legal Survey (“CLS”) work at the Ferguson Lake Property to have certain mineral claims converted to mining leases as required under the Canada Mining Regulations. The work entailed a detailed CLS of the key mineral claims hosting the mineral resources at the Ferguson Lake Property. The CLS was completed in 2007. Twelve lease applications were submitted, along with applicable fees, to the Mining Recorder.
 
The Mining Recorder administers most of the subsurface rights of Crown Lands in Nunavut, and grants the mining lease status of mineral claims. The Corporation’s application and registry for the mining leases was completed in 2007 and the mining leases have been accepted and will be issued in due course.
 
Parts of the current Resource Property were initially located in 1997 by way of one Prospecting Permit covering the northwest quarter of NTS map-area, and three contiguous mineral claims. Additional mineral claims were located in 1998 and 1999 to cover the area of the Prospecting Permit which expired February 1, 2000. A number of these claims were allowed to lapse following detailed prospecting in 2001. The mineral claims acquired by the Corporation prior to 2003 included the area of a former Mining Lease previously held by Canadian Nickel Company, Ltd., a subsidiary of Vale Inco Ltd (formerly Inco Limited, “Inco”).
 
Most of the mineral claims comprising the expanded property area were located between January and November of 2005.
 
Mineral claims in Nunavut are valid for two years from the recording date, and may be renewed for an additional year by completing representation (assessment) work in the amount of $4.00/acre within the initial two-year period. Annual work in the amount of $2.00/acre is required to renew the claims beyond the third year. Representation work for the various mineral claims covering the period 2005-2010 was filed in October 2011.
 
Land use permits, including an Exploration Permit, Right of Way for winter transport, a Water Licence, and a Commercial Lease, enable exploration work to be conducted over the entire property area. These permits have been issued or renewed by the Kivalliq Inuit Association for parts of the Resource Property covering Inuit owned lands and by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for Crown lands. Preliminary environmental studies, conducted by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. on behalf of the Corporation, have occurred intermittently since 1999.
 
The majority of exploration work completed since 1999 has been directed to several mineral zones east and west of Ferguson Lake.
 
The Corporation entered into an option agreement in February 1999 to purchase a 100% interest in the mineral claims comprising part of the Ferguson Lake Property (the “Original Ferguson Lake Property”) from a syndicate of the vendors (the “Ferguson Lake Syndicate”) in exchange for an initial cash payment, the issuance of common shares and scheduled work commitments. The issuance of additional common shares to the Ferguson Lake Syndicate was based on incurred exploration expenditures. The Corporation’s current 100% earned interest in the Original Ferguson Lake Property is subject to a 3% net smelter royalty (“NSR”) on potential future mineral production, a 3% gross overriding royalty on any diamond production and a $25,000 annual advance royalty payment. The Corporation has the right to purchase 1% of the NSR for $1 million for a period of 180 days following receipt of a positive feasibility study on the Original Ferguson Lake Property recommending commercial production. Subsequent to the purchase of the Original Ferguson Lake Property, the Corporation staked certain other claims that comprise the Ferguson Lake Property, and these additional stake claims are not subject to the NSR.
 
The Corporation is not aware of any environmental, infrastructure, or permitting issues which would adversely affect the potential viability of the Ferguson Lake Property. The Corporation cannot provide any assurance that agencies or government departments (Government of Nunavut, Department. of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Department. of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Department. of Natural Resources Canada, Department. of Sustainable Development GN, Nunavut Water Board, Department. of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth GN, Nunavut Planning Commission, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan, Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, Community Land and Resources Committee, Designated Inuit Organization and others) will approve mine production at the Ferguson Lake Property.

 
14

 


The Corporation is in compliance with applicable agency requirements and government regulators’ requirements and continues to operate the Ferguson Lake Property by holding all necessary permits, which are in good standing, or hold extensions to existing permits or has applications being processed with the applicable authority. The Corporation has paid all application fees, costs, rents and security deposits relating to these permits, extensions or applications. The information in this paragraph is provided by the Corporation and is not extracted from the 2011 Report.
 
Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography
 
Access to the Ferguson Lake Property is by air from Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Thompson, or Churchill, all of which have scheduled airline service and offers a number of facilities. In 2008, the Corporation completed construction of an approximately 800 metre dirt airstrip capable of handling wheel equipped aircraft. Limited supplies and services are available in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, and the staging points for recent programs have been Thompson, Manitoba, 765 kilometres south of Ferguson Lake, and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, 900 kilometres west. Both of these communities, with populations of about 15,000, are accessible by highway, have scheduled airline service, and are major exploration and mining supply centres.
 
Previous and current programs involved shipping supplies, equipment and fuel by larger aircraft to an ice airstrip established on Ferguson Lake, and fuel and other supplies have also been transported to the Resource Property by winter Cat train from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, and Arviat. Communications in this remote area are excellent, made possible by satellite, which provides for telephone and high speed internet connections.
 
A subarctic climate is characterized by long winters (October through April) with mean temperatures of -30 degrees C; a short summer season with mean temperatures in the 15 degrees C range extends from July through mid-September. Mineral exploration is most conveniently carried out during the summer months and between March and May when geophysical surveys and diamond drilling can make use of ice-covered lakes.
 
There is little or no infrastructure in this remote part of Canada other than abundant water supplies. The Nunavut government has been studying the possibility of extending an all- weather road into the territory from northern Manitoba. The potential route would be approximately 150 kilometres east of Ferguson Lake, making a “spur road” to Ferguson Lake a reasonable possibility. Diesel generated electrical power has been used for past mining operations in the general area, including at Cullaton Lake which is 200 kilometres south of Ferguson Lake. Annual re-supply to the communities of Rankin Inlet, Arviat and Baker Lake is done by commercial barge service from Churchill, Manitoba or Montreal, Quebec. Daily flights into Rankin Inlet from Southern Canada bring routine supplies and passenger service.
 
The area is one of low relief, featuring numerous smaller lakes and a few large river systems, notably Kazan and Ferguson Rivers. Yathkyed and Ferguson Lakes are 141 and 114 metres above sea level, respectively, and maximum elevations in the surrounding area range from 200 to 275 metres. Elevations within the current property area average less than 200 metres, and range from slightly less than 100 metres at the Resource Property’s eastern boundary to 290 metres north of Yathkyed Lake. The orientations of Ferguson Lake and a number of smaller lakes reflect the dominant south-easterly glacial direction. Bedrock is fairly well exposed on numerous low hills and ridges in contrast to lower areas where bedrock may be obscured by between 6 and 25 metres of glacial debris. The terrain is typical of the barren grounds; the tree line is 150 kilometres south of Ferguson Lake and vegetation consists principally of moss, lichen, dwarf birch and Labrador tea. Wildlife includes caribou, arctic fox, musk ox and barren ground grizzly bear.
 
History
 
Canadian Nickel Company Ltd., the then exploration arm of Inco, discovered copper-nickel mineralization at Ferguson Lake in 1950. A 3000 square kilometre concession was granted in late 1950, and work over the ensuing five years included construction of a 90 person all-season camp, airborne and surface geophysics, geological mapping and 37,576 metres of diamond drilling.

 
15

 


Nearly three-quarters of the total drilling (27,732 metres) was directed to mineralized zones east and west of Ferguson Lake and the intervening area beneath the lake (East Zone, West Zone and Central or Lake Zone). The remainder of the drilling tested other targets within and outside the original concession area. Standard drilling techniques recovered EX-size (2.23 centimetre diameter) core.
 
A 10 ton bulk sample, extracted from the West Zone in 1953, was transported to Copper Cliff, Ontario for mill testing.  A central area of 200 claims (4,180 hectares) of the original concession was taken to a mining lease in 1957; this was subsequently reduced by 50% in 1978.
 
Esso Minerals Canada optioned the property from Inco in 1980 and extracted a 9-tonne bulk sample. Homestake Mineral Development Company (“Homestake”) was aware of platinum and palladium values in the area of Ferguson Lake in 1981, and acquired claims and prospecting permits around the existing Inco mining lease in 1986. A comprehensive program in 1987 consisted of reconnaissance geological mapping and, with Inco’s permission, the collection of 339 rock and 266 soil samples mainly from the known East and West mineral zones.
 
Homestake’s mineral claims in the area subsequently lapsed, and the Inco mining lease expired June 17, 1992. A Prospecting Permit covering part of the area of the original Inco property was issued in early February, 1997, and the FERG 1-3 mineral claims were located in mid-September of the same year. Ten rock and four soil samples were collected from East and West Zones and from one of the other known mineralized zones at that time.
 
A 1998 field program, carried out on behalf of the Ferguson Lake Syndicate between mid-August and early September, 1998, included the re-establishment of survey control at several points along the 1950’s Inco baseline, prospecting, and the collection and analyses of rock samples from the East, West and several other mineralized zones.
 
The Corporation entered into an agreement with the Ferguson Lake Syndicate in February of 1999, and undertook a two-phase exploratory program in the spring and summer of the same year. See “Exploration” for further details.
 
Geological Setting
 
Regional Geology
 
The Ferguson Lake Property is situated in the Western Churchill Province, an Archean craton which is divided into the lithologically distinct Rae and Hearne domains by the northeast-trending Snowbird Tectonic Zone.
 
Ferguson Lake, 100 kilometres east of the Snowbird Tectonic Zone, is more precisely within the north-western Hearne domain, which is made up principally of Archean metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks and extensive gneissic terranes derived from both Archean volcano sedimentary and plutonic rocks and early Proterozoic plutonic rocks. The north-western Hearne domain is bounded by northeast-trending, regional shear zones including the Tulemalu Fault Zone (part of the Snowbird Tectonic Zone) on the north and by the north-eastern extension of the Tyrrell Shear Zone on the southeast.
 
The Ferguson Lake area includes the most northerly extension of the northeast-trending Yathkyed greenstone belt, mainly present as strongly deformed, gneissic Archean supracrustal and intrusive rocks and variably deformed Proterozoic plutons and dykes. The deformed sequences are metamorphosed to upper amphibolite facies, and protoliths of the older supracrustal rocks are comparatively rare. Where seen, they consist principally of mafic metavolcanics with cherty iron formations and lesser intermediate to felsic metavolcanics and clastic metasedimentary rocks.
 
The Western Churchill Province, because of its diverse geological environments which span a 1.5-billion-year interval, is host to a variety of mineral deposit types. Known mineral deposits, prospects and occurrences include mafic-ultramafic-related magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM, orogenic (mesothermal) lode gold, volcanic hosted massive sulphides, syngenetic and epigenetic uranium deposits and prospects, quartz-carbonate veins containing precious metals and diamonds associated with Phanerozoic kimberlite intrusions.

 
16

 


Property Geology
 
The oldest rocks in the southern and north-eastern parts of the Ferguson Lake Property consist of east to northeast trending, mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks of Archean age that have undergone upper amphibolites grade metamorphism, and represent the north-eastern continuation of the Yathkyed greenstone belt. These supracrustal rocks, which contain sulphide, oxide and silicate banded iron formations in a number of localities, are interlayered with more widespread quartz-feldspar-biotite-(hornblende) gneiss and paragneiss, and all units have been intruded by Archean tonalities, granite gneisses and smaller, complex, coarse-grained pegmatite bodies. A variety of younger (Proterozoic) dykes, sills and irregular intrusions cut the older rocks. Pronounced layering in the supracrustal rocks trends east-northeast to northeast and dips moderately to steeply north. Medium to coarse grained, massive to weakly foliated gabbros, containing +60% hornblende and termed hornblendites in earlier reports, mainly occur within, and are conformable with, the layering in amphibolite-hornblende-biotite gneiss sequences. Petrographic studies suggest that these hornblende-rich gabbros, which are the principal host rocks for known base metal sulphides and PGM, may be metamorphic products of original tholeiitic mafic or ultramafic (pyroxenite-peridotite) intrusions.
 
All of the foregoing are cut by younger (mid-Proterozoic) gabbros and diabases and by late Proterozoic syenites, quartz-feldspar porphyries and fine-grained, locally biotite-rich mafic dykes.
 
Younger syenites, part of the Martell Syenites, and distinctly post-mineral mafic dykes, are also evident in many of the diamond drill holes completed to date. Larger bodies of this syenite occur near the east shore of Ferguson Lake, and a larger body underlying Uligattilik Hill borders the Resource Property’s eastern boundary.
 
A structural mapping program in the areas of two of the principal mineralized zones, East and West Zones, indicated that most of the Archean rocks were subjected to high grade metamorphism and deformation. Intricate folding of the gneissic rocks and the hornblendites (gabbros) has produced antiform and synform structures which are particularly evident in the area east of Ferguson Lake. The East and West mineralized zones have in the past been interpreted as being within the south limb of a recumbent, doubly-plunging synform or canoe-shaped structure modified by numerous faults and shear zones which offset the various lithologic units.
 
Mineralization & Drilling
 
The various mineral zones identified to date in that part of the Resource Property bordering Ferguson Lake are magmatic nickel-copper sulphide deposits which also contain cobalt and PGM values. These zones are spatially related to mafic (and ultramafic) intrusions which are principally in the form of fine- to coarse-grained gabbros.
 
As stated above, nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM mineralization at Ferguson Lake is hosted mainly by fine to coarse grained gabbros which include hornblendites. Three of the mineral zones (East, Central (Lake) and West) are at least spatially related to the same east-northeast trending gabbro unit which is between 10 and 600 metres thick and has been traced by intermittent exposures and by diamond drilling over a strike length of more than 12 kilometre east and west of Ferguson Lake. This and the other gabbro units hosting the several other mineral zones dip moderately to steeply north and are generally conformable with enclosing hornblende-rich gneisses.
 
Better grades of base and precious metals mineralization are present within massive to semi-massive sulphide lenses, pods and stringers which consist of between 80% and 90% pyrrhotite and lesser chalcopyrite, some pyrite and very fine-grained pentlandite. Rounded magnetite grains, up to one cm in size, are a common constituent of the sulphide lenses. Better grades are contained within zones having thicknesses of between two and tens of metres.
 
The most significant drilling results obtained by the Corporation to date have been from the East and West Zones, as well as the 119 Zone Extension. Better grades (+1% combined copper-nickel) of nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM mineralization within and marginal to the host gabbro intrusion in all of these zones are contained in lenses and pods of massive and semi-massive sulphides which have a lateral extent of 350 metres in the East Zone II to more than 4,000 metres in the West. Two or more parallel lenses, separated by between 5 and 100 metres of lower grade sulphide mineralization and/or unmineralized host rock, are evident in many of the holes drilled on the West Zone.

 
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The principal focus of previous and current work has been directed to the West Zone, which has been traced by intermittent bedrock exposures, geophysical surveys and by a considerable amount of diamond drilling over a zone length of several kilometres. The zone has been tested by 72 Inco holes (10,833 metres) between 1951 and 1955 and by more than 76,000 metres of drilling in more than 183 holes by Starfield since 1999.
 
Other mineral zones identified east of Ferguson Lake include M Zone, discovered in 2000 and situated 1 kilometre southeast of the East Zone II. This zone was tested by ten inclined holes to test a blind, gently north-dipping Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (“VTEM”) conductor. The drilling confirmed that the conductive zone was due to the presence of sulphide minerals within a gabbro, a setting similar to the other known mineral zones. Assay results were not particularly impressive. Further surface geophysical surveys were conducted over this zone in 2004, and three additional holes, drilled to test a new interpretation of geophysical signatures, returned results similar to those obtained from earlier drilling.
 
Anomaly 51, also known as the Pointed Lake Zone, consists of a northeast-trending, gossanous gabbro approximately 50 metres wide. It is exposed along more than 2,500 metres of strike length, and is located one kilometre south of M Zone. This zone, which contains pods and stringers of massive pyrrhotite with lesser chalcopyrite and pyrite, particularly in its western half, was tested over 1,700 metres of strike length by 1,094 metres of diamond drilling in nine widely-spaced, inclined diamond drill holes in the 1950s. Several holes contained narrow intervals of copper-nickel mineralization; better grades (+1% combined copper-nickel) are associated with narrow intervals (0.15 to 2.29 metres) of massive pyrrhotite and pyrite hosted by gabbro in most holes drilled. No PGM results were reported. Nickel values were generally higher than copper, as opposed to results from other zones at Ferguson Lake.
 
This zone (and its potential extensions) was further tested in 2000 and 2004 by eight holes which were drilled in several locations to test isolated VTEM conductors north and east of the area previously drilled. Only narrow sulphide intervals were encountered.
 
Exploration
 
1999-2004 Exploration Programs
 
Since 1999, the principal focus of previous and current work has been directed to the West Zone, which has been traced by intermittent bedrock exposures, geophysical surveys and by a considerable amount of diamond drilling over a zone length of several kilometres. The zone has been tested by 72 Inco holes (10,833 metres) between 1951 and 1955 and by more than 95,000 metres of drilling in 234 holes by Starfield since 1999.
 
The West Zone proper has been the focus of most of the exploratory programs undertaken between 1999 and 2004, during which time the zone was tested by more than 150 holes plus five wedge holes (for a total of 62,000 metres) drilled over 3 kilometres of strike length. Much of this drilling was designed to expand the zone both to depth and along strike, with a number of deeper holes testing the deeper, western part of the zone between sections 52+00W and 68+00W in 2001. Most of these holes intersected intervals of several metres containing +1% combined copper+nickel, most of which included significant sections of +1.5% and +2% combined copper+nickel plus PGM averaging more than 2 grams/tonne.
 
Much of the drilling undertaken on the West Zone between 2002 and 2004 was directed to definition drilling in 74 relatively shallow holes (20,200 metres) in the eastern part of the zone between sections 39+00W and 51+000W to better define near-surface sulphide mineralization.

 
18

 


The nature and scope of the 2002-2004 drilling programs consisted of collaring drill holes between existing holes such that this part of the West Zone has now been drilled on sections at an average of 30 metre spacings or less. Most holes intersected two or three (and in some cases, up to six), parallel sulphide lenses containing grades of at least 1% combined copper plus nickel, and over minimum hole lengths of 2 metres. Intervals of lower (or zero) grades between the parallel lenses range from 2 metres. Most of the inclined holes drilled to date are essentially normal to the moderately north-dipping sulphide lenses and apparent true widths of the various sulphide lenses range from 2 metres to a maximum of 45 metres, with an overall average of 7 metres. The down-dip extent of the various sulphide lenses is variable, and ranges from 20 to 250 metres. Many of the drill sections feature a well mineralized sulphide lens in one hole that may or may not continue through holes drilled up or down-dip of the mineralized lens.
 
Although most of the exploration effort west of Ferguson Lake has been devoted to the continued evaluation of the West Zone, several other mineralized targets proximal to the West Zone have also undergone limited exploration. Those zones of apparent lesser importance include the West Zone South, which is intermittently exposed over a strike length of approximately one kilometre and is associated with a gossanous gabbro. The West Zone South represents a mineralized target that is sub parallel to the West Zone located approximately one kilometre to its north. Previous select surface sampling returned relatively high PGM values of between 540 ppb and 1,170 ppb platinum and 1,250 ppb to 4,500 ppb palladium.
 
South Discovery Zone, a sulphide-bearing gabbro unit some 3 kilometres southwest of 119 Zone, has an exposed northeast strike length of 800 metres and is offset by two parallel, northwest-striking faults. Two holes drilled to test the central part of the zone in 1999 intersected 1.5 to 2 metre intervals grading 0.30-0.62% copper, 0.11-0.50% nickel, 0.02-0.10% cobalt and 0.13-0.67 grams/tonne PGMs.
 
Near the western shore of Ferguson Lake, hole 11310 cut 13.5 metres grading 0.78% copper, 0.88% nickel and 1.44 grams/tonne PGM (palladium and platinum) plus a lower 5.8 metre interval containing 1.36% copper, 0.50% nickel and 0.69 grams/tonne PGM. As a result, a further two holes were drilled through ice-covered Ferguson Lake by the Corporation in the spring of 2000 in an attempt to further test this part of the zone some 40 metres down-dip of the previous intersections. The first hole was abandoned in lake-bottom sediments; the second hole intersected gabbro host rocks over three intervals, but base and precious metals values were low. This zone was further tested by ten holes in 2003 and 2004 as part of the definition drilling program undertaken in the eastern part of the West Zone. A degree of continuity of grades in sulphide lenses was identified, and a part of this zone has been incorporated into the revised resource estimates for the West Zone.
 
2005 to 2008 Exploration Summary
 
In 2005, the Corporation’s exploration work included 16,861 metres of diamond drilling in 29 holes plus surface and airborne geophysical surveys. Ten deep holes (11,213 metres) were drilled on three sections to test the “gap” between the 119 Zone and the known western limits of the West Zone. The 119 Zone itself was tested by an additional two holes (2,116 metres). Seventeen holes (3,523 metres) were completed in the West Zone “Pit Area”.  Eight holes were drilled in an attempt to further define footwall PGM mineralization, while the remaining nine holes (1,140 metres) were drilled at various azimuths to provide information on the continuity and consistency of base and precious metal grades for a geostatistical study.
 
Of particular interest in terms of low-sulphide, footwall PGM mineralization is the 1 metre length of 12.38 grams per tonne palladium and 8.42 grams per tonne platinum encountered in hole FL05-218. Also of interest is the footwall PGM-enriched sulphide lens intercepts that were intersected below the main massive sulphide lenses in four holes, particularly the 12.02 metre footwall massive sulphide intercept in hole FL04-220 which in addition to enhanced copper and nickel grades, includes 3.74 grams per tonne palladium and 0.31 grams per tonne platinum.
 
Geophysical surveys undertaken in 2005 included 9,624 line kilometres of helicopter-borne VTEM and magnetics, and surface and borehole time domain pulse electromagnetic surveys on various parts of the Resource Property by Crone Geophysics and Exploration Ltd. Other work completed in 2005 included ongoing metallurgical test work on drill core samples directed to the recovery of base metals and PGMs.
 
Much of the 2006 exploratory program at Ferguson Lake was directed at detailed infill diamond drilling of the West Zone Pit, West Zone Mid and Pit Extension, West Zone Main and East Zone II. Some 24,330 metres of core were recovered from 110 holes. Two holes, totalling 211 metres, were drilled to collect samples for metallurgical work, and 19 shallow holes totalling 234 metres were drilled for geotechnical purposes. An additional six holes, totalling 657 metres, were drilled at azimuth grid north to test a south dipping magnetic anomaly (termed the Clarke Plate) located in the West Zone Pit Area. Diamond drilling at Ferguson Lake in 2006 aggregated 24,987 metres.

 
19

 


During the fiscal 2007 drilling season, much of the drilling effort was designed to upgrade more of the existing Inferred Mineral Resource into the “Measured and Indicated” categories of resources throughout the West Zone utilizing a recommended closer drill spacing pattern. The 2007 drilling program was also designed to obtain more information about the low sulphide PGM mineralization located in the footwall of the West Zone. In addition to the 116 resource delineation holes, an additional 20 geotechnical holes totalling 246 metres were also completed in this program. This resulted in a record 136 holes drilled totalling 25,023 during the program.
 
The 2007 mineral resource estimate completed in early 2008 forms the basis of evaluation studies undertaken by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Ltd. (“SWRPA”), and is discussed in detail later in this report. This mineral resource estimate utilized the Inco drill results as well as those of the Corporation during the period 1999-2007.
 
During the fall of 2007 the Corporation completed a 19 hole drill program in the Main West Zone of Ferguson Lake. This initiative targeted the low-sulphide, PGM style of mineralization hosted in the Ferguson Lake (omit Sulphide) Intrusive Complex. This potential high-grade, low-sulphide mineralization was identified along strike during previous drilling. It is situated approximately 30 to 50 metres below the PGM-bearing massive sulphide Main West Zone lenses in the footwall gabbro unit. The massive sulphide base metal/PGM resource that is currently identified and qualified in Starfield’s NI 43-101 compliant July 2007 filing did not include this deeper, unique PGM mineralization.
 
In February 2008, the Corporation released complete fire-assay results from this PGM drill program. The results showed some high concentrations of PGMs. The data indicates significant mineralization at previously under-explored depths but its extent and continuity are still not known.
 
Two areas where previous drilling had identified the potential high grade, low sulphide PGM were chosen as prospective targets to test the footwall mineralized horizon in greater detail. The fiscal 2008 drilling program focused on further definition of the geometry and continuity of the low sulphide PGM mineralization through the use of closely spaced drilling, both up and down dip and along strike.
 
Previous drilling has identified the presence of rhodium at Ferguson Lake (Hole FL02-132 contained a 0.1-metre interval assaying 2.58 grams per tonne). The indications of rhodium at Ferguson Lake were considered to be significant because of the strong price of this commodity. At the time of the release, the price of Rhodium was US$9,380 per ounce, which is equivalent to just over US$300 per gram per this 2008 report.
 
In March 2008, the Corporation announced results of check assays and rhodium assays of this diamond drilling program. The check assays for platinum and palladium verified the prior results, and three intersections assayed positive for rhodium, as follows:
 
 
A 1.35 metre thick interval from hole FL07-363 assayed 0.012 grams per tonne of rhodium from a depth of 142.95 metres to 144.30 metres.
 
A 0.75 metre thick interval from hole FL07-374 assayed 0.009 grams per tonne of rhodium from a depth of 254.00 metres to 254.75 metres.
 
A 1.09 metre thick interval from hole Fl07-379 assayed 0.021 grams per tonne rhodium from a depth of 185.35 metres to 186.44 metres.
 
The Corporation believes that it is has good quality controls and back-up sampling techniques in place.  The Corporation believes the results of its assays are accurate.
 
Sampling Methods, Security and Analytical Procedures
 
Previous diamond drilling, core logging and sampling at the Ferguson Lake Property has been supervised and performed by John Nicholson, P.Geo. and Brian Game, P.Geo., both Qualified Persons in accordance with NI 43-101.  Current diamond drilling, core logging and sampling at the Ferguson Lake Property is being supervised Ray Irwin, P.Geo., a Qualified Person in accordance with NI 43-101.

 
20

 


In May 2007, the Corporation released a summary of its newly compiled National Instrument 43-101 2007 mineral resource for its Ferguson Lake property in Nunavut, Canada.
 
Jaime Lavigne, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, has updated the resource estimate to include fiscal 2007’s 116 resource definition diamond drill holes and 20 additional geotechnical holes.
 
NQ and BQ thin-wall sized core samples are logged and marked for sampling, and subsequently halved by diamond saw, with one-half of the core comprising the sample and one-half retained as a rock record in core boxes stored for future reference at the Ferguson Lake camp. The one-half core comprising a sample is tagged, secured and bagged for air shipment from site to the sample preparation laboratories in Vancouver.
 
Pre-2008 samples are prepared at Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. in Vancouver, an ISO accredited laboratory which participates in proficiency testing and quality assurance and control procedures for sample preparation and analysis. Acme issues signed Certificates of Analysis and Assay Reports. The one-half drill core samples from sample intervals of generally one metre in length are crushed, riffle split and pulverized prior to analysis. Splits of massive sulphide samples weighing between 10-15 grams are then fire assayed for platinum and palladium. The doré bead is digested and then platinum and palladium are determined by ICP-ES (Group 6). The massive sulphide samples are also assayed for copper, nickel and cobalt, whereby 0.3g to 1.0g are digested by 4-acid digestion and then analyzed by ICP-ES (Group 7TD).
 
Low-sulphide PGM samples are analyzed at Acme, where a 30 gram sample is digested by aqua regia and then ICP-MS analysis is conducted for a suite of 51 elements plus platinum and palladium (Group 1F-MS). This geochemical ultratrace method allows for a screening of the samples prior to assay determinations being implemented. All samples containing greater than 500 ppb palladium and/or 100 ppb platinum as determined by ICP-MS are then forwarded for 1AT (29.2g) fire assay determination for platinum and palladium (Group 6). All samples containing greater than 5,000 ppm copper and/or 4,000 ppm nickel are sent for 4-acid ICP-ES assay determinations (Group 7TD).
 
In the 2008 program, drill samples were prepared by eitherAcme Analytical Laboratories, Yellowknife, NWT or by ALS Chemex Laboratories, Yellowknife, NWT with analyses performed at the respective analytical facility located in Vancouver, BC. Check assays were routinely performed on every twentieth sample from each laboratory by SGS Mineral Services in Toronto, ON. All three labs are ISO accredited, meaning that they participate in proficient testing and quality assurance and control procedures for sample preparation and analysis. The 2008 analytical procedure was the same as previously described, except that all samples found to contain platinum values greater than 100 ppb and/or palladium values greater than 500 ppb were subsequently fire assay checked using a 1 AT (29.2 g) sample.
 
Data Verification
 
Quality control of core samples is maintained by routinely analyzing a number of sample blanks, duplicates and control reference standards of a similar matrix and content as samples provided. Selected high-grade samples are routinely subjected to repeat assay determinations. Interlaboratory checks have been an ongoing part of the Ferguson Lake program since 1999. As noted in the previous section, the facilities of Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. have been used for project analyses since 2002, Bondar Clegg was the laboratory of record in 2000 and 2001, and check analyses during those years were performed by ALS Chemex. Between 2001 and 2007, most of the analytical work had been undertaken by Acme, while using ALS Chemex for necessary check analyses. As previously stated, during the 2008 Exploration Program, sample preparation and initial analyses were performed by either Acme Analytical Laboratories or ALS Chemex Laboratories with check analyses performed by SGS Mineral Services in Toronto, ON.
 
A number of interlaboratory checks of samples have been undertaken over the past several years. An example is the 2004 analytical work undertaken by ALS Chemex of 24 core sample pulps initially analyzed by Acme Laboratories. In summary, the results for copper are virtually identical, while Acme’s nickel values are in general almost 10% higher. Palladium values determined by the two laboratories correspond reasonably well, but there are apparent difficulties in reproducing consistently similar platinum values.

 
21

 


N.C. Carter, Ph.D., P.Eng. undertook a thorough review of 1950s Inco drilling results in late 1999, and has confidence in those results and in the sampling, preparation and analytical procedures used in the more recent drilling programs.
 
All sample results have been transmitted by the laboratory directly to the designated person at the Corporation who dispersed the results to the writers of the technical reports for initial review of results and the calculation of weighted average grades for the mineralized intervals encountered in the holes drilled to date. These data have been subsequently reported to the Corporation on a timely basis.
 
Mineral Resource Estimates
 
The information under this heading “Mineral Resource Estimates” is extracted from the 2008 Report. James G. Lavigne estimated the Mineral Resource Estimates which were reported in the 2007 Report and adopted in the 2008 Report. The mineral resource estimates and geostatical analysis were reviewed by James G. Lavigne in the preparation of the 2008 Report, and the 2008 Report concludes that the Mineral Resource Estimate is in compliance with NI 43-101 and the definitions set out by the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves Definitions and Guidelines adopted by the CIM Council in December 2005.
 
Drill Hole Database
 
Mineral resources have been estimated for the Ferguson Lake Property exclusively from diamond drill hole data. No systematic excavations or surface sampling have been completed that contribute to the resource estimation database.  A total of 540 diamond drill holes have been completed on the Resource Property, and include those drilled by Inco during the 1950’s and those drilled by the Corporation from the period 1999 to 2006, for total metres drilled of 157,219.
 
Sample and Assay Data
 
The assay database of mineralized samples used in the resource calculations now numbers a total of 24,371 samples. All of the drill core samples collected by the Corporation have been analyzed by assay methods for nickel, copper, platinum, palladium and cobalt. In addition, the Corporation has collected whole rock and trace element geochemical data on selected samples. The Inco samples were initially assayed only for nickel and copper. Subsequent to the Inco field programs at the Ferguson Lake Property (conducted to 1957), Inco re-assayed selected core samples for platinum, palladium, and gold. However, Inco has reported this precious metal data only as a total summation (i.e. platinum+palladium+gold equals total PGM). The total number of samples assayed account for a total of 26,896 metres of core analyzed.
 
Lithology
 
Logging by both Inco and the Corporation included the identification and documentation of rock types. This includes the major distinction between the intrusion, the country rocks to the intrusion, and massive sulphides. The country rocks are broken out into several types of amphibolites, gneisses, and granitic rocks. The intrusion is mainly described as gabbro with lesser hornblendite.  Hornblendite is usually spatially associated with massive sulphide. Massive sulphide was broken out as a rock type in the lithological description of the core. Mafic to felsic dykes have been logged as cross cutting the country rocks and the intrusion.
 
Specific Gravity
 
During 2002, the specific gravity was determined on 100 core samples. The samples were selected grab samples of core collected to be representative of the major rock types including massive and semi-massive sulphide.
 
During 2006, the specific gravity (“SG”) had been determined on a total of 1,342 drill core samples at Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. during the course of sample processing for base and precious metal analyses. The SG was determined during 2006 using the water immersion method.

 
22

 


Data Verification
 
During the period June 26 to June 28, 2007, R. Dennis Bergen, one of the authors of the 2008 Report visited the Ferguson Lake Property. During that visit, three core samples were collected from areas identified by the Corporation’s geologist as being included in the resource estimate. The samples collected are not representative of the whole deposit, nor were there sufficient samples collected to provide a statistical comparison with the Corporation’s samples. The analyses undertaken did indicate the presence of copper, nickel, cobalt and palladium in quantities similar to those in the resource estimate, and the presence of palladium was noted.
 
In addition, during the period September 2006 to November 2006, the author of the 2007 Report visited the Ferguson Lake Property on two occasions for a total of fifteen days on site. During these visits, a number of 2006 drill holes as well as historical holes, were examined and compared with drill log descriptions and assay data. It was concluded that the geological logging and sample descriptions are representative of the lithological units and distribution of sulphide mineralization. The sampling is appropriate for the deposit type, and the assay data is consistent with the sulphide abundance, textures, and mineralogy. Survey procedures used at the Ferguson Lake Property for drill hole location and down hole trajectory are completed to exploration industry standards. It was concluded on the basis of the field visits that the drill hole exploration data collection procedures utilized at the Ferguson Lake Property would support resource estimations to NI 43-101 standards.
 
From 1999-2007, the diamond drill programs were managed for the Corporation  by Nicholson and Associates, a professional geological services company based in Vancouver and managed by Professional Geologists. Nicholson and Associates were responsible for data collection, data base management, drilling and analytical QA/QC, and data verification for the Ferguson Lake Property. The author has relied upon Nicholson and Associates for the provision of the verified database for resource modeling. Aspects of drilling, sample security, assaying, data handling and verification are contained in the appropriate sections of this report. Verification of Inco data has been referenced in the Carter Report. Since 2007, the drilling programs were planned and supervised by members of Starfield Resources staff who were either P.Eng.’s or P.Geo’s.
 
Estimation Methodology
 
Standards and Scope
 
The mineral resource estimate for the Ferguson Lake Property has been prepared and reported here in compliance with NI 43-101 for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. James G. Lavigne, Professional Geologist and Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, is responsible for the preparation and reporting of the resource estimate.
 
As per NI 43-101, Mineral Reserves estimates can only be based on the results of a preliminary feasibility study or feasibility study of a mineral project. Thus, no reserves have been estimated for the Ferguson Lake Property. As per NI 43-101, Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
 
Description of Domains
 
Massive sulphide intersections on the Ferguson Lake Property occur over a strike length of approximately 15 kilometres. For the purposes of resource estimation, the Resource Property has been divided into three domains; the East Zone, the Main West Zone, and the West Extension Zone. Drill spacing, and therefore the amount of geological and assay information, is variable across the zones, and, accordingly, different approaches to resource estimation have been utilized.

 
23

 


Main West Zone
 
 The central domain, (the Main West Zone) has been the target of the most detailed drilling and past geostatistical studies, and is the area from which past indicated (and measured) resources have been reported. Drill hole spacing in the Main West Zone is variable from 25 metres in selected test areas of the zone (i.e. in the “Pit” area) to a maximum of approximately 100 metres. Part of the West Main Zone was the object of a past geostatistical resource study and estimation. The drill density and historical work in the West Main Zone supports resource estimation using a geostatistical block model methodology based on a geological interpretation of the intrusion and mineralization.
 
West Extension and the East Zones
 
Drilling in the West Extension Zone has intersected mineralization between approximately 600 and 1200 metres below surface. Drilling has been completed on 200 metre spaced sections, with holes on section spaced irregularly, with an average of approximately 100 metres. All of the drilling in the West Extension Zone has been completed by the Corporation. Similarly, the East Zone is characterized by comparatively widely spaced drilling, but does include clusters of more detailed drilling in specific target areas. The East Zone contains a higher proportion of Inco drill holes. Given the drill hole spacing, a detailed geological model was not created for the West Extension or the East Zones, and a polygonal approach to estimation was utilized.
 
Main West Zone
 
Geological Model
 
Diamond drill holes in the Main West Zone are commonly characterized by multiple intersections of massive sulphide which can be of a highly variable width. Massive sulphide within the Main West Zone has been interpreted as a series of stacked lenses or sheets with a moderate north dip and approximate east-west strike (Carter Report).
 
Massive sulphide intersections interpreted on section are based on the occurrence of greater than 50% sulphide as estimated on a sample-by-sample basis, and incorporate inclusions of weakly mineralized to barren host of rock.
 
Three dimensional interpretations resulted in 56 individual lenses of massive sulphide across the Main West Zone of variable size and extent.
 
2008  Report Results and Classification
 
As per NI 43-101, “a mineral resource is an inventory of mineralization that under realistically assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions might become economically extractable”. The economic and technical parameters used to evaluate the massive sulphide block model are summarized in the table below. No economic, environmental, legal, socio-economic, or governmental factors were known to the author of the 2008 Report that would impact the estimate of mineral resources at the Ferguson Lake Property.
 
Using the metal price, exchange rate, royalty payable, and recovery data, a dollar value was calculated for each block or partial block in massive sulphide. Resource cut-off value is established by the estimated operating costs. Blocks with value equal to or greater than CDN$75 for the open pit model and CDN$110 for the underground model have been deemed resources.

 
24

 



Economic and Recovery Factors:
 
Metal
Price per pound
Recovery
Nickel
US$7.00
93%
Copper
US$1.75
93%
Cobalt
US$15.00
64%
US$/CDN$ Exchange Rate: 1.18
Royalty Payable: 3% NSR
Operating Costs:
 
Basis Open Pit Mining - Cost per tonne milled:
CDN$75.00
Basis Underground Mining - Cost per tonne milled:
CDN$110.00

*Economic, mining, and processing values used to establish block value and cut-off value have been established for the Ferguson Lake Project by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associated Ltd and NeoFerric.
 
Resource blocks in the West Main Zone have been classified as indicated resources and inferred resources. During block interpolation, the following data were recorded: a) the number of samples used to interpolate each block, b) the number of octants used for the interpolation of each block, and c) the block variance for nickel grade estimation. Classification of resource as indicated was based in part on consideration of the block model of these statistics in individual blocks, neighbouring blocks, and groups of blocks. Classification as indicated was also based on a) regular and tighter drill hole spacing and b) contours of sulphide thickness, and therefore interpretation of thicker and apparently more continuous massive sulphide. Other resources outside of the blocks are classified as inferred resources. No blocks have been classified as measured resources.
 
West Extension and the East Zones
 
Assays and Intersections
 
Massive sulphide intersections in diamond drill holes in the West Extension and the East Zones were evaluated for economic potential using the data and parameters contained in the previous table set out above. The cut-off value of CDN$75 was used for evaluation of intersections in the East Zone and the cut-off value of CDN$110 was used for evaluation of intersections in the West Extension Zone. Intersections above cut-off values were incorporated into the resource estimate. In both the West Extension and the East Zones, a horizontal and vertical width of 2.5 metres was used as a minimum width. As the West Extension Zone includes only holes drilled by the Corporation, all of the nickel, copper, and cobalt assay data were used to calculate intersection values. However, the intersection values used for the Inco holes in the East Zone, which do not have associated cobalt assay data, included an average cobalt grade of 0.08% cobalt, based on the average block grade from the Main West Zone.
 
Summary
 
The resources for the Ferguson Lake Property, including the East, Main West, and West Extension zones are summarized in the Mineral Resources table below. The mineral resources were estimated by James G. Lavigne and reported in the 2007 Report.

 
25

 


Mineral Resources

Indicated Resources
             
Zone
Tonnes (Mt)
Ni(%)
Cu(%)
Co(%)
Pt(gpt)
Pd(gpt)
Pit Area: Main West Zone
8.3
0.71
0.93
0.08
0.24
1.57
Underground: Main West Zone
7.0
0.70
1.17
0.08
0.32
1.74
             
Total Indicated Resources
15.3
0.71
1.04
0.08
0.28
1.64
             
Inferred Resources
             
Zone
Tonnes (Mt)
Ni(%)
Cu(%)
Co%
Pt(gpt)
Pd(gpt)
Pit Area: Main West Zone
3.4
0.59
0.71
0.07
0.15
1.20
Underground: Main West Zone
1.3
0.64
1.19
0.07
0.36
1.73
Extension West Zone
14.7
0.71
1.23
0.08
0.31
1.88
East Zone
9.5
0.65
0.75
*
*
*
             
Total Inferred Resources
28.9
0.67
1.01
*
*
*
Includes
19.4
0.68
1.13
0.08
0.28
1.75
             
Notes:
 
           
mt = millions of tones
 
gpt = grams per metric tone
 
           
* = Platinum, palladium, and cobalt not estimated for the East Zone as the East Zone contains a higher proportion of historical INCO holes, for which Cobalt or individual platinum or palladium grades have not been determined.

2011  Report Results and Classification

As per NI 43-101, a Mineral Resource is “an inventory of mineralization that under realistically assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions might become economically extractable”. The economic and technical parameters used to evaluate the massive sulphide block model are summarized in Table 14-15. No economic, environmental, legal, socio-economic, or governmental factors are known to Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“RPA”) that would impact the estimate of Mineral Resources at Ferguson Lake.

Using the metal price, exchange rate, royalty payable, and recovery data, a dollar value was calculated for each block or partial block in massive sulphide (i.e., block NSR value). Resource cut-off value is established by the estimated operating costs. In order to assess the potential for open pit resources, RPA assessed the 2008 Whittle shells using a cut-off grade of $53/tonne. Blocks with NSR equal to or greater than $53/tonne within the 2008 Whittle shells have been tabulated as open pit resource. Blocks outside of the pit shells were assessed and those with NSR value of $97/tonne or greater have been tabulated as underground resources.

 
26

 



Economic and Recovery Factors:
 
Metal
Price per pound
Recovery
Nickel
US$9.00
91%
Copper
US$3.15
96%
Cobalt
US$17.00
90%
Iron
Note 1
74%
Sulphur
Note 1
67%
Sulphuric Acid (93%)
US$80.00
 
Hematite (62%)
US$100.00
 
US$/CDN$ Exchange Rate: 1.00
Royalty Payable: 2% NSR
Operating Costs:
 
Basis Open Pit Mining - Cost per tonne milled:
CDN$53.00
Basis Underground Mining - Cost per tonne milled:
CDN$97.00

Notes:
 
 
1.
NSR cut-off prices for pure iron and sulphur derived from iron and sulphur molecular weights in

CLASSIFICATION

Resource blocks in the Main West Zone have been classified as Indicated Resources and Inferred Resources. During block interpolation, the following data were recorded:

Number of samples used to interpolate each block
Number of octants used for the interpolation of each block
Block variance for Ni grade estimation

Classification of a Mineral Resource as Indicated was based in part on consideration of the block model of these statistics in individual blocks, neighbouring blocks, and groups of blocks. This classification was also based on:

 Regular and tighter drill hole spacing  Contours of sulphide thickness and therefore interpretation of thicker and  apparently more continuous massive sulphide

 
27

 


The tabulation of Indicated and Inferred Resources in the Main West Zone is contained in the following table:

MINERAL RESOURCES

INDICATED RESOURCES
 
Zone
Tonnes
(Mt)
Ni
%
Cu
%
Co
%
Pt
%
Pd
%
Fe
Grade
$
%
1000 Pit
1.1
0.63
0.97
0.22
1.54
0.07
36.33
19.95
2000 Pit
0.0
0.59
0.72
0.13
1.65
0.11
37.11
20.07
Total Pit
1.1
0.63
0.97
0.22
1.54
0.07
36.34
19.95
                 
1000 UG
5.5
0.62
0.85
0.19
1.46
0.08
35.32
19.33
2000 UG
2.2
0.56
0.79
0.20
1.22
0.06
35.62
19.11
3000 UG
7.1
0.69
1.16
0.32
1.73
0.08
41.15
22.81
Total UG
14.7
0.65
0.99
0.25
1.55
0.08
38.16
20.97
                 
Total
Indicated
 
15.8
 
0.65
 
0.99
 
0.25
 
1.55
 
0.07
 
38.04
 
20.90

 
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INFERRED RESOURCES
 
Zone
Tonnes
(Mt)
Ni
%
Cu
%
Co
%
Pt
%
Pd
%
Fe
Grade
$
%
1000 Pit
0.2
0.57
0.92
0.18
1.38
0.07
33.60
18.22
2000 Pit
0.0
0.59
0.72
0.13
1.65
0.11
37.11
20.07
Total Pit
0.2
0.57
0.90
0.17
1.40
0.07
33.96
18.40
                 
1000 UG
1.2
0.58
0.78
0.15
1.38
0.07
33.61
18.30
2000 UG
3.4
0.59
0.71
0.15
1.20
0.07
36.54
19.75
3000 UG
1.3
0.63
1.19
0.36
1.71
0.07
38.72
21.16
Total UG
5.9
0.59
0.82
0.20
1.34
0.07
36.15
19.59
                 
Total
Inferred
 
6.1
 
0.59
 
0.83
 
0.19
 
1.34
 
0.07
 
36.08
 
19.55

 
 Notes:  
1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.
2. Mineral Resources were estimated at NSR cut-off values of $53 and $97 per tonne for open pit and underground, respectively.
3. Mineral Resources were estimated using average long-term metal prices of US$9.00, US$3.15, and US$17.00 per pound of nickel, copper, and cobalt, respectively, a US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.00, and a royalty of 2% NSR.
4. Metallurgical recovery assumptions were 91% for nickel, 96% for copper, and 90% for cobalt.
 
                  
Current Exploration and Development
 
The following information under this heading is provided by the Corporation and is not extracted from the 2011 Report.
 
Significant exploration and diamond drilling has been undertaken since the 2008 report. The diamond drilling was primarily designed to upgrade the confidence in the existing copper-nickel-cobalt sulphide mineralization through a series of interspaced and extended drill holes. Additionally, as in the fiscal 2008 program, a portion of the drilling was extended beneath the massive sulphide resource in an effort to further define the geometry and continuity of the low-sulphide PGM occurrence. The massive sulphide mineralization comprising the West Zone is currently being remodelled, and at the same time existing data is being utilized to construct the initial model for the low sulphide PGM mineralization located in the footwall of the West Zone.
 
The Corporation also began a program designed to assess the diamond, gold and base metal potential of the remainder of the claim block. This effort included processing and a mineralogical study of 1,100 till samples taken in 2005 and 2006 along with a thorough review of existing geophysics and ground reconnaissance. This work resulted in the discovery of a microdiamond and three grains of native gold in separate till samples. Both the diamond discovery and the gold find in the Y Lake area were followed up by a helicopter borne geophysical program consisting of a combined DIGHEM and Horizontal Magnetic Gradiometer survey.
 
This survey, which was completed in May 2009, totalled 4,729 line km. In addition to better defining the geology and sulphide-bearing horizons within the survey area, processing and interpretation of the data identified 14 Resistivity anomalies. These anomalies are potentially significant, since their size, shape and apparent continuation to depth may be indicative of kimberlitic intrusives.  Of these fourteen anomalies, M4 is particularly encouraging since it is located approximately 1.5 km up-ice of till sample TDS5-126, in which the previously reported microdiamond was found during mineralogical studies by SGS Minerals Services.

 
29

 

Drilling Program
 
The 2011 drilling program, which began in July and was completed during the first week of September, had the following three objectives:

1)
Further evaluate and better define the strong massive sulphide mineralization within the West zone.
 
2)
Evaluate a strong gossan possessing anomalous copper in rock chip geochemical samples that is related to a strong airborne conductivity anomaly located southwest of the 119 Zone Extension.
 
3)
Attempt to extend strong, but deep (>1,000m) massive sulphide mineralization in the 119 Zone Extension southwestward from hole FL04-174.
 
During the 2011 exploration program, three holes totaling 1,866 meters (6,122 feet) were completed.
 
Drill hole FL11-430, which was drilled 30 meters east of FL06-251, was designed to further evaluate and better define massive sulphide mineralization in the western part of the West Zone.  This hole, which was drilled southward at -64 degrees to a final depth of 215 meters (705 feet), intersected three closely spaced massive sulphide lenses.  The assay summary for this hole appears in the table on the following page.
 
Drill hole FL11-431, which is located southwest of the 119 Zone Extension, was drilled to evaluate a strong ENE trending, steeply north dipping gossanous zone, possessing weak base metal values in surface rock chip samples, that is situated within a broad airborne conductivity anomaly.  This hole, which was drilled southward at -57 degrees to a final depth of 422 meters (1,384 feet), intersected a broad zone of disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite and a bleached, silicified zone containing spotty pyrite and chalcopyrite at 387.9 meters. This 3.91meter wide zone contained copper values up to 631ppm.
 
Drill hole FL11-432, which is located on the 119 Zone Extension approximately 350 meters southwest of hole FL04-174, was drilled in an attempt to extend the deep massive sulphide mineralization southwestward. This hole, which was drilled southeastward at a -64 degree inclination to a final depth of 1,229 meters (4,032 feet), intersected five lenses of sub-massive to massive sulphide mineralization between the depths of 1096.49 meters (3,597.4 feet) and 1,126.09 meters (3,694.5 feet).  Of these, four are considered significant and their assays are reported in the table below.

 
30

 


A more detailed summary of the significant assay results for the 2011 Ferguson Lake drill program can be found in the table below.

HOLE NUMBER FL11-430
Coordinates
 (NAD83)
Azimuth
Inclination
Interval
 
 
Thickness
Assays
Easting
Northing
From (m)
To (m)
Cu (%)
Ni (%)
Co (%)
Pt (g/t)
Pd (g/t)
 
604865
6972920 
181
-64
104.60 
107.55 
 
2.95m
1.07
0.91
0.09
0.14
1.93
       
 111.50
 119.00
 
7.5m
1.97
0.66
0.08
0.40
1.77
       
 134.00
 140.00
 
6.0m
0.60
0.13
0.04
0.13
0.40
 
HOLE NUMBER FL11-432
Coordinates
 (NAD83)
Azimuth
Inclination
Interval
 
 
Thickness
Assays
Easting
Northing
From (m)
To (m)
Cu (%)
Ni (%)
Co (%)
Pt (g/t)
Pd (g/t)
 601650
 6972775
165.5
-64
 1,096.49
1,098.52 
 
2.03m
1.19
0.58
0.07
0.03
1.28
       
 1,106.45
1,112.10 
 
5.65m
1.23
0.64
0.07
0.32
1.73
       
 1,118.70
 1,124.66
 
5.96m
1.33
0.73
0.04
0.11
1.86
       
 1,125.46
 1,126.09
 
0.63m
0.68
0.26
0.03
0.47
4.93

HOLE NUMBER FL11-430
Coordinates
 (NAD83)
Azimuth
Inclination
Interval
 
 
Thickness
Assays
Easting
Northing
From (m)
To (m)
Cu (%)
Ni (%)
Co (%)
Pt (g/t)
Pd (g/t)
 
604865
6972920 
181
-64
104.60 
107.55 
 
2.95m
1.07
0.91
0.09
0.14
1.93
       
 111.50
 119.00
 
7.5m
1.97
0.66
0.08
0.40
1.77
       
 134.00
 140.00
 
6.0m
0.60
0.13
0.04
0.13
0.40
 
HOLE NUMBER FL11-432
Coordinates
 (NAD83)
Azimuth
Inclination
Interval
 
 
Thickness
Assays
Easting
Northing
From (m)
To (m)
Cu (%)
Ni (%)
Co (%)
Pt (g/t)
Pd (g/t)
 601650
 6972775
165.5
-64
 1,096.49
1,098.52 
 
2.03m
1.19
0.58
0.07
0.03
1.28
       
 1,106.45
1,112.10 
 
5.65m
1.23
0.64
0.07
0.32
1.73
       
 1,118.70
 1,124.66
 
5.96m
1.33
0.73
0.04
0.11
1.86
       
 1,125.46
 1,126.09
 
0.63m
0.68
0.26
0.03
0.47
4.93

* Depths are not corrected to true thickness *

The samples were initially shipped to ALS Chemex Laboratory in Yellowknife, NWT where they underwent sample preparation. A 1,000 g sample was then shipped to ALS Chemex Laboratory in Vancouver, BC for multielement analysis. Reject material for a minimum of every 10th sample has been sent to SGS Laboratory in Vancouver, BC for multielement check assays, and all mineralized intervals will be checked by SGS Laboratories in Vancouver.

 
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The fiscal 2009 drilling program, which was undertaken in two phases, was designed to convert more of the massive sulphide mineralization comprising the West Zone from the Inferred Mineral Resource category to the Indicated category; to further define the geometry and continuity of the low sulphide PGM mineralization located in the footwall of the West Zone; to better define the massive sulphide mineralization in the West Zone Extension; and, to begin evaluating some of the more promising exploration targets outside of the known resource area. During the fiscal 2009 program, a total of 51 holes were attempted, with 45 completed to planned depth, while six other holes were abandoned due to drilling difficulties, resulting in a total of 19,092 metres drilled. Of the holes completed, 34 were drilled on the West Zone, five were drilled on the North Zone, one was drilled on the Grizzly Trend, three were drilled on the Y Lake Trend and two were drilled on the West Zone Extension.
 
Exploration targets located outside of the resource area were selected for investigation based on a combination of encouraging results, namely airborne geophysics VTEM, rock chip geochemical sampling and reconnaissance geologic mapping.
 
 
Five widely spaced angle holes totalling 2,167 metres were completed along the North Zone, which is 1.5 kilometres north of the West Zone. The holes intersected intervals of sub-massive sulphides, as well as veinlet-controlled and disseminated sulphides.
 
 
Three widely spaced angled core holes, totalling 1,243 metres, were completed on the Y Lake trend, which is located 20 kilometres south of the West Zone. These holes intersected sulphide-bearing intervals that contained geochemically anomalous copper (up to 681 ppm), nickel (up to 1,475 ppm), silver (up to 1,130 ppb), gold (up to 0.76 g/t), arsenic (up to 1,005 ppm), and tellurium (up to 0.55 ppm).
 
 
One angled hole, totalling 420 metres, was completed on the Grizzly Trend, which is located 8 kilometres south of the West Zone. This hole intersected several intervals of veinlet-controlled and disseminated sulphides containing anomalous copper (up to 815 ppm), silver (up to 1,170 ppb) and tellurium (up to 0.34 ppm).
 
It should be noted that the elements arsenic and tellurium are commonly associated with gold mineralization in many gold deposits. Since they occur in higher geochemical concentrations than gold, they often serve as good indicators or pathfinders, to gold mineralization. As a result, they may be used to vector or direct exploration to the part of a hydrothermal system having the highest exploration potential.
 
Surface Exploration Program
 
In an effort to further evaluate its large land holding, Starfield embarked on a grassroots surface exploration program to examine the kimberlite and gold potential of the Corporation’s 270 active claims comprising the Ferguson Lake project. In addition to the favourable geologic setting, the potential presence of kimberlites is reinforced by the active diamond exploration being undertaken by other companies on ground surrounding the Ferguson Lake project.
 
Processing and selection (“picking”) of the 1,100 till samples collected during the 2005/2006 project-wide sampling program have been completed and planned mineralogical studies based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microprobe analyses have been completed on 1,825 picked grains. In addition to the discovery of a microdiamond during picking, these mineralogical studies identified and confirmed that some garnet and ilmenite grains of possible kimberlitic origin were present in widely spaced samples.

 
32

 


Although the exploration significance and source of the microdiamond has not yet been determined, and the recently completed mineralogical studies are somewhat inconclusive, the recently completed airborne geophysical survey did identify 14 targets that could potentially represent kimberlitic bodies. As a result, the presence of the microdiamond must still be considered encouraging. This significance is further supported, since no striations were observed on the diamond and the crystal was not broken, which suggests proximity to a nearby source. Additionally, the size of the microdiamond is consistent with the size fraction (-35 to + 60 microns) being processed at the time; the possibility of off-site contamination has been disproven; the microdiamond bearing sample is located near a sample containing a possible ilmenite grain of kimberlitic origin; and, the sample in which the microdiamond was found is proximal to a geophysical anomaly previously interpreted as a possible kimberlitic body.
 
Additionally, during selection, three small grains of gold were identified in three separate widely spaced samples. Two of the samples occur north of the western end of the Y Lake Trend in or adjacent to a series of till samples in which anomalous gold was previously detected by multi element analysis of the 2005/2006 till samples. The third grain of gold was found in a till sample collected approximately 20 kilometres north of the current property boundary.
 
During August and September 2010, the company undertook a limited surface reconnaissance program in the Y Lake area, as well as drilled four core holes in the Y Lake area that were designed to investigate coincident rock chip and airborne (DIGHEM EM) geophysical anomalies. Additionally, two holes were drilled to further investigate the copper-nickel mineralization present in the South Discovery Zone. This drilling program totalled 1,126m.
 
 In the case of the four holes drilled in the Y Lake area (FL10-424 thru FL10-427), assays revealed that only narrow intervals of anomalous zinc were intersected. Assays from drill hole FL10-429, which was drilled on the South Discovery Zone indicated that anomalous copper and nickel values (respectively up to 1505 ppm and 1277 ppm) were obtained in a narrow zone of sub-massive sulphides believed to be the down dip continuation of the South Discovery zone.
 
HYDROMETALLURGICAL PROCESS
 
Conventional milling and flotation processes generate toxic and acid-producing tailings which need a dedicated disposal area with perpetual monitoring. The Corporations’s hydrometallurgical process turns the typical problem elements of sulphur and iron into saleable by-products.  Iron is converted into hematite, which is non-toxic and potentially marketable. Sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid, which is a necessary reagent in the recovery of uranium, and is also used in the manufacture of many commercial chemicals and fertilizers.
 
The Primary Leach process outputs hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S). The H2S gas is reacted with oxygen, resulting in the release of extreme heat (1600°C) and sulphuric acid (H2SO2). The extreme heat is captured to produce super-heated high pressure steam sufficient to power steam-driven electrical generation.
 
The ability to produce our own energy is a tremendous savings to both our costs and the environment. With an expected ore feed of 6,000 tonnes/day, the Primary Leach Process generates 65 tonnes/hour of H2S. Burning the H2S provides 1,000,000 MJ (megajoules)/hour of energy - the equivalent energy from consuming 24,000 litres of fuel oil per hour, and preventing 60 tonnes/hour of CO2 greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere.
 
Hydrometallurgical Testing
 
In 2006, the Company announced the successful hydrometallurgical bench-scale test extraction of base metals from the Ferguson Lake massive sulphide mineralization, and the subsequent production of high purity nickel and copper metal from the process solution. The 2006 program resulted in laboratory recoveries (from sulphide core samples) ranging from 98% to 99.8% for copper and nickel and 60% to 70% for cobalt. During the two-stage treatment process, the PGMs remain in the final residue (10% of original mass of sample) as a precious metal concentrate with a grade between 30 and 50 grams of palladium plus platinum per tonne. Separate electrolytic nickel and copper (99.99% purity) metal coupons (wafers) have been produced from the hydrometallurgical treatment solutions.

 
33

 


The success of this research program has allowed Starfield to develop a novel, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient hydrometallurgical flow sheet to recover the base and precious metals from its Ferguson Lake massive sulphides. This process is carried out at atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the need for a pressure leaching system. The research is focused on the crucial process step of iron precipitation and regeneration of the hydrochloric acid needed for the leaching step.
 
In 2006, the Company provided funding to Dr. Harris to arrange and build a two-stage mini pilot plant leach circuit. The custom-built pilot plant is designed to provide continuous feed and testing of the process. In 2007, the Company signed a contract with SGS Lakefield Research Limited to test the mini pilot plant using the Ferguson Lake massive sulphides. The process circuit’s modular units were set up at the SGS laboratory facility located in Lakefield, Ontario. Dr. Harris and the professional hydrometallurgical staff of Lakefield successfully carried out the project to its completion in the fall of 2007. The objectives of the project were fully realized, by demonstrating the continuous operational capability of the leaching circuits, and providing the data necessary for the scoping study.
 
During 2006 and 2007, SGS Lakefield Research Limited was also contracted to carry out flotation and metallurgical testing on Ferguson Lake massive sulphide mineralization, and to conduct Platsol Hydrometallurgical leaching of first stage leach concentrate produced from the Harris hydro-metallurgical process. All of these projects have been completed to support the Scott Wilson RPA scoping study evaluation of the Ferguson Lake Project.
 
In 2008, the Company released further successful test results from the refinement of the hydrolysis circuit in its hydrometallurgical process. During batch testing, the iron hydrolysis and acid recovery circuit worked well, producing high quality hematite and simultaneously recovering high strength hydrochloric acid. The hematite is of sufficient purity and quality to be used directly in steelmaking, and therefore presents a potential new revenue stream for the Ferguson Lake project. Testing of the semi-continuous circuit for iron hydrolysis, precipitation and hydrochloric acid recovery has been ongoing in Montreal. Initial results are encouraging, and further testing is planned.
 
Preliminary results show:
 
 
The procedure can be effectively and efficiently translated from the initial batch mode of testing to continuous operation. This is a key achievement in any hydrometallurgical process; 
 
Hydrochloric acid, ranging from 30% to 35% in strength, has been continuously, and more importantly, steadily and consistently produced over extended periods of several hours; and, 
 
The process generates a highly crystalline black hematite, with a coarse texture that filters very well, and an iron content of 68% to 71%, with no detectable base metals and very low chloride content (<0.2%).
 
Since the publication of the Company’s scoping study that was filed on SEDAR on May 1, 2008, considerable progress has been made towards optimizing and finalizing the process circuit. The magnesium chloride matrix has been replaced by hydrochloric acid leaching. All the data generated with magnesium are equally applicable to acid alone. The primary leach and secondary leach, both of which were successfully piloted at SGS Lakefield in 2007, perform exactly the same with iron as the matrix as they did with magnesium.
 
Early in 2009, Starfield engaged the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, Hydrometallurgy Group, at McGill University in Montreal to perform a series of bench scale and semi-continuous oxidation and hydrolysis tests. These tests were designed to follow up on McGill’s work conducted under a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/Starfield Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) grant. The majority of this work was completed during the summer and fall of 2009 under the guidance of Professor George Demopoulos. The McGill test work showed that under semi-continuous conditions, the oxidation and hydrolysis process results continued to behave in a manner that the Company expects will lead to commercial application.
 
The Company has contracted SGS Minerals Services in Lakefield, Ontario to advance the development of the hydrometallurgical process to demonstrate that the key steps in the process can operate successfully using commercially available equipment and massive sulphides from Ferguson Lake.

 
34

 


On May 24, 2011, the Company announced positive preliminary test results on the processing of Ferguson Lake ore.
 
The hydrometallurgical technology being developed is engineered to recover base metals from massive sulphides at the Company’s Ferguson Lake project in Nunavut in an environmentally friendly, cost effective and energy efficient manner.
 
Testing has been performed by SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario.  Phase I testing, completed in the summer of 2010, successfully demonstrated continuous operation of the oxidation and hydrolysis sections of the hydrometallurgical process using a synthetic feed (primary leach solution).  Phase II testing began in the fall of 2010 and concluded successfully in April 2011, successfully demonstrating the oxidation and hydrolysis sections using actual feed made from Ferguson Lake massive sulphides.
 
Results from testing of the primary and secondary leach circuits show recoveries of 97% copper, 96% nickel, and 88% cobalt from a bulk sulphide concentrate produced from Ferguson Lake ore into the leach solution.  The remaining metals, including PGEs, were left in the leach residue.
 
The Company has contracted SGS to build and operate a mini-pilot plant at their facilities in Lakefield.
 
Leach solution generated from the bulk Ferguson Lake concentrate was used to successfully demonstrate stable, continuous, simultaneous operation of the two enabling steps in the hydrometallurgical technology, i.e. oxidation and hydrolysis.  The solution from the primary leach was continuously oxidized and the oxidized solution was sent directly to continuous hydrolysis.  Two campaigns of one week each were run.  The target oxidation level (80% of the ferrous iron in the leach solution) was achieved and in both campaigns reached up to 90 percent.
 
The extent of hydrolysis achieved also substantially exceeded expectations - the expected extent was about 30 percent per pass, compared to just over 70 percent achieved, with the operation of the hydrolysis reactor remaining stable.
 
The solution from the oxidation and hydrolysis campaigns was used in a continuous secondary leaching campaign, and the solution from the secondary leach was re-oxidized in a secondary oxidation step in which 97% to 98% of the ferrous iron was oxidized.
 
Targeted oxidation of the same material at 80% for a single pass was achieved in 18 hours of residence time, with the oxidation level increasing to as much as 90% in the subsequent 30 hours of residence time.
 
Hydrolysis tests on synthetic solution altered its content to produce from 20% to 26% hydrochloric acid.  Higher acid levels in the range of 34% could be produced, but unacceptably high amounts of iron oxide were generated as a by-product.  Interim filtration of the solution was used to remove iron oxide, along with acid washing of the same iron oxide to reduce the residual chlorine to less than 1%.  The overall efficiency of the oxidation and hydrolysis circuits now approach 100%.
 
The Company believes that all its work to date on the Hydromet process has confirmed that the process will operate as designed. Given the Company’s current financial condition, the Company has temporarily delayed the construction of the Hydromet mini-plant.
 
The technical information in this document has been reviewed by Ray Irwin, BSc, P.Geo, a Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.


 
35

 



STILLWATER PROJECT

On March 25, 2009, the Nevoro Corporation  released a Technical Report on their Ni-Cu-Co-Cr-PGM Stillwater Project in Stillwater and Sweetgrass Counties, Montana USA (the “Stillwater Project”) by Robert Suda, MSc, L.P. Geo., Alistair R. Turner, MSc, C.P. Geo., Curt Hogge, MSc, C.P.Geo (the “Stillwater Project Report”). The following summary of the Stillwater Project is reproduced from the Stillwater Project Report.

Project Description and Location

The Stillwater Project, comprising approximately 15,700 acres, is located in south central Montana, approximately 129 kilometres west southwest of the city of Billings. The project area is in the southern part of the Stillwater Complex, an Archean-age layered mafic-ultramafic magmatic intrusion exposed for 48 kilometres along the northern margin of the Beartooth Mountains. The Stillwater Complex and adjacent rocks have been known to contain copper, nickel, cobalt and chromium deposits since the late 1800s. More recently, deposits of PGM elements have been recognized. Historical copper-nickel and chromite resources were defined on the properties, but are not in compliance with NI 43-101.

As previously noted above, Starfield’s Stillwater Project overlies a significant part of the exposed Stillwater Complex, which is a large differentiated, mafic-ultramafic layered intrusive that is analogous in terms of lithologies and mineralization to the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa. Like the prolifically mineralized Bushveld intrusive complex, and as evidenced by the adjacent Stillwater platinum-palladium mine, as well as previous exploration results on the project, Starfield believes its large land position covers several excellent PGM, copper-nickel-cobalt and chrome exploration targets.

The project consists of 42 patented and 740 unpatented lode and placer mining claims totalling approximately 6,332 hectares (15,700 acres). The Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) fee for holding the claims is US$103,600 per annum, and annual lease payments total $74,000. Additionally the patented claims are subject to property taxes, which total US$840 per year.    The Corporation acquired the project on October 8, 2009, by acquiring 100% of Nevoro Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

GRAPHIC


 
36

 


Starfields’s interest is held under three lease agreements:

 
1)
the Basal Zone Lease Agreement, a 10-year renewable lease with option to purchase agreement signed January 1, 2004. The lease covers 34 patented and 26 unpatented lode and placer mining claims, with payments of $500/month from the first to second anniversary date of the agreement, escalating after six years to $2,000/month, and carrying a 2% Net Smelter Royalty (“NSR”);

 
2)
the Mountain View Lease Agreement, a 10-year lease with purchase option for 1 patented and 77 unpatented claims, signed February 1, 2004, and requiring $10 due upon signing, a US$50,000 payment upon the first 5-year term extension, a $500,000 advance royalty at mine construction, and a 2% NSR royalty; and

 
3)
the Benbow Mine Lease Agreement, a 25-year lease option to purchase agreement signed July 14, 2008, consisting of seven patented lode mining claims and requiring minimum annual payments of $50,000 graduating to $100,000 annual payments after year six, and a 5% NSR royalty that can be purchased.


Subsequent to February 29, 2012, on May 1, 2012 the Corporation completed the sale of 179 mining claims of the Corporation’s Stillwater property for approximately $US 2.0 million. The above three lease agreements were not impacted by the sale of the 179 mining claims.

Also, subsequent to February 29, 2012, the Corporation relinquished its long term holding on the Benbow chromite mining leases.

The unpatented mining claims in the Stillwater Project are all on federal lands administered by the United States Forest Service (“USFS”) and require an archaeological review and an operating plan approved by the USFS in order to conduct any exploration likely to cause “significant disturbance of surface resources”. Additionally, any mechanized exploration activities in the state of Montana require a Montana State Exploration License and subsequent site-by-site approvals from the Montana state Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”). After a plan of operations is submitted, a site visit between the applicant, the DEQ and the USFS is arranged, during which visit a reclamation bond is usually calculated. The DEQ requires a reclamation bond of not less than US$200 per acre or fraction of an acre for the land that will be disturbed. Once the bond has been submitted, the appropriate agencies can grant approval. Exploration activities on the patented claims do not require permits or approval from the USFS, but do require approval from the state DEQ.

The permitting-licensing-bonding process in the Stillwater area can often be completed in as little as three months’ time; however, in some instances the process can take up to a year, or more, depending on various logistical, cultural and access issues. Once exploration permits are granted, they are usually valid for one year, but may be extended.

The Corporation has received its Montana State Exploration License to conduct exploration, including drilling, in the state. Previously, the Stillwater Project received an approved Plan of Operations (Categorical Exclusion) from the USFS, and approval from the state DEQ for core drilling at 22 sites from three approved permits on its claim blocks. Since the focus of the exploration program has been changed to PGM targets, the corporation has filed new Plans of Operation to cover planned exploration on the VEZ targets in both the Gallatin National Forest and Custer National Forest. Following inspection by representatives of the USFS and DEQ and the posting of a reclamation bond, approval of the Plans of Operation were approved during fiscal 2012.  Starfield also controls water rights at the Benbow mine and has applied for temporary access to surface water to conduct exploration.

The Corporations’s properties include many old inactive mine workings or prospect pits, none currently considered to be potential environmental liabilities.

 
37

 



Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography

The project site is reached by exiting Interstate Highway I-90 at Columbus, Montana, then traveling 19 kilometres (12 miles) south on Montana Highway 78, 5 kilometres (3 miles) south of Absarokee, to County Highway 419, then 42 kilometres (26 miles) southwest to the Stillwater mine, in Nye, Montana.  From the mine site, the properties are reached via a series of gravel roads maintained by the US Forest Service or the Stillwater Mining Company.

The area is mountainous with elevations on the property ranging from 1,500 to 2,835 metres (5,000 to 9,300 feet) above sea level and deeply incised by several rivers, notably the Stillwater River which flows through the central portion of the Stillwater Project. The mountain slopes are covered with pine forest, with adjacent glacial valleys used for ranching and farming. The vast primitive mountainous area immediately south of the project area offers fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking for tourists.

The climate is typical of Montana mountain ranges, cool and dry with common gusty to strong winds. Temperatures in the summer months can reach 27°C (80°F) or more and drop below -18°C (0°F) in the winter months with heavy snowfall at higher elevations. Exploration field operations can generally be conducted from June through October, but heavy snowfall can occur late in May and begin as early as mid-October, which can impede exploration drill operations at higher elevations. The nearby Stillwater mine operates year-round.

History

The Stillwater Complex and adjacent rocks have been known to contain copper, nickel, cobalt and chromium deposits since the late 1800s. More recently, deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), iron (in meta-sedimentary rocks) have been recognized. Exploration has since been carried out intermittently by prospectors and various large and small mining companies. Discoveries include important Ni-Cu-Co deposits, two commercial chromite deposits, and more recently the JM Reef, which now is North America’s largest and richest PGM operation.

Most of the previous exploration was done by Anaconda Minerals Company (“Anaconda”) from the 1920’s to 1985. Historical drilling on the Corporations’s properties targeted Ni-Cu with lesser drilling for chrome and PGM mineralization. The principal targets of this drilling were Mouat, Nye Basin, Benbow, Crescent Creek and Initial Creek. Historical resources were defined at all except Crescent Creek. The most advanced Ni-Cu prospect is Mouat, where Anaconda drilling defined a Ni-Cu deposit of 25.45 million tons grading 0.50% Ni and 0.48% Cu based on their last estimate in 1973 (Note: This is an historical resource estimate, which is not compliant with current CIM standards required by NI 43-101). None of the drill-defined Ni-Cu resources have been mined.

Two chromite mines were previously in production on the Corporation’s holdings - the Mountain View mine and the Benbow mine. Developed by Anaconda and mined by American Chrome Company during the Korean War, the Mountain View mine produced 920,000 short tons (835,000 tonnes) of concentrate averaging 38.5 wt percent. The Benbow chromite mine, produced 64,791 tons (58,778 tonnes) of concentrate at a grade of 41.5 wt percent Cr203 during World War II. Significant resources remain for both deposits. There has been no known production of PGMs from the Corporation’s properties.

Geological Setting

The Stillwater Project is hosted by the Stillwater Complex, a large differentiated, mafic to ultramafic, layered intrusive body. It has been moderately metamorphosed, tilted, and eroded, then unconformably overlain by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. The Complex is comprised largely of layered cumulates. Cumulate stratigraphy (i.e., magmatic layering) in the Stillwater Complex is the result of repeated intrusive pulses of mafic magma, and is comprised of three distinct, district-scale rock series: (1) the Basal Series, (2) the Ultramafic Series, and (3) the Banded Series. There are 15 successive pulses of mafic magma, with pulse crystallizing cyclic successions of olivine cumulate at the base, grading upward to olivine-bronzite cumulate and finally bronzite cumulate. The Basal and Ultramafic series underlies most of the Corporation’s  holdings. In the Mouat-Mountain View area, the Basal Series is cross-cut by a series of reverse, high-angle transverse faults, bounded to the north by the Lake Fault, a large south-dipping reverse fault, and to the south by the Bluebird Thrust. The igneous stratigraphy in this area strikes approximately N30°E and dips 50-60° NW. The Nye Basin and Benbow areas are separated by the major, north-south trending Big Seven transverse fault. Quartz monzonite and lesser aplite/quartz-hornblende diorite intrusive are present in the immediate footwall to the Basal Series rocks. The Crescent Creek area is an isolated claim block located about 7 kilometres west of the Mouat-Mountain View area. The upper part of the Basal Series in Crescent Creek is believed to be thick compared to the same section in the Mouat area, suggesting a proximity to a significant magmatic basin. Slumps and rolls in the chromitite units indicate a basin immediately to the west.

 
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The similarities between the Bushveld in South Africa and Stillwater Complex are: a similar sequence of layered, intrusive stratigraphy, the general stratigraphic magmatic levels that host the mineral deposits, and the similarities of the mineral deposits. Both complexes contain a Ni-Cu+PGM bearing lower or basal zone overlain by an ultramafic cumulate zone that contains seams of chromitite cumulates. In both complexes, some of these chromitites are PGM-bearing, such as the productive UG2 in the Bushveld and the VEZ and the A and B  chromitites in the Stillwater Complex; both host a major PGM bearing sulfide reef in the lower part of the mafic banded series, the JM Reef in the Stillwater and the Merensky Reef in the Bushveld.

Five main types of mineralization are recognized in the Stillwater Project:
 
 
1.
Nickel-copper- cobalt + PGM sulfide mineralization hosted in the Basal Series;
 
2.
PGM + gold mineralization enriched in chromitite seams, mainly the A and B chromitites within the Peridotite member of the Ultramafic Series;
 
3.
PGM mineralization associated with the Volatile Enriched Zone (“VEZ”);
 
4.
5.
PGM mineralization hosted by intrusive, discordant dunite bodies in the Peridotite member of the Ultramafic Zone and
Chromite mineralization hosted in Peridotite member Ultramafic Series.
 
The principal minerals found in the Basal Series are pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, platinum alloys, gold and silver. Potentially important are the Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization in the Mouat deposit and in the less-intensely drilled Nye Basin, Benbow and Crescent Creek prospects. The Mouat area is to-date the largest and most thoroughly tested deposit with mineralization occurring over an area of about 1,220 metres (4,000 feet) by 610 metres (2,000 feet). Thickness of the mineralization is quite variable with drill intercepts of greater than 0.2% Cu ranging from 6 metres (20 feet) to more than 43 metres (140 feet). Massive sulfide mineralization is apparently localized associated with diabase dikes and as high grade sulfides concentrated in local depressions or basins along the footwall basal norite-hornfels contact zone.

At Nye Basin, Ni-Cu-Co sulfide mineralization is present in the Basal norite hornfels breccia.  The main sulfide mineral is pyrrhotite, occurring in coarse masses or as fine disseminations.  At Crescent Creek, the sulfide mineralization is present as net-texture sulfide in the Basal Series bronzite and cordierite-pyroxene hornfels and quartz-rich cordierite-pyroxene hornfels.  Sulfide mineralization is within basinal features rather than basement high features.

The Volatile Enriched Zone(VEZ) based on a 2000 airborne magnetic and EM survey appears to represent a nearly continuous horizon of PGM enriched sulphides and graphite located 150m-400m south of the JM reef and analogous to the UG2 reef in the Bushveld Complex. Additionally and perhaps Perhaps related to VEZ horizon are very coarse-grained lenses, small, pipe-like discordant bodies of dunite, referred to as discordant dunites. These discordant bodies can host PGM mineralization and chromite pods and lenses. Grab samples from the Crescent Creek dunite reportedly returned Pt-Pd values up to 80 g/t.

Exploration

The only recent exploration undertaken on the Stillwater Project was a small core drilling program by Nevoro.

A significant amount of time, however, has been devoted to reviewing and auditing available maps and data. This activity has included field checks of drill locations, old workings and other features to determine accuracy of data. In addition, claim boundaries in the Nye Basin area were check surveyed by registered surveyors to check for any discrepancies particularly along boundaries with competitor claims.

 
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Re-logging and re-assaying of available Anaconda Mouat drill core was also completed.

In 2008, Nevoro drilled two core holes totalling 2,487 feet (758 m) in  the Mountain View area, near Anaconda’s historical Ni-Cu-Co sulfide drilling. The objective was to test the PGM bearing A and B chromitite units hosted in the lower Ultramafic Series. MV-08-01 abandoned at 393 feet/120m, far short of reaching the projected PGM target horizon.

MV-08-02 was drilled to a depth of 2,094 feet (638 m). The hole intersected 7 chromitite seams.). The uppermost B seam contained high-grade PGMs with initial assays showing 8.9 g/t Pt+Pd over an estimated true thickness of 1.4 feet (0.43 m), and a re-assay of the same interval using more precise methods showing 11.34 g/t total PGM (Pt+Pd+Rh+Os+Ir+Ru). The three other B chromitite seams and the three A chromitite seams in this hole also contained anomalous PGMs. These results apparently confirm that the number of PGM bearing chromitite seams and overall thicknesses of the chromitite units increase down dip. The hole also hit disseminated and semimassive sulfides hosted with locally anomalous nickel and copper values in the Basal Series and very anomalous gold.

Sampling and Analysis

Nevoro re-sampled and assayed 215 drill core samples from surviving portions of eleven diamond drill holes from historical drilling completed by Anaconda in the Mouat Ni-Cu-Co resource area. This was done to verify the Anaconda copper and nickel assays and to analyze the high sulphide intervals for PGM, cobalt, gold and other elements not assayed for by Anaconda.

Results of this work indicate anomalous Pt, Pd and Au in some samples. Two samples returned significant Pt values; interval 796-802 feet of hole 386-322 with up to 20% sulfide contained 0.491 ppm (g/t) Pt; and interval 469-473 feet of hole 366-304 contained 0.436 ppm (g/t) Pt. Three samples have > 0.1 (g/t) Pd with the highest being 0.178 ppm (g/t). Several samples contained elevated gold values confirming previous results by Anaconda. Nine samples contained greater than 0.5 ppm (g/t) Au and one sample reached 1.16 ppm (g/t) Au.

Elevated gold values were associated with high sulfide totals and often correlated with high copper and nickel assays towards the base of the Basal series. Seven samples contained greater than 1.0% copper, with one sample returning 3.6% copper. In spite of the different assay and digestion methods, there is a general comparison of the copper and nickel results between Anaconda and the Nevoro’s assays.

Nevoro completed petrographic and microprobe analysis of nine core samples selected from available Mouat core drilled by Anaconda in the 1930s and 1970s. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the Basal Zone Ni-Cu sulfide in order to understand potential metallurgical aspects of the deposit, focusing on Ni recoveries.

Detailed petrography and scanning electron microprobe analyses of 199 sulfide grains in these samples show 87% of the Ni occurs in pentlandite, 13% in pyrrhotite. This suggests that conventional smelting methods for Ni recovery is not feasible for the Mouat sulfide but alternative hydrometallurgical processes might be considered.

Historical metallurgical studies, mainly from Anaconda on the Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization from Mouat and Nye Basin also indicate conventional flotation methods for the sulfide ore are problematic because of the nickel distribution in pyrrhotite and pentlandite. Alternatives to conventional recovery methods were suggested.

Mineral Resource Estimates

The Stillwater Project currently contains no mineral resources or reserves that comply with the CIM reporting standards as required by NI 43-101.

 
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Current Exploration and Development

As previously noted above, Starfield’s Stillwater Project overlies a significant part of the exposed Stillwater Complex, which is a large differentiated, mafic-ultramafic layered intrusive that is analogous in terms of lithologies and mineralization to the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa. Like the prolifically mineralized Bushveld intrusive complex, and as evidenced by the adjacent Stillwater platinum-palladium mine, as well as previous exploration results on the project, Starfield believes its large land position covers several excellent PGM, copper-nickel-cobalt-platinum-palladium and chromium exploration targets.

Three general targets present on Starfield’s Stillwater Project are of particular interest with respect to the exploration of PGM mineralization. These include the “A” and “B” chromitites located near the base of the Ultramafic Series, the Volatile Enriched Zone (“VEZ”) located at the top of the Ultramafic Series and the potentially strongly mineralized discordant dunite bodies cutting the Ultramafic Series. The VEZ target lies a few hundred feet west of and down section of the JM Reef, which is the PGM-bearing complex that is currently being exploited by Stillwater Mining. (A schematic of Starfield’s claims in the Stillwater district is available on the Company’s website.). Starfield’s priority was to assemble all of the historical data from the Stillwater Project and the new claims purchased from Beartooth.

The VEZ is considered by Starfield geologists to be largely magmatic in origin and is thought to have considerable size potential. It is a graphite/sulphide-bearing horizon that is subparallel to and is located 150 to 400 metres down section (south) of the JM Reef currently being mined by Stillwater Mining Company.  A helicopter-borne electromagnetic and aeromagnetic survey flown in 2000 indicated the VEZ exhibits a nearly continuous conductivity anomaly, believed to represent sulphide mineralization approximately 12 kilometres in length west of the Stillwater River, located on Starfield’s claims.  Previous sampling on this segment reportedly averaged 0.13 ounces per ton (4.45 g/t) platinum and 0.32 ounces per ton (10.96 g/t) palladium over a width of 7.6 metres (25 feet).  The drilling program is designed to follow-up on previous surface samples that averaged 18.3 g/t Pt+Pd with an average Pd:Pt ratio of 2.5:1.

The second PGM planned drill target in the 2011 exploration program was a PGM-bearing discordant dunite body, approximately 250 metres in diameter, located in the Crescent Creek area. This intrusive body may be analogous to strongly mineralized, discordant dunite bodies present in the Bushveld Complex.  Previous rock chip grab samples from the Crescent Creek dunite area reportedly returned combined Pt+Pd grades in excess of 80 g/t. Additionally, this target possesses a strong PGM soil geochemical anomaly that is 900 metres by 300 metres in size.

The 2011 helicopter-supported exploration drilling program, consisting of five holes totalling 4,091 feet, was focused on two of the better known PGE targets present on the Stillwater project (i.e. the VEZ and Crescent Creek dunite). Most of the 2011 drilling occured along segments of the VEZ horizon, which Starfield geologists feel is analogous to the Pt-Pd bearing UG2 Reef in the Bushveld Complex. The initial drilling targeted segments of the VEZ having coincident PGE soil geochemical and airborne conductivity anomalies. It is believed that the conductivity anomalies are probably due to the presence of sulphides and graphite. 

During the quarter ended August 31, 2011, the Company completed two exploration holes. One hole, EB11-01, which was completed to a depth of 737 feet during August 2011, targeted a segment of the VEZ located east of the Coors 602 resource. Drill hole LM11-01, which was also completed during August 2011 to a final depth of 777 feet, targeted a segment of the VEZ located west of the Coors 602 resource.

During September, 2011, the Company completed three exploration holes. Hole LM 11-02 is located west of LM 11-01, and targeted the same segment of the VEZ as did LM 11-01. This hole, which was completed at a depth of 786’ (239.6m), intersected some of the visually most interesting lithologies of the program.

Hole IC 11-01, which was drilled to a final depth of 862’ (262.7m), targeted the segment of the VEZ located east of the Janet 50 resource area. As with the other holes along the VEZ, this segment is characterized by coincident airborne geophysical and anomalous Pt- Pd soil geochemistry.

A review of the assay data from drill results of the 2011 exploration program revealed that none of the widely spaced holes drilled along various segments of the VEZ horizon located west of the Stillwater River contained any significantly anomalous Pt-Pd mineralization.

 
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Hole CC 11-01, which was drilled to a final depth of 919.5’ (280.2m) targeted a poorly exposed dunite possessing strongly anomalous Pt- Pd values in previous soil and rock chip sampling. The hole intersected weakly anomalous Pt and Pd values near the surface and two potentially significant zones of sulphide mineralization (i.e. 708.0’-728.5’ and 845.0’-857.5’), and terminated in unmineralized norite, the country rock.

A review of the October 1988 feasibility study was completed on the chrome properties on its Stillwater properties. The properties contain the formerly operating Benbow and Mountain View mines, which were the only chrome mines to ever produce in North America, and were last operated during the Korean War.  A non-NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study was completed by James Askew Associates for Chrome Corporation of America in 1988.  After an internal review of this study, management believes that its chrome properties in Montana may have become economical again. Due to current economic circumstances, the Company has delayed the completion of an updated 2012, 43-101 report on the chrome assets.

A potential 2012 exploration plan subject to availability of funding for the Stillwater project will be determined after assays for the 2011 drilling program are reviewed.




SUPERIOR PROJECT

The Superior project, totalling approximately 3,160 acres, is located approximately 140 kilometres northwest of Reno, Nevada, in Plumas County, north-eastern California. The project consists of 36 patented claims leased from California-Engels Mining Company and 122 unpatented mining claims (Teagan claims), which are subject to the terms of the California-Engels lease agreement.  During the quarter ended November 30, 2010, the Company dropped certain claims in the Superior project that were considered ancilliary to the core project and these claims did not have any ascribed value in the acquisition.

The project occurs in a structurally complex area at the northeast most end of the Sierra Nevada Batholith and overlies a dominantly mafic intrusive body known as the Lights Creek Stock. The project is situated in a part of the Plumas Copper Belt, the site of many historically productive high-grade copper-gold-silver mines, which have been largely inactive since the1930’s. Within the current land position, there are two advanced exploration targets, the Superior and Engels mines, but only the Superior mine has a historical (non NI 43-101 compliant) resource.  This resource located entirely on patented mining claims totals 43 million tons and averages 0.56% copper.

 In April 2006, the Nevoro entered into an option with California-Engels Mining Company to lease and purchase 6 fee property claims and 36 patented lode claims subject to certain conditions and obligations including a capped 2% royalty. The claims contain the old producing Engels and Superior copper mines.

The following summary of the Superior Project is reproduced from the Summary section of the 2007 Technical Report.

 
42

 

GRAPHIC
Plumas County was actively explored between 1863 and the 1930’s. Copper was first discovered in the Lights Creek area by Henry Engels who in 1885 made a copper discovery that eventually became the Engels Mine and Superior Mines. Initial operations began in 1890 and continued to 1930 with the main period of operation between 1915 and 1930. Both mines shut down in the 1930s and since that time there haves been sporadic periods of exploration activity. The Engels and Superior Mines have reported joint production of about 161.5 million pounds of copper, 23,000 ounces of gold and 1.9 million ounces of silver recovered from 4.7 million tons of ore between 1914 and 1930. Mill recovery averaged about 80% during this period of operation, indicating a feed grade of about 2.2% copper and 0.5oz/ton Ag and 0.005 oz/ton Au. The Walker Mine, located approximately 20 km southeast of the Superior property in the same Plumas Copper Belt, is reported to have produced about 168 million pounds of copper, 180,000 ounces of gold and 3.6 million ounces of silver from 5.3 million tons of ore from 1916- 1941.

The Superior property is hosted in the Lights Creek intrusive stock which lies near the triple point junction of the Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Basin and Range provinces which accounts for a very complex regional geological environment. The Mendocino fracture zone, which also contributes to the geological history of the area, is an east-west trending feature that passes near the Superior property. The Mendocino fracture zone appears to terminate against the northwest trending Walker Lane right-lateral strike-slip shear system that contains the past producing Yerington porphyry copper deposit. The Lights Creek intrusive stock is thought to have been formed as a satellite intrusive body to the large Sierra Nevada batholith and intrudes low-grade metamorphosed Jurassic-Triassic aged volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The age of the Lights Creek stock and subsequent mineralization of the stock is thought to be approximately Early Cretaceous to Palaeocene and therefore the same general age as the copper deposit at Yerington. The Superior copper deposit is classified as a porphyry copper deposit with associated gold, silver and molybdenum credits.

 
43

 



Structure appears to play a significant role in the controls to the better copper mineralization. Various workers have noted the existence of near vertical, well mineralized shears that may contain significant as yet under determined concentrations of copper mineralization.

Most of the work completed on the property was done by Placer Dome (or its subsidiary American Exploration and Mining Co. (‘Amex’)) from 1962-1994. Amex was a subsidiary of Placer Development Limited which changed to Placer Dome Inc. in 1987 and thereafter operated in the United States as Placer Dome US, Inc. Work included regional and property wide soil geochemical surveys, geological mapping, geophysics, metallurgical test work, computer modeling and diamond drilling.

In June 2004, Sheffield optioned the nearby Diane claims from Les Storey and proceeded to stake an additional 289 claims (all of which were reassigned to Les Storey in 2010) surrounding the original optioned Diane claim block. In April 2006, the Nevoro acquired the California-Engels claims which contain the historic Superior and Engels past producing copper projects. Both mines shut down in the 1930’s and since that time there have been sporadic periods of exploration activity.

Work by Placer/Amex in the 1970’s on the Engels mine determined that there may still be a small open pit potential of approximately 2 million tons grading 0.65% Cu (not to NI43-101) remaining in the pillars and immediate areas. Additional indicated and inferred resources of 19 million tons averaging 0.63% Cu (not to NI43-101 requirements) are reported to exist underground and were not considered amenable to open pit mining methods of the 1970’s. Placer/Amex also reports a small tonnage, 68,000 tons of 2% Cu (not to NI43-101 requirements) remaining in the shaft level sill pillar. The underground mineralized areas are no longer accessible by the previous production shafts and adits.

The Superior mine is a previously mined deposit consists of a stockwork of seven parallel, north-easterly striking, and easterly dipping vein zones. A large body of disseminated copper mineralization has been identified at Superior as the result of work completed by Placer/Amex. They drilled approximately 96 drill holes or approximately 50,200 feet of diamond drilling (including 3,550 ft of rotary drilling) from 1964-1968. Preliminary computerized “ore reserves” (not to NI43- 101 requirements) were estimated by Placer/Amex of 43 million tons grading 0.559% Cu with a 0.3% Cu cutoff. In 1971-72 Placer/Amex completed further computer designed resource estimates using a 0.25% cutoff and reported “minable reserves (smoothed ultimate pit)” (not to NI43-101 requirements) using the inverse distance to the 5th  power as a block estimator, of 39 million tons grading 0.41% Cu with a strip ratio of 1.2:1.

The old Placer resources at the Superior and Engels mines are considered historic and relevant and do not follow the requirements for reserves and resources outlined in NI 43-101. Additional sampling and testing, including a proper QC/QA program will be required before any these historic resources can be considered current.

In 2006-7, Sheffield completed a detailed underground chip-channel sampling program at the Superior mine. The Superior and Engels sampling consisted of 12 rock chip, channel or grab surface samples, and 24 tailings samples. A total of 151 chip-channel samples were collected as well as 32 samples of splits from the old Placer underground drill core.

Current Exploration and Development

The Company will maintain this property with no plans for exploration in 2012.

The following section summarizes recent activities carried out by Nevoro Inc. since completion of the 2007 Technical Report, the summary of which is reproduced above. The recent information presented below was prepared by Mel Klohn, the former Vice President, Exploration, of Nevoro Inc., a Licensed Professional Geologist and Qualified Person as currently defined by NI 43-101. The activities are as follows:

 
44

 



 
1.
In August, 2008, Sheffield was acquired by Nevoro (see 2.2 Significant Acquisitions). Sheffield is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Nevoro.

 
2.
Sheffield/Nevoro staked 122 new Teagan claims, unpatented lode mining claims totalling approximately 2,067 acres contiguous with the 289 previous Teagan claims. This ground was staked principally as “protection” acreage, the geological merit of which has yet to be determined. All of the projects unpatented claims - 122 Teagan claims - are currently in good standing with all required BLM maintenance fees paid through August 31, 2011.

 
3.
Sheffield/Nevoro carried out a limited amount of new surface sampling, primarily discontinuous channel and trench samples in the Engels Mine area designed to help better define the area of supergene oxide-copper mineralization.

 
4.
Sheffield/Nevoro drilled 5 new core holes (735.5 m) on the Engels Mine target to delimit the supergene oxide-copper mineralization.


 
5.
Sheffield/Nevoro initiated a program of intensive compilation and digitization of the historical Moonlight Project data.

None of these recent activities, all of which were supervised by Qualified Persons, have to date had any material effect on the Superior project.

On October 29, 2009, Starfield announced its plans to drill at the Engels Prospect to follow up on drilling performed in 2007 where several intervals contained more than 4% copper.  During this initial program, three angle core holes were completed that totalled 574 feet (175 metres).  This drilling was designed to confirm the previously reported high-grade copper intersection and to provide a better understanding of the geology and the nature of the copper mineralization present.

Starfield announced the initial assay results from the above-noted program on November 25, 2009. This release of information covered drill holes ME09-01, which was drilled to a depth of 250 feet, and ME09-02, which was drilled to a depth of 134 feet.  In drill hole ME09-01, the first 140’ of the hole averaged 1.88% copper, including a 13.5 foot interval between 96.5 feet and 110 feet that averaged 5.36% copper and a 10.0 foot interval between 130 feet and 140 feet that averaged 8.23% copper. In addition, hole ME09-01 contained a 31.5’ interval between 158.5 feet and 190 feet that averaged 3.38% copper, which included a 10.5 foot interval averaging 8.87% copper.

In drill hole ME09-02, the first 74.3’ of the hole averaged 3.26% copper, including a 6.5 foot interval between 32.5 feet and 39.0 feet that averaged 6.74% copper and a 17.3 foot interval between 46.0 feet and 63.3 feet that averaged 9.94% copper. In addition, there was a 9.7 foot interval between 79.3 feet and 89.0 feet that averaged 11.25% copper. A cross-section of holes ME09-01 and ME09-02 can be viewed on the Company’s website. The intervals listed above are core lengths and do not necessarily depict true width.

On December 1, 2009, Starfield announced additional assay results from the Company’s initial drilling program at its Superior copper project. The table below provides silver assay results from ME09-01 and ME09-02. The intervals listed are drill core lengths and do not necessarily depict true width.

Superior Engels 2009 Silver Assay Results

Hole No.
From (f)
To (f)
Interval (f)
Silver (g/t)
ME09-01
98.0
140.0
42.0
40.9
 
158.5
176.0
17.5
54.5
ME09-02
42.0
74.3
32.3
61.8
 
79.3
89.0
9.7
87.5

Hole ME09-02 also encountered several minor intercepts of gold ranging from 1.5 g/t to 3.6 g/t.

 
45

 



In April 2010 , Starfield contracted Fugro Airborne Surveys to fly a detailed helicopter borne DIGHEM EM and aeromagnetic survey of the entire Superior project.

This survey, which totalled 440 line kilometres (224 line miles), confirmed previous geologic mapping and better defined lithologic contacts. The locations of major structures, some of which appear to have served as controlling structures (“feeders”) for the copper mineralization, are also evident. This information provides the basis for further geochemical sampling, detailed geologic mapping and the second phase of exploration drilling.
 
In June 2010, the Company undertook a second phase of drilling to further evaluate the remaining high grade, structurally controlled copper mineralization adjacent to areas previously mined at the Engels mine. This program consisted of four angled holes (ME10-04 through ME10-07) totalling 1,497 feet. Of these holes, ME10-04 through ME10-06 were drilled proximal to the underground workings a short distance northeast (ME10-04 and ME10-06) and/or southwest (ME10-05) of the 2009 drill holes, while ME10-07 was drilled on strike, but immediately northeast of previous mining operations.
 
The two “step-out” holes returned particularly favourable results. Hole ME10-05 returned 91 feet of 5.09% copper and 68.5 g/t silver, including a 55 foot section of 7.99% copper and 108.6 g/t silver. Hole ME10-04 intersected 84 feet of 2.04% copper and 15.3 g/t silver within a 109 foot section of 1.81% copper and 13.8 g/t silver.
 
The table below provides assay results from the four holes. The intervals listed are drill core lengths and do not necessarily depict true width.
 
Superior Engels 2010 Copper and Silver Assay Results

Hole No.
From (f)
To (f)
Interval (f)
Copper (%)
Silver (g/t)
ME10-04
16.0
125.0
109.0
1.81
13.80
    including:
16.0
100.0
84.0
2.04
15.30
 
141.0
178.0
37.0
1.95
22.20
 
190.0
225.0
35.0
0.79
5.25
ME10-05
10.0
101.0
91.0
5.09
68.50
    including:
39.0
94.0
55.0
7.99
108.60
 
110.0
120.5
10.5
1.46
13.20
 
159.5
191.5
32.0
2.46
20.20
ME10-06:A
168.0
178.0
10.0
0.76
5.20
 
213.0
224.0
11.0
0.54
3.86
 
238.0
245.5
7.5
1.39
12.80
 
330.0
338.0
8.0
4.90
41.40
ME10-07
262.0
275.0
13.0
1.90
15.70
 
305.0
310.0
5.0
0.95
9.90

NEVADA GOLD PROPERTIES

The Nevada property position consists of the Dome Hill project. The Corporation continues to hold the Dome Hill property which straddles the Nevada-California border.  In May 2011, the Corporation entered into an option agreement with a US gold company whereby they have the option to purchase the Dome Hill property over a three year period for a nominal amount. The Stealth property third party lease was terminated in August 2011, and the Corporation decided to allow these claims to lapse.

 
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 As the Corporation has determined that it no longer intends to pursue its interest in the Nevada projects, all accumulated costs have been written-off as at February 29, 2012.
 
 
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
An draft amendment to Form 20-F for the period ended February 28, 2011 has been filed as correspondence on EDGAR. Currently some additional comments, specifically item 15(b)(2) and 16F are being addressed.
 
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FIANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.
 
The following financial data is derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements for each of the three most recently completed financial years. Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The 2010 and 2009 information has not been restated to conform to IFRS and is presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

 
Item 5.A.
Operating results.
 
Overview
 
The Corporation’s financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars (CDN$) and are prepared in accordance with IFRS. The value of the U.S. Dollar in relationship to the Canadian Dollar was $0.9966 at February 29, 2012 and $1.0004 at October  31, 2012.
 
The Corporation is a Canadian-based natural resource exploration company. The Corporation has financed its activities through issuances of equity capital. The Corporation anticipates having to raise additional funds by equity issuance in the near term, as the Corporation does not expect to generate revenue from mining operations or to achieve self-sustaining commercial mining operations for several years.
 
The most recent significant financings are described in Item 5.B., “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
 
The transitional exemptions applied under IFRS are contained in Note 16 of the audited consolidated financial statements attached as exhibit 99.
 
Results of Operations
 
For the year ended February 29, 2012, the Corporation had a net loss of $8.6 million, resulting from exploration, general and administration spending of $5.2 million and $1.4 million respectively, together with a write-down on mineral property of $1.0 million and tax and other expenses of $1.0 million.
 
During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Corporation spent $5.2 million (2011 - $3.5 million) on exploration at its Mineral Properties.
 
Fiscal 2012 vs. Fiscal 2011
 
Exploration costs incurred in the year ended February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2011 were as follows:

     
2012
 $’000
     
2011
 $’000
 
                 
Exploration costs
               
Compensation
    1,357       998  
Aircraft support including helicopter moves
    1,137       396  
Exploration drilling
    1,393       166  
Camp support costs including fuel
    345       167  
Diamond exploration program
    0       10  
Recovery of diamond exploration program costs
    0       (10 )
Analytical and geophysical services
    1004       1,781  
      5,236       3,508  


 
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Exploration costs incurred during the year ended February 29, 2012 were $1,728 higher than the corresponding period in the prior year primarily due to the postponement of the Stillwater exploration drilling program to this fiscal year from fiscal 2011.

Other expenditures incurred for the year ended February 29, 2012 were as follows:

     
2012
$’000
     
2011
 $’000
 
                 
Directors fees
    208       226  
Investor relations
    144       106  
Legal and audit
    237       321  
Management and administrative compensation
    211       750  
Rent and office services
    311       424  
Stock-based compensation
    171       448  
Transfer and regulatory fees
    61       104  
Travel and conferences
    65       69  
      1,408       2,448  

Other expenditures for the year ended February 29, 2012 were $1,040 lower than the similar prior year period as follows:
 
 
Investor relations are higher due to increased marketing efforts;
 
Legal and audit expenses decreased due to lower legal and arbitration costs and audit fee accruals;
 
Management compensation charges decreased due to staff and salary reductions and reduced corporate bonus accruals;
 
Rent and office expense were reduced by the relocation to smaller corporate office space in early 2010;
 
Stock-based compensation was lower as only minimal stock options were granted during fiscal 2011 and minimal vesting in 2012 from previous periods stock option grants; and
 
Transfer and regulatory expenses are lower due to lower levels of financing in the current fiscal year.
 
During 2012, the Corporation wrote-down a Nevada mineral property totaling $1.0 million.
 
 
 
Item 5.B.
Liquidity and capital resources.
 
The Corporation’s primary source of funds since incorporation has been through private placements of its common shares and the exercise of stock options and common share purchase warrants. The Corporation has no revenue from mining to date and does not anticipate mining revenues in the foreseeable future. The activities of the Corporation, principally the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties, are financed through the completion of offerings involving the sale of equity securities. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising equity financing. There are no assurances that the Company will be successful in achieving this goal and as a result there is substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Subsequent to February 29, 2012, the Company completed the sale of certain mining claims of the Company’s Stillwater property for US$1,950. As of the date of this report, the Corporation had approximately $1.7 million in cash.

 
48

 



Fiscal 2012 ended February 29, 2012
 
On June 17, 2011, the Company completed a $1.4 million private placement financing by issuing 27,273,000 units at a price of $0.05. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each unit warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.08 for 24 months from the closing date.

On May 13, 2011, the Company completed a $3.8 million private placement financing by issuing 50,528,466 flow-through units at a price of $0.075. Each flow-through unit consisted of one flow-through common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each flow-through unit warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.11 for 24 months from the closing date.

Since Starfield is an exploration stage company, it does not have the ability to generate significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents in the short term. To maintain the Company's capacity to meet planned growth or to fund further development activities, the Company must utilize its current cash reserves and income from cash-equivalent investments.  As described above, exploration stage companies are heavily reliant on the equity market to fund activities, usually through private placements. Today’s equity markets make this alternative difficult without incurring significant dilution to existing shareholders. Starfield is considering all available alternatives, given appropriate pricing and other market conditions.

As of the date of this report, the Company had approximately $1.0 million in cash, which is held at the Royal Bank of Canada. Starfield continues to consider opportunities for equity financing or joint venture partnerships.

On May 7, 2012, subsequent to the fiscal 2012 year-end, the Company announced the sale of 179 mining claims in its Stillwater property to Stillwater Mining Company for $US 2.0 million. The funds will be used for working capital and exploration in Canada and the United States.
 
As at February 29, 2012, Starfield had $1.1 million in cash (February 28, 2011 - $3.9 million) and working capital of $0.5 million (February 28, 2011 - $3.6 million). The decrease in cash at February 29, 2012, compared to February 28, 2011, is due to the 2011 exploration drilling program completion.

There are 133.3 million warrants outstanding at February 29, 2012, (February 28, 2011 - 80.8 million) at a weighted average exercise price of $0.11, which, if fully exercised, would raise almost $14.7 million (February 28, 2011 - $16.2 million). The dollar value contribution of only in-the-money warrants is $nil.

There are also 30.5 million stock options outstanding at February 29, 2012, (February 28, 2011 - 29.6 million) with a weighted average exercise price of $0.31 that would contribute approximately $9.5 million (February 28, 2011 - $18.0 million) if exercised in full. The dollar value contribution of only in-the-money options is $nil.
 
The Company’s interest rate risks are limited to interest-bearing cash balances. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are short-term and non-interest bearing.


 
Fiscal 2011 ended February 28, 2011
 
On December 7, 2010, the Company completed a $5.1 million private placement financing by issuing 38,954,155 flow-through units at a price of $0.065 and 51,800,000 common share units at a price of $0.05.  Each unit consisted of one share and one half of one common share warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 for 24 months from the closing date.

On June 11, 2010, the Company completed a $2.4 million private placement financing by issuing an additional 28,054,704 units at a price of $0.085 per unit.  Each unit consisted of one flow-through share and one half of one common share warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 for 12 months from the closing date.

As at February 28, 2011, Starfield had $3.9 million in cash (February 28, 2010 - $3.6 million) and working capital of $3.6 million (February 28, 2010 - $3.6 million).

 
49

 


 
Variation in Operating Results
 
The Corporation is presently exploring its properties for sufficient reserves to justify production. However, to date no reserves have been discovered and none of the properties are yet in production and consequently, do not produce any revenue. As a result there is little variation expected in operating results from year to year and little is to be expected until such time, if any, as a production decision is made on its properties.
 
The Corporation derives interest income on its bank deposits, which depend on the Corporation’s ability to raise funds.
 
Management, periodically through the exploration process, reviews results both internally and externally with mining-related professionals. Decisions to abandon, reduce or expand exploration efforts are based upon many factors including general and specific assessments of mineral deposits, the likelihood of increasing or decreasing those deposits, land costs, estimates of future mineral prices, potential extraction methods and costs, the likelihood of positive or negative changes to the environment, permitting, taxation, labor and capital costs. There cannot be a pre-determined hold period for any property as geological or economic circumstances render each property unique.
 
Item 5.C.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
 
The Corporation conducts limited research and development activities, and has no patents and licenses, nor is it dependent upon any for its business.
 
Item 5.D.
Trend information.
 
The Corporation does not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonably likely to result in, the Corporation’s liquidity either materially increasing or decreasing at present or in the foreseeable future. Material increases or decreases in the Corporation’s liquidity are substantially determined by the success or failure of the Corporation’s exploration programs or the future acquisition of projects and availability of funding.
 
Item 5.E.
Off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
The Corporation has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Item 5.F.
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
 
The Corporation currently leases office space in Toronto, and holds a commercial lease on its Ferguson Lake Property.
 
Table No. 5
Contractual Obligations as of February 29, 2012
 
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations as of February 29, 2012
Total
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than 5 years
Operating Lease Obligations (1)
224
134
90
 -
 -
 
(1)
Operating lease obligations represent the lease on the Corporation’s current office in Toronto.
 
The Company has flow through share expenditure commitments totaling $3,789 as at February 29, 2012 which is required to be spent on qualifying Canadian Exploration Expenditures prior to December 31, 2012.
 
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
Item 6.A.
Directors and senior management.
 
Table No. 6 lists the names of each director and executive office of the Corporation as of February 29, 2012, and includes those elected at the annual and general shareholders meeting held on July 17, 2012. The directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next annual general meeting or until a successor is duly elected or appointed. Officers of the Corporation are appointed by the board of directors (“the Board”).
 

 
50

 


 
 
All directors are residents and citizens of Canada.Table No. 6
Directors and Senior Management
 
 
Name
Position
Age
Date of First Election or Appointment
 
 
Philip Martin (2) (3)
President. Chief Executive Officer and Director
67
November, 2011
 
 
Greg Van Staveren (4)
Chief Financial Officer
51
September, 2007
 
 
Raymond Irwin
Vice President, Exploration
63
April, 2008
 
 
Ross Glanville (1)(2)(3)
Director
65
August, 2004
 
 
Norman Betts (1)(2)
Director
58
March, 2006
 
 
Shirley Mears (1)(2)
Director
57
July, 2007
 
 
Notes:
(1)    Member of the Audit Committee.
(2)    Member of the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee.
(3)    Member of the Technical Committee.
(4)    Greg Van Staveren terminated employment with the Corporation on March 23, 2012
 
 
Philip Martin joined the Corporation as a director in October 2009.  Mr. Martin was previously on the Board of Directors for Nevoro Inc, and as an independent director, he chaired both Nevoro's Audit Committee and its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.  He was also a member of its Governance, Nomination and Compensation Committee and its Environmental Occupational Health & Safety Committee.  Mr. Martin is a professional Engineer with an MBA from Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK, and has extensive experience in the finance and investment business.  He has worked with Toronto Dominion Bank (in corporate banking), Gordon Capital Corporation (analyst and investment banking) and First Associates Investment Inc. (investment banking).  He is currently a director of several mining and exploration companies listed in Canada and acts as a mining finance consultant.
 
Greg Van Staveren joined the Corporation in September 2007. Mr. Van Staveren is currently the President of Strategic Financial Services, a private consulting company providing business advisory services. Mr. Van Staveren is a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Math (Honours) degree from the University of Waterloo. From February 1998 until September 2001, Mr. Van Staveren was the Chief Financial Officer of MartinRea International Inc. (MRE-TSX), and prior to that he was a partner in the mining group of KPMG, where he provided accounting, and advisory services to his clients. He had been with KPMG since 1980.

Raymond Irwin joined the Corporation in April 2008. He is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. He has more than 35 years of minerals exploration, mine development and mine operating experience, and is a Registered Professional Geologist in Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Utah as well as a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Most recently, Mr. Irwin served as Chief Geologist for Chief Consolidated Mining Company from March 2000 to November 2002; Chief Geologist for U.S. Energy Corporation from November 2002 to October 2004; Senior Environmental Engineer for the Virginia DEQ from January 2005 to November 2005 and Senior Geologist for Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. from November 2005 to April 2008.
 
Ross Glanville joined the Corporation as a director in August 2004. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1970 with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (Mining Engineering), and became a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia (P.Eng.) in 1972. In 1974, Glanville obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA), specializing in finance and securities analysis. In 1980, Glanville became a member of the Certified General Accountants of B.C. (CGA). He was formerly President of Giant Bay Resources Ltd. and Vice President of Wright Engineers Ltd. (now Fluor Corporation), and has been a director of a number of mineral resource companies. Glanville is the President of Ross Glanville & Associates, a mineral consulting firm which has valued more than six hundred mining/exploration properties and/or companies worldwide. He has also provided more than two hundred fairness opinions for mergers, amalgamations, and acquisitions of public and private companies. Glanville has also acted in more than 50 court cases and assessment appeal board hearings in Canada, the U.S.A., Australia, and the U.K. He currently serves as a director of Baja Mining Corp. (listed on the TSX Exchange), and Archon Minerals Limited and Clifton Star Resources Inc.. (both traded on the TSX Venture Exchange).

 
51

 



Norman Betts joined the Corporation as a director in March 2006. He joined the faculty of the University of New Brunswick in 1981, and served as assistant dean of the MBA program and associate dean of faculty. He currently holds the position of associate professor in the Faculty of Business Administration. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick in 1999 and served as both Minister of Finance and Minister of Business. He currently serves as a director of several companies, including New Brunswick Power, the primary power utility in New Brunswick; a director and chair of the audit committee for Minacs Worldwide, a business solutions company traded on the TSX Exchange; a director of Tembec Inc., a forest products company traded on the TSX Exchange; and a director and chair of the audit committee of Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation, a mineral exploration company traded on the TSX and American Stock Exchange.
 
Shirley Mears joined the Corporation as a director in July 2007. She is a Chartered Accountant and is a board director and chair of the audit committee of New Brunswick Power Holding Corporation. Her previous posts include VP Finance of Edgewater Computer Systems Inc., Senior VP and CFO with Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc., VP and Treasurer of Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. which is traded on the TSX, and VP, Treasurer and VP Human Resources Canada and Corporate Taxation of Mitel Corporation. Ms. Mears currently is Vice President Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for CAA North and East Ontario.
 
No director and/or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator or of any court of competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he/she is a director and/or executive officer, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he /she is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct, practice, or employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or of theft or of any felony.
 
There are no family relationships between any two or more directors or executive officers. There are no material arrangements or understandings between any two or more directors or executive officers.
 
As of the date hereof, the directors and executive officers of the Corporation, as a group beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over an aggregate 5,752,057 common shares or 0.8% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding common shares at October 31, 2012.
 
Item 6.B.
Compensation.
 
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, compensation paid to the non-executive directors was as follows:
 
Directors
 
       
Ross Glanville
31,375
 
Board member,  member of Audit and Chair of Technical, Environmental, Health and Safety Committees
Norman Betts
54,500
 
Board member, Chairman of the Board, Chair of Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee and member of Audit Committee
Stuart Bottomley
17,500
 
Board member and member of Technical, Environmental, Health and Safety Committee
Shirley Mears
36,500
 
Board member, Chair of Audit Committee and member of Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee
       
Philip Martin
28,750
 
Board member and member of Technical, Environmental, Health and Safety Committee
Timothy Read
18,250
 
Board member and member of Technical, Environmental, Health and Safety Committee
TOTAL:
$186,875
   


 
52

 
 
During the year ended February 29, 2012, up to December 31, 2011, it is intended that non-executive directors receive a basic board retainer of $24,000 plus $1,000 per meeting for meetings attended in person or $500 per meeting for meetings attended by phone. A fee of $8,000 will be paid to the chair of the audit committee, and $3,000 to the chair of any other committee. A travel fee for board meetings of $1,000 per day will also be paid with a one day travel allowance for each set of board meetings. The Chairman of the Board will receive an annual retainer of $60,000 plus travel fees. Effective January 1, 2012, all retainer and committee fees were reduced to zero.
 
During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company paid a total of $186,875 in directors’ fees. No other pension or retirement benefits have been paid to any of the directors of the Corporation. All directors of the Company are reimbursed for their travel and other expenses incurred in connection with fulfilling their responsibilities as directors of the Company.
 
Mr. Read and Mr. Bottomley submitted their resignations effective July 21, 2011.
 
Mr. Martin became President and Chief Executive Officer effective November 30, 2011.
 
The Corporation also may grant stock options to executive officers, consultants and employees as indicated below under Item 6.E. “SHARE OWNERSHIP”.
 

 
53

 

During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, the Corporation granted 10,500,000 stock options to executives and directors.
 

 
Officers
 
The Corporation entered into an employment agreement with Philip S. Martin effective December 1, 2011 until May 31, 2012, the initial term for the provision of services of a President and CEO to the Corporation.  The initial term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for one month each and every month thereafter for a maximum of six additional months. The agreement is provides for a monthly fee of $12,500 per month (plus GST), plus bonus payments, the size of which will vary based on performance. The Agreement may be terminated by Mr. Martin giving 60 days written notice to the Corporation. Subsequent to expiration of the initial term, the Agreement may be terminated by Mr. Martin giving 30 days written notice to the Corporation. The Corporation may terminate the Agreement with cause without provision of notice or payment of fees in lieu of notice. The Corporation may terminate the Agreement without cause by providing Mr. Martin with 15 days written notice and a payment of fees of $25,000. Subsequent to the initial term, the Corporation may terminate the Agreement without cause by providing Mr. Martin with 30 days written notice. If the Corporation terminates the Agreement without cause for a change of control, all unvested options granted to him shall be automatically accelerated, vested and exercisable.

The Corporation entered into a services agreement with Greg Van Staveren and 2013026 Ontario Inc. (operating as Strategic Financial Services), a corporation wholly owned by Mr. Van Staveren, for the provision of the services of a Chief Financial Officer to the Corporation.  Effective March 1, 2011, until terminated, Mr. Van Staveren agreed to reduce his cash compensation to $150,000 per year, or $12,500 per month (plus GST), plus bonus payments, the size of which will vary based on performance.  The Agreement may be terminated by Mr. Van Staveren giving 90 days’ written notice to the Corporation. The Corporation may terminate the Agreement with cause without provision of notice or payment of fees in lieu of notice. Without cause, the Corporation shall provide 90 days’ written notice to terminate the Agreement. If the Corporation terminates the Agreement without cause within 12 months of a change of control, the Corporation shall provide a lump sum payment to Mr. Van Staveren in the amount of 24 months’ fees (as defined in the Agreement) plus an amount equal to the average bonus paid to him in the three prior fiscal years, and all unvested options granted to him shall be automatically accelerated, vested and exercisable. Mr. Van Staveren terminated employment with the Company on March 23, 2012.

The Corporation entered into a services agreement with Raymond Irwin and Raymond Irwin Consulting, for the provision of services of a Vice-President - Exploration to the Corporation.  The agreement is effective April 1, 2008, until terminated, which provides for a monthly fee of USD $15,000, plus bonus payments (amounting to a maximum of 70% of base salary), the size of which will vary based on performance. Mr. Irwin was also granted 1,250,000 stock options. Effective January 1, 2012, until terminated, Mr. Irwin agreed to reduce his salary to $US 600 per day. The Agreement may be terminated by Mr. Irwin giving 90 days written notice to the Corporation. The Corporation may terminate the Agreement with cause without provision of notice or payment of fees in lieu of notice. The Corporation may terminate the Agreement without cause by providing Mr. Irwin 90 days written notice or payment of fees in lieu of notice.

 
54

 



 
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
RSU and
Option-based awards
($)(3)
Non-equity incentive plan compensation
Annual incentive plans
($)
Total Compensation
($)
Philip Martin
President & Chief Executive Officer
2012
37,500
25,500
Nil
63,000
Greg Van Staveren
Chief Financial Officer
2012
2011
2010
150,000
200,000
133,125
12,750
45,120
41,000
50,000
50,000
40,000
212,750
295,120
214,125
Raymond Irwin
VP, Exploration
2012
2011
2010
157,968
183,726
135,000
6,375
64,179
32,800
42,500
42,500
31,500
206,843
290,505
199,300

 
Other Compensation
 
Except for the stock option program discussed in Item 6, the Corporation has no material bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to the Corporation’s executive officers or directors.
 
Fees and executive stock options compensation are anticipated to be increased to more closely reflect industry standards if the Corporation is successful at establishing economic mineral reserves on one or more of its properties which results in operating revenues or a significant level of financing.
 
On January 30, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a deferred compensation unit plan of the Corporation (the “DCU Plan”). The DCU Plan provides that deferred compensation unit awards (the “DCUs”) may be granted to directors and full-time key employees, including officers, of the Corporation to promote a greater alignment of interests between these individuals and the shareholders of the Corporation. Each DCU entitles the holder (the “Participant”), subject to the terms of the DCU Plan, to receive a payment in cash on the date when the DCU is fully vested in an amount that is equivalent to the weighted average trading price per common share of the Corporation on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the payment date. The DCUs granted have a performance period expiring no later than March 1 of the second calendar year commencing after the date the DCUs are awarded. The performance period is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. All DCU’s were redeemed at fair market value as of February 29, 2012.

DCUs do not entitle any Participant to exercise voting rights or any other rights attaching to the ownership of common shares or other securities of the Corporation. Participants have no right to participate if a takeover bid is made for securities of the Corporation with voting rights superior to those attached to the DCUs. However, if a takeover bid is made pursuant to a takeover bid circular or an issuer bid is made pursuant to an issuer bid circular or if the Corporation proposes a going private transaction, the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may permit all unvested DCUs awarded under the DCU Plan to Participants in respect of such performance period to vest immediately and payment to be made to all such Participants in accordance with the DCU Plan.
 
Item 6.C.
Board practices.
 
The Corporation currently has three board of director committees: the Audit Committee, the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee, and the Technical, Environmental, Health and Safety Committee.
 

 
55

 


 
The Audit Committee recommends to the Board the engagement of the independent auditors of the Corporation and reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the Corporation’s audits, the Corporation’s internal accounting controls, and the professional services furnished by the independent auditors to the Corporation. The current members of the Audit Committee are: Shirley Mears (Chair), Norman Betts, and Ross Glanville.
 
The members of the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee are Norman Betts (Chair), Shirley Mears, Philip Martin, and Ross Glanville, all of whom are independent directors of the Corporation with the exception of Philip Martin. None of the Corporation’s executive officers have served on the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee, or any predecessor thereof, (or in the absence of such committee the entire board of directors) of another issuer whose executive officer is a member of the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee or board of directors.
 
The role of the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee is to:
 
 
i.
develop and monitor the effectiveness of the Corporation’s system of corporate governance;
 
 
ii.
establish procedures for the identification of new nominees to the Board and lead the candidate selection process;
 
 
iii.
develop and implement orientation procedures for new directors;
 
 
iv.
assess the effectiveness of directors, the Board and the various committees of the Board;
 
 
v.
ensure appropriate corporate governance and the proper delineation of the roles, duties and responsibilities of management, the Board, and its committees;
 
 
vi.
assist the Board in setting the objectives for the CEO and evaluating CEO performance;
 
 
vii.
establish a remuneration and benefits plan for directors, senior management and other key employees;
 
 
viii.
review the adequacy and form of compensation of directors and senior management;
 
 
ix.
establish a plan of succession;
 
 
x.
undertake the performance evaluation of the CEO in consultation with the chair of the Board, if not the CEO; and
 
 
xi.
make recommendations to the Board.
 
Item 6.D.
Employees.
 
As of February 29, 2012, the Corporation had 2 employees and 5 consultants under contract. The employees are not unionized. The relationship of the Corporation with its staff is considered to be excellent.
 
Item 6.E.
Share ownership.
 
The Corporation is a publicly-owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned primarily by Canadian residents, with some US residents and residents of other countries. The Corporation is not controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or any foreign government, except as described below.
 
As of October 31, 2012, the directors and executive officers of the Corporation, as a group, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of 5,752,057 shares, or approximately 0.8% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding common shares. Table No. 7 lists, as of October 31, 2012, directors and executive officers who beneficially own the Corporation’s voting securities and the amount of the Corporation’s voting securities owned by the directors and executive officers as a group. Further details of each director’s and executive officer’s stock option ownership are provided in Table No. 8 below.
 

 
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Table No. 7
Name and Position
Voting Securities Beneficially Owned or Controlled as at October 31, 2012
Norman Betts
Director
512,500 shares
2,175,000 options
Ross Glanville
Director
587,237 shares
1,640,000 options
Shirley Mears
Director
117,000 shares
1,640,000 options
Philip Martin
Director
4,535,320 shares
5,250,000 options
Raymond Irwin
Vice President, Exploration
No shares
2,650,000 options

 
Stock Options
 
Options to purchase common shares from the Corporation are granted to directors, consultants and employees of the Corporation on terms and conditions acceptable to the regulatory authorities in Canada, including the TSX. The exercise prices for stock options were determined in accordance with TSX guidelines and reflect the closing price of the Corporation’s common shares on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date.
 
The Corporation’s Stock Option Plan was originally approved by shareholders on November 28, 1997. An amended and restated Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) was approved by shareholders at the Annual Special Meeting held on July 28, 2006. The details of the Plan are as follows:
 
The purpose of the Plan is to assist the Corporation in attracting and retaining directors, officers, advisors, employees and other persons engaged to provide ongoing services to the Corporation as an incentive for such persons to put forth maximum effort for the continued success and growth of the Corporation and in combination with these goals, to encourage their participation in the performance of the Corporation.
 
The number of common shares reserved for issuance under the Plan may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) may from time to time grant options to acquire all or part of the common shares under the Plan to directors, officers, advisors, employees, and other persons or companies engaged to provide ongoing services to the Corporation. The options are non-assignable and non-transferable otherwise than by will or by laws governing the devolution of property in the event of death. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one common share. The exercise price for options granted under the Plan will be determined by the Board on the date of the grant, which price may not be less than the market value. The market value is defined as the last daily closing price per share on the exchange on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date. The term of the options is determined by the Board, which term may not exceed 10 years from the date of the grant. The Board also has the authority to determine the vesting conditions of the options, and certain other terms and conditions. Options may be exercised as soon as they are vested.
 
Options granted under the Plan will be subject to certain restrictions which include:
 
(a) the number of common shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan to any one person may not exceed 5% of the common shares issued and outstanding on a non-diluted basis from time to time;
 
(b) the number of common shares which may be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan to all insiders of the Corporation may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis from time to time;
 
(c) the number of common shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan to all insiders of the Corporation within a one-year period may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding shares on a non-diluted basis from time to time.
 

 
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An optionee whose employment with the Corporation is terminated as a result of retirement, disability or redundancy will have 60 days from the date of termination to exercise any options that have vested as of the termination date. An optionee whose employment with the Corporation is terminated, other than for cause, at any time in the six months following a change of control of the Corporation, shall have 90 days from the date of termination to exercise any option granted, and all options granted will immediately vest on the date of the termination. In the event of the death of an optionee, either prior to termination or after retirement or disability, the optionee’s legal representative will have one year from the date of the optionee’s death to exercise any options that had vested on the date of the optionee’s death. In the event of any other termination, the optionee shall have 30 days from the date of termination to exercise any options that had vested on the termination date. In the event that an optionee is terminated for cause, any options not exercised prior to the termination shall lapse.
 
In the event that the Corporation:
 
(a) subdivides, consolidates, or reclassifies the Corporation’s outstanding common shares, or makes another capital adjustment or pays a stock dividend, the number of common shares receivable under the Plan will be increased or reduced proportionally; and
 
(b) amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into another body corporate, holders of options under the Plan will, upon exercise thereafter of such option, be entitled to receive and compelled to accept, in lieu of common shares, such other securities, property or cash with the holder would have received upon such amalgamation, consolidation or merger if the option was exercised immediately prior to the effective date of such amalgamation, consolidation or merger.
 
Subject where required, to TSX and/or applicable securities regulatory authorities’ approval, the Board may from time to time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part. Shareholder approval is required for amendments to the Plan that involve:
 
 
(a)
amendments to the number of securities issuable under the arrangement, including an increase to a fixed maximum number or a fixed maximum percentage or a change from a fixed maximum number to a fixed maximum percentage;
 
 
(b)
the introduction of a provision permitting reloading upon exercise;
 
 
(c)
any change to the eligible participants which would have the potential of broadening or increasing insider participation;
 
 
(d)
the addition of any form of financial assistance;
 
 
(e)
any amendment to a financial assistance provision which is more favorable to participants;
 
 
(f)
the addition of a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or securities, which does not provide for a full deduction of the number of underlying securities from the reserved shares;
 
 
(g)
the addition of a deferred or restricted share unit or any other provision which results in participants receiving securities while no cash consideration is received by the issuer; and
 
 
(h)
in circumstances where the amendment could lead to a significant or unreasonable dilution in the issuer’s outstanding securities or may provide additional benefits to eligible participants, especially insiders, at the expense of the issuer and its existing security holders.
 
The Plan and any outstanding options may be amended or terminated by the Board if the amendment or termination is required by any securities regulators, a stock exchange or a market, as a condition of approval to a distribution to the public of the common shares, or to obtain or maintain a listing or quotation of the Corporation’s common shares. The Board may also amend or terminate any outstanding option, including, but not limited to, substituting another award of the same or of a different type or changing the date of exercise; provided, however, that the holder of the option must consent to such action if it would materially and adversely affect the holder.
 

 
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Stock Options Outstanding
 
The names and titles of the directors/executive officers of the Corporation to whom outstanding stock options have been granted and the number of common shares subject to such options are set forth in Table No. 8 as of October 31, 2012. Options vest equally with one quarter vesting immediately, and the remainder vesting equally after six, twelve, and eighteen months, respectively, from the date of grant.

Table No. 8
 
Option holder
Exercise price
Expiry date
Quantity remaining
Total
Philip Martin
 
$0.11
0.03
Jan 21, 2015
Jan 11, 2017
1,250,000
4,000,000
 
5,250,000
Raymond Irwin
$0.87
0.11
0.03
Apr. 1, 2013
Jan 21, 2015
Jan 11, 2017
1,250,000
400,000
1,000,000
 
 
2,650,000
Norman Betts
$1.05
0.11
0.03
Jan. 15, 2013
Jan 21, 2015
Jan 11, 2017
175,000
500,000
1,500,000
 
 
2,175,000
Ross Glanville
$1.05
0.11
0.03
Jan. 15, 2013
Jan 21, 2015
Jan 11, 2017
140,000
500,000
1,000,000
 
 
1,640,000
Shirley Mears
$1.05
0.11
0.03
 
Jan. 15, 2013
Jan 21, 2015
Jan 11, 2017
 
 
140,000
500,000
1,000,000
 
 
1,640,000
 

 
ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
 
Item 7.A.
Major shareholders.
 
Holdings By Major Shareholders.
 
No shareholders of the Corporation have  ownership of greater than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares.
 
Share Ownership by Country.
 
The Corporation researched the indirect holdings by depositories and other financial institutions and believes it has approximately 8,500 Canadian shareholders and 1,300 U.S shareholders.
 
Control of Company.
 
The Corporation is a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned primarily by Canadian residents with some U.S. and other foreign residents. The Corporation is not controlled by any foreign government or other person(s).
 
Change of Control of Company Arrangements.
 
None known.
 
Item 7.B.
Related party transactions.
 
During the year ended February 29, 2012, and the period up to and including October 31, 2012, the Corporation had no transactions with related parties.
 

 
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Item 7.C.
Interests of experts and counsel.
 
No disclosure required.
 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 8.A.
Consolidated statements and other financial information.
 
See the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and auditor’s report beginning on page F-1.
 
The Corporation’s financial statements are presented in Canadian Dollars (CDN$) and are prepared in accordance with IFRS.
 
The Corporation has not declared any dividend to date and has no present intention to declare any such dividend in the foreseeable future.
 
Item 8.B.
Significant changes.
 
On May 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale of 179 mining claims of the company’s  Stillwater property for $US 1,950, as included in note 17, Subsequent event, of the February 29, 2012 financial statements.

ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING.
 
Item 9.A.
Offer and listing details.
 
Until April 24, 2007, the Corporation’s common shares were traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (formerly the Canadian Venture Exchange. Thereafter, the common shares began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SRU”. The common shares are traded on Over the Counter (“OTC”) Bulletin Board in the United States, having the trading symbol “SRFDF”.
 
Table No. 10 lists the high and low sales prices on the TSX Venture Exchange or the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five most recent financial years, the two most recent financial years by quarter end and the most recent six months for the Corporation’s common shares. Table No. 10a lists the high and low sales prices for the five most recent financial years, the two most recent financial years by quarter end and the most recent six months for the Corporation’s common shares on the OTC Bulletin Board in the United States.

Table No. 10
TSX Venture Exchange/TSX Exchange
Common Shares Trading Activity (in Canadian Dollars)
 
High
Low
Fiscal Year Ended 2/29/12
$0.11
$0.02
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/11
$0.19
$0.04
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/10
$0.26
$0.09
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/09
$1.38
$0.07
Fiscal Year Ended 2/29/08
$1.93
$0.23
Quarter Ended 8/31/12
$0.02
$0.01
Quarter Ended 5/31/12
$0.03
$0.01
Quarter Ended 2/29/12
$0.03
$0.02
Quarter Ended 11/30/11
$0.05
$0.02
Quarter Ended 8/31/11
$0.07
$0.04
Quarter Ended 5/31/11
$0.11
$0.06
Quarter Ended 2/28/11
$0.19
$0.05
Quarter Ended 11/30/10
$0.09
$0.04
October 2012
$0.02
$0.01
September 2012
$0.02
$0.01
August 2012
$0.02
$0.01
July 2012
$0.02
$0.01
June 2012
$0.02
$0.01
May 2012
$0.02
$0.01

 
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Table 10a.
OTC Bulletin Board
Stock Trading Activity (US Dollars)
 
High
Low
Fiscal Year Ended 2/29/12
$0.11
$0.02
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/11
$0.17
$0.03
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/10
$0.22
$0.08
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28/09
$1.33
$0.06
Fiscal Year Ended 2/29/08
$1.82
$0.19
Quarter Ended 8/31/12
$0.02
$0.01
Quarter Ended 5/31/12
$0.03
$0.01
Quarter Ended 2/29/12
$0.03
$0.02
Quarter Ended 11/30/11
$0.05
$0.02
Quarter Ended 8/31/11
$0.06
$0.04
Quarter Ended 5/31/11
$0.11
$0.06
Quarter Ended 2/28/10
$0.17
$0.04
Quarter Ended 11/30/10
$0.09
$0.03
October 2012
$0.02
$0.01
September 2012
$0.02
$0.01
August 2012
$0.02
$0.01
July 2012
$0.02
$0.01
June 2012
$0.02
$0.01
May 2012
$0.02
$0.01

Item 9.B.
Plan of distribution.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 9.C.
Markets.
 
The common shares of the Corporation are currently listed for trading on the TSX under the trading symbol “SRU”.  Prior to April 24, 2007, the common shares traded on the TSX Venture Exchange. The common shares are traded on OTC Bulletin Board in the United States, having the trading symbol “SRFDF”.  Since 2004, the common shares of the Corporation were admitted to trade on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany.
 

 
Item 9.D.
Selling shareholders.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 9.E.
Dilution.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 9.F.
Expenses of the issue.
 
No disclosure required.
 

 
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
Item 10.A.
Share capital.
 
No disclosure required.
 

 
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Item 10.B.
Memorandum and articles of association.
 
Objects and Purposes
 
The Corporation is a registered extraprovincial company (Continuation Number C0773019) under the laws of British Columbia with certificate number A0047152. The Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation place no restrictions upon the type of business that the company may engage in.
 
Directors
 
Disclosure of Interest of Directors/Officers
 
As described in the Articles and By-Laws of the Corporation:
 
 
(a)
Director shall not vote on any resolution to approve a contract in which he/she has a disclosable interest unless the contract is an arrangement by way of security for money lent to or obligations undertaken by him/her, or by a body corporate, in which he/she has an interest for the benefit of the Corporation or its affiliate, a contract relating primarily to his remuneration as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or an affiliate, a contract for indemnity or insurance pursuant to the Act, or a contract with an affiliate.
 
 
(b)
In the absence of an independent quorum, directors cannot vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body.
 
 
(c)
The Board of Directors may from time to time, in such amounts and on such terms as it deems expedient, charge, mortgage, hypothecate or pledge all or any of the currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, property of the Corporation, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertaking, to secure any debt obligations or any money borrowed, or other debt or liability of the Corporation.
 
 
(d)
The Corporation’s Articles and By-Laws does not require retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement.
 
 
(e)
A director need not be a shareholder of the Corporation.
 
General Description of Capital Structure
 
Common Shares
 
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares, without par value, of which 718,800,545 were issued and outstanding at the February 29, 2012 year-end and 718,800,545 were issued and outstanding as of October 31,  2012. Holders of common shares are entitled to receive notice of any meeting of shareholders of the Corporation, and to attend and to cast one vote per common share at all such meetings.  Holders of common shares do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors and, accordingly, holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all directors standing for election. Holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends, if any, on a pro rata basis, such dividends, as and when declared by the Corporation’s board of directors in its discretion. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, holders of common shares are entitled to receive on a pro rata basis the net assets of the Corporation after payment of debts and other liabilities, in each case subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attending to any other series or class of shares ranking senior in priority to or on a pro rata basis with the holders of common shares with respect to dividends or liquidation. The common shares do not carry any pre-emptive subscription, redemption or conversion rights.
 
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of First Preferred Shares and Second Preferred Shares. No First Preferred Shares or Second Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding.
 

 
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Special Rights and Restrictions Attached to First and Second Preferred Shares
 
The First Preferred Shares and Second Preferred Shares, respectively, may include one or more series of shares and, subject to the Business Corporations Act, the directors may, by resolution, if none of the shares of any particular series are issued, alter the Articles of the Corporation and authorize the alteration of the Notice of Articles of the Corporation, as the case may be, to do one or more of: (a) determine the maximum number of shares of that series that the Corporation is authorize to issue, determine that there is no such maximum number, or alter any such determination; (b) create an identifying name by which the shares of that series may be identified, or alter any such identifying name; and (c) attach special rights and restrictions to the shares of that series, or alter any such special rights or restrictions.
 
With respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs: (a) the First Preferred Shares of each series shall rank on a parity with the First Preferred Shares of every other series and be entitled to preference over the Second Preferred Shares, the common shares and the shares of any other class ranking junior to the First Preferred Shares; and (b) the Second Preferred Shares of each series shall rank on a parity with the Second Preferred Shares of every other series and be entitled to preference over the common shares and the shares of any other class ranking junior to the Second Preferred Shares.
 
The Second Preferred shares of any series shall also be entitled to such other preferences, not inconsistent with these provisions, over the Common shares and the shares of any other class ranking junior to the Second Preferred shares.
 
The First Preferred Shares and the Second Preferred Shares, respectively, of any series shall also be entitled to such other preferences not inconsistent with the Articles and, more particularly, not inconsistent with the priorities noted above.
 
Shareholders have no specified rights to share in the profits of the Corporation and there are no sinking fund provisions or shareholder liability to further capital calls by the Corporation.
 
There are no provisions discriminating against any existing or prospective holder of securities as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of shares.
 
A Special Shareholders’ meeting can only alter the rights of holders of the Corporation’s shares.
 
Rules pertaining to annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings of shareholders are described in Section Ten of the Corporation’s By-Laws. These rules are summarized as follows:
 
(a) The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held at such time in each year at such place as the board, the chairman of the board, the managing director or the president may from time to time determine, for the purpose of considering the financial statements and reports required by the Act to be placed before the annual meeting, electing directors if required, appointing auditors if required and transacting such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
 
(b) Meetings of the shareholders shall be held at the registered office of the Corporation or elsewhere in the municipality in which the registered office is situated or, if the board shall so determine, at some other place in Alberta.
 
(c) The board, the chairman of the board or the president shall have power to call a special meeting of the shareholders at any time.
 
There are no limitations on the rights to own securities.
 
There are no provisions of the Corporation’s articles of association, charter or bylaws that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Corporation and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Corporation.
 
Shareholder ownership must be disclosed by any shareholder who owns more than 10% of the Corporation’s common shares.
 

 
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Discriminatory Rights Against Significant Shareholders
 
The Corporation’s articles/by-laws do not address these issues. Accordingly, Alberta law and any exchange upon which the common shares trade govern the shareholders’ rights regarding these issues.
 
Modification of Rights of Shareholders
 
Provisions as to the modification, amendment or variation of such shareholder rights or provisions are contained in the “Business Corporations Act” of British Columbia, Canada. Unless the “Business Corporations Act”  or the Corporation's Articles or Memorandum otherwise provide, any action to be taken by a resolution of the members may be taken by an ordinary resolution or by a vote of a majority or more of the shares represented at the shareholders' meeting.
 
Item 10.C.
Material contracts.
 
The Corporation has entered into employment agreements with each of its principle executive officers. The terms of those agreements are described in Item 6.B.
 
Item 10.D.
Exchange controls.
 
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of the Corporation’s common shares. Any remittances of dividends to United States residents are, however, subject to a 15% withholding tax (5% if the shareholder is a corporation owning at least 10% of the common shares of the Corporation) pursuant to Article X of the reciprocal treaty between Canada and the United States.
 
Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act (the “ICA”), there are no limitations under the laws of Canada, the Province of British Columbia or in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation on the right of foreigners to hold or vote the common shares of the Corporation.
 
The ICA, which became effective on June 30, 1985, regulates the acquisition by non-Canadians of control of a Canadian business enterprise. In effect, the ICA requires review by Investment Canada, the agency which administers the ICA, and approval by the Canadian government in the case of an acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian where: (i) in the case of acquisition (for example, through a share purchase or asset purchase), the assets of the business are $5 million or more in value; or (ii) in the case of an indirect acquisition (for example, the acquisition of the foreign parent of the Canadian business) where the Canadian business has assets of $50 million or more in value or if the Canadian business represents more than 50% of the assets of the original group and the Canadian business has assets of $5 million or more in value. Review and approval are also required for the acquisition or establishment of a new business in areas concerning "Canada's cultural heritage or national identity" such as book publishing, film production and distribution, television and radio, production and distribution of music, and the oil and natural gas industry, regardless of the size of the investment.
 
In the context of the Corporation, in essence, three methods of acquiring control of a Canadian business are regulated by the ICA: (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets used in carrying on the Canadian business; (ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on the Canadian business; (iii) the acquisition of voting of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on a Canadian business. An acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of an entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the ICA. An acquisition of less than one- third of the voting shares of a corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it can be established that on the acquisition the corporation is not, in fact, controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares.  For partnerships, trusts, joint ventures or other unincorporated entities, an acquisition of less than a majority of the voting interests is deemed not to be an acquisition of control.
 
As a result of the cumulative impact of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States to relax the restriction of the ICA, except where the Canadian business is in the cultural, oil and gas, uranium, financial services or transportation sectors, the threshold for direct acquisition of control by U.S. Investors and other foreign investors acquiring control of a Canadian business from U.S. Investors has been raised from $5 million to $223 million of gross assets, and indirect acquisitions are not reviewable.
 

 
64

 


 
In addition to the foregoing, the ICA requires that all other acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians are subject to formal notification to the Canadian government. These provisions require a foreign investor to give notice in the required form, which notices are for information, as opposed to review, purposes.
 
Item 10.E.
Taxation.
 
The following summary of the material Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable in respect of the common shares reflects the Corporation’s opinion. The tax consequences to any particular holder of common shares will vary according to the status of that holder as an individual, trust, corporation or member of a partnership, the jurisdiction in which that holder is subject to taxation, the place where that holder is resident and, generally, according to that holder’s particular circumstances. This summary is applicable only to holders in the United States who have never been resident in Canada, deal at arm’s length with the Corporation, hold their common shares as capital property and who will not use or hold the common shares in carrying on business in Canada.  Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a United States holder that is an issuer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere.
 
This summary is based upon the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the "Tax Act" or “ITA”) and the Canada-United States Tax Convention (the “Tax Convention”) as at the date of the Registration Statement and the current administrative practices of Canada Revenue Agency. This summary does not take into account provincial income tax consequences.
 
Each holder should consult his own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences applicable to him in his own particular circumstances.
 
Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
If a non-resident were to dispose of common shares of the Corporation to another Canadian corporation which deals or is deemed to deal on a non-arm’s length basis with the non-resident and which, immediately after the disposition, is connected with the Corporation (i.e., which holds shares representing more than 10% of the voting power and more than 10% of the market value of all issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation), the amount by which the fair market value of any consideration (other than any shares of the purchaser corporation) exceeds the paid-up capital of the common shares sold will be deemed to be taxable as a dividend paid by the purchasing corporation to the non-resident, either immediately or eventually by means of a deduction in computing the paid-up capital of the purchasing corporation, and subject to withholding taxes as described below.
 
Under the Tax Act, a gain from the sale of common shares by a non-resident (of a company listed on a designated stock exchange) will not be subject to Canadian tax, provided the shareholder (and/or persons who do not deal at arm’s length with the shareholder) have not held a “substantial interest” in the Corporation (25% or more of the shares of any class of the Corporation’s shares) at any time in the five years preceding the disposition. Generally, the Tax Convention will exempt from Canadian taxation any capital gain realized by the resident of the United States, provided that the value of the common shares is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada.
 
Dividends
 
In the case of any dividends paid to non-residents, the Canadian tax is withheld by the Corporation, which remits only the net amount to the shareholder.  By virtue of Article X of the Tax Convention, the rate of tax on dividends paid to residents of the United States is generally limited to 15% of the gross dividend (or 5% in the case of certain corporate shareholders owning at least 10% of the Corporation’s voting shares). In the absence of the treaty provisions, the rate of Canadian withholding tax imposed on non-residents is 25% of the gross dividend.
 
Where a holder disposes of common shares to the Corporation (unless the Corporation acquired the common shares in the open market in the manner in which shares would normally be purchased by any member of the public), and such disposition will result in a deemed dividend to the U.S. holder equal to the amount by which the consideration paid by the Corporation exceeds the paid-up capital of such shares, the amount of such dividend will be subject to withholding tax as described above.
 

 
65

 


 
Item 10.F.
Dividends and paying agents.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 10.G.
Statement by experts.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 10.H.
Documents on display.
 
The Corporation files annual reports and furnishes other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by accessing the Commission’s website (http://www.sec.gov). The Corporation also files its annual reports and other information with the Canadian Securities Administrators via SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
 
Item 10.I.
Subsidiary information.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
Item 11.A.
Quantitative information about market risk.
 
The Corporation does not hold any market risk sensitive instruments. It holds cash in its bank account in Canadian dollars.  From time to time, the Corporation funds certain operations, exploration and administrative expenses in US dollars on a cash call basis using US dollar currency converted from its Canadian dollar bank accounts held in Canada. Management believes the foreign exchange risk derived from currency conversions is negligible and therefore does not hedge its foreign exchange risk. There is possible commodity price risk, but the company is not yet in production.  This is discussed in the qualitative section below.
 
Item 11.B.
Qualitative information about market risk.
 
The Corporation's risk exposures and the impact on the Corporation's financial instruments are summarized below:

Credit risk
The Corporation's credit risk is primarily attributable to short-term investments and receivables. The Corporation has no significant concentration of credit risk arising from operations. Short-term investments are classified as cash equivalents and consist of overnight deposits, which have been invested with reputable financial institutions, from which management believes the risk of loss to be remote.  Financial instruments included in receivables consist of goods and services tax due from the Federal Government of Canada. Management believes that the credit risk concentration with respect to financial instruments included in receivables is remote.

Liquidity risk
The Corporation's approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due (refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2012 - item 17).  As at February 29, 2012, the Corporation had a cash balance of $1.1 million (February 28, 2011 - $3.9 million) to settle current liabilities of $1.0 million (February 28, 2011 - $1.2 million). All of the Corporation's financial liabilities have contractual maturities of less than 30 days and are subject to normal trade terms.

Market risk
(a)           Interest rate risk
The Corporation has cash balances and no interest-bearing debt. The Corporation's current policy is to invest excess cash in investment-grade short-term deposit certificates issued by its banking institutions. The Corporation periodically monitors the investments it makes and is satisfied with the credit ratings of its banks.

 
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(b)           Foreign currency risk
The Corporation's functional currency is the Canadian dollar and major purchases are transacted in Canadian dollars. From time to time, the Corporation funds certain operations, exploration and administrative expenses in US dollars on a cash call basis using US dollar currency converted from its Canadian dollar bank accounts held in Canada. Management believes the foreign exchange risk derived from currency conversions is not significant and therefore does not hedge its foreign exchange risk. There is no foreign currency risk associated with deferred income tax as the Corporation has no liability.

(c)           Price risk
The Corporation is exposed to price risk with respect to commodity prices. Changes in commodity prices will impact the economics of development of the Corporation’s mineral properties. The Corporation closely monitors commodity prices to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken by the Corporation.

Sensitivity analysis
As at February 29, 2012, the carrying values of the Corporation’s financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short term nature.

The Corporation does not hold significant balances in foreign currencies to give rise to exposure to foreign exchange risk.

Item 11.C.
Interim periods.
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 11.D.
Safe harbor.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 11.E.
Small business issuers.
 
No disclosure required.
 
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Item 12.A.
Debt securities.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 12.B.
Warrants and rights.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 12.C.
Other securities.
 
No disclosure required.
 
Item 12.D.
American depositary shares.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.
 
No disclosure required.
 
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
 
Not applicable.
 

 
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ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Item 15.A.
Disclosure controls and procedures.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).  Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that as a result of the material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting  as described in Item 15.B., disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as at February 28, 2012.
 
Item 15.B.
Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting.
 
The Corporation’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
 
Management conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2012 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of February 28, 2012 and a material weakness was discovered related to the Company’s segregation of duties and in the Company’s ability to review and analyze complex income tax transactions.

The Company’s management, under the supervision of the CEO and CFO, are responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Internal control is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework established “IFCR”.

During the evaluation by management it was determined that  material weaknesses existed in the design of internal controls over financial reporting and that the Company’s ICFR is not effective. Not unlike many peers in the junior mining industry in Canada, the Company operates a relatively small head office and concentrates its personnel at its operating office in Toronto.  Due to the limited personnel, at its Toronto head office, adequate segregation of duties was identified as an area of material weakness, and insufficient personnel for reviewing and analyzing complex income tax transactions. The Company does not have any immediate plans to hire additional staffing within the accounting group, but will continue to reassess internal requirements on a continual basis. The Company will use its best efforts to improve its internal control over financial reporting.

Item 15.C.
Audit report of the independent auditors.
 
The auditor’s report on the Financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2012 is contained within the Financial statements- see Item 17.
 
Item 15.D.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
 
During the year ended February 29, 2012, there were no changes in the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
No disclosure required.
 

 
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ITEM 16.
[RESERVED]
 
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
 
The Corporation’s designated “Audit Committee Financial Expert” is Shirley Mears, the chairperson of the Corporation’s Audit Committee.  All three members of the Audit Committee are considered independent. Each has extensive public company operational and directorial experience and has a high degree of financial knowledge.
 
ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS.
 
The Corporation currently has a Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee that oversees a stated policy of adherence to a high standard of conduct for officers and directors.
 
ITEM 16C.             PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
 
Fiscal year ended February 29 and February 28
 
2012
   
2011
 
Audit Fees (for audit of the Corporation’s annual financial statements for the respective year and reviews of the Corporation’s quarterly financial statements)
  $ 65,000     $ 75,750  
Audit-Related Fees (for accounting consultation)
    -       1,940  
Tax Fees (for tax return preparation and consultation)
    -       17,165  
All Other Fees
    -       -  
Total Fees
  $ 65,000     $ 94,855  

 
The policy of the Audit Committee regarding the engagement of non-audit services is set out in Section 3 of the Audit Committee’s Charter.
 

 
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ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES.
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED     PURCHASERS.
 
The Corporation did not purchase any shares of its common shares.
 
ITEM 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT.
 
The Corporation has not changed its Certifying Accountant
 
ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
ITEM 16H.
 
 
[Not applicable.]
 
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2012 and notes thereto as required by this item are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this annual report.
 

 
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ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
The Corporation has elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 17.
 

 
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ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS.
 
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this annual report on Form 20-F. We are incorporating by reference to our previous SEC filings each exhibit that contains a footnote. For exhibits incorporated by reference, the location of the exhibit in the previous filing is indicated in parentheses.
 
Exhibit
Number                      
Exhibit
Number
Description  
1.1
Articles of Amendment re: Name Change dated 12/4/97
Incorporated by reference to Form 20-F and Form 6-Ks
1.2
Articles of Amendment re: Name Change dated 9/19/94
Incorporated by reference to Form 20-F and Form 6-Ks
1.3
Articles of Incorporation dated 4/20/94
Incorporated by reference to Form 20-F and Form 6-Ks
1.4
Certificate of Registration dated 4/22/98
Incorporated by reference to Form 20-F and Form 6-Ks
1.5
Certificate of Continuation and Articles dated October 27, 2006
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 6-K filed on May 19, 2009
2.
Instruments defining the rights of holders of securities being registered
 - -Refer to Exhibit No. 1.3 - -
12.
Certifications
Attached hereto
99
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Attached hereto

 

 
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SIGNATURES
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
 
 
   
STARFIELD RESOURCES INC.
 
Date:
October 31, 2012
By:
/s/Philip S. Martin
 
     
Philip S. Martin
 
     
President and Chief Executive Officer
 

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