UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-Q/A
(Amendment No. 1)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
December 31, 2011
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to
________
Commission file number: 333-127635
GRYPHON GOLD CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Nevada | 92-0185596 |
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
611 N Nevada Street | |
Carson City, Nevada | 89703 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(604) 261-2229
(Registrants Telephone Number,
including Area Code)
_______________________________________________________________
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [_] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). [_] Yes [X] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [_] | Accelerated filer [_] |
Non-accelerated filer [_] | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes [_] No [X]
Number of common shares outstanding at February 17, 2012 194,103,382
Explanatory Note
This Amendment No.1 on Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1) to the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10−Q for the quarter ended
December 31,
2011, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February
17, 2012 (Form 10−Q), amends the Cover Page of the Form 10-Q to correct a
typographical error that incorrectly identified the Reporting Issuer as a Shell
Company. The Cover Page has been updated accordingly.
No other changes have been made to the Form 10−Q. This Form 10−Q/A does not
reflect events that may have occurred subsequent to the original filing date,
and does not modify or update in any way disclosures made in the Form 10−Q.
GRYPHON GOLD CORPORATION
December 31, 2011
INDEX
Page No.(s) | ||
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Financial Statements. | 2 |
Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 16 |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. | 24 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures. | 24 |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings. | 24 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. | 24 |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. | 25 |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities. | 25 |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 25 |
Item 5. | Other Information. | 25 |
Item 6. | Exhibits. | 26 |
SIGNATURES | 27 |
i
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited) (Stated in U.S. Dollars)
As at | As at | |||||
December 31, | March 31, | |||||
2011 | 2011 | |||||
ASSETS |
||||||
Current Assets |
||||||
Cash |
$ | 1,380,077 | $ | 837,457 | ||
Accounts receivable |
527,869 | 29,892 | ||||
Note receivable |
- | 2,975 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
279,842 | 122,716 | ||||
Inventories |
3,537,564 | - | ||||
Deferred issue costs |
557,547 | 281,278 | ||||
Total Current Assets |
6,282,899 | 1,274,318 | ||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
18,934,418 | 2,760,330 | ||||
Reclamation bonds |
2,259,393 | 225,893 | ||||
Total Assets |
$ | 27,476,710 | $ | 4,260,541 | ||
|
||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 2,175,149 | $ | 397,106 | ||
Current portion of the long term debt |
424,333 | - | ||||
Notes payable, net of discount |
7,020,065 | - | ||||
Total Current Liabilities |
9,619,547 | 397,106 | ||||
|
||||||
Asset retirement obligation |
2,067,195 | 51,300 | ||||
Long-term debt |
2,983,693 | - | ||||
Total Liabilities |
14,670,435 | 448,406 | ||||
|
||||||
Commitments & contingencies [note 15] |
||||||
|
||||||
Stockholders' Equity |
||||||
Common stock |
194,103 | 96,984 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
53,105,922 | 41,665,952 | ||||
Accumulated deficit |
(40,493,750 | ) | (37,950,801 | ) | ||
Total Stockholders' Equity |
12,806,275 | 3,812,135 | ||||
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity |
$ | 27,476,710 | $ | 4,260,541 |
See Note 1 Nature of Operations and Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Consolidated Statements of
Operations
(Unaudited) (Stated in US Dollars)
Three months | Three months | Nine months | Nine months | |||||||||
ended | ended | ended | ended | |||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||
Continuing operations: |
||||||||||||
Sales of product |
$ | 931,794 | - | $ | 931,794 | - | ||||||
Cost of sales and other direct production costs |
930,219 | - | 930,219 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, amortization |
41,678 | - | 41,678 | - | ||||||||
Gross profit (loss) |
(40,103 | ) | - | (40,103 | ) | - | ||||||
Other operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Exploration (refund) |
(26,394 | ) | $ | 115,930 | 68,860 | $ | 694,358 | |||||
Salaries & consulting fees |
364,297 | 303,421 | 836,465 | 845,552 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
152,554 | 135,336 | 527,164 | 483,267 | ||||||||
Legal and audit |
62,202 | 48,865 | 203,202 | 232,686 | ||||||||
Travel and accommodation |
66,328 | 36,366 | 159,589 | 105,659 | ||||||||
Depreciation |
17,714 | 13,145 | 35,176 | 40,767 | ||||||||
Asset retirement obligation accretion |
10,284 | - | 27,280 | - | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
(687,088 | ) | (653,063 | ) | (1,897,839 | ) | (2,402,289 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of equipment |
- | (99 | ) | - | (99 | ) | ||||||
Foreign exchange loss |
94,653 | 1,894 | 189,449 | 18,632 | ||||||||
Realized loss on securities |
- | - | - | 75,772 | ||||||||
Interest income |
(7,926 | ) | 32 | (11,153 | ) | (1,974 | ) | |||||
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest |
381,212 | 123 | 466,814 | 997 | ||||||||
Loss for the period from continuing operations |
(1,155,027 | ) | (655,013 | ) | (2,542,949 | ) | (2,495,617 | ) | ||||
|
||||||||||||
Discontinued operations: |
||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
- | - | - | (18,241 | ) | |||||||
Gain on sale of discontinued operations |
- | - | - | 653,949 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations |
- | - | - | 635,708 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Net loss for the period |
$ | (1,155,027 | ) | $ | (655,013 | ) | $ | (2,542,949 | ) | $ | (1,859,909 | ) |
|
||||||||||||
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
$ | (0.006 | ) | $ | (0.007 | ) | $ | (0.014 | ) | $ | (0.028 | ) |
Income from discontinued operations |
- | - | - | 0.007 | ||||||||
Total loss per share |
$ | (0.006 | ) | $ | (0.007 | ) | $ | (0.014 | ) | $ | (0.021 | ) |
|
||||||||||||
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
193,992,040 | 89,755,784 | 177,175,447 | 88,357,009 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Consolidated Statements
of Changes in Stockholders Equity
(Unaudited) (Stated in US Dollars)
Additional | |||||||||||||||
Common stock | paid-in | ||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | |||||||||||
# | |||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2010 |
86,033,774 | $ | 86,034 | $ | 39,585,228 | $ | (35,202,910 | ) | $ | 4,468,352 | |||||
Shares issued: |
|||||||||||||||
For private placements |
7,964,429 | 7,964 | 1,500,593 | | 1,508,558 | ||||||||||
Option consideration |
1,500,000 | 1,500 | 268,500 | | 270,000 | ||||||||||
Consultant compensation |
550,000 | 550 | 125,950 | | 126,500 | ||||||||||
Share issue costs |
| | (104,729 | ) | | (104,729 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement of accounts payable |
436,929 | 437 | 59,563 | | 60,000 | ||||||||||
Fair value of restricted stock units granted |
275,000 | 275 | 41,923 | | 42,198 | ||||||||||
Fair value of options granted |
| | 142,212 | | 142,212 | ||||||||||
Exercise of warrants |
223,500 | 224 | 46,712 | | 46,935 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the period |
| | | (2,747,891 | ) | (2,747,891 | ) | ||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2011 |
96,983,632 | 96,984 | 41,665,952 | (37,950,801 | ) | 3,812,135 | |||||||||
Shares issued: |
|||||||||||||||
For public offering |
89,060,000 | 89,060 | 10,979,302 | | 11,068,362 | ||||||||||
Exercise of option to reduce royalty |
7,726,250 | 7,726 | 1,073,949 | | 1,081,675 | ||||||||||
Share issue costs |
| | (13,177 | ) | | (13,177 | ) | ||||||||
Public offering costs |
| | (1,466,723 | ) | | (1,466,723 | ) | ||||||||
Exercise of options |
150,000 | 150 | 19,930 | | 20,080 | ||||||||||
Exercise of warrants |
183,500 | 183 | 45,691 | | 45,874 | ||||||||||
Fair value of options granted |
| | 181,041 | | 181,041 | ||||||||||
Fair value of warrants issued on debt |
| | 619,957 | | 619,957 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the period |
| | | (2,542,949 | ) | (2,542,949 | ) | ||||||||
Balance December 31, 2011 |
194,103,382 | $ | 194,103 | $ | 53,105,922 | $ | (40,493,750 | ) | $ | 12,606,275 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows
(Unaudited) (Stated in US dollars)
|
Nine months | Nine months | ||||
|
ended | ended | ||||
|
December 31, | December 31, | ||||
|
2011 | 2010 | ||||
|
||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||
Net loss for the period |
$ | (2,542,949 | ) | $ | (1,859,909 | ) |
Items not involving cash: |
||||||
Depreciation |
76,854 | 40,767 | ||||
Asset retirement obligation accretion |
27,280 | - | ||||
Gain on disposal of equipment: |
- | (99 | ) | |||
Write down of accrued liability: |
- | (124,008 | ) | |||
Share based compensation |
181,041 | 142,022 | ||||
Amortization of debt offering costs |
199,947 | |||||
Amortization of notes payable discount |
199,877 | 10,364 | ||||
Unrealized gain on foreign exchange |
20,141 | |||||
Realized loss on securities |
- | 75,771 | ||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt |
- | (653,949 | ) | |||
Changes in non-cash working |
||||||
Capital items: |
||||||
Accounts receivable |
(497,977 | ) | 22,416 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
1,239,602 | (371,481 | ) | |||
Inventories |
(3,537,564 | ) | - | |||
Prepaid expenses |
(157,126 | ) | (121,643 | ) | ||
Cash used in operating activities |
(4,790,874 | ) | (2,839,748 | ) | ||
|
||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||
Reclamation bonds purchased |
(2,033,500 | ) | (69,115 | ) | ||
Option payment received |
- | 100,000 | ||||
Purchase of equipment |
(414,225 | ) | (54,307 | ) | ||
Payments on construction in progress, ADR |
(1,491,363 | ) | - | |||
Payments on leach pad 1A |
(1,897,882 | ) | - | |||
Payment on plant |
(4,929,259 | ) | - | |||
Cash received from sale of discontinued operations |
- | 2,250,000 | ||||
Mineral property expenditures |
(248,203 | ) | (11,003 | ) | ||
Option payment to amend and reduce royalty |
(175,000 | ) | (150,000 | ) | ||
Proceeds from sales of held for trading securities |
- | 116,195 | ||||
Proceeds from note receivable |
2,975 | 8,634 | ||||
Proceeds from sale equipment |
- | 100 | ||||
Cash used in investing activities |
(11,186,457 | ) | 2,190,504 | |||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||
Payments on notes payable |
(46,693 | ) | - | |||
Proceeds from notes payable |
7,480,676 | - | ||||
Shares and warrants issue for cash net of offering costs |
11,134,317 | 200,000 | ||||
Share issues costs |
(13,177 | ) | (13,736) | |||
Public offering costs |
(1,185,444 | ) | - | |||
Debt offering costs |
(829,587 | ) | - | |||
Cash provided by financing activities |
16,540,092 | 186,264 | ||||
|
||||||
Effect of foreign exchange on cash |
(20,141 | ) | - | |||
Increase (decrease) in cash during the period |
542,620 | (462,980 | ) | |||
Cash, beginning of period |
837,457 | 937,056 | ||||
Cash, end of period |
$ | 1,380,077 | $ | 474,076 |
See Note 1 Nature of Operations and Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN UNCERTAINTY
Gryphon Gold Corporation was incorporated in the State of Nevada in 2003 and wholly owns its subsidiary, Borealis Mining Company (collectively, Gryphon Gold or the Company). The Company has historically reported as an exploration and development company. On June 6, 2011, the Company began constructing an oxide heap leach mine and related processing facility on its Borealis property (the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project). During the period ended December 31, 2011, the Company commenced mining operations, and the Company has determined the Company is no longer in the exploration/development stage. Accordingly, the Company has ceased its financial reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 915 Development Stage Entities, during the nine months ended December 31, 2011.
Going Concern
The audit opinion for the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 includes a going concern qualification. Additional financing will be required to complete the Adsorption Desorption Recovery Plant (ADR), to provide capital for the expansion of crushing and procession facilities, to fund additional bonding requirements and to provide working capital until the Company receives positive cash flow from sales of gold. The Company is currently conducting negotiations with multiple parties to obtain the needed financing, subject to its ability to obtain the necessary consent and approvals. If future revenues do not result in positive cash flow, and the Company is unable to raise additional capital, we will not be able to meet our obligations and may have to suspend or cease operations. The Companys ability to raise additional capital may be inhibited by the restrictive covenants of the debentures the Company issued in November of 2011, which restrict the Companys ability to issue equity and debt securities absent consent of the Noteholders. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in achieving profitability, generating positive cash flow or raising additional capital through placements of debt or equity. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $40,493,750 as at December 31, 2011, ($37,950,801 as at March 31, 2011), and without positive operating cash flow or additional financing, the Company does not have sufficient cash on hand to fund normal operations for the next twelve months or satisfy the current $7 million notes payable. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. Such assumption contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The recoverability of amounts shown for mineral property interests in the Companys consolidated balance sheets is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to arrange appropriate financing to complete the development of its properties, the receipt of necessary permitting and upon achieving future profitable production or receiving proceeds from the disposition of properties. The timing of such events occurring, if at all, is not yet determinable. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, as well as the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Companys management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.
For further information refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Loss per share
Loss per common share is determined based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is calculated by the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of diluted stock options and warrants classified as equity instruments are applied to repurchase common shares at the average market price for the period.
6
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED:
Loss per share, continued:
In addition, outstanding convertible promissory notes are assumed to be converted into common stock at the then applicable rate. Stock options and warrants are dilutive when the Company has income from continuing operations and when the average market price of the common shares during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options and warrants. The convertible promissory notes are dilutive when the Company has income from continuing operations, and the impact from the dilution exceeds the impact from the reduction in interest expense resulting from the conversion of the notes.
Fair value measurements
Accounting principles require an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instruments categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:
Our financial instruments consist principally of cash, reclamation bond, long-term debt and notes payable. The table below sets forth our assets and liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level that management has determined applies to each asset and liability category.
Balance December 31, | Balance March 31, | Input | |||||||
2011 | 2011 | Hierarchy level | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,380,077 | $ | 837,457 | Level 1 | ||||
Reclamation bonds | $ | 2,259,393 | $ | 225,893 | Level 1 |
Inventories
Material on Heap Leach Inventory
The Company records gold in process, gold doré, and saleable gold on carbon at average cost, less provisions required to reduce inventory to market value. Costs capitalized to in process and finished goods inventory include the cost of mineralized material processed; direct and indirect materials and consumables; direct labor; repairs and maintenance; utilities; amortization of property, plant and equipment; and local mine administrative expenses.
Supplies Inventory
Mine operating supplies are recorded at the lower of purchase cost or net realizable value. The Company records provisions to reduce inventory to net realizable value to reflect changes in economic factors that impact inventory value or to reflect present intentions for the use of slow moving and obsolete supplies inventory.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues and the corresponding accounts receivable for sales of gold and silver products are recorded upon shipment.
7
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, CONTINUED:
Property, Plant and Equipment
Reserves are a key component in our valuation of our property, plant and equipment. Reserve estimates in our pre-feasibility study entitled NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study Update of the Mineral Resources of the Borealis Gold Project Located in Mineral County, Nevada, USA dated April 25, 2011, (the Pre-Feasibility Study) are used in determining appropriate rates of units-of production depreciation.
Reclassifications
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current quarter presentation.
3. NEVADA EAGLE RESOURCES LLC
On August 21, 2007, Gryphon Gold closed the acquisition of Nevada Eagle Resources LLC (Nevada Eagle). On April 23, 2010, Gryphon Gold sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Nevada Eagle Resources LLC to Fronteer Development (USA) Inc. (Fronteer) for $4,750,000. Fronteer paid $2,250,000 in cash and $2,500,000 by assuming Gryphon Gold's obligations under a convertible note, which was retired. In addition, Gryphon Gold retained the Copper Basin property located in Idaho. The Company recognized a gain of $653,949 in connection with the sale.
The Company completed the sale of Nevada Eagle during the six months ended September 30, 2010; Nevada Eagles results have been classified and presented as Discontinued Operations.
4. INVENTORIES
The recovery of gold and silver from certain oxide ores is achieved through the heap leaching process. Under this method, mineralized material is placed on leach pads where it is treated with a chemical solution, which dissolves the gold or silver contained in the material. The resulting pregnant solution is further processed in a plant where gold and silver are recovered. For accounting purposes, costs are added to material on leach pads based on current mining and leaching costs, including applicable depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to mining operations. Costs are removed from ore on leach pads as ounces are recovered based on the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold or silver on the leach pad.
Estimates of recoverable gold or silver on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of material placed on the leach pads (measured tons added to the leach pads), the grade of material placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and an estimated recovery percentage (based on ore type). Although the quantities of recoverable gold or silver placed on the leach pads are reconciled by comparing the grades of material placed on pads to the quantities of gold or silver actually recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is regularly monitored and estimates are refined based on actual results over time. As of December 31, 2011 the Company had a limited operating history and actual results only over that short period of time. Due to this, estimates of recoverable gold and silver are based primarily on initial tests and only limited refinements derived from metallurgical balancing.
Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis. The ultimate recovery of gold or silver from a leach pad will not be known until the leaching process is concluded. The quantification of material inventory on the leach pad is based on estimates of the quantities of gold or silver at each balance sheet date that the Company expects to recover during the next 12 months.
During the third quarter the Company estimated its recoverable material on the leach pad and its gold in carbon inventory based on net realizable value less processing and selling costs of the inventories, as third quarter production costs exceed net realizable value.
At December 31, 2011, our inventories were as follows:
December 31, 2011 | |||
Material on leach pad inventory | $ | 2,816,582 | |
Gold in carbon inventory | 580,861 | ||
Supplies inventory | 140,120 | ||
Total inventory costs | $ | 3,537,564 |
8
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired assets in connection with the construction of the Borealis Heap Leach Oxide Project and also began construction of the ADR plant through the debt financing that was completed on July 27, 2011.
December 31, 2011 | |||||||||
Accumulated | |||||||||
Cost | Depreciation | Net Book Value | |||||||
Mineral properties | $ | 7,574,547 | $ | - | $ | 7,574,547 | |||
Borealis asset retirement obligation | 2,036,869 | 5,758 | 2,031,111 | ||||||
Leach pad 1A | 1,897,882 | 21,859 | 1,876,023 | ||||||
Plant | 5,477,528 | 13,671 | 5,463,857 | ||||||
Construction in progress, ADR | 1,491,363 | - | 1,491,363 | ||||||
Equipment | 764,783 | 267,266 | 497,517 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment total costs | $ | 19,242,972 | $ | 308,554 | $ | 18,934,418 |
March 31, 2011 | |||||||||
Accumulated | |||||||||
Cost | Depreciation | Net Book Value | |||||||
Equipment | $ | 340,963 | $ | 231,702 | $ | 109,261 | |||
Mineral properties | 2,651,069 | - | 2,651,069 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment total costs | $ | 2,992,032 | $ | 231,702 | $ | 2,760,330 |
On June 6, 2011, the Company commenced construction of Phase 1A of the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project. The majority of construction of Phase 1A was completed late in the second quarter. Construction activities included building a new leach pad, barren and pregnant solution ponds, carbon columns, roads and infrastructure. Direct costs of materials, labor, equipment and supplies used in construction activities are capitalized during the period they are incurred. Additionally, certain indirect costs are capitalized during the period. Interest expense of $164,902 was capitalized during the period ended December 31, 2011 in construction in progress.
6. RECLAMATION BONDS
At December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, reclamation bonds and deposits were as follows:
December 31, | March 31, | |||||
2011 | 2011 | |||||
Reclamation bonds & deposits | $ | 2,259,393 | $ | 225,893 | ||
Total | $ | 2,259,393 | $ | 225,893 |
On December 31, 2011 the Company had $2,250,385 (March 31, 2011 - $216,885) on deposit to support performance bonds with the United States Forest Service. The Company also has a deposit with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for $9,008 (March 31, 2011 - $9,008), which partially supports its potential future obligations for reclamation during the Companys exploration activities within the BLM area. The United States Forest Service reclamation bonds were increased during the nine months ended December 31, 2011, by $2,033,500. These bonds are required in connection with the construction of the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project and to perform infill drilling.
9
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
7. NOTES PAYABLE
On July 27, 2011, the Company closed a $3.17 million debt offering of units of the Company. The offering was led by Acumen Capital Finance Partners Limited in Canada and by Roth Capital Partners in the United States. Each unit consists of $1,000 CAD principal amount of 10% secured subordinated debentures maturing July 28, 2012 and 1,500 warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 USD per share. The warrants expire on January 27, 2013.
The debentures bear interest from the date of issue at 10.0% per annum, payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, commencing on September 30, 2011. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on July 28, 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains customary terms, conditions and covenants. The debentures are secured by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement.
The fair value of the warrants issued to note holders and brokers pursuant to the July 2011 offering was $383,670, which was calculated using Black-Scholes model with a risk free interest rate of 0.30%, volatility of 86.59%, 549 days expected term and an exercise and market price of $0.20 per share. This valuation was recorded as a discount to the notes payable and will be amortized over the twelve-month term of the notes and as at December 31, 2011, $166,082 had been amortized and charged to interest expense.
On November 22, 2011, the Company closed another $4.3 million debt offering of units of the Company. The offering was led by Acumen Capital Finance Partners Limited in Canada and by Roth Capital Partners in the United States. Each unit consists of $1,000 CAD principal amount of 10% secured subordinated debentures maturing November 23, 2012 and 750 warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.40 USD per share. The warrants expire on May 22, 2013.
The debentures bear interest from the date of issue at 10.0% per annum, payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on November 23, 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains terms, conditions, covenants and restrictive covenants, including restrictions on issuing additional debt or equity. The debentures are secured under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company, which is subordinate to the security interest granted to holders of the debentures issued on July 27, 2011.
Acumen and Roth Capital were paid a cash commission of 6.5% of the gross proceeds of the offering.
The fair value of the warrants issued to note holders and brokers pursuant to the November 2011 offering was $308,379, which was calculated using Black-Scholes model with a risk free interest rate of 0.40%, volatility of 84.11%, 548 days expected term and an exercise and market price of $0.2794 per share. This valuation was recorded as a discount to the notes payable and will be amortized over the twelve-month term of the notes and as at December 31, 2011 $33,795 had been amortized and charged to interest expense
8. DEBT OFFERING COSTS
The debt offering costs in connection with the notes payable transaction closed on July 27, 2011 [See note 7] totaled $405,520 paid in cash, of which $43,788 was accounted for in additional paid in capital, netting $361,732 in debt offering costs. These costs will be amortized over the twelve-month term of the notes and as at December 31, 2011, $156,585 was amortized and charged to interest expense.
The debt offering costs in connection with the notes payable transaction closed on November 22, 2011 [See note 7] totaled $424,067 paid in cash, of which $28,304 was accounted for in additional paid in capital, netting $395,763 in debt offering costs. These costs will be amortized over the twelve-month term of the notes and as at December 31, 2011, $43,362 was amortized and charged to interest expense.
10
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
At December 31, 2011, and March 31, 2011, our asset retirement obligation was as follows:
Nine | Year | |||||
months | ended | |||||
ended | March 31, | |||||
December | 2011 | |||||
31, 2011 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation, beginning of period | $ | 51,300 | - | |||
Incurred | 1,928,733 | $ | 48,254 | |||
Accretion | 30,326 | 3,046 | ||||
Additions and changes in estimates | 56,836 | - | ||||
Settlements | - | - | ||||
Asset retirement obligation, end of period | $ | 2,067,195 | $ | 51,300 |
The asset retirement obligation at March 31, 2011 was calculated based on responsibilities the Company had to reclaim certain disturbed acreage relating to exploration on the Borealis property. The asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2011 includes the Companys estimate of reclamation costs for Phase 1A of the Borealis Heap Leach Project and in fill drilling that commenced in the quarter ended December 31, 2011.
10. OPTION TO REDUCE ROYALTY
In August 2008, Gryphon and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Borealis Mining Company, entered into an option agreement with the lessors of the Borealis property to amend the mining lease for the Borealis Property to fix the gold price based sliding scale royalty at a 5% Net Smelter Royalty. Effective May 20, 2011, the Company exercised the option to fix the Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on its Borealis property at 5%.
Under the terms of the option agreement, as amended, Gryphon exercised the option by paying the lessors aggregate consideration of $7,000,000 (less the $250,000 previously paid by Gryphon to the lessors upon execution of the option agreement) as follows:
(a) |
$150,000 in cash; | |
(b) |
7,726,500 shares of common stock at an agreed value of $0.40 per share (an agreed value of $3,090,500, and a fair value of $1,081,675 based on the market price of the Companys common shares at the date the option was exercised); | |
(c) |
5% promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000, due May 20, 2013, with installment payments due upon commencement of production on the Borealis property; and | |
(d) |
5% convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,909,500, due May 20, 2014, convertible into shares of Gryphon common stock at $0.70 per share through May 20, 2012, $0.80 per share through May 20, 2013 and $0.90 per share through May 20, 2014. |
Accordingly, at December 31, 2011 and at March 31, 2011, the Companys mineral properties include the following payments made to the Borealis Property lessors:
Nine months | Year | |||||
ended | ended | |||||
December 31, | March 31, 2011 | |||||
2011 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 760,903 | $ | 560,903 | ||
Cash paid | 175,000 | 200,000 | ||||
Promissory notes payable | 1,600,000 | - | ||||
Convertible notes payable | 1,909,500 | - | ||||
Common stock issued | 1,081,675 | - | ||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 5,527,078 | $ | 760,903 |
[See Note 14]
11
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
11. LONG TERM DEBT
In connection with the exercise of the option to reduce the royalty [note 10], the Company entered into a series of convertible and promissory notes.
Promissory notes
The promissory notes bear interest at 5% per annum payable monthly. Principal installments are due monthly, commencing on the date in which Borealis Mining is required to commence production royalty payments. Payments on the notes are interest only until production commences. During the quarter ended December 31, 2011 the Company paid $101,474 in principal payments. All unpaid principal and accrued interest, if any, is due and payable on May 21, 2013. The aggregate balance due on the notes as of December 31, 2011 is $1,498,526 with interest payable of $6,603 paid on January 1, 2012.
Convertible notes
The convertible notes bear interest at 5% per annum payable monthly. Monthly payments on the notes are interest only for a period of 12 months from the commencement of the construction of the mine. Subsequent to the twelvemonth period, the notes are payable in monthly installments of principal and interest. All unpaid principal and accrued interest, if any, is due and payable on May 21, 2014. The aggregate balance due on the notes as of December 31, 2011 is $1,909,500 with interest payable of $8,109 paid on January 1, 2012.
12. CAPITAL STOCK
[a] |
Authorized capital stock consists of 250,000,000 common shares with a par value of $0.001 per share and 15,000,000 preferred shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. |
On May 20, 2011, the Company issued 7,726,250 common shares in connection with the exercise of the option to reduce the royalty [Note 10]. The shares were valued at $1,081,675, which was based upon the market value of the shares on the date of exercise. | |
On May 24, 2011, the Company issued 89,060,000 common shares in connection with a public offering for net cash proceeds of $9,601,639, after offering costs of $1,466,723. | |
During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, 150,000 options were exercised for proceeds of $20,080. | |
During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, 183,500 warrants were exercised for proceeds of $45,875. | |
[b] |
Warrants: |
The following table summarizes information about warrants outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2011: |
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable | ||||
Warrants | Avg Remaining | Exercise Price | Expiry Date | |
Life in Years | ||||
5,265,177 | 0.1 | $0.25 | February 18, 2012 | |
732,215 | 0.5 | $0.21 | June 16, 2012 | |
3,250,000 | 1.0 | $0.30 | January 21, 2013 | |
4,725,000 | 1.0 | $0.20 | January 27, 2013 | |
3,359,250 | 1.4 | $0.40 | May 22, 2013 | |
2,226,500 | 1.9 | $0.30 | November 13, 2013 | |
19,558,142 | 1.0 | $0.28 |
[c] | Stock options: |
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grants, which generally equals the vesting period. The Companys total employees are relatively few in number and turnover is considered minimal, therefore the Company currently estimates forfeitures to be 20%. Estimate of forfeitures is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Stock-based compensation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. |
12
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
12. CAPITAL STOCK, CONTINUED:
The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock units as follows:
Three months | Three months | Nine months | Nine months | |||||||||
ended | ended | ended | ended | |||||||||
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||
Management salaries | $ | 79,714 | $ | 11,669 | $ | 171,405 | $ | 104,951 | ||||
Consulting expense | 2,675 | 31,143 | 9,996 | 37,071 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 82,389 | $ | 42,812 | $ | 181,401 | $ | 142,022 |
Stock option activity
The following table summarizes the Companys stock option activity (excluding options issued to a consultant, above) for the nine months ended December 31, 2011:
Number of Stock | Weighted Average | |||||
Options | Exercise Price | |||||
Outstanding, April 1, 2011 | 4,917,500 | $ | 0.41* | |||
Granted | 1,855,000 | $ | 0.26 | |||
Exercised | (150,000 | ) | $ | 0.13 | ||
Forfeited | (555,000 | ) | $ | 0.87* | ||
Total outstanding at December 31, 2011 | 6,067,500 | $ | 0.32* | |||
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011 | 5,068,750 | $ | 0.34* |
* Based on the December 31, 2011 exchange rate of Cdn$1 equals US$0.9972.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011 the total fair value of options granted was $359,940 of which $181,401 was expensed.
Out of the 1,855,000 granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2011, 150,000 were granted to a consultant, the remaining were granted to employees.
Valuation assumptions
Compensation and consulting expense recorded in the consolidated financial statements has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in the pricing model include:
Nine months | Nine months | |
ended | Ended | |
December 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |
Dividend yield | 0% | 0% |
Expected volatility | 102%-118% | 99% -119% |
Risk free interest rate | 0.31%-0.78% | 0.52% -1.62% |
Expected lives | 1.5-3 years | 2-3 years |
The risk-free interest rate was determined based on the rate at the time of grant for US government zero-coupon bonds for a 2-3-year term, which is a term equal to the estimated life of the option. Dividend yield was based on the stock options exercise price and expected annual dividend rate at the time of grant. Volatility was derived by measuring the average share price fluctuation of the Companys stock. The period of historical volatility is the same period as the expected life of the options being three years.
The Company uses a Black-Scholes option-pricing model for fair value measurement of options. This model was independently developed to estimate the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable options without vesting restrictions, which significantly differ from the Companys stock option awards. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time until exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and therefore it is managements view that the existing models do not necessarily provide a single reliable measure of the fair value of the Companys equity instruments.
13
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
12. CAPITAL STOCK, CONTINUED:
[d] |
Restricted stock units (RSUs): |
The RSU grants entitle the recipient to receive shares of common stock of the Company upon vesting. The RSU grants can vest immediately or over a period for up to five years. | |
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual grants, which generally equals the vesting period. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock unit is calculated using the closing price of the Companys common stock on the date of the grant. | |
The following table summarizes information about RSUs outstanding as at December 31, 2011: |
RSUs | RSUs | RSUs | RSUs | Weighted | |||||||||||
Granted | Vested | Forfeited | Cancelled | Average | |||||||||||
and Cash in | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
lieu of | at Grant | ||||||||||||||
issued | Date | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding at April 1, 2006 | | | | | |||||||||||
Issued April 18, 2006 | 8,000 | 8,000 | | Cdn$1.63 | |||||||||||
Issued December 12, 2006 | 29,000 | 15,000 | 14,000 | Cdn$0.84 | |||||||||||
Issued January 10, 2007 | 650,000 | 488,750 | 118,750 | 42,500 | Cdn$0.82 | ||||||||||
Issued September 6, 2007 | 154,170 | 154,170 | | Cdn$0.77 | |||||||||||
Issued September 20, 2010 | 275,000 | 275,000 | | $ | 0.16 | ||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 | 1,116,170 | 940,920 | 132,750 | 42,500 | | ||||||||||
. |
All issued restricted stock units have vested.
13. COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES
[a] A portion of the Borealis Property is subject to a mining lease. The Company was required to make advanced royalty payments monthly of $9,869, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The last advance royalty payment was made in November 2011 as the Company moved from exploration to production. In addition, production of precious metals from the Borealis Property will be subject to the payment of a royalty under the terms of the mining lease. The Company deducts advance royalty payments from production royalties due under the mining lease, pursuant to the mining lease. The Companys royalty holders have disputed this practice [See Note 14]. The Company is currently preparing a response to the complaint.. The mining lease expired on January 24, 2009, but was and is automatically renewed thereafter, so long as mining related activity, including exploration drilling, continues on the Borealis Property.
[b] The Company rents office space in Vancouver, BC for a 5-year term, commencing September 2008, office space in Hawthorne, Nevada for a one year term, and office space in Carson City, Nevada for a two year term. The following are the remaining rental lease commitments in relation to the office leases:
December 31, | |||
FY2012 | $ | 29,352 | |
FY2013 | 104,208 | ||
FY2014 | 66,229 | ||
FY2015 | 9,907 | ||
Total | $ | 209,696 |
14
Gryphon Gold Corporation
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
13. COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES, CONTINUED
[c] Mining operations and properties in the United States are subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act). Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act), issuers are required to disclose specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. On October 22, 2011, a worker was injured at the Borealis oxide gold heap leach worksite. The Company took immediate actions to mitigate risks of future actions and terminated 3 employees, who failed to comply with mine safety regulations at Borealis. On November 2, 2011, MSHA inspected our Borealis operation following the accident and issued the Company three Section 104(a) citations and three Section 104(d) citations. Section 104(a) citations, include citations for health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to a serious injury if left unabated, and Section 104(d) citations, include citations for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards. When the MSHA issues a citation or order, it generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, as a result of the alleged violation, that the operator is ordered to pay. No such penalty or fine has yet been proposed. Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. Subsequent to quarter end we received a fee of $200.
[d] Due to the size, complexity, and nature of the Companys operations, various legal and tax matters are outstanding from time to time. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 31, 2012, the Company was served with a complaint alleging breach of contract that was filed in the First Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada in Carson City by Borealis royalty holders which include the Cavell Trust, Hardrock Mining Company and John W. Whitney. The royalty holders allege that advance royalties which have been paid by Gryphon Gold are not recoverable and are payable during the duration of the mining lease. Gryphon Gold deducts previously paid advance royalties from production royalties payable under the Borealis mining lease agreement. The Company believes their claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims. The Company is currently preparing a response to the complaint. As of December 31, 2011, no accrual had been made for an unfavorable outcome as the Company does not have sufficient information to base an accrual on.
15. NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company engaged in the following non-cash investing and financing activities:
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||
Issuance of 7,726,500 shares at a fair value of $0.14 per share related to exercise of the option to fix the royalty at 5% | $ | 1,081,675 | - | |||
Promissory and convertible notes issued related to exercise of the option to fix the royalty at 5% | 3,509,500 | - | ||||
Capitalized construction in progress purchased with accounts payable | 538,442 | |||||
Discount on notes payable by issuing warrants | 692,049 | |||||
Shares issued for settlement of accounts payable | - | $ | 60,000 | |||
Extinguishment of note payable by sale of discontinued operations | - | 2,180,587 | ||||
Share consideration paid to former owners of discontinued operations | 270,000 |
15
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of our properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates or intends, or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained in this quarterly report, we have made assumptions regarding, among other things:
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled Risk Factors and Uncertainties, Description of the Business and Managements Discussion and Analysis of our annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on June 30, 2011. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law.
We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report by the foregoing cautionary statement.
16
Cautionary Note Regarding Managements Discussion and Analysis
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements and related notes. The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the interim consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, we review our estimates and assumptions. The estimates were based on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions, but we do not believe such differences will materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Critical accounting policies, the policies we believe are most important to the presentation of our financial statements and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are outlined below in Critical Accounting Policies, and have not changed significantly.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates
The pre-feasibility study referenced in this quarterly report use the terms "mineral resource," "measured mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource". We advise investors that these terms are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under the SECs Industry Guide 7 (Guide 7) and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. As a reporting issuer in Canada, we are required to prepare reports on our mineral properties in accordance with NI 43-101. We reference the report in this quarterly report for informational purposes only. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in the above categories will ever be converted into Guide 7 compliant reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained pounds" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Overview
Business Objectives
Gryphon Gold is in the business of acquiring, exploring, and developing gold properties in the United States, emphasizing the State of Nevada. Our objective is to increase value of our shares through the exploration, development and extraction of gold from deposits, beginning with our Borealis property, located in Nevadas Walker Lane Gold Belt (the Borealis Property). The development and extraction may be performed by us or by potential partners. We will also consider the acquisition and exploration of other potential gold bearing properties within Nevada or areas that have a similar political risk profile.
The business plan for the Borealis Property is to develop, operate and efficiently produce gold and silver from identified leachable oxide reserves and to further expand the sulphide resource through exploration, metallurgical design and project permitting and development. The successful development of the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project is anticipated to provide the revenue that would allow for the further development of the Borealis Property. The Borealis Property consists of unpatented mining claims of approximately 20 acres each, totaling about 15,020 acres, from which there was production in the past. The Borealis Property is a property that we believe has excellent potential exploration targets as defined by past exploration success, geophysical targets and past successful mining.
On April 25, 2011, we released an the Pre-Feasibility Study which was furnished to the SEC as Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2011 and filed pursuant to Canadian securities laws and available on www.sedar.com. The Pre-Feasibility Study provided updated capital and operating cost estimates for a scaled down version of the mine start-up.
The Company raised capital for Phase 1 activities to construct the mine and processing plant and begin gold recovery; however, additional financing will be required to complete the ADR, as well as capital for the expansion of crushing and processing facilities, to meet additional bonding requirements, and to provide working capital until cash from sales of gold begins to flow to the Company. The Company is conducting negotiations with multiple parties to obtain the needed financing, subject to its ability to obtain the necessary consent and approvals.
17
Phase 1 contemplates the completion of construction of a new leach pad and ponds and anticipates the startup of heap leach operations to extract gold from partially leached heaps already identified on the Borealis Property. Construction of the project began in June 2011 and the leaching cycle began in late September 2011 with the first shipment of loaded carbon accomplished in October 2011. Despite the rapid move to commercial shipments of loaded carbon and ultimately gold, the Project has faced a number of startup issues resulting in considerably lower than expected production in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011.
In the course of operations we experienced three key challenges that have resulted in less than anticipated production rates. As previously disclosed in a release dated November 9, 2011, the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project was severely limited in the amount of material that could be placed on the leach pad as result of the contractor being unable to produce overliner in a timely manner. The delay in adding material to the leach pad resulted in reduced volumes of pregnant solution for the carbon process. This first challenge was remedied in mid December. The second challenge we faced was the lower than planned delivery of leach pad material as a result of its crusher being removed from site in early December for approximately two months for unscheduled maintenance. During that time, we were provided with a temporary crusher that did not meet the specifications for planned production levels and resulted in an average of just over 33% of crusher utilization for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and the majority of January 2012. Thirdly, we were advised that the pump that delivers barren solution to the leach pad was not the correct size and could not meet current operating requirements. As installed, it has been providing only about 50% of original operating requirements, thus severely reducing the volume of flows to the leach pad. We are working towards positive cash flow from Phase 1, but will likely require additional financing to complete the development of Phase 1.
Phase 2 is anticipated to expand the leach pad; mobilize the crushing and mining equipment; construct the permanent gold recovery plant and begin mining in the Borealis Propertys Borealis open pit. The main activities associated with full production are:
The expected cash flow generated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 is anticipated to provide the resources needed to continue the exploration required to expand the oxide resources for extending the mine life.
The mine life is estimated at 6 years with additional gold recovery in year seven with heap wash down. Expansion of the mine life past the initial 6-year estimate is dependent on the expansion of current mineralization or the discovery of additional mineralization through additional drilling on the property.
As anticipated in our plan under the Pre-Feasibility Study, groundbreaking occurred for the construction of the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project on June 6, 2011. Six deliveries of loaded carbon containing 605 ounces of gold were made to Just Refiners, Inc. of Reno, NV during the quarter ended December 31, 2011. The approximate average settlement price was $1,700 per ounce of gold. Just Refiners, Inc. advised us they could no longer take deliveries thus causing us to build inventories we could not covert in to cash until the after the end of the quarter.
A successful Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project is expected to provide the cash required to fulfill the long-term plan to further explore the Borealis Property with the objective of expanding its current known mineralization; however, additional financing will be required to complete the ADR, as well as capital for the expansion of crushing and procession facilities, and provide working capital until cash from sales of gold begins to flow to the Company. The Company is conducting negotiations with multiple parties to obtain the needed financing, which contain restrictive covenants regarding the Companys ability to issue equity and debt securities.
The plan for the Borealis Property is based on the Plan of Operations approved by the U.S. Forest Service. The Plan of Operations does not present an economic analysis, and we have not placed any information in the Plan of Operations regarding capital expenditures, operating costs, ore grade, anticipated revenues, or projected cash flows. The Plan of Operations was based on the general economic concepts as presented in the Pre-Feasibility Study.
Borealis Property
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011, we completed construction of new leach pads, ponds, carbon columns, roads and infrastructure. Direct costs of materials, labor, equipment and supplies used in construction activities are capitalized during the period incurred. Additionally, certain indirect costs are capitalized in the period of allocation. Interest expense during the construction period is allocated and capitalized in the period it is accrued. Loading of the leach pads began in early August and the leaching process began on September 26, 2011.
For a complete history of our Borealis Property, please see our 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on June 30, 2011.
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Administration and Capital Resource Activities
May Unit Offering
On May 18, 2011, we closed a public offering of 80,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.125 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,000,000. As part of the offering, the underwriters were granted an over-allotment option to cover over-allotments. One underwriter exercised its over-allotment option in full for an additional 6,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.125 per share for additional gross proceeds of $750,000. On May 24, 2011, the second underwriter exercised its over-allotment option in part for an additional 3,060,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.125 per share for additional gross proceeds of $382,500. After fulfilling the over-allotment options, we issued 89,060,000 shares and received $9.6 million in net proceeds.
July Debenture Offering
On July 27, 2011, we closed a $3,169,514 debt offering of units at a price of $1,000 CAD per unit. The offering was led by Acumen Capital Finance Partners Limited in Canada and by Roth Capital Partners in the United States. Each unit consists of $1,000 CAD principal amount of 10% secured subordinated debentures maturing July 28, 2012 and 1,500 warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.20 USD per share. The warrants expire on January 27, 2013.
The debentures bear interest from the date of issue at 10.0% per annum, payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on September 30, 2011. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on July 28, 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains customary terms, conditions and covenants. The debentures are secured by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement.
November Debenture Offering
On November 22, 2011, the Company closed another $4.3 million debt offering of units of the Company. The offering was led by Acumen Capital Finance Partners Limited in Canada and by Roth Capital Partners in the United States. Each unit consists of $1,000 CAD principal amount of 10% secured subordinated debentures maturing November 23, 2012 and 750 warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.40 USD per share. The warrants expire on May 22, 2013.
The debentures bear interest from the date of issue at 10.0% per annum, payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on November 22, 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains terms, conditions, covenants and restrictive covenants. The note indenture dated November 22, 2011, which governs the debentures includes restrictive covenants that limit the ability of the Company to issue equity and debt securities. The debentures are secured under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company, which is subordinate to the security interest granted to holders of the debentures issued on July 27, 2011.
Acumen and Roth Capital were paid a cash commission of 6.5% of the gross proceeds of the offering
Fiscal 2012 Plan of Operations
Our long-term plan is to focus on the Borealis Property production through the Borealis Oxide Heap Leach Project. To further advance the Borealis Property, we expect to continue exploration in the pediment areas of the Borealis Property.
We intend to continue to take all steps necessary to preserve our rights to the Borealis Property under the existing terms of the property lease. We also expect to work with the United States Forest Service with the objectives of maintaining our permits under the plan of operations.
We currently plan to accomplish the following activities for the duration of fiscal 2012, which ends March 31, 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013:
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Results of Operations
Three months ended December 31, 2011 compared to three months ended December 31, 2010
For the three months ended December 31, 2011, we had a net loss of $1,155,027 or $0.006 per share from continuing operations compared to a net loss of $655,013 or $0.007 per share from continuing operations in the same period in the prior year. Construction of the project began in June 2011 and the leaching cycle began in late September 2011 with the first shipment of loaded carbon accomplished in October 2011. Despite the rapid move to commercial shipments of loaded carbon and ultimately gold, the Project has faced a number of startup issues resulting in considerably lower than expected production in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011. In the course of operations we experienced three key challenges that have resulted in less than anticipated production rates.
During the third quarter a total of 199,674 tons of material was placed on the heap leach pad for processing. The material is estimated to contain 6,223 ounces of gold and estimated to recover approximately 2,800 ounces of gold. We sold loaded carbon containing 605 ounces of gold compared to no sales in same period of the previous year. The approximate average settlement price was $1,700 per ounce of gold.
Exploration expenses during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $(26,394) compared to $115,930 in the same period in the prior year. The decrease is due to Company resources directed towards the commencement of production, with a majority of the costs incurred on the property being capitalized as construction in progress. The credit amount in exploration expenses in the current quarter was a result of a refund of $63,920 from the Bureau of Land Management for claim maintenance fees, which were expensed in the prior year.
Management salaries and consulting fees in the quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $334,297 compared to $303,421 incurred in the quarter ended December 31, 2010. Total non-cash compensation expense due to the recognition of costs related to stock options was $82,389 in the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared to the prior years fiscal third quarter of $42,812.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $381,212 in the quarter ended December 31, 2011 compared to $123 in the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to the interest incurred on the promissory and convertible notes issued to reduce the potential future obligations under the royalty and the debt offering completed in July 2011 and November 2011.
Nine months ended December 31, 2011 compared to nine months ended December 31, 2010
For the nine months ended December 31, 2011, we had a net loss of $2,542,949 or $0.014 per share from continued operations and nil from discontinued operations compared to a net loss of $2,495,617 or $0.028 per share from continued operations and net income of $635,708 or $0.007 per share from discontinued operations in the same period in the prior year. Construction of the project began in June 2011 and the leaching cycle began in late September 2011 with the first shipment of loaded carbon accomplished in October 2011. Despite the rapid move to commercial shipments of loaded carbon and ultimately gold, the Project has faced a number of startup issues resulting in considerably lower than expected production in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011. In the course of operations we experienced three key challenges that have resulted in less than anticipated production rates.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011 a total of 243,970 tons of material was placed on the heap leach pad for processing. The material is estimated to contain 7,886 ounces of gold and estimated to recover approximately 3,548 ounces of gold. We sold loaded carbon containing 605 ounces of gold compared to no sales in same period of the previous year. The approximate average settlement price was $1,700 per ounce of gold.
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Exploration expenses during the nine months ended December 31, 2011 were $68,860 compared to $694,358 in the prior year. The decrease is due to Company resources directed towards commencement of production, with a majority of the costs incurred on the property being capitalized as construction in progress.
Management salaries and consulting fees in the nine months ended December 31, 2011 were $836,465 compared to $845,552 incurred in the 2010 nine-month period. Total non-cash compensation expense due to the recognition of costs related to stock options was $181,401 in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $142,022 in the nine months ended December 31, 2010.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $466,814 in the nine months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $997 in the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to the interest incurred on the promissory and convertible notes issued to reduce the potential future obligations under the royalty and the debt offering completed in July 2011and November 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal source of liquidity is cash from operations and cash raised by way of sale of common stock from treasury and other equity instruments, debt instruments or forms of securities. Until we are able to complete the installation of our ADR plant, our ability to generate cash from production is dependent on our ability to process loaded carbon through a third party processor or to sell loaded carbon.
Going Concern
The audit opinion for the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 includes a going concern qualification. Additional financing will be required to complete the Adsorption Desorption Recovery Plant (ADR), to provide capital for the expansion of crushing and procession facilities, to fund additional bonding requirements and to provide working capital until the Company receives positive cash flow from sales of gold The Company is currently conducting negotiations with multiple parties to obtain the needed financing, subject to its ability to obtain the necessary consent and approvals. If future revenues do not result in positive cash flow, and the Company is unable to raise additional capital, we will not be able to meet our obligations and may have to suspend or cease operations. The Companys ability to raise additional capital may be inhibited by the restrictive covenants of the debentures the Company issued in November of 2011, which restrict the Companys ability to issue equity and debt securities absent consent of the Noteholders. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in achieving profitability, generating positive cash flow or raising additional capital through placements of debt or equity. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $40,493,750 as at December 31, 2011, ($37,950,801 as at March 31, 2011), and without positive operating cash flow or additional financing, the Company does not have sufficient cash on hand to fund normal operations for the next twelve months or satisfy the current $7 million notes payable. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. Such assumption contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The recoverability of amounts shown for mineral property interests in the Companys consolidated balance sheets is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to arrange appropriate financing to complete the development of its properties, the receipt of necessary permitting and upon achieving future profitable production or receiving proceeds from the disposition of properties. The timing of such events occurring, if at all, is not yet determinable. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
At December 31, 2011, we had a negative working capital of $3,336,648. Current assets consisted of $1,380,077 in cash, $527,869 in accounts receivable, $279,842 in prepaid expenses, $3,537,564 in inventory, and $557,547 in debt issue costs. We had $2,175,149 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, $424,333 in the current portion of the long-term debt, and $7,020,065 in notes payable, net of offering costs.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2011, we used cash in operating activities of $4,790,874, which included our net loss of $2,542,949, off-set by depreciation of $76,854, asset retirement obligation accretion of $27,280, non-cash compensation of $181,041, amortization of debt finance costs of $199,947, amortization of discount on notes payable of $199,877, unrealized gain on foreign exchange of $20,141. We also experienced changes in non-cash working capital consisting of a $497,977 increase in accounts receivable, a $1,239,602 increase in accounts payable, an increase in inventories of $3,537,564, and a $157,126 increase in prepaid expenses.
We used cash from investing activities of $11,186,457, including an increase of $2,033,500 in reclamation bonds, $1,897,882 in payments for the leach pad 1A, equipment purchases of $414,225, payments on plant of $4,929,259, payments on construction in progress, ADR of $1,491,363 in cash, mineral property expenditures of $248,203, payment of $175,000 to amend the royalty option as described above, and proceeds of $2,975 from a small note receivable.
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We received cash from financing activities of $16,540,092, including proceeds from the debt offering of $7,480,676 proceeds of $11,134,317 from the sale of common shares, exercise or stock options and warrants, net of share issue costs of $13,177, public offering costs of $1,185,444 and debt offering costs of $829,587 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011. Cash increased during the period by $542,620 to $1,308,077 as at December 31, 2011.
Updated share capital as at February 17, 2012:
Basic Common Stock Issued and Outstanding | 194,103,382 | ||
Warrants, Options and other Convertible Securities | 26,175,642 | ||
Fully Diluted Common Stock | 220,279,024 |
Royalty Obligations
On August 22, 2008, we entered into a 12-month option agreement, at a cost of $250,000, to amend the Borealis Property mining lease.
On May 20, 2011, we agreed to an amendment to the option terms and exercised the option to fix the net smelter royalty at 5%. Under the terms of the amended option agreement, we paid the lessors aggregate consideration of $7,000,000 (less the $250,000 previously paid by Gryphon to the Lessors upon execution of the option agreement) as follows:
(a) |
$150,000 in cash; | |
(b) |
7,726,500 shares of common stock at an agreed value of $0.40 per share (fair value $0.14, $1,081,675); | |
(c) |
5% promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,600,000, due May 20, 2013, with installment payments due upon commencement of production on the Borealis property; and | |
(d) |
5% convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,909,500, due May 20, 2014, convertible into shares of our common stock at $0.70 per share through May 20, 2012, $0.80 per share through May 20, 2013 and $0.90 per share through May 20, 2014. |
Subsequent Events
On January 31, 2012, the Company was served with a complaint alleging breach of contract that was filed in the First Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada in Carson City by Borealis royalty holders which include the Cavell Trust, Hardrock Mining Company and John W. Whitney. The royalty holders allege that advance royalties which have been paid by Gryphon Gold are not recoverable and are payable during the duration of the mining lease. Gryphon Gold deducts previously paid advance royalties from production royalties payable under the Borealis mining lease agreement. The Company believes their claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims. The Company is currently preparing its response to the complaint.
On February 3, 2012, Mr. John L. Key, Chief Executive Officer, and the Company entered into a mutual termination agreement under which Mr. John L. Key terminated his employment and resigned as a director. The Board of Directors also announced the termination by mutual agreement of John K. Key, General Manager of Borealis Mining Company, our wholly owned subsidiary. Both of these terminations were effective immediately.
The Company announced on February 3, 2012, the appointment of James T. ONeil Jr., Chief Financial Officer, as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. ONeil was also appointed to the Board of Directors. Marvin Kaiser, Director, was appointed as Chairman of the Board.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Please see the notes to our audited financial statements included in our 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 for a complete list of our critical accounting policies and estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please see the notes to our unaudited financial statements for a complete list of recent accounting pronouncements.
Reclassification
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current quarter presentation.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Not Applicable.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
At the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a 15(e) and Rule 15d 15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, the Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer has concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequately designed and effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer, to allow for accurate required disclosure to be made on a timely basis.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Subsequent to the quarter ended December 31, 2011, Mr. John L. Key, Chief Executive Officer was terminated by mutual agreement and our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. James T. ONeil Jr. was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. ONeil currently is performing duties for both principal roles.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
On January 31, 2012, the Company was served with a complaint alleging breach of contract that was filed in the First Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada in Carson City by Borealis royalty holders which include the Cavell Trust, Hardrock Mining Company and John W. Whitney. The royalty holders allege that advance royalties which have been paid by Gryphon Gold are not recoverable and are payable during the duration of the mining lease. Gryphon Gold deducts previously paid advance royalties from production royalties payable under the Borealis mining lease agreement. The Company believes their claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against the claims. The Company is currently preparing a response to the complaint.
For more information on past legal proceedings, please see our 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 filed with the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors and Uncertainties
Other than as provided below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011 which was filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2011.
Covenants in the note indenture governing the debentures we issued in July 2011 and November 2011 may inhibit our ability to raise capital through equity or debt financings.
On July 27, 2011, we closed a $3,169,514 debt offering of units at a price of $1,000 CAD per unit, consisting of debentures and warrants. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on July 28, 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains customary terms, conditions and covenants. The debentures are secured by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement.
On November 22, 2011, we completed a $4.3 million debt offering of units of the Company consisting of debentures and warrants. The debentures will mature 12 months from the closing date of the offering on November [23], 2012. The debentures were issued under a Trust Indenture, which contains terms, conditions, covenants and restrictive covenants. The note indenture limits the ability of the Company to issue any shares of capital stock of the Company or any warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire shares of capital stock or to issue certain types of debt securities or obtain certain types of loans. The debentures are secured under the terms of a Pledge and Security Agreement by a pledge of the shares of Borealis Mining Company and a general security interest in the assets of the Company, which is subordinate to the security interest granted to holders of the debentures issued on July 27, 2011. If we cannot successfully raise additional capital to meet our ongoing operating costs we could be forced to curtail or cease operations.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2011, all transactions in which we offered and sold unregistered securities pursuant to exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended we reported on current reports on Form 8K.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Mining operations and properties in the United States are subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act). Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act), issuers are required to disclose specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. During our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, on October 22, 2011, a worker was injured at the Borealis oxide gold heap leach worksite. The Company took immediate actions to mitigate risks of future actions and terminated 3 employees, who failed to comply with mine safety regulations at Borealis. On November 2, 2011, MSHA inspected our Borealis operation following the accident and issued the Company three Section 104(a) citations and three Section 104(d) citations. Section 104(a) citations, include citations for health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to a serious injury if left unabated, and Section 104(d) citations, include citations for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards. When the MSHA issues a citation or order, it generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, as a result of the alleged violation, that the operator is ordered to pay. A $200 fine has been issued. Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed.
Item 5. Other Information.
None
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit 4.1 | Note Indenture, dated November 22, 2011(1) |
Exhibit 4.2 | Pledge and Security Agreement, dated November 22, 2011(1) |
Exhibit 4.3 | Subordination Agreement, dated November 22, 2011(1) |
Exhibit 4.4 | Form of Series Q Share Purchase Warrant(1) |
Exhibit 10.2 | Form of Debenture and Purchase Agreement, dated November 22, 2011(1) |
Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of James T. ONeil, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of James T. ONeil, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350. |
(1) filed as exhibits to the Companys current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 29, 2011
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
GRYPHON GOLD CORPORATION
By: /s/ James T.
ONeil
James T.
ONeil
Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
(On behalf
of the registrant and as Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Date: February 17, 2012
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