Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-148622
PROSPECTUS
COLORADO GOLDFIELDS INC.
19,492,200 Shares of
Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 19,492,200 shares of our common stock that may
be offered and sold, from time to time, by the selling shareholders identified in this prospectus
for their own account, consisting of:
•
8,758,600 shares of common stock issued pursuant to a private placement completed in
November 2007 (Private Placement) of 8,758,600 units to the selling shareholders at
$.375 per unit (each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share
purchase warrant);
•
8,758,600 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of 8,758,600 non-transferable
common stock purchase warrants forming part of the units sold in the Private Placement;
and
•
1,975,000 shares which were acquired by our President and Chief Executive Officer in
a private transaction with our former Chief Executive Officer.
All of these securities are being offered by the selling shareholders named in this
prospectus, or their assigns or successors in interest. The selling shareholders will receive all
of the proceeds from the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus. We will, however,
receive the exercise price of the Warrants if the selling shareholders exercise their Warrants.
The selling shareholders may sell the securities being offered by them from time to time in
the over the counter market, on one or more stock exchanges, in market transactions, in negotiated
transactions or otherwise, and at prices and at terms that will be determined by the
then-prevailing market price for the securities or at negotiated prices directly or through
broker-dealers, who may act as agent or as principal, or by a combination of such methods of sale.
For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan
of Distribution” on page 45.
Our common stock currently trades over the counter and is quoted on the Over the Counter
Bulletin Board (OTC Bulletin Board) under the symbol “CGFI.” On May 13, 2008, the closing price of
our common stock was $0.435 per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks that are described in the “RISK FACTORS” section
beginning on page 5 of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of our common stock or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus contains descriptions of certain contracts, agreements or other documents
affecting our business. These descriptions are not necessarily complete. For the complete text of
these documents, you can refer to the exhibits filed with the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part or incorporated into the registration statement.
See, “Where You Can Find
More Information.”
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, or to which we have
referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information other than as contained
or referred to in this prospectus. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these
securities. The information in this document may only be accurate as of the date of this document.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Please see the note under “RISK FACTORS”for a description of special factors potentially
affecting forward-looking statements included in this prospectus.
The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It does
not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our securities. You
should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “RISK FACTORS”and“FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.”
As used in this prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “Company,”“we,”“our” and “us” refer to Colorado Goldfields Inc.
Colorado Goldfields Inc. (“we,”“us,” or the “Company”) is a mining exploration stage company
engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties, primarily for gold and other
metals. We hold an option to acquire up to an 80% undivided interest in certain properties located
in San Juan County, Colorado. These properties consist of 44 patented and 13 unpatented mining
claims in the Gold King and Mogul Mine properties, and a 70% undivided interest in 19 patented
mining claims in the Mayflower Mine. We refer to these claims as the “San Juan Properties”
throughout this Report. We are presently in the exploration stage at the San Juan Properties. We
have not generated revenue from mining operations.
We were organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 11, 2004 under the name
Garpa Resources Inc. On June 18, 2007, we changed our name to Colorado Goldfields Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at 10920 West Alameda Avenue, Suite 207, Lakewood,
Colorado, 80226 and our telephone number is (303) 984-5324. Our common stock is quoted on the OTC
Bulletin Board System under the symbol “CGFI.” We maintain a website at www.cologold.com. The
information available on or through our website is not part of this prospectus.
Recent Events
Letter of Intent for Mexican Silver Mining Company
On March 12, 2008, we entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to potentially acquire 75% of
the outstanding shares of Besmer, S.A. de C.V. (Besmer), of Durango, Mexico from its three
shareholders for $3.0 million. Besmer is currently operating the El Barreno, Remedios, and La
Zacatecana silver mines in the states of Zacatecas and Durango, Mexico, and also operates the Bocas
Hacienda flotation mill near Suchil, Mexico. In connection with execution of the LOI, we made a
$50,000 earnest money deposit with the selling shareholders. See “Business and Properties — Recent
Events” for further information.
Private Placement of Securities
In November 2007, we entered into private placement subscription agreements for 8,758,600
Units with 24 offshore subscribers and four U.S. subscribers at a price of US$0.375 per unit (US
$0.75 per Unit before taking into effect our forward stock split of our authorized, issued and
outstanding common stock as reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 2, 2007), for an aggregate subscription
amount of approximately US$3,284,500. Each Unit consisted of one share of common stock and one
common stock purchase warrant, which warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share
of our common stock at a price of US$0.50 per share (or US$1.00 pre-split), for a period of two
years from the closing of the private placement. We did not use the services of a placement agent
although we have paid a finder fee of $250,000 to a European company in connection with their
introductions to offshore subscribers. See “Business and Properties — Recent Events” for further
information.
The Offering
This prospectus covers the resale of 19,492,200 shares of common stock by selling shareholders
in market or negotiated transactions. Of the shares offered by the selling shareholders,
10,733,600 shares are currently outstanding and 8,758,600 shares are issuable upon exercise of
Warrants held by the selling shareholders. The following table summarizes certain information
concerning this offering.
Includes shares to be offered by the selling shareholders, but excludes shares which
may be issued upon exercise of outstanding Warrants or options.
(2)
Assumes exercise of all of the Warrants, of which there is no assurance.
(3)
We will receive no proceeds from the sale of the securities by the selling
shareholders. However, if all of the Warrants are exercised, we would receive gross proceeds
of $4,379,300.
Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock or Warrants is subject to a number of risks. Risk factors
relating to our company include a history of operating losses, lack of proven or probable reserves,
ongoing reclamation obligations, environmental concerns, dependence on properties located in a
single area and dependence on key personnel. Risk factors relating to our common stock include the
volatility of our stock price, our limited trading market and lack of dividends. See, “RISK
FACTORS”for a full discussion of these and other risks.
Summary Financial Data
The following table presents certain selected historical financial data about our company.
Historical financial information as of and for the year ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 has been
derived from our financial statements, which have been audited by GHP Horwath, P.C. and Manning
Elliot LLP, independent accountants. Historical financial information as of and for the three
months ended November 30, 2007 and 2006 has been derived from our unaudited financial statements.
You should read the data set forth below in conjunction with the section entitled
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation,” our financial statements and related
notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully
the following risks, along with all of the other information included in this prospectus, before
deciding to buy our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or
that we currently deem to be immaterial may also impair our business operations. If we are unable
to prevent events that have a negative effect from occurring, then our business may suffer.
This prospectus, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation, contains
forward-looking statements that may be materially affected by several risk factors, including those
summarized below.
Our only mining property is an option to acquire various mining claims, the feasibility of which
has not been established as we have not completed exploration or other work necessary to determine
if it is commercially feasible to acquire and develop the property.
We are currently a mining exploration stage company. Our only mining assets are an option to
acquire up to an 80% interest in certain mining claims in San Juan County, Colorado. Additionally,
in June 2007 we acquired the Pride of the West Mill, which is currently under a cease and desist
order from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety which prohibits operation until
certain deficiencies are corrected. See “Business and Properties” of this Prospectus for more
information regarding our mining assets. The San Juan Properties subject to the option do not have
any proven or probable reserves. A “reserve,” as defined by the SEC, is that part of a mineral
deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve
determination. A reserve requires a feasibility study demonstrating with reasonable certainty that
the deposit can be economically extracted and produced. We have not carried out any feasibility
study with regard to the San Juan Properties. As a result, we currently have no reserves and there
are no assurances that we will be able to prove that there are reserves on the San Juan Properties.
We may never find commercially viable gold or other reserves.
Mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk and few properties that are
explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. We can not assure you that any future
mineral exploration and
development activities will result in any discoveries of proven or probable reserves as defined by
the SEC since such discoveries are remote. Nor can we provide any assurance that, even if we
discover commercial quantities of mineralization, a mineral property will be brought into
commercial production. Development of our mineral properties will follow only upon obtaining
sufficient funding and satisfactory exploration results.
We will require significant additional capital to continue our exploration activities, and, if
warranted, to develop mining operations.
Under our Option Agreement with Mr. Hennis and San Juan Corp. (the “Optionors”), we are
required to expend $6,000,000 on the San Juan Properties in order to earn a 40.0% undivided
ownership interest in the San Juan Properties. Additionally, we can earn two separate 20.0%
ownership interests, for a total ownership interest of 80.0%, by expending $3,500,000 on the San
Juan Properties and issuing to the Optionors 10,000,000 shares of our common stock for each 20.0%
tranche.
On March 12, 2008, we entered into a non-binding letter of intent to potentially acquire a 75%
interest in Besmer, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican company which owns and operates three producing silver
mines and a mill in Mexico. The purchase price for the Besmer interest is $3,000,000.
In November 2007, we raised approximately $3,284,500 pursuant to a private placement of
securities, and as of mid April, 2008, we had approximately $940,000 remaining from the private
placement. Thus, we will be required to raise significantly more capital in order to fully
exercise the option and develop the San Juan Properties for mining production assuming that
economically viable reserves exist and to purchase the 75% interest in Besmer. There is no
assurance that our investments in the Option Agreement will be financially productive. Our ability
to obtain necessary funding depends upon a number of factors, including the price of gold and other
base metals and minerals which we are able to mine, the status of the national and worldwide
economy and the availability of funds in the capital markets. If we are unable to obtain the
required financing for these or other purposes, our letter of intent to purchase a 75% interest in
Besmer will lapse. Furthermore, our exploration activities would be delayed or indefinitely
postponed, we would likely lose our option to acquire an ownership interest in the San Juan
Properties and this would likely, eventually, lead to failure of our Company. Even if financing is
available, it may be on terms that are not favorable to us, in which case, our ability to become
profitable or to continue operating would be adversely affected. If we are unable to raise funds to
purchase the Besmer interest or to continue our exploration and feasibility work on the San Juan
Properties, or if commercially viable reserves are not present, the market value of our securities
will likely decline, and our investors may lose some or all of their investment.
We have a potential conflict of interest with our President and Chief Executive Officer, Todd C.
Hennis.
Our primary asset is our Option Agreement with Todd C. Hennis and San Juan Corp., a Colorado
corporation owned by Mr. Hennis. Under the Option Agreement we have a right to acquire various
ownership interests in certain mining properties located in San Juan County, Colorado, all of which
are currently owned by Mr. Hennis or San Juan Corp. In connection with the acquisition of the
Option Agreement, we hired Mr. Hennis as our President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an
employment agreement. See “Business and Properties,” and “Management — Executive Employment
Agreement” for a discussion of the terms of the Option and Employment Agreements. Because there are
continuing obligations under the Option Agreement, a dispute may arise between us and Mr.
Hennis/San Juan Corp. Under Nevada Law, this continuing financial transaction with Mr. Hennis is
proper so long as the fact of Mr. Hennis’ ongoing financial interest is known to our Board of
Directors and our Board ratifies the ongoing transaction in good faith and by a vote sufficient for
the purpose without counting the vote of Mr. Hennis.
We have incurred losses since our inception in 2004 and may never be profitable which raises doubt
about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Since our inception in 2004, we have had nominal operations and incurred operating losses. As
of February 29, 2008, our cumulative deficit since inception is approximately $1,881,980. As we are
just beginning exploration activities under our recently acquired option on the San Juan
Properties, we expect to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future, and such losses may be
significant. To become profitable, we must be successful in raising capital to continue with our
exploration activities and meet the requirements to exercise our option on the San Juan
Properties, discover economically feasible mineralization deposits and establish reserves,
successfully develop the properties and finally realize adequate prices on our minerals in the
marketplace. It could be years before we receive any revenues from gold and mineral production, if
ever. Thus, we may never be profitable. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to
sustain or increase profitability on a long-term basis. These circumstances raise significant doubt
about our ability to continue as a going concern as described in an explanatory paragraph to our
independent auditors’ report on our audited financial statements for the period ended August 31,2007. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, investors will likely lose all of their
investments in our company.
Historical production of gold at the San Juan Properties may not be indicative of the potential for
future development or revenue.
Historical production of gold and other metals and minerals from the mines encompassed under
our Option Agreement cannot be relied upon as an indication that the San Juan Properties will have
commercially feasible reserves. Investors in our securities should not rely on historical
operations of the San Juan Properties as an indication that we will be able to place the San Juan
Properties into commercial production again. We expect to incur losses unless and until such time
as our property enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenue to fund our
continuing operations.
Fluctuating gold, metal and mineral prices could negatively impact our business plan.
The potential for profitability of our gold and other metal and mineral mining operations and
the value of any mining properties we may acquire will be directly related to the market price of
gold and the metals and minerals that we mine. Historically, gold and other mineral prices have
widely fluctuated, and are influenced by a wide variety of factors, including inflation, currency
fluctuations, regional and global demand and political and economic conditions. Fluctuations in the
price of gold and other minerals that we mine may have a significant influence on the market price
of our common stock and a prolonged decline in these prices will have a negative effect on our
results of operations and financial condition.
Reclamation obligations on the San Juan Properties and our Mill could require significant
additional expenditures.
We are responsible for the reclamation obligations related to any exploratory and mining
activities located on the San Juan Properties. Since we have only begun exploration activities, we
cannot estimate these costs at this time. In March 2008, the Colorado Division of Reclamation,
Mining and Safety transferred the mill permit into our name, and we delivered to the Division a
reclamation bond in the amount of $318,154. We have currently estimated the total reclamation costs
on the Mill at $500,000 and have recorded a liability in this amount. There is a risk that the Mill
reclamation costs may exceed our current estimate, and such excess could be significant. The
satisfaction of current and future bonding requirements and reclamation obligations will require a
significant amount of capital. There is a risk that we will be unable to fund these additional
bonding requirements, and further that increases to our bonding requirements or excessive actual
reclamation costs will negatively affect our financial position and results of operation.
Title to mineral properties can be uncertain, and we are at risk of loss of ownership of our
property.
Our ability to explore and mine the optioned properties depends on the validity of title to
that property. The mineral properties in San Juan County subject to our Option Agreement consist of
patented and unpatented mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are effectively only a lease from
the federal government to extract minerals; thus an unpatented mining claim is subject to contest
by third parties or the federal government. These uncertainties relate to such things as the
sufficiency of mineral discovery, proper posting and marking of boundaries, failure to meet
statutory guidelines, assessment work and possible conflicts with other claims not determinable
from descriptions of record. Since a substantial portion of all mineral exploration, development
and mining in the United States now occurs on unpatented mining claims, this uncertainty is
inherent in the mining industry. We have not obtained a title opinion on the San Juan Properties we
have under option. Thus, there may be challenges to the title to the properties which, if
successful, could impair development and/or operations.
Our ongoing operations and past mining activities of others are subject to environmental risks,
which could expose us to significant liability and delay, suspension or termination of our
operations.
Mining exploration and exploitation activities are subject to federal, state and local laws,
regulations and policies, including laws regulating the removal of natural resources from the
ground and the discharge of materials into the environment. These regulations mandate, among other
things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set
forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous
waste. Exploration and exploitation activities are also subject to federal, state and local laws
and regulations which seek to maintain health and safety standards by regulating the design and use
of exploration methods and equipment.
Currently, federal and state agencies are threatening enforcement activities against our
Company and San Juan Corp. Together with San Juan Corp. we are in the process of negotiating with
such agencies on compliance requirements, liabilities and enforcement actions. We are also
investigating the liability and/or potential liability that may lie with other parties that own
and/or operate mines and mining claims that are adjacent to or in the vicinity of the San Juan
Properties. There can, however, be no assurances that our negotiations or investigations will be
successful or achieve results that are acceptable to us. Because the agencies involved, generally,
can levy fines of $25,000 to $50,000 per day for each violation, issue and enforce orders for
clean-up and removal, and enjoin ongoing and future activities, our inability to reach acceptable
agreements the with agencies in question would have a material adverse effect on us and our ability
to continue as a going concern.
Environmental and other legal standards imposed by federal, state or local authorities are
constantly evolving, and typically in a manner which will require stricter standards and
enforcement, and increased fines and penalties for non-compliance. Such changes may prevent us from
conducting planned activities or increase our costs of doing so, which would have material adverse
effects on our business. Moreover, compliance with such laws may cause substantial delays or
require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thus causing an adverse effect on us.
Additionally, we may be subject to liability for pollution or other environmental damages that we
may not be able to or elect not to insure against due to prohibitive premium costs and other
reasons. Unknown environmental hazards may exist on the San Juan Properties which we hold an option
on, or we may acquire properties in the future that have unknown environmental issues caused by
previous owners or operators, or that may have occurred naturally.
The San Juan Properties which we have under option are subject to royalties on production.
The mining claims that are subject to our Option Agreement with Todd C. Hennis and San Juan
Corp. are subject to the following royalties: (i) 3.0% net smelter return royalty on Gold King
Mine, (ii) 2.5% net profits interest on Gold King Mine, (iii) 2.0% net smelter return royalty on
the Mayflower Group, (iv) 2.5% net profits interest in the Mayflower Group, and (v) a 2% net
smelter royalty on the Gold King Mine. We have secured an option to purchase the first four of
these royalties for $250,000, and we have the possibility to acquire the last royalty for $50,000.
The option expires on November 21, 2008. If we acquire an ownership interest in the San Juan
Properties by exercise of our Option Agreement, and we are successful in placing the property into
production, we will be obligated to pay the royalty holders the percentages of the production and
net profits disclosed above if we do not exercise our option to extinguish the royalties. Payment
of these royalties will reduce our potential revenue. Further, as the documentation existing for
many of these properties dates back to the late 19th century, there may be unknown
encumbrances, including royalties, on these properties.
Weather interruptions in the San Juan County, Colorado area may delay or prevent exploration on the
San Juan Properties
The San Juan Properties are located in a mountainous, high alpine region of the Colorado Rocky
Mountains. The area receives extreme winter conditions which delay or prevent exploration of the
properties during the winter months.
We may not be successful in completing the acquisition of the Mexican silver mining company that we
recently announced, and if we complete the acquisition, the properties in Mexico will be subject to
regulations and political conditions in that country.
On March 18, 2008, we announced our intention to acquire a 75% interest in Besmer, S.A. de
C.V. (“Besmer”). See “Business and Properties — Recent Events.” Our potential purchase of a
controlling interest in Besmer is subject to our (i) satisfactory completion of due diligence
review of Besmer, (ii) reaching a definitive purchase and sale agreement with the owners, and (iii)
successfully raising adequate capital to finance the purchase. As a result of these conditions and
other factors, we may choose not to proceed with the proposed acquisition, or we may otherwise be
unable to complete the acquisition. If we are unable to consummate the Besmer acquisition, the
price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
Even if we are successful in acquiring a controlling interest in Besmer, the mining properties
owned by Besmer will be subject to the laws and political conditions of Mexico. In the past,
Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties which may cause changes
to existing government regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities. Civil or
political unrest could disrupt our operations at any time. Exploration and mining activities may be
adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining
industry or shifts in political conditions that could increase the costs related to our activities
or maintaining the Besmer properties.
The integration of any companies that we acquire will present significant challenges.
Upon completion of the proposed Besmer acquisition, or any other future acquisitions (if any),
we will be required to dedicate management resources and funds to assimilate and operate the
acquired companies. Issues we may face when acquiring companies include the necessity of
coordinating separate organizations, integrating operations, systems and personnel with disparate
business backgrounds and combining different corporate cultures. The process of combining and/or
operating an acquired company may cause an interruption of the business and activities of both our
company and the acquired company, which could have an adverse effect on the revenues and operating
results of the combined company for an indeterminate period of time. The failure to successfully
integrate any companies that we may acquire, to retain key personnel and to successfully manage the
challenges presented by the integration process may prevent us from achieving the anticipated
potential benefits of any such acquisition. If we fail to realize the anticipated benefits of any
acquisition, the market price of our securities may be adversely affected.
Our industry is highly competitive, attractive mineral lands are scarce and we may not be able to
obtain quality properties.
We compete with many companies in the mining industry, including large, established mining
companies with capabilities, personnel and financial resources that far exceed our limited
resources. In addition, there is a limited supply of desirable mineral lands available for
claim-staking, lease or acquisition in the United States, and other areas where we may conduct
exploration activities. We are at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring mineral properties, since
we compete with these larger individuals and companies, many of which have greater financial
resources and larger technical staffs. Likewise, our competition extends to locating and employing
competent personnel and contractors to prospect, develop and operate mining properties. Many of our
competitors can offer attractive compensation packages that we may not be able to meet. Such
competition may result in our company being unable not only to acquire desired properties, but to
recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund our operation and
advance our properties. Our inability to compete with other companies for these resources would
have a material adverse effect on our results of operation and business.
We depend on our Chief Executive Officer and the loss of this individual could adversely affect our
business.
Our company is completely dependent on Todd C. Hennis, our President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director. As of March 31, 2008, Mr. Hennis was our only full-time executive officer, and as
such he is responsible for a significant portion of our operations. The loss of Mr. Hennis would
significantly and adversely affect our business. In addition, because Mr. Hennis and his
corporation, San Juan Corp., are the current owners of our primary asset, the Option Agreement
concerning the San Juan Properties, the loss of Mr. Hennis’ services and the loss of his knowledge
regarding the optioned properties would be particularly detrimental to our operations. We have no
life insurance on the life of Mr. Hennis.
The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the
possibility of uninsured losses that could materially and adversely affect our operations.
Exploration for minerals is highly speculative and involves greater risk than many other
businesses. Many exploration programs do not result in the discovery of economically feasible
mineralization. Few properties that are explored are ultimately advanced to the stage of producing
mines. We are subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for
and developing mineral properties such as, but not limited to:
•
economically insufficient mineralized material;
•
fluctuations in production costs that may make mining uneconomical;
•
labor disputes;
•
unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;
•
environmental hazards;
•
water conditions;
•
difficult surface or underground conditions;
•
industrial accidents; personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins and landslides;
•
metallurgical and other processing problems;
•
mechanical and equipment performance problems; and
•
decreases in revenues and reserves due to lower gold and mineral prices.
Any of these risks can materially and adversely affect, among other things, the development of
properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures and production commencement
dates. We currently have no insurance to guard against any of these risks. If we determine that
capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we
would incur a write-down of our investment in these interests. All of these factors may result in
losses in relation to amounts spent which are not recoverable.
Our operations are subject to permitting requirements which could require us to delay, suspend or
terminate our operations on our mining property.
Our operations, including our planned exploration activities on our optioned San Juan
Properties, require permits from the state and federal governments. We may be unable to obtain
these permits in a timely manner, on reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain or maintain
the necessary permits, or if there is a delay in receiving these permits, our timetable and
business plan for exploration of the San Juan Properties will be adversely affected.
We do not insure against all risks to which we may be subject in our planned operations.
While we currently maintain insurance to insure against general commercial liability claims,
our insurance will not cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations. For
example, our current insurance policy associated with the inactive Pride of the West Mill is only
in force if the mill is vacant and not in operation. We may also be unable to obtain insurance to
cover other risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance coverage may not continue
to be available, or may not be adequate to cover the claims against such insurance. In addition,
there are some risks which cannot be insured against, such as environmental damage. Losses from
these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could materially adversely affect our
financial condition and our ability to fund activities on our property. A significant loss could
force us to reduce or terminate our operations.
Risks Associated with Our Common Stock
Trading on the OTC Bulletin Board may be volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market
price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board service of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Trading in stock quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board is often thin and
characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices due to many factors that may have little to do
with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our
common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Bulletin Board is
not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC
Bulletin Board is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on other stock
exchanges such as the NASDAQ Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange.
Accordingly, our shareholders may have difficulty reselling any of their shares.
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC’s penny stock
regulations and the FINRA’s sales practice requirements, which may limit a stockholders ability to
buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines penny stock
to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an
exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are
covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on
broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. The
term accredited investor refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or
individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or
$300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a
transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk
disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and
the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also provide the
customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the
broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the
market value of each penny stock held in the customers account. The bid and offer quotations, and
the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or
in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before
or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a
transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a
special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and
receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may
have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock
that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the
ability or willingness of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock
rules discourage broker-dealer and investor interest in, and limit the marketability of, our common
stock.
FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholders ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the penny stock rules promulgated by the SEC, which are discussed in the
immediately preceding risk factor, FINRA rules require that in recommending an investment to a
customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is
suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their
non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information
about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information.
Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that
speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA
requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our
common stock, which may limit the ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on
the market value for our shares.
A small number of existing shareholders own a significant portion of our common stock, which could
limit other shareholders’ ability to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote.
Our Chief Executive Officer beneficially owns approximately 41.2% of our common stock as of
March 31, 2008. Under our articles of incorporation and the laws of the State of Nevada, the vote
of a majority of the shares voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present is generally required
to approve most shareholder action. As a result, our CEO will be able to significantly influence
the outcome of shareholder votes for the foreseeable future, including votes concerning the
election of directors, amendments to our articles of incorporation or proposed mergers or other
significant corporate transactions.
We have never paid a dividend on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any in the
foreseeable future.
We have not paid a cash dividend on our common stock to date, and we do not intend to pay cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to
successfully develop one or more properties and generate revenue from operations. Notwithstanding,
we will likely elect to retain any earnings, if any, to finance our growth. Future dividends may
also be limited by bank loan agreements or other financing instruments that we may enter into in
the future. The declaration and payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of
Directors.
The sale of our common stock by the selling shareholders may depress the price of our common stock
due to the limited trading market which exists.
Due to a number of factors, including the lack of listing of our common stock on a national
securities exchange, the trading volume in our common stock has historically been limited. Trading
volume over the last 12 months has been sporadic with no trades on many business days. As a result,
the sale of a significant amount of common stock by the selling shareholders may depress the price
of our common stock. As a result, you may lose all or a portion of your investment.
We have not voluntarily implemented various corporate governance measures, in the absence of which,
shareholders may have more limited protections against interested director transactions, conflicts
of interest and similar matters.
Recent federal legislation, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has resulted in the
adoption of various corporate governance measures designed to promote the integrity of the
corporate management and the securities markets. Some of these measures have been adopted in
response to legal requirements. Others have been adopted by companies in response to the
requirements of national securities exchanges, such as the NYSE or The NASDAQ Stock Market, on
which their securities are listed. Among the corporate governance measures that are required under
the rules of national securities exchanges and NASDAQ are those that address board of directors’
independence, audit committee oversight and the adoption of a code of ethics. While our Board of
Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, we have not yet adopted any of these
corporate governance measures and, since our securities are not listed on a national securities
exchange or NASDAQ, we are not required to do so. It is possible that if we were to adopt some or
all of these corporate governance measures, shareholders would benefit from somewhat greater
assurances that internal corporate decisions were being made by disinterested directors and that
policies had been implemented to define responsible conduct. For example, in the absence of audit,
nominating and compensation committees comprised of at least a majority of independent directors,
decisions concerning matters such as compensation packages to our senior officers and
recommendations for director nominees may be made by a majority of directors who have an interest
in the outcome of the matters being decided. Prospective investors should bear in mind our current
lack of corporate governance measures in formulating their investment decisions.
Forward-Looking Statements
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning our ability to develop and produce gold
or other precious metals from the San Juan Properties, our future business plans and strategies,
the proposed acquisition of other companies, future revenue, the receipt of working capital, and
other statements that are not historical in nature. In this prospectus, forward-looking statements
are often identified by the words “anticipate,”“plan,”“believe,”“expect,”“estimate,” and the
like. These forward-looking statements reflect our current beliefs, expectations and opinions with
respect to future events, and involve future risks and uncertainties which could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.
In addition to the specific factors identified under “RISK FACTORS”above, other uncertainties
that could affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements include:
•
decisions of foreign countries and banks within those countries;
interpretation of drill hole results and the geology, grade and continuity of
mineralization;
•
the uncertainty of reserve estimates and timing of development expenditures; and
•
commodity price fluctuations.
This list, together with the risk factors identified above, is not exhaustive of the factors
that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. You should read this prospectus completely
and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we
expect. These forward-looking statements represent our beliefs, expectations and opinions only as
of the date of this prospectus. We do not intend to update these forward looking statements except
as required by law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary
statements.
Prospective investors are urged not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common stock or Warrants by the
selling shareholders. However, if all of the Warrants are exercised, we would receive aggregate
proceeds of $4,379,300. Proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants would be added to our working
capital and used for general corporate purposes.
Pending utilization, any proceeds received from exercise of the Warrants may be invested in
bank deposits, interest-bearing accounts and short-term government obligations.
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
Background
Colorado Goldfields Inc. (“we,”“us,” or the “Company”) is a mining exploration stage company
engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties, primarily for gold and other
metals. We hold an option to acquire up to an 80% undivided interest in certain properties located
in San Juan County, Colorado. These properties consist of 44 patented and 13 unpatented mining
claims in the Gold King and Mogul Mine properties, and a 70% undivided interest in 19 patented
mining claims in the Mayflower Mine. We refer to these claims as the “San Juan Properties”
throughout this Prospectus. We are presently in the exploration stage at the San Juan Properties.
We have not generated revenue from mining operations.
We were organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 11, 2004 under the name
Garpa Resources Inc. On June 18, 2007, we changed our name to Colorado Goldfields Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at 10920 West Alameda Avenue, Suite 207, Lakewood,
Colorado, 80226 and our telephone number is (303) 984-5324. Our common stock is quoted on the OTC
Bulletin Board System under the symbol “CGFI.”
In early 2005, we acquired two mining claims in the Red Lake Mining District, Ontario, Canada
from an independent prospector for $10,000. Under the Ontario Mining Act, title to Ontario mining
claims can only be held by individuals or Canadian corporations. Because of this regulation, our
president at the time held the mining claims in trust for us. In 2005, we spent approximately
$12,500 on a ground magnetic survey and soil geochemical survey
on the claims which identified a linear magnetic low trending across the property. Considering
our focus on our option to acquire an interest in the San Juan Properties, we elected not to
continue exploration and have abandoned these claims.
Our Business
As an exploration stage mining company, our activities are currently focused on exploration,
geological evaluation and feasibility studies on the San Juan Properties for gold and other metals
and, where warranted, efforts to develop and construct mining and processing facilities. We may
enter into joint ventures, partnerships or other arrangements to accomplish these activities.
Additionally, we acquired the Pride of the West Mill located in Howardsville, Colorado in June
2007. The mill is currently not operational. We hope to address the issues on the mill in 2008 and
bring the mill to operating standards.
From time to time, we may also consider the acquisition of other mining companies or their
mining properties, such as the proposed acquisition of Besmer, S.A. de C.V., which is described in
the section below.
Recent Events
Letter of Intent for Mexican Silver Mining Company
On March 12, 2008, we entered into a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to potentially acquire 75% of
the outstanding shares of Besmer, S.A. de C.V. (Besmer), of Durango, Mexico from its three
shareholders. Besmer is currently operating the El Barreno, Remedios, and La Zacatecana silver
mines in the states of Zacatecas and Durango, Mexico, and also operates the Bocas Hacienda
flotation mill near Suchil, Mexico. In connection with execution of the LOI, we made a $50,000
earnest money deposit with the selling shareholders. On April 30, 2008, we entered into an
Addendum to the Letter of Intent which extended our due diligence review period and the date by
which definitive agreements need to be reached as described below.
The LOI provides that if a definitive agreement is reached, we will pay the shareholders a
purchase price of $3 million for 75% of the outstanding shares of Besmer and also provide Besmer
with a loan of up to $5 million, subject to project economics acceptable to us. The purpose of the
loan will be to provide Besmer with capital to acquire additional mining properties, increase
production capacity at its existing mines and mill, and purchase additional machinery and equipment
to support the increased production and capacity. The loan will be provided on an interest-free
basis. Under the LOI, we are to pay the $3 million purchase price as follows:
•
$750,000 upon execution of definitive purchase agreements; and
•
the balance of $2,250,000 by delivery of a promissory note in that amount, principal
payable over four years with quarterly principal payments of $140,625 plus interest at 6%
on the unpaid principal balance
In addition, the LOI contemplates that Besmer will grant a 2% Net Smelter Royalty to the
selling shareholders on the existing Besmer-owned concessions, although the agreement provides that
we will have the right to extinguish the royalty within a four year period for a payment of
$350,000, or partial extinguishment may also be paid on a per mine basis.
The LOI, as amended, provides us with a due diligence period which expires on May 30, 2008,
under which we will have full access to Besmer’s (i) management and financial and legal advisers,
and (ii) books, records, contracts, technical reports and other documents. In addition, the LOI
contains a no-shop clause whereby the sellers have agreed not to pursue, solicit or negotiate with
other parties for the sale of their stock or control of Besmer until the LOI is terminated.
Under the terms of the LOI, either party may terminate the LOI during the due diligence
period. In addition, the LOI will automatically terminate if definitive agreements are not entered
into by June 7, 2008. With respect to the $50,000 earnest money deposit we made with the
shareholders, such fee is non-refundable unless during our due diligence efforts we discover
material discrepancies in connection with Besmer’s financial, legal, property ownership or
environmental matters or operating conditions.
The LOI also requires that the definitive agreements concerning the acquisition include an
anti-dilution provision whereby we agree not to dilute the selling shareholders remaining 25%
interest in Besmer. Thus, future funding of Besmer will need to be made through loans or other
means that does not reduce their remaining ownership interest.
In connection with the LOI, we have agreed to pay two individuals a business brokerage fee for
locating and introducing us to Besmer. The fee is conditioned upon our entering into a definitive
agreement with Besmer and obtaining adequate financing. If such conditions are met, we have agreed
to pay these individuals $20,000 in cash and issue them 180,000 shares of our restricted common
stock.
In late April 2008, subject to finalizing a mutually acceptable loan agreement, we agreed to
loan Besmer $100,000 to fund initial payments on options for certain mineral property concessions
near the Chalchihuites Mining District in the State of Zacatecas, Mexico. The loan is non-interest
bearing, and if the Besmer acquisition is completed, then the loan will be considered an advance
towards the $5 million loan that we have agreed to provide under the LOI. If we do not complete
the acquisition, the loan will be due within 60 days and is secured by the mineral option
concessions which the loan is funding.
We intend to raise capital through private sales of our common stock within the next two
months in order to enable us to complete this potential acquisition, although no assurance can be
made that we will be successful in raising adequate funds.
Private Placement of Securities
In November 2007, we entered into private placement subscription agreements for 8,758,600
Units with 24 offshore subscribers and four U.S. subscribers at a price of US$0.375 per unit (US
$0.75 per Unit before taking into effect our forward stock split of our authorized, issued and
outstanding common stock as reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 2, 2007), for an aggregate subscription
amount of approximately US$3,284,500. Each Unit consisted of one share of common stock and one
common stock purchase warrant, which warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share
of our common stock at a price of US$0.50 per share (or US$1.00 pre-split), for a period of two
years from the closing of the private placement. We did not use the services of a placement agent
although we have paid a finder fee of $250,000 to a European company in connection with their
introductions to offshore subscribers.
Pursuant to each subscription agreement executed in connection with the private placement, we
agreed to, among other things, register for resale all of the shares of common stock issued to the
subscribers and the common stock issuable to each subscriber upon due exercise of their respective
warrants (except that if the SEC limits the number of shares of common stock that may be registered
on a registration statement, then the number of shares to be registered shall be reduced
accordingly). Under the agreements, we must file a registration statement registering for resale
the shares within 60 calendar days following the closing of the private placement. Furthermore, we
are to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective
within 120 calendar days after the closing of the private placement (or, in the event of a full
review of the registration statement by the SEC, 180 calendar days after the closing of the private
placement). If the registration statement is not filed on a timely basis or is not declared
effective by the SEC for any reason on a timely basis, we will be required to make a payment to the
subscribers in an amount equal to 2.0% of the purchase price paid for the Units by the subscriber
for each Unit then held by the subscriber, and an additional 2.0% payment each 30-day period
thereafter until the registration statement is filed or declared effective by the SEC, as the case
may be; provided, however, that in no event shall these late registration payments, if any, exceed
in the aggregate 15.0% of the total purchase price paid for all Units sold in the private
placement. This prospectus is part of a registration statement that was filed with the SEC to meet
the registration requirements of the private placement.
We issued the Units to non-U.S. persons (as that term is defined in Regulation S of the
Securities Act of 1933) without registration in reliance upon the exemptions from registration set
forth in Regulation S and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. We issued the Units to the
U.S. subscribers without registration in reliance upon the exemptions from registration set forth
in Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Option Agreement Concerning the San Juan Properties
Effective June 17, 2007, we entered into an option agreement (“Option Agreement”) with Todd C.
Hennis, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and San Juan Corp., a company controlled by Mr.
Hennis, whereby we were granted the exclusive right and option to acquire up to an 80% undivided
right, title and interest in the San Juan Properties. Please see “Properties” below for further
information regarding the terms of the Option Agreement and description of the San Juan Properties
subject to the option.
Executive Employment Agreement
In connection with the Option Agreement, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement
effective on June 17, 2007 with Mr. Hennis, whereby we employed him as our Chief Executive Officer
and President, for a term of 18 months (subject to renewal). See “Management — Executive
Employment Agreement.”
Properties
Overview
The San Juan Properties which we have under option consist of three separate mines
encompassing 63 patented mining claims and 13 unpatented mining claims. All three mines (the Gold
King, Mogul and Mayflower), each of which is more fully described below, were actively mined during
the early to mid 1900’s, although they have been relatively dormant for the past 15 years. We are
presently in the beginning exploration stage for gold and other metals on the San Juan Properties.
As a result, we have not commissioned or received a feasibility study with regard to any of the San
Juan Properties.
While all three mines have been actively mined in the past, because the SEC permits only the
disclosure of proven or probable reserves, which in turn, require, among other things, the
preparation of a feasibility study demonstrating the economic feasibility of mining and processing
the mineralization, no proven or probable reserves have been established for any of the San Juan
Properties.
Terms of our Option and Related Agreements on the San Juan Properties
Effective June 17, 2007, we entered into an option agreement (“Option Agreement”) with Todd C.
Hennis and San Juan Corp., a company controlled by Mr. Hennis (collectively the “Optionors”),
whereby we were granted the exclusive right and option to acquire up to an 80% undivided right,
title and interest in the San Juan Properties. In connection with that transaction, Mr. Hennis
became our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. The option was amended on November 8,2007, and is currently exercisable as follows:
(i)
an undivided 40% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when we have incurred
expenditures of not less than $6,000,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided that such
expenditures must be incurred within five years from the date of the Option Agreement;
(ii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when: (a) we
have incurred additional expenditures of not less than $3,500,000 on the San Juan
Properties, provided that such expenditures must be incurred within 7.5 years from the date
of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue, subject to compliance with applicable securities
laws, 10,000,000 shares of our common stock to the Optionors; and
(iii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties (for an aggregate of
80%) will vest when: (a) we have incurred additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided that such expenditures must be incurred
within 10 years from the date of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue, subject to
compliance with applicable securities laws, an additional 10,000,000 shares of our common
stock, to the Optionors.
Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we paid the Optionors a cash payment of $50,000 in August
2007. In
addition, in order to keep the option in good standing, we must make payments to the Optionors
as follows:
(i)
cash payment of $100,000 within one year from the date of the Option Agreement;
(ii)
cash payment of an additional $200,000 within two years from the date of the Option
Agreement; and
(iii)
100 troy ounces of gold contained in gold dore, or the cash equivalent thereof, within
three years of the date of the Option Agreement, and annually thereafter up to and
including the 10th year from the date of the Option Agreement. The foregoing payments are,
however, contingent upon: (i) our successful acquisition of the Pride of the West Mill
located in Howardsville, Colorado, which acquisition occurred in June of this year; and
(ii) the Pride of the West Mill actually being in operation during any part of the year in
which payment is due. Currently, the mill is not operational.
Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we: (i) were appointed as the initial operator on the San
Juan Properties, with certain rights and obligations as described in the Option Agreement; and (ii)
agreed to execute and enter into an employment agreement with Mr. Hennis, as described below. The
Option Agreement will terminate if we fail to make any of the payments required to maintain the
option in good standing. Notwithstanding anything else in the Option Agreement to the contrary, we
may terminate the Option Agreement within 18 months from the date of the Option Agreement by
providing 10 days written notice to the Optionors.
In connection with the Option Agreement, we also entered into a Surface Rights Agreement with
the Optionors whereby we were granted a right-of-way to enter upon the San Juan Properties to
perform mining exploration activities while the Option Agreement is in good standing. Under the
Surface Rights Agreement, we are required to:
•
prepare and present to the Optionors a development plan which details the scope and
timing of exploration and mining activities on the San Juan Properties;
•
maintain the roads and power line right-of-ways;
•
construct safety fences and maintain surface facilities on the San Juan Properties;
•
maintain automobile insurance in connection with our vehicles traveling over the San
Juan Properties;
•
perform restoration and reclamation on the San Juan Properties upon termination of
our operations on the land, including returning the land to “Range Land” post-mining
use standard as that term is used in the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act;
•
protect existing water resources, including mitigating or eliminating the impact of
our activities on domestic or stock water wells in the vicinity of the San Juan
Properties;
•
properly store and remove hazardous materials; and
•
indemnify the Optionors for losses and liabilities they may incur due to our
activities on the San Juan Properties.
We are also required to pay or reimburse the Optionors for all annual property taxes on the
San Juan Properties and for any additional taxes which may be assessed on the San Juan Properties
by reason of improvements that we place on the San Juan Properties. The Surface Rights Agreement
terminates upon the earlier of (i) termination of the mineral rights on the San Juan Properties;
(ii) complete reclamation and restoration of the San Juan Properties; (iii) termination of the
Option Agreement prior to our exercising the option; (iv) failure to pay the property or other
taxes on the San Juan Properties; or (v) June 17, 2032.
Ownership Maintenance Requirements on the San Juan Properties
The patented mining claims of the Gold King, Mogul, and Mayflower Units which encompass the
San Juan Properties are owned in fee simple by either Todd C. Hennis (our CEO and President) or San
Juan Corp., a Colorado corporation owned by Mr. Hennis. To maintain ownership of the patented
claims, they must make yearly real estate property tax payments in order to avoid tax liens that
may result in loss of ownership. With respect to the unpatented mining claims, a yearly
maintenance fee of $125 per claim must be paid, and a yearly Notice of Intent to Hold must be filed
with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
As noted above, we are required under the Surface Rights Agreement to make the property tax
payments and maintenance fees on the San Juan Properties. Such expenditures are applied to our
earn-in requirements under the Option Agreement.
Royalty Encumbrances
The San Juan Properties are subject to the following royalties: (i) 3.0% net smelter return
royalty on Gold King Mine, (ii) 2.5% net profits interest on Gold King Mine, (iii) 2.0% net smelter
return royalty on the Mayflower Group, (iv) 2.5% net profits interest in the Mayflower Group, and
(v) a 2% net smelter royalty on the Gold King Mine. We have secured an option to purchase the first
four of these royalties for $250,000, and we have the possibility to acquire the last royalty for
$50,000. The option expires on November 21, 2008. If we acquire an ownership interest in the San
Juan Properties by exercise of our Option Agreement, and we are successful in placing the property
into production, we will be obligated to pay the royalty holders the percentages of the production
and net profits disclosed above if we do not exercise our option to extinguish the royalties.
Payment of these royalties will reduce our potential revenue. Further, as the documentation
existing for many of these properties dates back to the late 19th century, there may be
unknown encumbrances, including royalties, on these properties.
The San Juan Properties
The following describes the three separate mining units that encompass the San Juan
Properties.
Gold King Mine Property
The Gold King Mine property consists of 27 patented mining claims covering approximately 198
acres and a total of 13 unpatented mining claims covering approximately 100 acres. Unpatented
mining claims SJ-1 through SJ-11 were previously located and incorporated into the Option
Agreement. In August, 2007, subsequent to our entering into the Option Agreement, unpatented mining
claims SJ-4, SJ-5, SJ-6, SJ-7, SJ-8 and SJ-11 had amended location certificates filed with the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management by San Juan Corp. In August, 2007, San Juan Corp. located and filed
unpatented mining claims SJ-12 and SJ-13 with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. All 27 patented
mining claims and 13 unpatented mining claims are governed by the Option Agreement. These 27
patented mining claims and 13 unpatented mining claims shall be hereinafter referred to as the
“Gold King Property.” The Gold King Property is located in San Juan County, Colorado, at Township
42 North, Range 7 West of the New Mexico Prime Meridian.
As discussed below, the Gold King has a history of significant gold production, and we believe
it is in a favorable geologic zone for gold mineralization called the Eureka Graben, where
significant gold production has occurred in the past from the neighboring Sunnyside Mine and other
properties.
Access to the site is by county road, which is maintained by San Juan County on a seasonal
basis. Road access is suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles and light to medium duty trucks. The
Gold King Property is located at elevations from approximately 11,000 feet above sea level to
13,000 feet above sea level, approximately 8 miles from Silverton, Colorado. The main underground
access to the Gold King Property is the Gold King Mine #7 Level, the portal for which is collapsed.
The portal site is located in an avalanche prone area. The terrain is mountainous and the majority
of the property is above treeline.
The Gold King property is located in volcanic tuffs, primarily in the Upper Burns and Henson
formations. The historic ore produced was banded quartz with abundant pyrite, carrying gold and
silver, together with minor amounts of sphaelerite and chalcopyrite. A lesser number of veins in
the Gold King property have higher base metal mineralization. The historic ore occurrences were in
stringers, veins and shoots. The economic potential of the
property depends on the successful identification and exploitation of gold bearing veins and
ore shoots. The Gold King Unit property includes seven levels of mine workings, none of which is
currently accessible. A power line in a state of disrepair leads from the local electric
cooperative’s power line in the valley to the Gold King 7 Level. Major repairs will have to be
done to the power line to use it in the future. Abundant water exists in the mine workings.
The map shown below sets forth for the Gold King and Mogul Mines’ the patented and unpatented
mining claims which are subject to our Option Agreement.
History of Operations. The best estimate for historic mine production from the Gold
King Mine is 665,500 tons containing 0.471 ozs/ton gold, 2.39 ozs/ton silver, 0.71% lead, and 0.52%
copper. This historic mine production predominantly occurred during the period 1890 to
1920.1
1
Source: Page i of the Evaluation Report IV on the Gold King
Mines Property, San Juan County, Colorado by E.D. Black, P.E., Denver,
Colorado, February 15, 1990.
In the period 1984 to 1992, Gold King Mines Corporation (formerly Gerber Minerals Corporation)
conducted exploration activities at the Gold King Mine including re-opening old workings, extending
workings, surface exploration mapping and drilling, underground exploration, mapping, sampling and
drilling and other activities. Previously published reports listed expenditures by Gold King Mines
Corporation of $9.7 million on the Gold King Mine during this
period.2 We have access to
or copies of most of the geological records from this period, and have access to most of the
exploration drill core produced during this period.
Gold King Consolidated, Inc. was majority owner of Gold King Mines Corporation. In February
1990, E.D. Black, a professional engineer in Denver, Colorado prepared “Evaluation Report IV on the
Gold King Mine Property, San Juan County, Silverton, Colorado” for Gold King Consolidated, Inc. In
this report, Mr. Black estimated gold and silver ore reserves. Approximately 20,000 tons of this
material was subsequently mined in 1990 by Sunnyside Gold Corp. as part of a joint venture with
Gold King Mines Corp. No further mining activity at the Gold King property is known to have
occurred since that date. Based on the reports and data we have accumulated on the Gold King
property, we believe that there may be commercially viable mineralized material. However, the
estimates and other data on the Gold King property that we possess are historical in nature, and we
cannot place any reliance on these estimates at this time. We intend to perform our own exploration
activities on the property subject to obtaining adequate financing.
Current and Proposed Exploration Activities. We undertook a limited surface drilling
program on the Gold King Property in September 2007. Due to bad ground conditions and the onset of
severe winter weather, the drilling program was suspended in October 2007 after one hole was
drilled on the North Vein. We intend to resume this surface drilling program in 2008 with a new
drilling contractor as soon as weather conditions, availability of drilling contractor and funding
permit. Please see “Exploration Costs and Plans” below for further information regarding
exploration activities performed to date and our exploration plans for the future.
We intend to re-open Gold King #7 Level, rehabilitate the existing workings, and potentially
undertake mitigation activities for underground water flows as part of a proposed environmental
reconnaissance, subject to (i) reaching an acceptable agreement with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as further discussed below; (ii) securing necessary
permits, permit renewals and authorization; and (iii) availability of funding, personnel and
equipment.
Environmental and Regulatory Issues. The Gold King Property is subject to federal,
state and local regulations regarding environmental conditions at the site and activities at the
site.
In August, 2007, we filed a “Notice of Intent to Conduct Prospecting Operations for Hard
Rock/Metal Mines” with the State of Colorado, Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety governing
our proposed surface drilling activities at the Gold King and Mogul Properties. We posted a bond
amount of $10,834 governing the reclamation of the proposed drill sites.
The Gold King Property has an active, acid mine drainage occurring from the Gold King #7
Level. This mine water flow has substantially increased in volume since 2000, and recent flow
measurements have shown a large increase in flows. This water discharge is believed by our
management to substantially originate from the 2150 vein workings of the Sunnyside Mine, which is
owned by another company, and which vein workings extend into the Gold King Property. To date, our
management has not been able to prove the origin of this water flow. The environmental
reconnaissance discussed earlier is intended to allow the Company to prevent further potential
environmental degradation from a “blow out” of potentially impounded mine waters, and to
investigate potential mitigation or reduction of mine water flows. We have requested the
Environmental Protection Agency to consider entering into an Administrative Order on Consent
(“AOC”) to authorize us and San Juan Corp. to undertake reconnaissance and mitigation activities to
hopefully prevent a potential “blow out” of underground blockages at the Gold King Mine, which if
it occurred could be a potential threat to public health.
2
Source: Page 73 of the Evaluation Report IV on the Gold King Mines
Property, San Juan County, Colorado by E.D. Black, P.E., Denver, Colorado,
February 15, 1990.
Our intended re-opening of the Gold King mine, rehabilitation of the existing workings and
potential undertaking of mitigation activities for underground water flows as part of a proposed
environmental reconnaissance are subject to reaching an acceptable AOC agreement with the EPA. The
Gold King Property is not currently subject to any proposed action by the EPA. We instead requested
the EPA to enter into an AOC regarding the proposed environmental reconnaissance, and the EPA has
submitted a draft AOC to the Company. We are in the process of negotiating revisions to this draft
AOC. There is no assurance at the present time that an AOC acceptable to us and the EPA can be
reached.
We have received correspondence from the State of Colorado Attorney General’s Office stating
that the Company was required to apply for a stormwater discharge permit for the Gold King Mine by
the end of January 2008. We applied for the stormwater discharge permit in January 2008, and
received Permit COR-040237 for the Gold King Mine on January 28, 2008. The stormwater permit
requires a Stormwater Management Plan for the site, and we have incorporated such a plan into an
existing Environmental Management Plan for the Gold King Mine. We are in negotiations with the
State of Colorado Attorney General and also the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment to discuss additional issues related to permitting
requirements. Currently, it appears the position of the Colorado Attorney General is that the
property owner has a duty to permit the discharges in question and should work towards plans to
develop the support necessary to construct the treatment works necessary to comply with a discharge
permit.
Permitting requirements can be a costly undertaking and we could be at risk now and in the
future for fines and penalties if required permits are not timely in place.
Prior to conducting further underground mine exploration or mining activities, we will have to
apply for and obtain a reclamation permit from the State of Colorado Division of Reclamation,
Mining and Safety.
Mogul Mine Property
The Mogul Mine Property consists of 17 patented mining claims which adjoin the Gold King
Property. The claims cover approximately 126 acres. The historic mineralization of the Mogul Mine
property has primarily been in the Mogul Vein, which is commonly held to be an extension of the
George Washington vein of the Sunnyside and Brenneman Mines. The mineralization of the Mogul vein
is primarily lead and zinc sulfide minerals, with some copper, silver and gold mineralization.
The Mogul property is located in the headwaters of the North Fork of Cement Creek in Township
42 North, Range 7 West of the New Mexico Prime Meridian, San Juan County, Colorado. Access to the
property is via two non-maintained county roads, suitable for four-wheel drive and light to medium
duty truck traffic. We intend to conduct maintenance on these roads as needed in order to keep
them passable. Such expenditures will apply towards our earn-in requirements under the Option
Agreement.
We believe that the Mogul property has significant visual surface mineralization of lead and
zinc sulphides, and the Mogul Vein has surface outcrops which run for approximately 4,500 feet. We
believe the Mogul Vein has significant widths, such that if exploration activities delineate
sufficient grades of mineralization, potential mining widths exist.
The Mogul property lies in volcanic tuffs, primarily the Henson and Burns Formations, that are
cut by the Mogul vein, which is associated with a ring fault of the Silverton Caldera. Other minor
veins exist on the property. The Mogul vein contains quartz, pyrite, sphaelerite, galena and
chalcopyrite, with minor amounts of gold and silver mineralization. The Mogul unit was operated
intermittently from 1901 to 1965, producing an unknown quantity of base metal ore. Three levels of
workings totaling approximately 20,000 linear feet were constructed during this period. None of the
workings are accessible. The economic potential of the property is for production of base metal
ores, pending successful exploration activities. No power line exists to the property. Abundant
water exists in the mine workings.
Management intends to conduct limited drilling on the Mogul Mine Property in 2008, and we
intend to investigate reopening one or more portals on the Mogul Mine Property to conduct
environmental and other reconnaissance activities.
The Mogul Mine Property is subject to certain local, state and federal regulations. An acid
mine discharge occurs at the Mogul #1 portal, which had previously had a hydraulic bulkhead
constructed in it to reduce the mine water flows. An acid water discharge occurs in the vicinity of
the Grand Mogul portal, and we may reopen the Grand Mogul portal in the future to attempt to
determine the origin of this discharge.
Mayflower Mine Property
The Mayflower Mine Property consists of a 70% undivided interest in 19 patented mining claims
covering approximately 179.4 acres, or a net ownership at 70% of approximately 125.5 acres. The
property is approximately 3 miles from Silverton, Colorado, and is located in Township 41 North,
Range 7 West, New Mexico Prime Meridian, San Juan County, Colorado. The historic mineralization of
the Mayflower Mine has consisted of base metals with some gold and silver contents. Published
historic production figures for the Mayflower Mine (also known as the Shenandoah-Dives Mine) for
the period 1901-1957 are 4.5 million tons containing 520,000 ounces of gold, 12.3 million ounces of
silver, 18,000 tons of copper, 47,000 tons of lead and 10,000 tons of zinc.3 Some
portion of this production may have originated from adjoining properties.
The Mayflower property was one of the largest production mines in the history of the Silverton
area. We believe that drilling done by a previous owner in the 1980s indicates that potentially
economic mineralization exists below the main haulage level, such that if further exploration
activity confirms this mineralization and a significant volume of mineralized material, then the
potential exists to place this mine back into production at some point in the future.
Access to the Mayflower property is via county road suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles.
The Mayflower Vein is located in the Silverton Volcanic series. The historic economic
mineralization was located in the Hanging Wall Zone and Footwall Zone, which could exceed 10 feet
in width each in places. The historic ore produced was relatively low grade in precious and base
metals, but with a sufficient combined value to make production economic at the time. The Main
Level of the Mayflower Unit is currently inaccessible due to construction of a plug by a previous
owner. No power or water supply is currently on the property.
Management intends to conduct limited work on the Mayflower Mine Property for the foreseeable
future. We intend to focus the majority of our activities on the other properties under option to
the Company.
Exploration Costs and Plans
Total costs incurred through January 31, 2008 exploring the San Juan Properties were
approximately $270,000. Such cost related primarily to taking initial core samples and
environmental matters. Our sampling program during 2007 followed a strict protocol regarding
sample collection, sample preparation, and analytical procedures. We contracted Coast Mountain
Geological Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to conduct these activities and Coast
Mountain followed its established protocols in all of its operations. The Coast Mountain geologist
was provided an exclusive building with the geologist controlling the locked access to the work
area, for examining, collecting and preparing the drill core and surface samples. Photographs were
taken of all core samples and appropriately logged. The relevant sections of the core were then
split, with one half of the material being prepared as samples, and the other half retained in a
core library. Strict chain of custody procedures were followed by the contract geologist. At no
time was any officer of the Company able to view the work area unsupervised by the geologist. Gary
Schellenberg, our Vice President and Director, is a part owner and principal of Coast Mountain
Geological, Ltd. Samples were sent to Acme Analytical Laboratories of Blaine, Washington, an
unaffiliated contractor, for testing. It is our understanding that Acme Analytical Laboratories
follows strict commercial QA/QC protocols in their handling of the samples and analytical work.
In connection with our future sampling programs, we intend to perform these programs in
compliance with Canada’s National Instrument 43-101, a rule developed by Canadian administrators
which requires strict protocols and procedures governing how companies disclose scientific and
technical information about their mineral projects
3
Page 6 of the SEG Newsletter October 1993 article
entitled “Comparison of Gold-Rich and Gold-Poor Quartz-Base Metal Veins,
Western San Juan Mountains, Colorado: The Mineral Point Area As An Example” by
Paul J. Bartos.
to the public. NI-43-101 includes requirements regarding chain of custody, quality control,
and qualifications of persons performing the scientific and technical services.
The following table sets forth our estimated exploration costs for the San Juan Properties.
We estimate that these costs will be incurred over a three year period. These estimated costs may
change significantly due to shortages of qualified contractors and equipment, increased government
regulations or unexpected permitting issues, adverse weather, lack of capital, or other unexpected
problems or issues. In addition, our management has wide discretion to reallocate exploration
costs as it deems advisable.
Estimated Exploration Costs
(amounts in thousands)
Gold King
Mogul
Mayflower
Geophyics
$
50
$
100
$
—
Bonds and Permits
300
100
20
Surface Drilling
600
700
500
Underground Rehabilitation & Development
3,500
1,000
400
Underground Drilling
900
100
—
Surface and Power Improvements
150
—
40
Consultants and Studies
75
75
100
Other Costs
150
150
150
Total Estimated Costs
$
5,725
$
2,225
$
1,210
For each of these properties, our exploratory phased program consists of gathering and
re-interpreting the historic geological information on the properties, followed by a geophysics
program where suitable, followed by surface drilling. At the Gold King and Mogul Units,
underground work is planned to commence in 2008 to reopen old workings and to conduct underground
exploration, all subject to availability of funds, availability of contractors, and securing the
necessary permits. Extension of the workings of the Gold King and Mogul Units is contemplated to
allow for underground drilling and sampling activities. Based on the information gathered from
these phases, additional work will be conducted.
We currently have insufficient funds to carry out the above activities. We intend to raise
capital through equity or debt offerings, although we cannot give any assurances that we will be
successful in raising sufficient capital on economically feasible terms. See “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.”
Our exploration work performed in 2007 was carried out by geological and drilling contractors.
We have recently hired a mining engineer, and we are in the process of searching for an
exploration manager. Additional exploration staff may be hired, subject to qualifications,
availability of funds and our growth needs. We intend to contract with third parties for our
geophysics, drilling and other exploration activities, subject to availability of funding and
qualified contractors.
The map shown below sets forth the Mayflower Mine’s patented and unpatented mining claims
which are subject to our Option Agreement.
The Pride of the West Mill is an inactive mining mill located at Howardsville, Colorado in San
Juan County. The Pride of the West Mill is located on approximately 120 acres of patented mining
claims on San Juan County Road 2, within a six air mile radius of the Gold King Property, the Mogul
Mine Property and the Mayflower Mine Property. The physical address is 2201 County Road 2,
Silverton, Colorado. No mineral is known to exist in deposit form on the property. The economic
significance of the property is as a mineral processing site, with residual post-mining value.
We purchased the Pride of the West Mill in June 2007 from Tusco, Inc., an unrelated third
party, for a sale price of $900,000 and assumption of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Permit.
We paid $250,000 of the purchase price in cash, with the remaining $650,000 paid by way of a
promissory note to Tusco with interest at 7% per annum. Interest on the note of $3,791.67 is
payable monthly and the entire amount is due and payable on or before June 29, 2009, and is secured
by Deeds of Trust and financing statements on the mill property and equipment.
In March 2008, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety transferred the mill
permit into our name, and in connection therewith, we posted a bond in the amount of $318,154 with
the Division in the form of a letter of credit. Based upon an estimate received by the previous
owner from a third-party mining consultant, the total reclamation costs were estimated at
approximately $500,000, and our management continues to believe that such estimate is reliable.
Thus, we have recorded an estimated asset obligation of $500,000 in connection with our estimated
future reclamation costs.
The Pride of the West Mill consists of a main mill building constructed mostly in the 1970s
with equipment for gravity and flotation concentration of ores, an office/shop building, a
laboratory building, a cyanide process plant building, a truck scale building and other support
buildings. Certain improvements to the mill roof were conducted in 2007, as well as general
maintenance activities. The overall condition of the buildings is good. The overall condition of
the mill equipment is good, and consists of a plant to produce gravity mineral concentrates, lead
sulphide, zinc sulphide, and copper sulphide floatation concentrates. The mill also has the
ability to treat ores with cyanide solution to recover precious metals. The mill is readily
accessible by heavy trucks, has a power substation in place, and has two water rights from
Cunningham and Hematite Creeks with associated water pipelines on the property that are sufficient
to supply the needs of the mill complex. An inactive assay lab is on the property, as well as an
office/shop building, and associated support buildings. The main mill building is a steel frame
building with concrete basement.
The Pride of the West Mill is currently under a Cease and Desist Order from the Colorado
Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety which was issued to a previous operator. The Cease and
Desist Order prohibits operation of the Pride of the West Mill until deficiencies in the mill
tailing impoundment area, the mill drain water impoundment area and other deficiencies are
corrected. We have met with personnel from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
to discuss the correction of these deficiencies. In September-October 2007, we had contractors
re-roof a substantial portion of the main mill building at a cost of approximately $90,000, and the
company has engaged Vector Engineering , Inc. of Golden, Colorado to design a new tailings
impoundment for the Pride of the West Mill and to address claimed deficiencies in the mill drain
water impoundment. Subject to funding, regulatory and other approvals, and other factors, we are
hopeful of addressing the requirements of the Cease and Desist Order in 2008.
The following table sets forth our estimated costs to bring the mill into active status.
Subject to adequate funding, we intend to begin the renovations about May, 2008, and we estimate
that it will take approximately four months to complete most of the renovations.
Estimated Cost
(amounts in
thousands)
New Tailings Facility
$
600
Reactivation Costs
250
Water Improvements
100
Building Maintenance
150
Total Estimated Costs
$
1,100
We have been approached by potential operators of other mines in the vicinity to potentially
process their ores. We will consider processing other potential ores in order to demonstrate the
operability of the Pride of the West Mill until the Company can generate sufficient ore tonnage of
its own to operate the mill. There is no assurance that either of these events will occur.
The State of Colorado caused approximately 18,000 tons of mine dump material to be placed on
the raw ore stockpile area of the Pride of the West Mill under a previous operator. We believe that
the Company does not have title to this material and that it would not be economical to process the
material. We are seeking a solution to the disposal of this material, potentially in cooperation
with the parties that placed the material on the property.
The Pride of the West Mill is subject to certain local, state and federal regulations.
Competitive Business Conditions
We compete with many companies in the mining business, including larger, more established
mining companies with substantial capabilities, personnel and financial resources. There is a
limited supply of desirable mineral lands available for claim-staking, lease or acquisition in the
United States and other areas where we may conduct exploration activities. Because we compete with
individuals and companies that have greater financial resources and larger technical staffs we may
be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring desirable mineral
properties. From time to time, specific properties or areas which would otherwise be
attractive to us for exploration or acquisition are unavailable due to their previous acquisition
by other companies or our lack of financial resources. Competition in the mining industry is not
limited to the acquisition of mineral properties but also extends to the technical expertise to
find, advance, and operate such properties; the labor to operate the properties; and the capital
needed to fund the acquisition and operation of such properties. Competition may result in our
company being unable not only to acquire desired properties, but to recruit or retain qualified
employees, to obtain equipment and personnel to assist in our exploration activities or to acquire
the capital necessary to fund our operation and advance our properties. Our inability to compete
with other companies for these resources would have a material adverse effect on our results of
operation and business.
General Government Regulations
Federal Lands.The Company’s property is situated adjacent to lands owned by the
United States, which may require that the Company obtain certain special use permits in order to
gain access to our land for exploration and mining activities.
Mining Operations. The operation of mines is governed by both federal and state
laws. Federal laws, such as those governing the purchase, transport or storage of explosives, and
those governing mine safety and health, also apply.
The State of Colorado likewise requires various permits and approvals before mining operations
can commence, and permits and approvals which must regulate all operations. Among other things, a
detailed reclamation plan must be prepared and approved, with bonding in the amount of projected
reclamation costs. The bond is used to ensure that proper reclamation takes place, and the bond
will not be released until that time. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety is
the state agency that administers the reclamation permits, mine permits and related closure plans
on our property. Local jurisdictions (such as San Juan County) may also impose permitting
requirements (such as conditional use permits or zoning approvals). Some permits require, or will
require, monitoring, compliance, reporting, periodic renewal, or review of their conditions and may
be subject to a public review process during which opposition to our proposed operations may be
encountered
Environmental Laws. Mining activities at the Company’s properties are also subject
to various environmental laws, both federal and state, including but not limited to the federal
National Environmental Policy Act, CERCLA (as defined below), the Resource Recovery and
Conservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act, and
certain Colorado state laws governing the discharge of pollutants and the use and discharge of
water. Various permits from federal and state agencies are required under many of these laws.
Local laws and ordinances may also apply to such activities as siting and construction of
facilities, land use, waste disposal, road use and noise levels.
These laws and regulations are continually changing and, as a general matter, are becoming
more restrictive. Colorado Goldfields’ policy is to conduct our business in a manner that
safeguards public health and mitigates the environmental effects of our business activities. To
comply with these laws and regulations, we have made, and in the future may be required to make,
capital and operating expenditures.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended
(CERCLA), imposes strict, joint, and several liability on parties associated with releases or
threats of releases of hazardous substances. Liable parties include, among others, the current
owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances were disposed or released into the
environment and past owners and operators of properties who owned such properties at the time of
such disposal or release. This liability could include response costs for removing or remediating
the release and damages to natural resources. Our properties, because of past mining activities,
could give rise to potential liability under CERCLA.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related state laws, mining
companies may incur costs for generating, transporting, treating, storing, or disposing of
hazardous or solid wastes associated with certain mining-related activities. RCRA costs may also
include corrective action or clean up costs.
Mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants,
from
stationary equipment, such as crushers and storage facilities, and from mobile sources such as
trucks and heavy construction equipment. All of these sources are subject to review, monitoring,
permitting, and/or control requirements under the federal Clean Air Act and related state air
quality laws. Air quality permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or
create additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the permitting conditions.
Under the federal Clean Water Act and the delegated Colorado water-quality program,
point-source discharges into Waters of the State are regulated by the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program. Stormwater discharges also are regulated and permitted under
that statute. In Item 2, we provide more detailed discussions regarding Colorado’s positions on
requirements for discharge permits and stormwater permits for Gold King Mine. Similar issues could
arise for the other mines. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredge
and fill material into Waters of the United States, including wetlands. All of those programs
may impose permitting and other requirements on our operations.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires an assessment of the environmental
impacts of major federal actions. The federal action requirement must be satisfied if the project
involves federal land or if the federal government provides financing or permitting approvals.
NEPA does not establish any substantive standards, but requires the analysis of any potential
impacts. The scope of the assessment process depends on the size of the project. An Environmental
Assessment (EA) may be adequate for smaller projects. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),
which is much more detailed and broader in scope than an EA, is required for larger projects. NEPA
compliance requirements for any of our proposed projects could result in additional costs or
delays.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the
U.S. Department of Interior. The purpose of the ESA is to conserve and recover listed endangered
and threatened species and their habitat. Under the ESA, endangered means that a species is in
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The term threatened
under such statute means that a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable
future. Under the ESA, it is unlawful to take a listed species, which can include harassing or
harming members of such species or significantly modifying their habitat. Future identification of
endangered species or habitat in our project areas may delay or adversely affect our operations.
U.S. federal and state reclamation requirements often mandate concurrent reclamation and
require permitting in addition to the posting of reclamation bonds, letters of credit or other
financial assurance sufficient to guarantee the cost of reclamation. If reclamation obligations
are not met, the designated agency could draw on these bonds or letters of credit to fund
expenditures for reclamation requirements. Reclamation requirements generally include stabilizing,
contouring and re-vegetating disturbed lands, controlling drainage from portals and waste rock
dumps, removing roads and structures, neutralizing or removing process solutions, monitoring
groundwater at the mining site, and maintaining visual aesthetics.
Employees
As of March 31, 2008, we had four employees. We also engage independent contractors in
connection with the exploration of our mining property such as contractors, drillers and
geologists.
Office Facilities
We rent offices in Lakewood, Colorado totaling approximately 320 square feet. Rent equals a
total of $4,800 per year payable in monthly installments. We intend to open an office at our Pride
of the West Mill in Howardsville, Colorado in San Juan County in the late Spring of 2008. We
believe these arrangements are and will be adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future.
Except for the environmental and mining proceedings described in this prospectus and below, we
are not currently subject to any legal proceedings, and to the best of our knowledge no such
proceeding is threatened the results of which would have a material impact on our properties,
results of operation or financial condition. Nor, to the best of our knowledge, are any of our
officers or directors involved in any legal proceedings in which we are an adverse party.
Mines and mining claims nearby the San Juan Properties are owned by other parties. Because
the various mines possibly have interconnections between adits and tunnels and common stormwater
conveyances and treatment sites, the environmental issues are both factually complex and legally
complex. Disputes among the various property owners, over environmental liabilities, responsibility
for clean-up and maintenance of the sites and facilities, and responsibility for site remediation
continue. State agencies are threatening an enforcement action against our company and San Juan
Corporation, the corporation which we have entered into the Option Agreement with in connection
with the San Juan Properties, if permitting requirements are not met. As set forth in the
Environmental and Regulatory Issues section relating to the Gold King property discussed above, our
company and San Juan Corporation believe we have complied with the request of the Colorado Attorney
General’s Office regarding obtaining a stormwater discharge permit for the Gold King Mine. We are
in the process of negotiating with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the Water Quality
Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on compliance
requirements, liabilities and enforcement actions. The State of Colorado first contacted us
regarding permitting requirements on August 10, 2007. As also discussed in the Environmental and
Regulatory Issues section relating to the Gold King property, the Gold King Property has an active,
acid mine drainage occurring from the Gold King #7 Level. Communications with the EPA also
commenced in approximately August of 2007. There is no assurance that an AOC acceptable to us and
the EPA can be reached. If an AOC is not reached and there is a “blow out” of underground
blockages at the Gold King Mine, it is possible the EPA will pursue an enforcement action.
Generally, each agency can levy fines of $25,000 — $50,000 per day for each violation, issue and
enforce orders for clean-up and removal, and enjoin ongoing and future activities. If such
agencies prove knowing violations, they can seek criminal penalties. Due diligence has recently
commenced and is ongoing regarding potential legal and enforcement actions.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
Market Information
Our common stock has been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board since April 6, 2006. Our trading
symbol is “CGFI.OB.”
The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock for the periods
indicated as reported by the OTCBB. Sales prices represent prices between dealers, do not include
retail markups, markdowns or commissions and do not necessarily represent prices at which actual
transactions were effected.*
We effectuated a 7.9 for one stock split effective June 18, 2007 and a two for
one stock split effective October 29, 2007. The prices set forth above have been
adjusted for these forward stock splits.
(1) The low price during this period, before being adjusted for the forward stock splits, was
$0.15.
On May 13, 2008, the closing price of our common stock as reported on the OTCBB was $0.435 per
share. As of December 31, 2007, there were 31 holders of record of our common stock.
We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock. Payment of future dividends, if
any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account various factors,
including the terms of any credit arrangements, our financial condition, operating results, current
and anticipated cash needs and plans for growth. Our initial earnings, if any, will likely be
retained to finance our growth. At the present time, we are not party to any agreement that would
limit our ability to pay dividends.
The Securities Enforcement and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices
in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with
a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities
exchanges or quoted on the Nasdaq system, provided that current price and volume information with
respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Our shares are
currently subject to the penny stock rules.
A purchaser is purchasing penny stock which limits the ability to sell the stock. The shares
offered by this prospectus constitute penny stock under the Securities and Exchange Act. The
classification of penny stock makes it more difficult for a broker-dealer to sell the stock into a
secondary market, which makes it more difficult for a purchaser to liquidate his/her investment.
Any broker-dealer engaged by the purchaser for the purpose of selling his or her shares in us will
be subject to Rules 15g-1 through 15g-10 of the Securities and Exchange Act. Rather than creating a
need to comply with those rules, some broker-dealers will refuse to attempt to sell penny stock.
The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not
otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by
the Commission, which:
•
contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny
stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading;
•
contains a description of the broker’s or dealer’s duties to the customer and of the
rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to a violation to such
duties or other requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended;
•
contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including “bid”
and “ask” prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid
and ask price;
•
contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions;
•
defines significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading
penny stocks; and
•
contains such other information and is in such form (including language, type, size
and format) as the Securities and Exchange Commission shall require by rule or
regulation.
The broker-dealer also must provide, prior to effecting any transaction in a penny stock, to
the customer:
•
the bid and offer quotations for the penny stock;
•
the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction;
•
the number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other comparable
information relating to the depth and liquidity of the market for such stock; and
•
monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the
customer’s account.
In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny
stock not otherwise exempt from those rules; the broker-dealer must make a special written
determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the
purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement, a written
agreement to transactions involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a written
suitability statement. These disclosure requirements have the effect of reducing the trading
activity in the secondary market for our stock. Thus, stockholders may have difficulty selling
their securities.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
We did not have any equity compensation plans in effect as of the end of our most recent
fiscal year ended August 31, 2007. However, on February 14, 2008, our Board of Directors
unanimously approved our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is
to retain current, and attract new, employees, directors, consultants and advisors that have
experience and ability, along with encouraging a sense of proprietorship and interest in the
Company’s development and financial success. The Board of Directors believes that option grants
and other forms of equity participation are an increasingly important means of retaining and
compensating employees, directors, advisors and consultants. The 2008 Plan authorizes us to issue
up to 9,600,000 shares of our common stock which represented slightly less then 10% of our
outstanding shares at the time the plan was adopted. The plan allows us to grant tax-qualified
incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restrictive stock awards to employees,
directors and consultants of our company.
In order to be able to grant qualified “incentive stock options” under the 2008 Plan in
accordance with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, we must obtain shareholder
approval of the 2008 Plan within 12 months before or after the 2008 Plan was adopted. Accordingly,
we intend to submit the 2008 Plan to a vote of our shareholders at our next annual meeting of
shareholders. To the extent that the 2008 Plan is not approved by our shareholders at the annual
meeting, the 2008 Plan will nonetheless continue in existence as a valid plan, but any stock
options granted under the 2008 Plan will be non-qualified stock options for tax purposes.
Unless terminated earlier by the Board, the 2008 Plan will expire on February 13, 2018. In
connection with the adoption of the plan, our Board granted the following stock options to the
persons indicated in the table below.
Exercise Price
Name and Position
No. of Options
Per Share
Todd C. Hennis, CEO
600,000
$
0.70
Gary Schellenberg, VP
500,000
0.70
Beverly Rich, Director
50,000
0.70
Eric Owens, Director
50,000
0.70
In addition, in March, 2008, we hired a mining engineer, and in connection therewith, granted
an option to him to purchase 250,000 shares at $0.60 per share. The option vests in one-sixth
increments over a three-year period.
Empire Stock Transfer is the transfer agent for our common stock. Their address is at 2470 St.
Rose Pkwy, Suite 304, Henderson, Nevada89074, and their telephone number is (702) 818-5898.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Our financial statements included in this Prospectus have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. Since our inception in February 2004, we have not
generated revenue and have incurred net losses. We had a surplus in working capital of
approximately $1,296,600 at February 29, 2008, incurred net losses of $300,200 and $1,504,422 for
the year ended August 31, 2007 and the six months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, and an
accumulated deficit during the exploration stage of $1,881,980 for the period from February 11,2004 (inception) through February 29, 2008. Accordingly, we have not generated cash flow from
operations and have primarily relied upon advances from stockholders, promissory notes and advances
from unrelated parties, and equity financing to fund our operations. Due to our financial
uncertainty, our independent auditors included an explanatory paragraph regarding concerns about
our ability to continue as a going concern. As discussed below, we received approximately
$3,284,500 from equity financings which we believe should enable us to commence mining exploration
activities on the San Juan Properties and fund our operations through most of the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2008. In March 2008, we signed a letter of intent to acquire a controlling interest in
a Mexican company that owns and operates a producing silver mine in Mexico, which if consummated
would require us to raise additional funds.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects
on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts or classification of liabilities
that may result from the possible inability of our company to continue as a going concern.
Introduction
The following discussion updates our plan of operation for the foreseeable future. It also
summarizes our financial condition at February 29, 2008 and compares it to our financial condition
at August 31, 2007. The discussion also summarizes the results of our operations for the year
ended August 31, 2007 and compares those results to the year ended August 31, 2006.
We hold an exclusive right and option to acquire an 80% undivided right, title and interest in
certain properties located in San Juan County, Colorado (the “San Juan Properties”). Please see
“Item 2: Description of Properties” for a description of the mining properties which encompass the
San Juan Properties. The option is currently exercisable as follows:
(i)
an undivided 40% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when we have incurred
expenditures of not less than $6,000,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided that such
expenditures must be incurred within five years from the date of the Option Agreement;
(ii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when: (a) we
have incurred additional expenditures of not less than $3,500,000 on the San Juan
Properties, provided that such expenditures must be incurred within 7.5 years from the date
of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue, subject to compliance with applicable securities
laws, 10,000,000 shares of our common stock to the Optionors; and
(iii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties (for an aggregate of
80%) will vest when: (a) we have incurred additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided that such expenditures must be incurred
within 10 years from the date of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue, subject to
compliance with applicable securities laws, an additional 10,000,000 shares of our common
stock to the Optionors.
We intend to seek equity and/or debt funding to explore and evaluate the San Juan Properties.
In November
2007, we sold 8,758,600 Units to 24 offshore subscribers and four U.S. subscribers at a price
of US$0.375 per unit (US $0.75 per Unit before taking into effect our forward stock split of our
authorized, issued and outstanding common stock as reported on our Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 2, 2007), for an aggregate subscription amount of approximately US
$3,284,500. Each Unit consisted of one share of common stock and one common stock purchase warrant,
which warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of our common stock at a price
of US$0.50 per share (or US$1.00 pre-split), for a period of two years from the closing of the
private placement. We did not use the services of a placement agent although we have paid a finder
fee of $250,000 to a European company in connection with their introductions to offshore
subscribers.
We have used approximately $504,000 of the proceeds to pay outstanding promissory notes and
advances, approximately $125,000 to fund exploration of the San Juan Properties and additional
amounts have been expended on corporate overhead. We estimate that $1.3 million of the remaining
proceeds from the private placement will be used for expenditures on the San Juan Properties in
2008, with the remainder to fund our corporate overhead. As noted above, expenditures on the San
Juan Properties will be credited to the $6,000,000 earn-in requirement for the initial undivided
40% ownership interest in the San Juan Properties.
Plan of Operation
Our plan of operation for fiscal 2008 is to continue seeking funding for (i) our operations
and mining exploration program on the San Juan Properties that began in the fall of 2007, and (ii)
our proposed purchase of a majority of Besmer, the Mexican silver mining company. Our Option
Agreement to acquire an 80% interest in the San Juan Properties requires us to expend $13 million
on the properties, and we currently believe that expenditure of that amount will ready the mine for
production assuming that economically feasible reserves exist, although we cannot give any
assurances that additional funds will not be necessary.
Our planned exploration activities may include data review, geologic mapping, resource
modeling, geophysical surveys and modeling, re-logging of available drill core and rotary cuttings
and rock chips and soil sampling programs. Geophysical surveys include gravity and IP surveys. All
of these activities are designed to assist us in identifying additional targets for drilling and
increasing our understanding of the San Juan Properties.
Under our letter of intent with the shareholders of Besmer, S.A. de C.V., of Durango, Mexico,
we have agreed to pay $3,000,000 for 75% of the outstanding shares of Besmer, and also provide
Besmer with a loan of up to $5,000,000, subject to project economics acceptable to us. With
respect to the $3,000,000 purchase price, the letter of intent contemplates that $750,000 of the
purchase price would be paid upon execution of a definitive agreement, with the balance of
$2,250,000 payable in quarterly installments over four years plus interest at 6% on the unpaid
principal balance. In late April 2008, subject to finalizing a mutually acceptable loan agreement,
we agreed to loan Besmer $100,000 to fund initial payments on options for certain mineral property
concessions near the Chalchihuites Mining District in the State of Zacatecas, Mexico. The loan is
non-interest bearing, and if the Besmer acquisition is completed, then the loan will be considered
an advance towards the $5 million loan that we have agreed to provide under the LOI. If we do not
complete the acquisition, the loan will be due within 60 days and is secured by the mineral option
concessions which the loan is funding.
Considering the foregoing, we will require significant additional capital in the near future
to continue our exploration activities and purchase the 75% interest in Besmer. We cannot give any
assurances that we will be successful in raising the necessary capital to fulfill our business plan
and fund our operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We were formed in early 2004 and have primarily had limited activity until our acquisition of
the option to acquire interests in the San Juan Properties. Since we have received no revenue from
the production of gold or other metals, we have relied on funds received in connection with our
equity and debt financings to finance our ongoing operations. We have experienced net losses since
inception.
We are dependent on additional financing to continue our exploration and integration efforts
in the future and, if warranted, to develop and commence mining operations. Our capital
requirements for the foreseeable future include continued exploration of the San Juan Properties,
payments required to keep the option in good standing and
our corporate overhead expenses. As of mid April 2008, we had approximately $940,000 in cash.
Assuming we do not acquire the Besmer interest, based on our current estimates, we expect that we
will have sufficient cash to continue a limited exploration program, pay option holding costs and
pay necessary administrative expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008,
assuming no unexpected expenses. Beyond that time, we expect that we will require additional
funding to continue operation. We are currently seeking arrangements to satisfy these additional
capital requirements.
As of February 29, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,393,700, other
current assets of $71,600 and current liabilities of $168,700. We used cash and cash equivalents
of $953,400 in operating activities for the six months ended February 29, 2008. Investing
activities for the six months ended February 29, 2008 consisted of the purchase of property, plant
and equipment of $181,600. Financing activities for the six months ended February 29, 2008
included net proceeds of $3,007,300 from the issuance of 8,758,600 common shares at a price of
$0.375 per share from an equity private placement. Approximately $500,700 of the proceeds was
used to repay promissory notes and advances during the six months ended February 29, 2008.
During the year ended August 31, 2007, our operations were funded by the following:
•
On November 1, 2006, we borrowed $5,000 from Renfrew Ventures, Inc. and issued an
unsecured, non-interest bearing demand promissory note in connection with the debt.
Payment demand was made and we repaid the entire debt in June 2007.
•
On January 5, 2007, we borrowed $10,000 from Gary Schellenberg, our Chief Financial
Officer and Vice President. In connection with the debt, we issued an unsecured,
non-interest bearing demand promissory note. Payment demand was made and we repaid the
entire debt in July 2007.
•
On May 15, 2007, we borrowed $100,000 from an unrelated third party pursuant to a
Bridge Loan Agreement dated April 30, 2007. In connection with the debt, we issued a
promissory note to the lender which required us to pay interest at 12% per annum,
payable on a quarterly basis and all amounts owed under the note were due and payable
on November 30, 2007. Using proceeds from the private placement completed in November
2007, we paid the note in its entirety, including approximately $6,200 in accrued
interest.
•
From July and August 2007, we received approximately $400,000 of non-interest
bearing advances from an unrelated third party. These advances were repaid from the
proceeds of our private placement completed in November 2007.
As of August 31, 2007, we had approximately $49,000 of current assets, $1.4 million of
non-current assets (consisting primarily of our inactive Pride of the West Mill) $606,000 of
current liabilities, and $1.15 million of non-current liabilities. As discussed above, we completed
an equity private placement in November 2007 which raised approximately $3,284,500 in gross
proceeds.
In connection with the acquisition of the Pride of the West Mill, we paid $250,000 of the
$900,000 purchase price in cash, with the remaining $650,000 paid by way of a promissory note to
the seller with interest at 7.0% per annum. Interest on the note of $3,791.67 is payable monthly
and the entire amount is due and payable on or before June 29, 2009, and is secured by Deed of
Trusts and financing statements on the mill property and equipment. As noted above, we have
currently estimated the entire reclamation costs on the mill property at $500,000. As part of our
agreement with the seller, we have replaced the seller’s reclamation bond in the amount of $317,000
with the State of Colorado. We have submitted documents in connection with our succession as the
mill operator and replacement of the reclamation bond which we will be required to post in order to
assure payment of reclamation requirements.
Results of Operations
We are presently in the exploration stage of our business and have not earned any revenues to date,
and we do not anticipate earning revenues until we acquire and develop mining properties with
proven reserves. For the three months ended February 29, 2008, we incurred a net loss of
approximately $1,179,300 compared to a net loss of
approximately $16,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007. For most of fiscal year 2007,
our operations were limited. In the last two fiscal quarters of 2007, we began negotiations for
and completed (i) the acquisition of the Pride of the West Mill in Howardsville, Colorado and (ii)
the option agreement with Todd C. Hennis and his company, San Juan Corp., with respect to the San
Juan Properties and an employment agreement with Mr. Hennis.
The increase in our net loss in for the three months ended February 29, 2008 compared to same
period in 2007 was primarily due to stock-based compensation and expenses incurred for professional
fees and management costs. During February 2008, we approved a stock option plan and granted
1,600,000 options to employees, officers and directors of our company which resulted in the
recognition of $862,300 of stock-based compensation for the three months ended February 29, 2008,
while no such expense existed in fiscal year 2007.
During the three months ended February 29, 2008, we incurred approximately $194,000 of legal
and accounting fees compared to $12,700 of professional fees during the same period in fiscal 2007.
The increase is primarily attributable to the costs associated with the securities related matters
including completion of our Form 10-KSB and our company’s filing of the Form SB-2 (subsequently
converted to Form S-1) during the three months ended February 29, 2008. Also in connection with
our increased activities during the second quarter in fiscal 2008 and due to having a full-time
employee and the hiring of a part-time chief financial officer in February, 2008, we incurred
increased general and administrative expenses of approximately $111,300 compared to no similar
expenses during the second quarter in fiscal 2007.
We also had interest expense of approximately $11,400 related to the mortgage on the Pride of
the West Mill during the three months ended February 29, 2008, while no similar expenses were
incurred for the same period in fiscal year 2007. We also had interest income of $8,200 during the
three months ended February 29, 2008 due to the investing of the net proceeds from our private
placement in November 2007.
For the six months ended February 29, 2008, we incurred a net loss of $1,504,400 compared to a
net loss of $31,600 for the six months ended February 28, 2007. As noted above, we implemented a
stock option plan in February 2008 which accounted for $862,300 of the increased net loss for the
six months ended February 29, 2008. General and administrative costs were $192,900 versus $177 for
the six months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007 respectively, and increased due to the
hiring of Mr. Hennis and the costs associated with increased costs due to the business activities
associated with the management of the properties and raising capital for the Company. Mineral
property and exploration costs increased approximately $180,600 for the six months ended February29, 2008 from the comparable period in fiscal year 2007 due to drilling and geological assessments
at the Gold King mine.
Professional fees were $246,300 for the six months ended February 29, 2008 versus $22,000 for
the six months ended February 28, 2007 due to the additional securities and environmental work
performed in the 2008 fiscal year. Interest expense of $25,500 was incurred for the six months
ended February 29, 2008 primarily due to the interest payments on the mortgage on the Pride of the
West Mill, while no similar expenses were incurred for the same period in fiscal year 2007.
For the year ended August 31, 2007, we incurred a net loss of approximately $300,000 compared
to a net loss of approximately $36,000 for the year ended August 31, 2006. As discussed above, for
all of fiscal year 2006 and most of fiscal year 2007, our operations were limited. The increase in
our net loss in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 was primarily due to expenses incurred in
connection with negotiating our option for the San Juan Properties and purchase of the Pride of the
West Mill in the final few months of fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2007, we incurred approximately
$126,500 of legal and accounting fees compared to $13,500 of professional fees in fiscal 2006. Also
in connection with our increased activities in late fiscal year end 2007, we incurred general and
administrative expenses of approximately $63,000 compared to approximately $1,000 of similar
expenses in fiscal 2006. Finally, we incurred approximately $94,000 of mineral property and
exploration costs in fiscal 2007 compared to $12,600 of such costs in fiscal 2006.
We have identified the following critical accounting policies which were used in the
preparation of our financial statements.
Exploration and Development Costs: Costs of acquiring mining properties and any
exploration and development costs are expensed as incurred unless proven and probable reserves
exist and the property is a commercially minable property. When it has been determined that a
mineral property can be economically developed as a result of established proven and probable
reserves, the costs to develop such property will be capitalized. Costs of abandoned projects will
be charged to operations upon abandonment.
Long-lived Assets: The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of property,
plant and equipment costs, to determine if these costs are in excess of their net realizable value
and if a permanent impairment needs to be recorded. The periodic evaluation of carrying value of
capitalized costs and any related property, plant and equipment costs are based upon expected
future cash flows and/or estimated salvage value in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets.”
Property Retirement Obligation: SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations,” requires the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be
recognized in the period that it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.
The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the
long-lived asset. Accretion expense is recorded in each subsequent period to recognize the changes
in the liability resulting from the passage of time. Changes resulting from revisions to the
original fair value of the liability are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying
amount of the liability and the related asset retirement costs capitalized as part of the carrying
amount of the related long-lived asset.
Stock- Based Compensation: SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, requires the
recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments in the financial statements and is measured based on the grant date fair value of the
award. SFAS 123(R) also requires the stock option compensation expense to be recognized over the
period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the
vesting period). We utilize the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine fair value.
Recent Pronouncements
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 159, “The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115”. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions of SFAS No. 159 apply only to
entities that elect the fair value option. However, the amendment to SFAS No. 115 “Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”applies to all entities with available-for-sale
and trading securities. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal
year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a
fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply
the provision of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. The adoption of this statement is not
expected to have a material effect on our financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. The objective of
SFAS 157 is to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and to expand
disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or
permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fair value
measurements made in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In November 2007, the FASB
announced that it would defer the effective date of SFAS 157 for one year for all non-financial
assets and liabilities, except for those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the
financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a
material effect on our future reported financial position or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141 (R),
Business Combinations (“SFAS 141 (R)”), which becomes effective for fiscal periods beginning after
December 15, 2008 (September 1, 2009 for the Company). SFAS No. 141 (R) requires all business
combinations completed after the effective date to be accounted for by applying the acquisition
method (previously referred to as the purchase method). Companies applying this method will have to
identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date and purchase price and recognize at their
acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any
non-controlling interests in the acquiree. In the case of a bargain purchase the acquirer is
required to reevaluate the measurements of the recognized assets and liabilities at the acquisition
date and recognize a gain on that date if an excess remains. The adoption of this statement is not
expected to have a material effect on our financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB 51 (“SFAS 160”) which becomes effective for fiscal
periods beginning after December 15, 2008 (September 1, 2009 for the Company). This statement
amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a
subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The statement requires ownership interests
in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified, labeled, and presented
in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s
equity. The statement also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include
the amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest with disclosure on the
face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income
attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest. In addition this statement
establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a
subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation and requires that a parent recognize a gain or
loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The adoption of this statement is not
expected to have a material effect on our financial statements.
MANAGEMENT
Identify Directors and Executive Officers
The directors named below were elected for one-year terms. Officers hold their positions at
the discretion of the Board of Directors absent any employment agreements, none of which currently
exist or are contemplated.
The names, addresses and ages of each of our directors and executive officers and the
positions and offices held by them, which director positions are for a period of one year, are:
TODD C. HENNIS, President, CEO and Director. Mr. Hennis has 24 years experience in the mining and
metals business. He is president and owner of Salem Minerals, Inc. (1987-present), San Juan Corp.
(1997-present), both private mining companies headquartered in Colorado. San Juan Corp. owns the
Mogul Mine and the Gold King Mine, consisting of a large number of patented mining claims. Mr.
Hennis is also owner and president of Gladstone Corp. (2003-present), a souvenir company, and The
Gladstone Institute, Inc. (2004-present), an education/mining company. Mr. Hennis graduated from
Harvard College in 1982 with honors in economics, with an emphasis on natural resource industries.
STEPHEN GUYER, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Guyer is a senior financial executive, having served
as Chief Financial Officer for both public and private firms. Prior to joining Colorado
Goldfields, he was a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Antelope Technologies, Inc., a
privately-held international high-technology manufacturing venture with offices in both the USA and
Switzerland. Mr. Guyer has also served as Chief Financial Officer for TCOM Ventures, Staff
Administrators and the Moore Companies. Mr. Guyer was Chief Credit Officer for Monaco Finance and
a divisional vice-president for a subsidiary of British Petroleum, and the former United Cable
Television Corporation (now a part of COMCAST). Mr. Guyer holds an MBA, Finance, and Master of
Arts, University of Denver, both with honors, a BA, Metropolitan State College, Magna Cum Laude,
and BS, McPherson College.
GARY SCHELLENBERG, VP Exploration and Director. Mr. Schellenberg has been a Director since February11, 2004. Mr. Schellenberg commits approximately ten hours per-week of his time to Colorado
Goldfield’s business. Mr. Schellenberg is active in three other public companies on the TSX Venture
Exchange in Canada and one private company. The public companies that he is involved in include TNR
Gold Corp., where he is a Director and President, positions he has held since August 1990, and
responsible for overseeing all business operations; Argent Resources, Ltd., where he has been a
Director since November 1997; and New World Resources Corp., where he has served as a Director
since March 2003. Mr. Schellenberg is also the Founder, Director and President of Coast Mountain
Geological Ltd., positions he has held since April 1987, where he is responsible for overseeing all
business operations. During the last five years, Mr. Schellenberg was a Director and President of
Secureview Systems, Inc. (formerly International Comstock Exploration Ltd.) from December 1997 to
August 2003. At International Comstock, Mr. Schellenberg was responsible for overseeing all
business operations. Mr. Schellenberg graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1981
with a B.Sc. in geology.
ERIC OWENS, Director. Dr. Owens is President, Treasurer and Director of Alexandria Minerals Corp.
He has 23 years experience in the mineral exploration industry in North America, Mexico and Central
America. Previously, he held positions with Newmont Mining, BHP Minerals, Phelps Dodge Corp. and
Echo Bay Mines. Dr. Owens graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1992 with a Ph.D. in
geology and is a licensed Professional Geologist.
BEVERLY RICH, Director. Ms. Rich has been the Treasurer for San Juan County, Colorado since 1990.
She also serves as the Democratic Party Chairperson for San Juan County, Colorado and is the
Democratic Chairperson for the 6th Senatorial District in Colorado. She is also
Chairperson for the San Juan County Historical Society, a board she has sat upon since 1980. She
also serves on the board or is a member of the Red Mountain Task Force, San Juan Regional Planning
Commission, Colorado County Treasurer’s Association, Colorado Public Trustee’s Association,
National Historic Landmarks Stewards Association, Colorado Preservation, Inc., and the Silverton
Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rich graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and is a
Certified County Treasurer, certified by the Colorado County Treasurer’s Association and Colorado
State University.
Significant Employees
We have no significant employees other than our executive officers.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes all compensation recorded by us in the most recent fiscal year
ended August 31, 2007 for our principal executive officer and chief financial officer. No officer
or employee was paid in excess of $100,000 during the most recent fiscal year. Such officers are
referred to herein as our “Named Executive Officers.”
Change in
Non-
Pension and
Equity
Nonqualified
Name
Incentive
Deferred
All other
and
Stock
Option
Plan
Compensation
Compen-
Principal
Salary
Bonus
Awards
Awards
Compen-
Earnings
sation
Total
Position
Year
($)
($)
($)
($)
sation
($)
($)
($)
Todd C.
Hennis,
President,
CEO
2007
16,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
700
16,700
Gary Schellenberg,
2007
4,900
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
4,900
VP Exploration
2006
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2005
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2004
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Mr. Schellenberg is employed with us on a part-time basis, and we have agreed to pay him at a
rate of $700/day for his services to our company. We did not compensate our directors for their
services in 2007.
Executive Employment Agreement
We entered into an Executive Employment Agreement effective on June 17, 2007 with Mr. Hennis,
whereby we employed him as our Chief Executive Officer and President, for a term of 18 months
(subject to renewal) in consideration for, among other things: (i) a salary of $8,000 per month for
the first six months, to be increased to not less than $8,500 per month thereafter; (ii) an
automobile allowance of $350 per month, plus reimbursement for mileage at the IRS standard rate;
(iii) certain employee benefits, including group health
insurance, pension and profit sharing and other such benefits that we may elect to provide our
other employees from time to time; and (iv) the agreement by us to grant a stock option to purchase
up to 600,000 shares of our common stock. On February 14, 2008, our Board of Directors, with Mr.
Hennis abstaining, resolved to increase Mr. Hennis’ salary to $10,000 per month effective January17, 2008. On that same date, our Board of Directors also adopted our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and
issued Mr. Hennis an option to purchase 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of
$0.70 per share.
The Executive Employment Agreement may be terminated: (i) upon 60 days written notice of
termination from either party; (ii) upon the expiration of the initial 18 month term if the parties
do not renew or extend the agreement prior to expiration; or (iii) upon the death of Mr. Hennis.
Upon the termination of the Executive Employment Agreement, Mr. Hennis will be entitled to
separation pay as follows:
(i)
if terminated by us, Mr. Hennis shall receive one month of base compensation for each
year of service. Base compensation includes salary in effect at the time of termination,
continued participation in our company’s group health insurance plan, continued life
insurance coverage and, at Mr. Hennis’ expense, continued access to certain other insurance
plans of our company;
(ii)
if Mr. Hennis resigns within 90 days following a change of control of our company, Mr.
Hennis shall receive one month of base compensation (as described above), and, in addition,
any stock options held by Mr. Hennis shall vest immediately, all of Mr. Hennis’ shares of
our common stock, which are not already freely tradeable without restriction, shall be
promptly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any bonuses remaining
unpaid shall be paid immediately;
(iii)
if terminated upon expiration of the Executive Employment Agreement without renewal or
extension, Mr. Hennis shall receive one month of base compensation (as described above) for
each year of service by Mr. Hennis as an employee of our company; and
(iv)
if Mr. Hennis passes away during the term of the Executive Employment Agreement, Mr.
Hennis’ estate shall receive one month of salary for each year of service by Mr. Hennis as
our employee.
Equity Compensation Plans
We did not have any equity compensation plans in effect as of the end of our most recent
fiscal year ended August 31, 2007. However, on February 14, 2008, our Board of Directors
unanimously approved our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is
to retain current, and attract new, employees, directors, consultants and advisors that have
experience and ability, along with encouraging a sense of proprietorship and interest in the
Company’s development and financial success. The Board of Directors believes that option grants
and other forms of equity participation are an increasingly important means of retaining and
compensating employees, directors, advisors and consultants. The 2008 Plan authorizes us to issue
up to 9,600,000 shares of our common stock which represented slightly less then 10% of our
outstanding shares at the time the plan was adopted. The plan allows us to grant tax-qualified
incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restrictive stock awards to employees,
directors and consultants of our company.
In order to be able to grant qualified “incentive stock options” under the 2008 Plan in
accordance with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, we must obtain shareholder
approval of the 2008 Plan within 12 months before or after the 2008 Plan was adopted. Accordingly,
we intend to submit the 2008 Plan to a vote of our shareholders at our next annual meeting of
shareholders. To the extent that the 2008 Plan is not approved by our shareholders at the annual
meeting, the 2008 Plan will nonetheless continue in existence as a valid plan, but any stock
options granted under the 2008 Plan will be non-qualified stock options for tax purposes.
Unless terminated earlier by the Board, the 2008 Plan will expire on February 13, 2018. In
connection with the adoption of the plan, our Board granted the following stock options to the
persons indicated in the table below.
In addition, in March, 2008, we hired a mining engineer, and in connection therewith, granted
him an option to purchase 250,000 shares at $0.60 per share. The option vests in one-sixth
increments over a three-year period.
Indemnification and Limitation on Liability of Directors
Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that we must indemnify, to the fullest extent
permitted by the laws of the State of Nevada, any of our directors, officers, employees or agents
made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by reason of the person serving or having
served in a capacity as such, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable
expenses incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding if certain standards are met.
The Nevada Revised Statutes allows indemnification of directors, officers, employees and
agents of a company against liabilities incurred in any proceeding in which an individual is made a
party because he or she was a director, officer, employee or agent of the company if such person
conducted himself in good faith and reasonably believed his actions were in, or not opposed to, the
best interests of the company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. A person must be found to be entitled to
indemnification under this statutory standard by procedures designed to assure that disinterested
members of the board of directors have approved indemnification or that, absent the ability to
obtain sufficient numbers of disinterested directors, independent counsel or shareholders have
approved the indemnification based on a finding that the person has met the standard.
Indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses.
At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors,
officers, employees or agents where indemnification will be required or permitted. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to our directors,
officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been
advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Our Articles of Incorporation limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent
permitted by law. Specifically, our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as directors, except for:
•
any breach of the duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
•
acts or omissions not in good faith or that involved intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law;
•
dividends or other distributions of corporate assets that are in contravention of
certain statutory or contractual restrictions;
•
violations of certain laws; or
•
any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.
On January 5, 2007, we borrowed $10,000 from Gary Schellenberg, our Chief Financial Officer
and Vice President. In connection with the debt, we issued an unsecured, non-interest bearing
demand promissory note. Payment demand was made and we repaid the entire debt in July 2007.
On June 17, 2007, and as amended on November 8, 2007, Todd C. Hennis, our President and Chief
Executive Officer, and San Juan Corp., which is wholly-owned by Mr. Hennis (collectively, the
“Optionors”), entered into an Option Agreement whereby Mr. Hennis and San Juan granted us an
exclusive option to acquire up to an undivided 80% mineral interest in and to certain mining
properties and claims located in San Juan County, Colorado that they own (the “San Juan
Properties”). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we paid Mr. Hennis and San Juan Corp. a cash
payment of $50,000 in August 2007. The option is currently exercisable as follows:
(i)
an undivided 40% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when we have
incurred expenditures of not less than $6,000,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided
that such expenditures must be incurred within five years from the date of the Option
Agreement;
(ii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties will vest when:
(a) we have incurred additional expenditures of not less than $3,500,000 on the San
Juan Properties, provided that such expenditures must be incurred within 7.5 years from
the date of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue, subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, 10,000,000 shares of our Common Stock to the Optionors; and
(iii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the San Juan Properties (for an
aggregate of 80%) will vest when: (a) we have incurred additional expenditures of not
less than $3,500,000 on the San Juan Properties, provided that such expenditures must
be incurred within 10 years from the date of the Option Agreement, and (b) we issue,
subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, an additional 10,000,000 shares
of our Common Stock, to the Optionors.
In addition, in order to keep the option in good standing, we must make payments to the
Optionors as follows:
(i)
cash payment of $100,000 within one year from the date of the Option Agreement;
(ii)
cash payment of an additional $200,000 within two years from the date of the
Option Agreement; and
(iii)
100 troy ounces of gold contained in gold dore, or the cash equivalent
thereof, within three years of the date of the Option Agreement, and annually
thereafter up to and including the 10th year from the date of the Option Agreement. The
foregoing payments are, however, contingent upon: (i) our successful acquisition of the
Pride of the West Mill located in Howardsville, Colorado, which acquisition occurred in
June of this year; and (ii) the Pride of the West Mill actually being in operation
during any part of the year in which payment is due. Currently, the mill is not
operational.
In connection with the Option Agreement, we also entered into a Surface Rights Agreement with
Mr. Hennis and San Juan Corp. whereby we were granted a right-of-way to enter upon the San Juan
Properties to perform mining exploration activities while the Option Agreement is in good standing.
Under the Surface Rights Agreement, among other things, we are required to perform restoration and
reclamation on the San Juan Properties, reimburse Mr. Hennis and San Juan Corp. for all property
taxes on the San Juan Properties and indemnify them for losses they may incur due to our
activities.
On June 17, 2007, in connection with the Option Agreement, we entered into an Executive
Employment Agreement with Mr. Hennis whereby Mr. Hennis became our President and CEO and a member
of our Board of Directors. Further, on June 14, 2007, Mr. Hennis purchased 2,500,000 shares
(39,500,00 shares post-splits) of our Common Stock from Gary Schellenberg, representing 44.8% of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company at the time of this related transaction.
During the years ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 we recognized a total of $4,500 and $6,000
respectively for donated services at $500 per month and $2,250 and $3,000 respectively for donated
rent at $250 per month provided by Gary Schellenberg, our CFO and director.
During the year ended August 31, 2007, we incurred $6,377 in legal fees and mineral and
exploration costs associated with services performed for or on behalf of affiliated companies owned
by Mr. Hennis.
Todd C. Hennis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, is the owner Salem
Minerals Inc., Gladstone Corporation, and The Gladstone Institute, Inc., (collectively, the “Hennis
Companies”) all of which are companies which hold interests in mining properties and related
equipment or engage in activities related to the mining industry. Due to our need of additional
part-time administrative, operational and maintenance personnel, our Board of Directors, with Mr.
Hennis abstaining, has authorized us to use as necessary, on a per hour contract basis, employees
of the Hennis Companies to perform administrative, operational, maintenance and other necessary
duties on our behalf. In consideration of such services, we have agreed to reimburse the Hennis
Companies for the actual hourly rate paid by the Hennis Companies to such employee plus
reimbursement of workers’ compensation costs related to such employee. In addition, to cover the
Hennis Companies’ other costs associated with such employees, we have agreed to pay an additional
fee of 10% of the base amount paid for use of such employees.
In September and October 2007, we hired Coast Mountain Geological, Ltd., to take a core sample
collection, sample preparation, and analytical procedures at the Gold King Mine. Coast Mountain is
a Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based mining exploration consultant. Gary Schellenberg, our
Vice President and Director, is a part owner and principal of Coast Mountain. We paid Coast
Mountain approximately $37,900 in connection with its consulting services.
Director Independence
Our common stock is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board inter-dealer quotation system, which does
not have director independence requirements. For purposes of determining director independence, we
have applied the definition set forth in NASDAQ Rule 4200(a)(15). The following directors are
considered “independent” as defined under Rule 4200(a)(15): Eric Owens and Beverly Rich. Todd C.
Hennis would not be considered “independent” under the NASDAQ rule due to the fact that he is an
employee of our company.
Board Meetings
During most of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, we had one director, Gary Schellenberg,
due to the fact that our company had limited operations and our efforts centered towards searching
for suitable mining properties. Thus, no formal Board meetings were held during the fiscal year
ended August 31, 2007, and Board actions were taken by written consent. As we added Mr. Hennis to
the Board in June of 2007, and recently added two independent Board members, Owens and Rich. We
anticipate more formal Board meetings for fiscal year 2008.
Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees
As noted above, our common stock is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board, which does not require
companies to maintain audit, compensation or nominating committees. Until recently, we have had
limited operations and were managed by a sole director who also acted as our sole employee.
Considering the foregoing and the fact that we are an early stage exploration company, we do not
maintain standing audit, compensation or nominating committees. The functions typically associated
with these committees are performed by the entire Board of Directors. With the recent addition of
Hennis and two independent Board members, Owens and Rich, the Company intends to form formal
committees during fiscal year 2008.
Although there is no formal process in place regarding the consideration of any director
candidates recommended by security holders, our Board of Directors will consider a director
candidate proposed by a shareholder. A candidate must be highly qualified in terms of business
experience and be both willing and expressly interested in serving on the Board. A shareholder
wishing to propose a candidate for the Board’s consideration should forward the candidate’s name
and information about the candidate’s qualifications to Colorado Goldfields
Inc., Board of Directors, 10920 West Alameda Avenue, Suite 207, Lakewood, Colorado80226,
Attn.: Todd C. Hennis, CEO. Submissions must include sufficient biographical information concerning
the recommended individual, including age, employment history for at least the past five years
indicating employer’s names and description of the employer’s business, educational background and
any other biographical information that would assist the Board in determining the qualifications of
the individual. The Board will consider recommendations received by a date not later than 120
calendar days before the date our proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with
the prior year’s annual meeting for nomination at that annual meeting. The Board will consider
nominations received beyond that date at the annual meeting subsequent to the next annual meeting.
The Board evaluates nominees for directors recommended by shareholders in the same manner in
which it evaluates other nominees for directors. Minimum qualifications include the factors
discussed above.
Shareholder Communications
We do not have a formal shareholder communications process. Shareholders are welcome to
communicate with the Company by forwarding correspondence to Colorado Goldfields Inc., Board of
Directors, 10920 West Alameda Avenue, Suite 207 Lakewood, Colorado80226, Attn.: Todd C. Hennis,
CEO and Director.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the
Company’s Common Stock as of March 31, 2008, by (i) each person known by the Company to
beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) the
nominees and each current director and named executive officer of the Company and (iii) all
executive officers and directors as a group. Except as indicated, the persons named in the table
have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned. Except as
indicated, the address of each of the persons named in the table is that of the Company’s principal
executive offices. As of January 31, 2008, there were 1,185,000,000 shares of our common stock
authorized and 96,843,600 shares outstanding.
In a filing with the SEC, Todd C. Hennis, our President and Chief Executive Officer, reported
that he had purchased 39,500,000 shares of our common stock in a private transaction on June 17,2007. As a result of this transaction, Mr. Hennis owns approximately 41.2% of our outstanding
common stock as of February 15, 2008.
We know of no other arrangement or events, the happening of which may result in a change of
control.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
On behalf of the selling shareholders, we have agreed to file a registration statement with
the SEC covering the resale of our common stock described in this prospectus. We have also agreed
to use our reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement effective and update the
prospectus until the securities owned by the selling shareholders have been sold or may be sold
without registration or prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act. We will pay the costs
and fees of registering the shares, but the selling shareholders will pay any brokerage
commissions, discounts or other expenses relating to the sale of the shares.
The registration statement which we have filed with the SEC, of which this prospectus forms a
part, covers the resale of our common stock by the selling shareholders from time to time under
Rule 415 of the 1933 Act. Our agreement with the selling shareholders was entered into with the
intention of providing those shareholders with additional liquidity in respect of their ownership
of shares of our common stock. The selling shareholders may offer our securities covered under this
prospectus for resale from time to time. The selling shareholders may also sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of all or a portion of our securities in transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of the 1933 Act. See , “Plan of Distribution”
The table below presents information as of March 31, 2008 regarding the selling shareholders
and the shares of our common stock that the selling shareholders may offer and sell from time to
time under this prospectus. The table is prepared based on information supplied to us by those
shareholders. Although we have assumed, for purposes of the table below, that the selling
shareholders will sell all of the securities offered by this prospectus, because they may offer all
or some of the securities in transactions covered by this prospectus or in another manner, no
assurance can be given as to the actual number of shares that will be resold by the selling
shareholders. Information covering the selling shareholders may change from time to time, and
changed information will be presented in a supplement to this prospectus or an amendment to the
registration statement if and when required. Except as described above, there are no agreements,
arrangements or understandings with respect to resale of any of the securities covered by this
prospectus.
Includes shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding Warrants.
(2)
Assumes that all of the shares offered in this Prospectus are sold, of which there is
no assurance.
(3)
Held by Centrum Bank AG as an agent for the beneficial owners. In compliance with
Liechtenstein Banking Laws, Centrum will not disclose the names of the owners of the accounts.
None of the selling shareholders are United States broker-dealers, nor at the time of purchase
did any of the selling shareholders have any agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly,
with any persons to distribute the securities. Further, except for Todd C. Hennis, none of the
selling shareholders have any relationship to our company, except as a shareholder. Mr. Hennis is
our Chief Executive Officer and President.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling shareholders and their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in
interest may offer the shares of our common stock and the shares underlying Warrants from time to
time after the date of this prospectus and will determine the time, manner and size of each sale in
the over-the-counter market, on one or more exchanges, in privately negotiated transactions or
otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market
prices, or at negotiated prices. The selling shareholders may negotiate, and may pay, broker or
dealers commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. In effecting sales, brokers
or dealers engaged by the selling shareholders may allow other brokers or dealers to participate.
However, the selling shareholders and any brokers or dealers involved in the sale or resale of the
shares may qualify as “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the 1933 Act. In
addition, the brokers’ or dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions may qualify as
underwriters’ compensation under the 1933 Act.
The methods by which the selling shareholders may sell the shares of our common stock include:
•
a block trade in which a broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares
as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to
facilitate the transaction;
•
sales to a broker or dealer, as principal, in a market maker capacity or otherwise
and resale by the broker or dealer for its account;
•
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits
purchases;
•
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of any stock exchange on which
the securities are listed;
•
privately negotiated transactions;
•
short sales;
•
through the distribution of the securities by any selling shareholder to its
partners, members or stockholders;
•
any combination of these methods of sale; or
•
any other legal method.
A selling shareholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers and the
broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the securities in the course of hedging the positions
they assume with that selling shareholder, including without limitation, in connection with
distributions of the securities by those broker-dealers. A selling shareholder may enter into
option or other transactions with broker-dealers that involve the delivery of the securities
offered hereby to the broker-dealers, who may then resell or otherwise transfer those securities. A
selling shareholder may also loan or pledge the securities offered hereby to a broker-dealer and
the broker-dealer may sell the securities offered hereby so loaned or upon a default may sell or
otherwise transfer the pledged securities offered hereby.
In addition to selling their shares under this prospectus, the selling shareholders may sell
or transfer their shares by other methods not involving market makers or established trading
markets, including directly by gift, distribution, or other transfer, or sell their shares under
Rule 144 of the 1933 Act rather than under this prospectus, if the transaction meets the
requirements of Rule 144. Any selling shareholder who uses this prospectus to sell his or her
shares will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the 1933 Act.
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides that during the period that
any person is engaged in the distribution of our shares of common stock, as defined in Regulation
M, such person generally may not purchase our common stock. The selling shareholders are subject to
these restrictions, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of our common stock by the
selling shareholders. This may affect the marketability of our common stock.
The selling shareholders may use agents to sell the shares. If this happens, the agents
may receive discounts or commissions. The selling shareholders do not expect these discounts and
commissions to exceed what is customary for the type of transaction involved. If required, a
supplement to this prospectus will set forth the applicable commission or discount, if any, and the
names of any underwriters, broker, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the shares. The
selling shareholders and any underwriters, broker, dealers or agents that participate in the
distribution of our common stock offered hereby may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the
meaning of the 1933 Act, and any profit on the sale of shares by them and any discounts,
commissions, concessions or other
compensation received by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the 1933 Act. The selling shareholders may agree to indemnify any broker or dealer or agent against
certain liabilities relating to the selling of the shares, including liabilities arising under the
1933 Act.
Upon notification by the selling shareholders that any material arrangement has been entered
into with a broker or dealer for the sale of the shares through a block trade, special offering,
exchange distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, we will file a
supplement to this prospectus, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act, disclosing
the material terms of the transaction.
We have agreed to indemnify in certain circumstances the selling shareholders against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act. The selling shareholders have agreed to
indemnify us in certain circumstances against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
1933 Act, as amended.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital consists of 1,185,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001par value per
share. As of March 31, 2008, we had 96,843,600 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
The following discussion summarizes the rights and privileges of our capital stock. This
summary is not complete, and you should refer to our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, which
have been filed or incorporated as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part, as well as to the Nevada Corporation Code, for a more complete description
covering the rights and liabilities of shareholders.
Common Stock
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one non-cumulative vote for each share held of
record on all matters on which stockholders may vote at all meetings of our stockholders, including
the election of directors. Cumulative voting for directors is not permitted. Except as provided by
special agreement, the holders of common stock are not entitled to any preemptive, subscription, or
conversion rights and the shares are not redeemable or convertible. All outstanding common stock
is, and all common stock issuable upon exercise of Warrants offered hereby will be, when issued and
paid for, fully paid and nonassessable. The number of authorized shares of common stock may be
increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares then outstanding or otherwise reserved
under obligations for issuance by us) by the affirmative vote of a majority of shares cast at a
meeting of our shareholders at which a quorum is present.
Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not include any provision that would delay, defer
or prevent a change in control of our company. However, pursuant to the laws of the State of
Nevada, certain significant transactions would require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares eligible to vote at a meeting of shareholders which requirement could result in delays to or
greater cost associated with a change in control of the company.
The holders of our common stock have equal ratable rights to dividends, as and when declared
by our Board of Directors from legally available funds. We have not paid any dividends nor do we
anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. It is our present
policy to retain earnings, if any, for use in the development of our business.
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the
holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all our assets remaining after payment
to creditors and prior to distribution rights, if any, of any series of outstanding preferred
stock.
Warrants
A Warrantholder will not be deemed a shareholder of our underlying common stock until the
Warrant is exercised, and as such will not have any voting rights or other such rights until the
Warrants are exercised and the underlying common stock has been issued. As of March 31, 2008, we
had 8,758,600 Warrants outstanding. Each Warrant is exercisable until November 14, 2009 for one
share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share. The shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of the Warrants are covered by this prospectus.
Warrantholders may exercise their Warrants only if the common stock underlying their Warrants
are covered by an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration is available
under the Securities Act; provided that the common stock issuable upon their exercise are qualified
for sale under the securities laws of the state in which the Warrantholder resides.
The exercise price of the Warrants and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of the Warrants are subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Certificate
upon a subdivision or split of our common stock into a greater or lesser number of shares.
In addition, if we perform a capital reorganization or reclassification, or in the case of a
consolidation, merger or amalgamation with or into any other company, then the exercise price of
the Warrants, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise, shall be adjusted so as to preserve
as nearly as possible the rights represented by the Warrants as they presently exist.
Nevada Laws
The Nevada Corporation Code contains a provision governing Acquisition of Controlling
Interest. This law provides generally that any person or entity that acquires 20% or more of the
outstanding voting shares of a publicly-held Nevada corporation in the secondary public or private
market may be denied voting rights with respect to the acquired shares, unless a majority of the
disinterested stockholders of the corporation elects to restore such voting rights in whole or in
part. The control share acquisition act provides that a person or entity acquires control shares
whenever it acquires shares that, but for the operation of the control share acquisition act, would
bring its voting power within any of the following three ranges:
(a)
20 to 33 1/3%,
(b)
33 1/3 to 50%, or
(c)
more than 50%.
A control share acquisition is generally defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of
either ownership or voting power associated with issued and outstanding control shares. The
stockholders or board of directors of a corporation may elect to exempt the stock of the
corporation from the provisions of the control share acquisition act through adoption of a
provision to that effect in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation. Our
articles of incorporation and bylaws do not exempt our common stock from the control share
acquisition act.
The control share acquisition act is applicable only to shares of “Issuing Corporations” as
defined by the act. An “Issuing Corporation” is a Nevada corporation, which;
(a)
has 200 or more stockholders, with at least 100 of such stockholders being both
stockholders of record and residents of Nevada; and
(b)
does business in Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation.
At this time, we do not have 100 stockholders of record resident of Nevada nor do we do
business in Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation. Therefore, the provisions of the
control share acquisition act do not apply to acquisitions of our shares and will not until such
time as these requirements have been met. At such time as they may apply to us, the provisions of
the control share acquisition act may discourage companies or persons interested in acquiring a
significant interest in or control of the Company, regardless of whether such acquisition may be in
the interest of our stockholders.
The Nevada Combination with Interested Stockholders Statute may also have an effect of
delaying or making it more difficult to effect a change in control of the Company. This statute
prevents an interested stockholder and a resident domestic Nevada corporation from entering into a
combination, unless certain conditions are met. The statute defines combination to include any
merger or consolidation with an interested stockholder, or any sale, lease,
exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of
transactions with an interested stockholder having:
(a)
an aggregate market value equal to 5 percent or more of the aggregate market
value of the assets of the corporation;
(b)
an aggregate market value equal to 5 percent or more of the aggregate market
value of all outstanding shares of the corporation; or
(c)
representing 10 percent or more of the earning power or net income of the corporation.
An interested stockholder means the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of the voting
shares of a resident domestic corporation, or an affiliate or associate thereof. A corporation
affected by the statute may not engage in a combination within three years after the interested
stockholder acquires its shares unless the combination or purchase is approved by the board of
directors before the interested stockholder acquired such shares. If approval is not obtained, then
after the expiration of the three-year period, the business combination may be consummated with the
approval of the board of directors or a majority of the voting power held by disinterested
stockholders, or if the consideration to be paid by the interested stockholder is at least equal to
the highest of:
(a)
the highest price per share paid by the interested stockholder within the three
years immediately preceding the date of the announcement of the combination or in the
transaction in which he became an interested stockholder, whichever is higher;
(b)
the market value per common share on the date of announcement of the
combination or the date the interested stockholder acquired the shares, whichever is
higher; or
(c)
if higher for the holders of preferred stock, the highest liquidation value of
the preferred stock.
Transfer Agent
Corporate Stock Transfer is the transfer agent for our common stock. Their address is at 3200
Cherry Creek Drive, Suite 430, Denver, Colorado80209, and their telephone number is (303)
282-4800.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Sales of substantial amounts of common stock (including shares issued upon the exercise of
outstanding Warrants) in the public market after this offering could cause the market price of our
common stock to decline. Those sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell
equity-related securities in the future or reduce the price at which we could sell any
equity-related securities.
Of the outstanding shares not offered by this prospectus, 39,826,400 shares will be eligible
for sale in the future.
Rule 144
The SEC has recently adopted amendments to Rule 144 which will become effective on
February 15, 2008 and will apply to securities acquired both before and after that date. Under
these amendments, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at
least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such person is not
deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months
preceding, a sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for
at least three months before the sale. Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of our
ordinary shares for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time
during the three months preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which
such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities
that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
•
1% of the total number of securities of the same class then outstanding; or
the average weekly trading volume of such securities during the four calendar weeks
preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.
provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for
at least three months before the sale. Such sales both by affiliates and by non-affiliates must
also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION
ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Our directors and officer are indemnified as provided by the Nevada Revised Statutes, our
articles of incorporation and our bylaws.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933
Act”) may be permitted to director, officers and controlling persons of our company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable.
ORGANIZATION WITHIN LAST FIVE YEARS
We were organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 11, 2004 under the name
Garpa Resources Inc. At that time, we appointed Gary Schellenberg as our sole director, Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In connection with our organization, we issued
2,500,000 shares of common stock (39,500,000 shares post stock splits) at a price of $0.001 per
share for cash proceeds of $2,500 to Mr. Schellenberg. On June 18, 2007, we changed our name to
Colorado Goldfields Inc.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 to register the shares of our
common stock. This prospectus is part of that registration statement and, as permitted by the SEC’s
rules, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further
information about us or our common stock, you may refer to the registration statement and to the
exhibits filed as part of the registration statement. The description of all agreements or the
terms of those agreements contained in this prospectus are specifically qualified by reference to
the agreements, filed or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended and, accordingly, file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You
may read and copy the registration statement, these reports and other information at the SEC’s
Public Reference Rooms at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Rooms. You can also obtain copies of
our SEC filings by going to the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
LEGAL MATTERS
We have been advised on the legality of the shares of our common stock included in this
prospectus by Jackson Kelly PLLC, of Denver, Colorado.
EXPERTS
Our audited financial statements as of August 31, 2007 and for the year ended August 31, 2007,
and for the period from February 11, 2004 (inception) through August 31, 2007 included in this
prospectus have been included in reliance on the report of GHP Horwath, P.C., our independent
registered public accounting firm, for the periods and to the extent set forth in their report
(which describes an uncertainty related to our ability to continue as a going concern) appearing
elsewhere herein. Our financial statements as of August 31, 2006 and for the year ended August 31,2006, included in this prospectus have been audited by Manning Elliot LLP, Chartered Accountants,
our former
independent registered public accounting firm. These financial statements have been included
on the authority of such firms given their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.
Information of an historical, economic or technical nature in respect of the Gold King Mines
property is included in this prospectus based upon the Evaluation Report prepared by E. D. Black,
Professional Engineer.
Organization, Nature of Business, Going Concern and Management’s Plans
Organization and Nature of Business:
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 11, 2004, under the name of
Garpa Resources, Inc. On June 18, 2007, the Company changed its name to Colorado Goldfields
Inc. (the “Company”). The Company is an Exploration Stage Company, as defined by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 7 “Accounting and Reporting for Development
Stage Enterprises". The Company’s principal business is the acquisition and exploration of
mineral resources. The Company has not presently determined whether the properties it
intends to acquire contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable.
Going Concern and Management’s Plans:
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will
continue as a going concern. Since its inception in February 2004, the Company has not
generated revenue and has incurred net losses. The Company has a working capital surplus of
$1,296,601 at February 29, 2008, incurred a net loss of $1,179,279 and $1,504,422 for the
three and six months ended February 29, 2008, respectively, and a deficit accumulated
during the exploration stage of $1,881,980 for the period from February 11, 2004 (inception)
through February 29, 2008. Accordingly, it has not generated cash flow from operations and
has primarily relied upon advances from stockholders, promissory notes and advances from
unrelated parties, and equity financing to fund its operations. These conditions raise
substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
As discussed in Note 7, the Company received gross proceeds of $3,284,475 from equity
financings which will enable the Company to commence mining exploration activities on its
optional properties in San Juan County, Colorado, and fund its operations through the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2008. During March 2008, the Company signed a non-binding letter of
intent to acquire a controlling interest in a company that owns and operates a producing
mine in Mexico (Note 10) which if consummated would require the Company to raise additional
funds.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future
effects on the recoverability and classification of assets, or the amounts or classification
of liabilities that may result form the possible inability of the Company to continue as a
going concern.
2.
Summary of Significant Account Policies
a)
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared without audit pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial
statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring entries)
that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial
position at February 29, 2008 and the results of operations and cash flows of the
Company for the three and six months ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007,
respectively. Operating results for the three and six months ended February 29,2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending August 31, 2008.
These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company’s audited financial statements and footnotes thereto included in its Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB, and amended 10-KSB/A for the year ended August 31, 2007.
b)
Income Taxes
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty In Income Taxes, an
interpretation of FASB Statements No. 109,”on September 1, 2007. There were no
unrecognized tax benefits and accordingly, there was no effect on the Company’s
financial condition or results of operations as a result of implementing FIN 48.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the
state of Colorado. Management does not believe there will be any material changes
in the Company’s unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any
unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of
adoption of FIN 48, there was no accrued interest or penalties associated with any
unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the
quarter.
c)
Share Based Payments
SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,”requires the recognition of the cost of employee
services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial
statements and is measured based on the grant date fair value of the award. SFAS
123(R) also requires the stock option compensation expense to be recognized over the
period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the
award (the vesting period). The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model to determine fair value (See Note 7).
3.
Restricted Cash
During the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company prepaid $19,965 of outstanding fees and
disbursements with respect to the promissory note as disclosed in Note 5. This amount,
which was held in escrow by the Company’s legal representative, was ultimately used to repay
the aforementioned promissory note in November 2007.
4.
Property, plant and equipment
On June 29, 2007, the Company acquired the Pride of the West Mill (the “Mill”) located in
Howardsville, Colorado for consideration of $900,677 plus the assumption of an estimated
asset retirement obligation of $500,000 for a total cost of $1,400,677. The Company paid
the seller cash of $250,677 and the remaining $650,000 was paid through a mortgage with the
seller which is secured by the property bearing interest at 7% per year with interest only
payable monthly for two years, with all unpaid principal due June 29, 2009. Interest
expense related to the Mill note for the three and six months ended February 29, 2008 was
$11,375 and $22,750, respectively.
In connection with the acquisition of the Mill, the Company was obligated to replace a bond
that the seller had on deposit with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and
Safety. In December 2007, the Company purchased a bond totaling $318,154.
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of February 29, 2008:
Computer equipment
$
782
Mine and drilling equipment
43,878
Mobile mining equipment
46,250
Land and mill
1,491,340
1,582,250
Less accumulated depreciation
(22
)
$
1,582,228
A significant portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment has not yet been placed
in service. Depreciation expense for computer equipment was $22 for the three and six
months ended February 29, 2008.
5.
Notes and Advances Payable
On May 15, 2007, the Company issued a promissory note to an unrelated third party in
exchange for cash proceeds of $100,000. Under the terms of the promissory note, interest
was accrued at 12% per annum. The promissory note, including all principal and interest
totaling $106,267 was repaid on November 9, 2007. In addition, through August 2007, the
Company received a total of $400,733 in unsecured non-interest bearing advances from an
unrelated third party. The advances were repaid in November, 2007. The note and advances
payable were repaid from the proceeds of the private placement described in Note 7.
6.
Mineral properties interests
a)
On June 17, 2007, the Company entered into an option agreement, amended
November 8, 2007, among the Company as optionee, and San Juan Corp., a company
controlled by Mr. Todd C. Hennis (“Hennis”) as optionors, whereby the Company was
granted the exclusive right and option to acquire an 80% undivided right, title and
interest in certain properties located in San Juan County, Colorado, which option is to
be exercised by the Company in stages as follows:
(i)
an undivided 40% interest in the properties is to vest upon the
Company incurring expenditures of not less than $5,000,000 on the properties
within five years from the date of the option agreement;
(ii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the properties is to
vest upon: (a) the Company incurring additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the properties within 7.5 years from the date of the option
agreement, and (b) the issuance by the Company, subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, of 10,000,000 shares (adjusted for stock splits) of
the Company’s common stock; and
(iii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the properties is to
vest upon: (a) the Company incurring additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the properties within 10 years from the date of the option
agreement, and (b) the issuance by the Company, subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, of 10,000,000 shares (adjusted for stock splits) of
the Company’s common stock.
In addition, in order to keep the option in good standing, the Company must make
payments to the optionors as follows:
(i)
cash payment of $50,000 within 30 days from the date of the
option agreement (which was paid by the Company in August, 2007 and recorded as
expense);
(ii)
cash payment of $100,000 within one year from the date of the
option agreement;
(iii)
cash payment of $200,000 within two years from the date of the
option agreement; and
100 troy ounces of gold contained in gold ore, or the cash
equivalent thereof, within three years of the date of the option agreement, and
annually thereafter up to and including the 10th year from the date
of the option agreement, which payments shall only be made if the Company
successfully operates the Mill during any part of the year in which payment is
due.
(v)
Pursuant to the option agreement, the Company: (i) has been
appointed as the initial operator on the properties, with certain rights and
obligations as described in the option agreement; and (ii) has executed and
entered into an employment agreement with Hennis, as described in Note 8(b).
The option agreement: (i) will terminate in the event the Company fails to make any
of the payments required to maintain the option in good standing; and (ii)
notwithstanding anything else in the option agreement, may be terminated by the
Company within 18 months from date of the option agreement by providing 10 days’
written notice to the optionors.
In connection with the option agreement, the Company also entered into a surface
rights agreement with the optionors whereby the Company was granted a right-of-way
to enter upon the San Juan Properties to perform mining exploration activities while
the option agreement is in good standing. Under the surface rights agreement, the
Company is required to:
(i)
prepare and present to the optionors a development plan which
details the scope and timing of exploration and mining activities on the San
Juan Properties;
(ii)
maintain the roads and power line right-of-ways;
(iii)
construct safety fences and maintain surface facilities on the
San Juan Properties;
(iv)
maintain automobile insurance in connection with the Company’s
vehicles traveling over the San Juan Properties;
(v)
perform restoration and reclamation on the San Juan Properties
upon termination of the Company’s operations on the land, including returning
the land to “Range Land” post-mining use standard as that term is used in the
Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act;
(vi)
protect existing water resources, including mitigating or
eliminating the impact of the Company’s activities on domestic or stock water
wells in the vicinity of the San Juan Properties;
(vii)
properly store and remove hazardous materials; and
(viii)
indemnify the optionors for losses and liabilities they may incur due to the
Company’s activities on the San Juan Properties.
The Company is also required to pay or reimburse the optionors for all annual
property taxes on the San Juan Properties and for any additional taxes which may be
assessed on the San Juan Properties by reason of improvements that we place on the
San Juan Properties. The surface rights agreement terminates upon the earlier of
(i) termination of the mineral rights on the San Juan Properties; (ii) complete
reclamation and restoration of the San Juan Properties; (iii) termination of the
option agreement prior to our exercising the option; (iv) failure to pay the
property or other taxes on the San Juan Properties; or (v) June 17, 2032.
b)
The Company finalized an option agreement on December 19, 2007, with an
unrelated party, whereby the Company paid $10,000 for the rights to acquire a 3% net
smelter royalty and a 2.5% net profit interest on the Gold King Mine, and a 2% net
smelter royalty and 2.5% net profit interest on the Mayflower Mine for a one time
payment of $250,000. The option expires on November 21, 2008.
On June 18, 2007, the Company changed its name from “Garpa Resources, Inc.” to “Colorado
Goldfields Inc.” and effected a 7.9 for 1 forward stock split of the authorized, issued and
outstanding stock. As a result, the authorized share capital increased from 75,000,000
shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 to 592,500,000 shares of common stock with
a par value of $0.001. The issued and outstanding common shares increased from 5,575,000
shares to 44,042,500 shares. On October 29, 2007, the Company split its stock on a 2 for 1
basis. As a result, the Company’s authorized capital increased from 592,500,000 shares of
common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share to 1,185,000,000 shares of common stock
with a par value of $0.001 per share. All share amounts have been retroactively adjusted
for all periods presented.
On November 20, 2007, the Company issued a total of 8,758,600 post-split common shares at a
price of $0.375 per post-split common share under a private placement for gross proceeds of
$3,284,475 (net proceeds of $3,007,343). Each common share was issued with one
non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to
purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.50 per post-split share until the close
of business on November 14, 2009.
The private placement provides for certain registration rights whereby the Company could
incur penalties if a registration statement is not filed or declared effective by the
Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on a timely basis pursuant to the registration rights
agreement. Under the agreements, the Company must file a registration statement registering
for resale the shares within 60 calendar days following the closing of the private
placement, which occurred on November 14, 2007. Furthermore, the Company is to use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective
within 120 calendar days after the closing of the private placement (or, in the event of a
full review of the registration statement by the SEC, 180 calendar days after the closing of
the private placement). If the registration statement is not filed on a timely basis or is
not declared effective by the SEC for any reason on a timely basis, the Company will be
required to make a payment to the subscriber for each unit then held by the subscriber, and
an additional 2.0% payment each 30-day period thereafter until the registration statement is
filed or declared effective by the SEC, as the case may be; provided, however, that in no
event shall these late registration payments, if any, exceed in the aggregate 15.0% of the
total purchase price paid for all units sold in the private placement. Thus, the maximum
monetary penalty that the Company could incur under the penalty provision of the
registration rights agreement is $492,671. Under the registration rights agreements, the
requirement to keep a registration statement current and effective is suspended upon the
earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the closing date, (ii) the date that each investor
is able to sell the shares without limitation under SEC Rule 144, or (iii) at such time that
shares purchased by the investors have been sold.
The Company timely filed a registration statement to register the shares sold in the private
placement, and such registration statement was chosen for full review by the SEC.
Additionally, due to recent changes to SEC Rule 144, the investors will be able to sell all
shares they purchased in the private placement upon the six month anniversary of the closing
date. Thus, the Company has not recorded a liability in connection with the penalty
provisions of the registration rights agreements because it believes that it is not probable
that an event can occur which will trigger a penalty payment under the agreements.
Stock options
In February 2008, the Company approved the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”) which
provides incentive stock and non-statutory options to be granted to select employees,
directors and consultants of the Company. The 2008 Plan provides that awards may be granted
for up to 9,600,000 shares of the Company’s common shares. Terms of exercise, vesting and
expirations of options granted under the 2008 Plan may be established at the discretion of
the Board of Directors, but no option may be exercisable for more than ten years. The
exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market
value of a share on a date of grant. For a non-statutory stock option, it may not be less
than 85%.
The Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options of $862,337 for the three
and six month periods ended February 29, 2008. As of February 29, 2008, the Company had
$254,863 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options, which is expected to be
realized over a period of 2.5 years. During the three and six months ended February 29,2008, the Company granted 1,600,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock. The
fair value of the options granted during the three and six months ended February 29, 2008
was estimated on grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
assumptions:
Volatility
185
%
Dividend yield
0
%
Risk-free interest rate
2.81% to 3.41
%
Expected life (years)
5 to 6.5
The expected volatility was based on the historical price volatility of the Company’s common
stock. The dividend yield represents the Company’s anticipated cash dividend on common
stock over the expected life of the stock options. The U.S. Treasury bill rate for the
expected life of the stock options was utilized to determine the risk-free interest rate.
The expected term of stock options represents the period of time the stock options granted
are expected to be outstanding. The Company does not have historical exercise trends to
analyze. Therefore, the expected term used by management was calculated in accordance with
the Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 “Share-Based Payment” (“SAB 107”) for “plain-vanilla”
options.
A summary of option activity under the 2008 Plan for the six months ended February 29, 2008
is as follows:
During the three and six months ended February 28, 2007, the Company recognized
$1,500 and $3,000, respectively, for donated services and $750 and $1,500,
respectively, for donated rent provided by an officer and director of the Company. In
addition, the Company recognized
$37,876 and $38,956 for the three and six months ended February 29, 2008,
respectively for mineral property and exploration costs that were incurred by a
company partially owned by an officer and director of the Company.
b)
On June 17, 2007, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement
with Hennis, whereby the Company agreed to employ Hennis as Chief Executive Officer and
President for the term of 18 months ending December 17, 2008, in consideration for:
(1) monthly salary of $8,000 per month for the first six months, to be increased to not
less than $8,500 per month thereafter; (2) monthly automobile allowance of $350 per
month, plus reimbursement for mileage at the IRS standard rate; (3) certain employee
benefits, including group health insurance, pension and profit sharing and other
benefits elected. Pursuant to the terms of the executive employment agreement,
effective January 17, 2008, Hennis’ monthly salary increased to $10,000 per month.
c)
Accounts payable at February 29, 2008, include $3,039 due to affiliated
companies for general and administrative costs.
9.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of business. Although unable to estimate minimum costs, if any, in the opinion of
management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will likely not have a material
adverse impact either individually or in the aggregate on future results of operations,
financial position or cash flows of the Company.
10.
Subsequent Events
Letter of intent
The Company signed a letter of intent in March, 2008 to acquire a 75% of the capital stock
of Besmer, S.A. de C.V. (“Besmer”). Besmer currently operates the El Barreno, Remedios, and
La Zacatecana silver mines in the states of Zacatecas and Durango, Mexico, and also operates
the Bocas Hacienda flotation mill near Suchil, Mexico. The letter of intent contemplates a
purchase price of $3,000,000, with $750,000 payable upon execution of
a definitive agreement and $2,250,000 payable over a
four year period with 6% interest on the unpaid balance in exchange for 75% of the
outstanding shares of Besmer. The Company would also agree to provide for a loan of up to
$5,000,000, subject to individual project economics acceptable to it, to expand production
at the mines, payable with any future operating profits.
The Company may acquire a 2% net smelter royalty on the Besmer owned concessions within four
years for $350,000. In addition, the royalty can be partially purchased by the Acquirer as
follows: for the royalty rights in La Zacatecana and La Virginia, $115,500, for the royalty
rights in Remedios, $105,000, for the royalty rights in El Barreno, $105,000 and for the
royalty rights at Los Angeles, $24,500.
The letter of intent calls for a 60-day due diligence period and the letter of intent will
terminate if definitive agreements have not been reached by May 25, 2008. The Company has
paid a $50,000 deposit in connection with the letter of intent which is non-refundable
unless material discrepancies are discovered during the due diligence phase.
Consulting agreement
The Company signed a two year agreement for financial consulting services beginning April 1,2008. Under the terms of the agreement dated March 31, 2008, the Company shall pay the
consultant $9,000 per quarter and shall give the consultant warrants to purchase up to
250,000 shares of the Company’s stock, of which 62,500 warrants will vest on the agreement
date and 62,500 warrants will vest upon each six month anniversary of the agreement date.
The warrants have an exercise price of $0.58 per share and have a two year life.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Colorado Goldfields Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Colorado Goldfields Inc. (an Exploration Stage
Company) as of August 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholders’ deficit for the year ended August 31, 2007, and for the period from February 11, 2004
(inception) through August 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Colorado Goldfields Inc. as of August 31, 2007, and the results
of its operations and cash flows for the year ended August 31, 2007, and for the period from
February 11, 2004 (inception) through August 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as
a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company incurred a net
loss of $300,193 for the year ended August 31, 2007, and a deficit accumulated during the
exploration stage of $377,558 for the period from February 11, 2004 (inception) through August 31,2007. The Company also has a limited history and no revenue producing operations. These conditions
raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s
plans with regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Colorado Goldfields Inc. (formerly Garpa Resources Inc.) (An Exploration Stage Company)
We have audited the balance sheet of Colorado Goldfields Inc. (formerly Garpa Resources Inc.)(An
Exploration Stage Company) as of August 31, 2006 and the related statements of operations, cash
flows and stockholders’ equity for the year then ended and accumulated from February 11, 2004 (Date
of Inception) to August 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Colorado Goldfields Inc. (formerly Garpa Resources Inc.) (An
Exploration Stage Company) as of August 31, 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the year then ended and accumulated from February 11, 2004 (Date of Inception) to August31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a
going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has not generated
any revenues and has incurred losses from operations since inception. These factors raise
substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in
regard to these matters are also discussed in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Organization, Nature of Business, Going Concern and Management’s Plans
Organization and Nature of Business:
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 11, 2004, under the name of
Garpa Resources, Inc. On June 18, 2007, the Company changed its name to Colorado Goldfields
Inc. (the “Company”). The Company is an Exploration Stage Company, as defined by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 7 “Accounting and Reporting for Development
Stage Enterprises". The Company’s principal business is the acquisition and exploration of
mineral resources. The Company has not presently determined whether the properties it
intends to acquire contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable.
Going Concern and Management’s Plans:
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will
continue as a going concern. Since its inception in February 2004, the Company has not
generated revenue and has incurred net losses. The Company has a deficit in working capital
of $556,855 at August 31, 2007, incurred a net loss of $300,193 for the year ended August31, 2007, and a deficit accumulated during the exploration stage of $377,558 for the period
from February 11, 2004 (inception) through August 31, 2007. Accordingly, it has not
generated cash flow from operations and has primarily relied upon advances from
stockholders, promissory notes and advances from unrelated parties, and equity financing to
fund its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. As discussed further in Note 9, on November 20, 2007, the
Company received $3,284,475 from equity financings which management believes will enable the
Company to commence mining exploration activities on properties in San Juan County,
Colorado, and fund its operations through most of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future
effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts or classification
of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a
going concern.
2.
Summary of Significant Account Policies
a)
Basis of Presentation
These financial statements and related notes are presented in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and are
expressed in US dollars. The Company’s fiscal year-end is August 31.
b)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Summary of Significant Account Policies (continued)
b)
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
The Company computes net loss per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings
per Share”. SFAS No. 128 requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings
per share (EPS) on the face of the statement of operations. Basic EPS is computed by
dividing net loss available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted EPS
gives effect to all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period
using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the
if-converted method. In computing diluted EPS, the average stock price for the
period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the
exercise of stock options or warrants. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential
shares if their effect is anti- dilutive. The Company did not have any dilutive
securities outstanding for the years ended August 31, 2007 and 2006.
c)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, establishes standards for reporting
and display of comprehensive income (loss), its components, and accumulated
balances. For the periods presented there were no differences between net loss and
comprehensive loss.
d)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with maturity of three months or
less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents.
e)
Mineral Property and Exploration Costs
The Company has been in the exploration stage since its formation on February 11,2004, and has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. It is
primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mining properties.
Costs incurred before mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves
are expensed and classified as Mineral property and exploration costs.
Capitalization of mine development project costs, that meet the definition of an
asset, begins once mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves.
When it has been determined that a mineral property can be economically developed as
a result of establishing proven and probable reserves, the costs incurred to acquire
and develop such property are capitalized. Such costs will be amortized using the
units-of-production method over the estimated life of the probable reserve. If
mineral properties are subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs
will be charged to operations.
f)
Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets”, the Company tests long-lived assets or asset groups for
recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying
amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include,
but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset;
significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation
of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the
acquisition or construction of the asset; current period cash flow or operating
losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses
associated with the use of the asset; and current expectation that the asset will
more likely than not be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its
estimated useful life.
Summary of Significant Account Policies (continued)
Recoverability is assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset and its fair
value which is generally determined based on the sum of the undiscounted cash flows
expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset, as well as
specific appraisal in certain instances. An impairment loss is recognized when the
carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. Management believes no
impairment exists as of August 31, 2007.
i)
Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial instruments, which include cash, restricted cash,
accounts payable, advances and a note payable were estimated to approximately their
carrying value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial
instruments. The fair value of amounts due to related parties is not practicable to
estimate due to the related party nature of the underlying transactions.
j)
Income Taxes
Potential benefits of income tax losses are not recognized until realization is more
likely than not. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 109, the Company is required to compute tax asset benefits for
net operating losses carried forward. The potential benefit of net operating losses
have not been recognized in the financial statements because the Company cannot be
assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses in
future years.
k)
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated in
accordance with SFAS No. 52 “Foreign Currency
Translation”, using the exchange rate
prevailing at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses arising on settlement of
foreign currency transactions or balances are included in the determination of
income. Foreign currency transactions have in the past been primarily undertaken in
Canadian dollars. The effects of foreign currency translation and transactions are
not material.
l)
Property Retirement Obligation
SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” requires the fair value of
a liability for an asset retirement obligation to be recognized in the period that
it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated
asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the
long-lived asset. Accretion expense is recorded in each subsequent period to
recognize the changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time. Changes
resulting from revisions to the original fair value of the liability are recognized
as an increase or decrease in the carrying amount of the liability and the related
asset retirement costs capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset.
m)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No.
159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities -
Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. This statement permits entities
to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair
value. Most of the provisions of SFAS No. 159 apply only to entities that elect the
fair value option. However, the amendment to SFAS No. 115 “Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”applies to all entities with
available-for-sale and trading securities.
SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that
begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a
fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also
elects to apply the provision of SFAS No. 157, “Fair
Value Measurements”. The
adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company’s financial statements.
Summary of Significant Account Policies (continued)
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
“Fair Value Measurements”. The objective of
SFAS 157 is to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and to
expand disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands
disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. In November 2007, the FASB
announced that it would defer the effective date of SFAS 157 for one year for all
non-financial assets and liabilities, except for those that are recognized or disclosed at
fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The provisions of SFAS No. 157
are effective for fair value measurements made in fiscal years beginning after November 15,2007. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company’s future reported financial position or results of operations.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty In
Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 109”. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting
for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a two-step method of first evaluating whether
a tax position has a more likely than not recognition threshold and second, measuring that
tax position to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial
statements. FIN 48 provides guidance on the presentation of such positions within a
classified statement of financial position as well as on derecognition, interest and
penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of this statement is not
expected to have a material effect on the Company’s future reported financial position or
results of operations.
3.
Restricted Cash
During the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company prepaid $19,965 of outstanding fees and
disbursements with respect to the promissory note as disclosed in Note 4. This amount, which
was held in escrow by the Company’s legal representative, was ultimately used to repay the
aforementioned promissory note in November 2007.
4.
Note and Advances Payable
On May 15, 2007, the Company issued a promissory note to an unrelated third party in
exchange for cash proceeds of $100,000. Under the terms of the promissory note, interest is
accrued at 12% per annum and is payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30, and
December 31 of each year. The promissory note is secured by property and equipment and is
due on November 30, 2007. The promissory note, including all principal and interest totaling
$106,267 was repaid in November 2007. In addition, through August 2007, the Company received
a total of $400,733 in unsecured non-interest bearing advances from an unrelated third
party. The advances were repaid in November 2007. The note and advances payable were repaid
from the proceeds of the private placement described in Note 9.
5.
Common Stock
On June 18, 2007, the Company effected a 7.9 for 1 forward stock split of the authorized,
issued and outstanding stock. As a result, the authorized share capital increased from
75,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 to 592,500,000 shares of common
stock with a par value of $0.001. The issued and outstanding common shares increased from
5,575,000 shares to 44,042,500 shares. All share amounts have been retroactively adjusted
for all periods presented. Refer to Note 9.
6.
Related Party Transactions
a)
During the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company recognized a total of $4,500
(2006 — $6,000) for donated services at $500 per month and $2,250 (2006 — $3,000) for
donated rent at $250 per month provided by an officer and director of the Company.
On January 5, 2007, the Company issued a demand promissory note in exchange for
cash proceeds of $10,000 to an officer and director of the Company. The note was
unsecured, non-interest bearing, due on demand, and repaid in July 2007.
c)
On June 17, 2007, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement
with Mr. Todd C. Hennis (“Hennis”), whereby the Company agreed to employ Hennis as
Chief Executive Officer and President for the term of 18 months ending December 17,2008, in consideration for: (1) monthly salary of $8,000 per month for the first six
months, to be increased to not less than $8,500 per month thereafter; (2) monthly
automobile allowance of $350 per month, plus reimbursement for mileage at the IRS
standard rate; (3) certain employee benefits, including group health insurance, pension
and profit sharing and other benefits elected; (4) and the agreement by the Company to
grant a stock option to purchase up to 600,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of the common shares as of the date of grant
pursuant to a stock option plan. The Company has not yet obtained the necessary
approvals to grant the options as outlined under the agreement.
d)
The Company has also verbally agreed to grant our CFO, Gary Schellenberg, an
option to purchase up to 500,000 shares. In addition, the Company has hired an
exploration manager who is scheduled to start work in February, 2008 and to whom the
Company verbally agreed to grant an option to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock,
with such option to vest over a three year period. All of the options would be
exercisable at a price equal to the fair market value as of the date of grant.
e)
On June 17, 2007, the former President of the Company entered into a stock
purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Hennis, whereby the former President of the
Company agreed to sell, and Hennis agreed to purchase, 2,500,000 (19,750,000 after the
7.9 for 1 forward split described in Note 5 and 39,500,000 shares after the 2 for 1
forward split described in Note 9) common shares of the Company for the consideration
of $2,500. The transaction resulted in a change of control in the Company.
f)
Accounts payable at August 31, 2007, include $6,377 due to affiliated companies
for legal fees and mineral property and exploration costs.
7.
Mineral Properties
a)
The Company entered into an agreement dated March 7, 2005, to acquire a 100%
interest in two Red Lake Mining Division Mining Claims located South of Otter Lake,
Ontario, Canada, in consideration for $10,000. The claims were registered in the name
of the former President of the Company, who executed a trust agreement whereby the
former President agreed to hold the claims in trust on behalf of the Company. During
the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company incurred $2,097 of mineral exploration
costs in relation to the mining claims before abandoning them by August 31, 2007.
b)
On June 29, 2007, the Company acquired the Pride of the West Mill (the “Mill”),
an inactive mining mill, located in Howardsville, Colorado for consideration of
$900,677 plus the assumption of an estimated asset retirement obligation of $500,000
for a total cost of $1,400,677. The Company paid the seller cash of $250,677 and the
remaining $650,000 was paid through a mortgage with the seller which is secured by the
Mill bearing interest at 7% per year with interest only payable monthly for two years,
with all unpaid principal due June 29, 2009. Through August 31, 2007, there were no
significant changes to the retirement obligation and accretion expense was not
significant.
In connection with the acquisition of the Mill, the Company is further obligated to replace
a bond that the seller has on deposit with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and
Safety. In December 2007 or early January 2008, the Company is planning to replace the bond
for approximately $317,000.
c)
On June 17, 2007, the Company entered into an option agreement, amended
November 8, 2007, among the Company as optionee, Hennis and San Juan Corp., a company
controlled by Hennis, as optionors, whereby the Company was granted the exclusive right
and option to acquire an 80% undivided right, title and interest in certain properties
located in San Juan County, Colorado, which option is to be exercised by the Company in
stages as follows:
(i)
an undivided 40% interest in the properties is to vest upon the
Company incurring expenditures of not less than $6,000,000 on the properties
within five years from the date of the option agreement;
(ii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the properties is to
vest upon: (a) the Company incurring additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the properties within 7.5 years from the date of the option
agreement, and (b) the issuance by the Company, subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, of 10,000,000 shares (adjusted for stock splits) of
the Company’s common stock; and
(iii)
an additional undivided 20% interest in the properties is to
vest upon: (a) the Company incurring additional expenditures of not less than
$3,500,000 on the properties within 10 years from the date of the option
agreement, and (b) the issuance by the Company, subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, of 10,000,000 shares (adjusted for stock splits) of
the Company’s common stock.
In addition, in order to keep the option in good standing, the Company must
make payments to the optionors as follows:
(i)
a cash payment of $50,000 within 30 days from the date of the
option agreement (which was paid by the Company in August, 2007 and recorded as
expense);
(ii)
a cash payment of $100,000 within one year from the date of the
option agreement;
(iii)
a cash payment of $200,000 within two years from the date of
the option agreement; and
(iv)
100 troy ounces of gold contained in gold ore, or the cash
equivalent thereof, within three years of the date of the option agreement, and
annually thereafter up to and including the 10th year from the date
of the option agreement, which payments shall only be made if the Company
successfully operates the Mill during any part of the year in which payment is
due. The Mill is currently non-operational.
Pursuant to the option agreement, the Company: (i) has been appointed as the
initial operator on the properties, with certain rights and obligations as described
in the option agreement; and (ii) has executed and entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Hennis, as described in Note 6(c):
The option agreement: (i) will terminate in the event the Company fails to make any
of the payments required to maintain the option in good standing; and (ii)
notwithstanding anything else in the option agreement, may be terminated by the
Company within 18 months from date of the option agreement by providing 10 days’
written notice to the optionors.
As described in Note 6, on June 17, 2007, a change in control occurred which may
substantially limit utilization of net operating losses incurred prior to that date. The net
operating loss above expires through August 31, 2028.
Deferred income tax reflects the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
used for income tax purposes. The Company provided a valuation allowance of 100% of its
deferred tax asset due to the uncertainty of generating future profits that would allow for
the realization of such deferred tax assets.
9.
Subsequent Events
On October 29, 2007, the Company split its stock on a 2 for 1 basis. As a result, the
Company’s authorized capital increased from 592,500,000 shares of common stock with a par
value of $0.001 per share to 1,185,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001
per share. All share and per share information included in the accompanying financial
statements for all periods presented have been adjusted to retroactively reflect the stock
split.
On November 20, 2007, the Company issued a total of 8,758,600 post-split common shares at a
price of US$0.375 per post-split common share under a private placement for gross proceeds
of $3,284,475 (net proceeds of $2,999,016). Each common share was issued with one
non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to
purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.50 per post-split share until the close
of business on November 14, 2009. As of November 30, 2007 private placement proceeds of
$831,225 from signed subscription agreements for 2,216,600 shares of common shares had not
been received and were recorded as of November 30, 2007, as stock subscription receivables.
The stock subscription receivables were collected on December 4, 2007.
The private placement provides for certain registration rights whereby the Company could
incur penalties if a registration statement is not filed or declared effective by the SEC on
a timely basis pursuant to the registration rights agreements. Under the agreements, the
Company must file a registration statement registering for resale the shares within 60
calendar days following the closing of the private placement, which occurred on November 14,2007. Furthermore, the Company is to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective within 120 calendar days after the closing of the
private placement (or, in the event of a full review of the registration statement by the
SEC, 180 calendar days after the closing of the private placement). If the registration
statement is not filed on a timely basis or is not declared effective by the SEC for any
reason on a timely basis, the Company will be required to make a payment to the subscribers
in an amount equal to 2.0% of the purchase price paid for the Units by the subscriber for
each Unit then held by the subscriber, and an additional 2.0% payment each 30-day period
thereafter until the registration statement is filed or declared effective by the SEC, as
the case may be; provided, however, that in no event shall these late registration payments,
if any, exceed in the aggregate 15.0% of the total purchase price paid for all Units sold in
the private placement. Thus, the maximum monetary penalty that the Company could incur
under the penalty provision of the registration rights agreement is $492,671. Under the
registration rights agreements, the requirement to keep a registration statement current and
effective is suspended upon the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the closing date,
(i) the date that each investor is able to sell the shares without limitation under SEC Rule
144, or (iii) at such time that shares purchased by the investors have been sold.
The Company timely filed a registration statement to register the shares sold in the private
placement, and such registration statement was chosen for full review by the SEC.
Additionally, due to recent changes to SEC Rule 144, the investors will be able to sell all
shares they purchased in the private placement upon the six month anniversary of the closing
date. Thus, the Company has not recorded a liability in connection with the penalty
provisions of the registration rights agreements because it believes that it is not probable
that an event can occur which will trigger a penalty payment under the agreements.
A portion of the proceeds have been used to pay down certain loans and advances payable.
Management expects the balance of the proceeds will be used for exploration and development
of the Company’s San Juan County, Colorado mining properties, working capital and general
corporate purposes, and the acquisition of additional mineral properties.
10.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various clams and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. Although unable to estimate minimum costs, if any, in the opinion of management,
the ultimate disposition of these matters will likely not have a material adverse impact
either individually or in the aggregate on future results of operations, financial position
or cash flows of the Company.
You should rely only on the information contained in this document or that we have referred
you to. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell common stock and is not soliciting an offer to buy common stock
in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Until June 22, 2008, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not
participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the
dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscriptions.
Dates Referenced Herein and Documents Incorporated by Reference