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EX-95.1 - EXHIBIT 95.1 - GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO LTDtv499202_ex95-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO LTDtv499202_ex32-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO LTDtv499202_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO LTDtv499202_ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO LTDtv499202_ex31-1.htm
 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from _________ to __________________

 

000-21777
(Commission File Number)

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification) No.)

 

2300 – 1066 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 3X2 Canada

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Issuer’s telephone number, including area code: (778) 373-1557

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A

 

Check whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

 

Check whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

Check whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x Emerging growth company ¨

 

Check whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: As at August 9, 2018, the registrant’s outstanding common stock consisted of 300,101,444 shares.

 

 
   

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

June 30, 2018

 

(US dollars – Unaudited)

 

 2 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

  

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash  $10,538   $2,937 
Inventories (Note 4)   17,108    9,028 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   792    699 
Total current assets   28,438    12,664 
Property, plant, equipment and mineral interests (Note 5)   141,407    141,848 
Advance minimum royalties   304    304 
Total Assets  $170,149   $154,816 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $5,249   $6,984 
Credit facility (Note 12 (v))   -    3,000 
Current portion of note payable (Note 12 (ii))   24,512    7,712 
Current portion of loan payable (Note 6)   8,096    7,629 
Derivative liability – Warrants (Note 7)   373    441 
Total current liabilities   38,230    25,766 
Note payable (Note 12 (ii))   -    22,387 
Loan payable (Note 6)   8,306    9,614 
Asset retirement obligation (Note 8)   2,413    1,838 
Deferred tax liability   8,197    8,197 
Total liabilities   57,146    67,802 
Temporary Equity          
Redeemable portion of non-controlling interest (Note 12 (iv))   23,250    24,214 
Shareholders’ Equity          
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized (2017 - unlimited); 300,101,444 (2017 –  111,048,683) shares issued and outstanding (Note 9)   95,494    71,126 
Additional paid-in capital   43,933    43,853 
Deficit accumulated   (94,549)   (88,500)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to GQM Ltd.   44,878    26,479 
Non-controlling interest (Note 9 (iv))   44,875    36,321 
Total Shareholders’ Equity   89,753    62,800 
Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareholders’ Equity  $170,149   $154,816 

 

Going Concern (Note 2)

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)

 

Approved by the Directors:

     
“Thomas M.  Clay”   “Bryan A. Coates”
Thomas M. Clay, Director   Bryan A. Coates, Director

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

 

 3 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except shares amounts - Unaudited)

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Revenues                    
Sales  $14,485   $16,882   $24,070   $31,686 
                     
Cost of Sales                    
Direct mining costs   (8,130)   (13,367)   (21,146)   (24,929)
Depreciation and depletion (Note 5)   (3,364)   (2,742)   (6,340)   (5,498)
Income (loss) from mine operations   2,991    773    (3,416)   1,259 
                     
General and administrative expenses (Note 10)   (879)   (712)   (2,133)   (2,128)
Operating income (loss)   2,112    61    (5,549)   (869)
                     
Other income (expenses)                    
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (Note 7)   (70)   2,375    68    1,894 
Finance expense (Note 12 (iii) and 12 (v))   (1,441)   (1,250)   (2,974)   (2,297)
Interest income   37    37    72    63 
Other expenses   (34)   (31)   (76)   (415)
Total other income (expenses)   (1,508)   1,131    (2,910)   (755)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) for the period  $604   $1,192   $(8,459)  $(1,624)
Less: Net and comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the non-controlling interest for the period (Note 12 (iv))   (1,236)   (230)   2,410    159 
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to  Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd. for the period  $(632)  $962   $(6,049)  $(1,465)
Income (loss) per share – basic (Note 11)  $(0.00)  $0.01   $(0.02)  $(0.01)
Income (loss) per share – diluted (Note 11)  $(0.00)  $0.01   $(0.02)  $(0.01)
                     
Weighted average number of  common shares outstanding - basic   300,101,444    111,148,683    244,772,735    112,360,179 
Weighted average number of  common shares outstanding - diluted   300,101,444    111,148,683    244,772,735    112,360,179 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

  

 4 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, Non-controlling Interest and Redeemable Portion of Non-controlling Interest

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars, except shares amounts- Unaudited)

 

   Common
shares
   Amount   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Deficit
Accumulated
   Total
Shareholders’
Equity
attributable
to GQM Ltd
   Non-
controlling
Interest
   Total
Shareholders’
Equity
   Redeemable
Portion of
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Balance, December 31, 2016   111,048,683   $71,067   $43,652   $(87,335)  $27,384   $39,327   $66,711   $26,220 
Issuance of common shares (Note 9)   100,000    59    -    -    59    -    59    - 
Stock-based compensation   -    -    85    -    85    -    85    - 
Net loss for the period   -    -    -    (1,465)   (1,465)   (95)   (1,560)   (64)
Balance, June 30, 2017   111,148,683   $71,126   $43,737   $(88,800)  $26,063   $39,232   $65,295   $26,156 
                                         
Balance, December 31, 2017   111,148,683   $71,126   $43,853   $(88,500)  $26,479   $36,321   $62,800   $24,214 
Issuance of common shares (Note 9)   188,952,761    24,368    -    -    24,368    -    24,368    - 
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest   -    -    -    -    -    10,000    10,000    - 
Stock-based compensation   -    -    80    -    80    -    80    - 
Net loss for the period   -    -    -    (6,049)   (6,049)   (1,446)   (7,495)   (964)
Balance, June 30, 2018   300,101,444   $95,494   $43,933   $(94,549)  $44,878   $44,875   $89,753   $23,250 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

  

 5 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017 
Operating Activities          
Net loss for the period  $(8,459)  $(1,624)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and depletion   6,340    5,498 
Amortization of debt discount and interest accrual   1,124    740 
Accretion expense   83    62 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities (Note 7)   (68)   (1,894)
Stock based compensation   80    85 
Unrealized foreign exchange   (37)   (7)
Non-cash finder fees   -    59 
Changes in non-cash working capital items:          
Receivables   -    12 
Prepaid expenses & other current assets   (93)   18 
Inventory   (8,080)   (1,458)
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities   (1,598)   2,687 
Interest payable   -    1,272 
Cash generated from (used in) operating activities   (10,708)   5,450 
Investment activities:          
Additions to property, plant, equipment and mineral interests   (2,394)   (9,479)
Cash used in investing activities   (2,394)   (9,479)
Financing activity:          
Issuance of common shares (Note 9)   24,368    - 
Repayment of credit facility   (3,000)   - 
Repayments of loan payable (Note 6)   (3,954)   (2,988)
Repayments of note payable and accrued interest (Note 12 (ii))   (6,711)   - 
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest   10,000    - 
Cash generated from (used in) financing activities   20,703    (2,988)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   7,601    (7,017)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning balance   2,937    13,301 
Cash and cash equivalents, ending balance  $10,538   $6,284 

 

Supplementary Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

  

Three Months

Ended

June 30,

  

Three Months

Ended

June 30,

 
   2018   2017 
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest on loan payable  $401   $285 
Non-cash financing and investing activities:          
Asset retirement costs charged to mineral property interests  $575   $173 
Mining equipment acquired through issuance of debt  $3,113   $2,551 
Mineral property expenditures included in accounts payable  $100   $1,081 
Non-cash finders’ fee  $-   $59 
Non-cash amortization of discount and interest expense  $1,124   $740 
Interest payable converted to principal balance  $-   $922 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

 

 6 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

1.Nature of Business

 

Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. (“Golden Queen”, “GQM Ltd.” or the “Company”) is engaged in the operation of the Soledad Mountain Mine (“the Mine”), located in the Mojave Mining District, Kern County, California. The Company owns 50% of Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC (“GQM LLC”), the operator of the Mine. The remaining 50% is owned by Gauss LLC (“Gauss”).

 

2.Basis of Presentation and Going Concern

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The accounting policies followed in preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are those used by the Company as set out in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 other than noted below.

 

Certain information and note disclosures normally included for annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

In the opinion of Management, all adjustments considered necessary (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as at June 30, 2018 and for all periods presented, have been included in these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year ending December 31, 2018, or future operating periods.

 

The Company’s access to the net assets of GQM LLC is determined by the Board of Managers of GQM LLC.  The Board of Managers is not controlled by the Company and therefore there is no guarantee that any access to the net assets of GQM LLC would be provided to the Company in order to continue as a going concern. The Board of Managers of GQM LLC determine when and if distributions from GQM LLC are made to the holders of its membership units at their sole discretion.

 

The Company is required to pay the following amounts to the Clay Group on the following dates: $1.7 million of interest and principal on July 1, 2018 (paid on June 29, 2018); $1.7 million of interest and principal on and October 1, 2018, $1.7 million of interest and principal on January 1, 2019, $3.9 million of interest and principal on April 1, 2019 and $21.7 million of interest and principal on May 21, 2019. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, the cash used operating activities was $10.3 million, however, management believes the Company will be able to meet its financial obligations for the 12 months period following the date of these financial statements except that it is currently unlikely the Company will be able to reimburse the final two payments of $3.9 million and $21.7 million on April 1, 2019 and May 21, 2019 respectively. The Company will need to receive cash distributions from GQM LLC to service its debt and such distributions are contingent on GQM LLC’s ability to generate positive cash flows. The Company reviewed the mine plan in light of the results for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and has determined it is unlikely it will receive sufficient distributions from GQM LLC during this fiscal year to service its debt in early 2019. This situation raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Consequently, in the third quarter of 2018, discussions with the Clay Group to restructure the reimbursement of the last debt payment will be initiated. While the Company has been successful in re-negotiating the debt repayment terms with the Clay Group in the past, there can be no assurance that will be achieved going forward.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not reflect adjustments to the carrying values of the assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used, that would be necessary if the company were unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material.

 

 7 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

3.Summary of Accounting Policies and Estimates and Judgements

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP 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 period. Significant estimates and judgements have been made by Management in several areas including the accounting for the joint venture transaction and determination of the temporary and permanent non-controlling interest, the recoverability of mineral properties interests, royalty obligations, inventory valuation, asset retirement obligations, and derivative liability – warrants. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Adopted

 

(i)In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The amendments in ASU 2014-09 affect any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., insurance contracts or lease contracts). This ASU superseded the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates a Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and also requires expanded disclosures about revenue recognition.

 

The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of the new revenue standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company has completed the review of all contracts and determined that the adoption of this guidance has no material impact on amounts and timing of revenue recognition. The Company's revenue arises from contracts with customers in which the delivery of doré is the single performance obligation under the customer contract. Product pricing is determined at the point when contract is created by reference to active and freely traded commodity markets, for example, the London Bullion Market for both gold and silver. The Company enters into the contracts with parties who have an ability and intention to meet its obligations with respect to consideration payment, thus ensuring the collectability of such consideration. These contracts are not modified and contain no variable consideration.

 

(ii)In August 2016, ASC guidance was issued to amend the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018 and has retrospectively applied this guidance for all periods presented. There was no material impact from adoption of this guidance.

 

Not Yet Adopted

 

(iii)February 2016, FASB issued ASC 842 that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The update, which supersedes existing lease guidance, will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.

 

The ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is applicable on a modified retrospective basis with various optional practical expedients. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard.

 

 8 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

4.Inventories

 

Inventories consist primarily of production from the Company’s operation, in varying stages of the production process and supplies and spare parts, all of which are presented at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories of the Company are comprised of:

 

   June 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Stockpile inventory  $2,431   $201 
In-process inventory   11,808    6,495 
Dore inventory   647    320 
Supplies and spare parts   2,222    2,012 
   $17,108   $9,028 

 

5.Property, Plant, Equipment and Mineral Interests

 

Property, plant and equipment and mineral interests, are depreciated and depleted using either the units-of-production or straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the expected life of mine. Assets under construction in progress are recorded at cost and re-allocated to its corresponding category when they become available for use.

 

   Land   Mineral
property
interest and
claims
   Mine
development
   Machinery
and
equipment
   Buildings and
infrastructure
   Construction
in progress
   Interest
capitalized
   Total 
Cost                                        
At December 31, 2016  $3,893   $4,241   $42,033   $60,201   $28,604   $543   $5,886   $145,401 
Additions   98    817    354    17    -    19,597    -    20,883 
Transfers   -    222    8,625    11,239    -    (20,086)   -    - 
Disposals   (22)   -    (239)   (1,391)   (207)   -    -    (1,859)
At December 31, 2017  $3,969   $5,280   $50,773   $70,066   $28,397   $54   $5,886   $164,425 
Additions   39    5    492    -    -    5,346    -    5,882 
Transfers   -    -    -    4,454    -    (4,454)   -    - 
Disposals   -    -    -    (6)   -    -    -    (6)
At June 30, 2018  $4,008   $5,285   $51,265   $74,514   $28,397   $946   $5,886   $170,301 
                                         
Accumulated depreciation and depletion                                        
At December 31, 2016  $-   $67   $971   $7,129   $2,679   $-   $5   $10,851 
Additions   -    261    2,444    6,489    2,358    -    466    12,018 
Disposals   -    -    -    (265)   (27)   -    -    (292)
At December 31, 2017  $-   $328   $3,415   $13,353   $5,010   $-   $471   $22,577 
Additions   -    106    1,039    3,792    1,177    -    203    6,317 
Disposals   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
At June 30, 2018  $-   $434   $4,454   $17,145   $6,187   $-   $674   $28,894 
                                         
Carrying values                                        
At December 31, 2017  $3,969   $4,952   $47,358   $56,713   $23,387   $54   $5,415   $141,848 
At June 30, 2018  $4,008   $4,851   $46,811   $57,369   $22,210   $946   $5,212   $141,407 

 

 9 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

6.Loan Payable

 

As at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, equipment financing balances are as follows:

 

   June 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 
Balance, beginning of the period  $17,243   $15,150 
Additions   3,751    10,727 
Down payments and taxes   (638)   (1,839)
Settlements   -    (603)
Principal repayments   (3,954)   (6,192)
Balance, end of the period  $16,402   $17,243 
           
Current portion  $8,096   $7,629 
Non-current portion  $8,306   $9,614 

 

The terms of the equipment financing agreements are as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Total acquisition costs  $39,443   $35,692 
Interest rates   0.00% ~ 4.50%    0.00% ~ 4.50% 
Monthly payments  $5 ~ 74   $5 ~ 74 
Average remaining life (years)   2.41    2.13 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company made total down payments of $638 (December 31, 2017 $1,839). The down payments consist of the sales tax on the assets and a 10% payment of the pre-tax purchase price. All of the loan agreements are for a term of four years, except two which are for three years, and are secured by the underlying asset.

 

The following table outlines the principal payments to be made for each of the remaining years:

 

Years  Principal Payments 
2019  $6,203 
2020   3,619 
2021   1,998 
2022   534 
Total  $12,354 

 

7.Derivative Liabilities

 

Share Purchase Warrants – Clay loans (Related Party (see Note 12 (ii))

 

On June 8, 2015, the Company issued 10,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay Group (the “June 2015 Warrants”) in connection with the June 2015 Loan. On February 22, 2018, the Company completed a rights offering at a share price lower than the original exercise price of $0.95 of the June 2015 Warrants. As per an anti-dilution provision included in the June 2015 Loan agreement, the exercise price of the June 2015 Warrants was revised to $0.7831 on the rights offering completion date. The expiry date of June 8, 2020 of the June 2015 Warrants remains unchanged.

 

On November 18, 2016, the Company issued 8,000,000 share purchase warrants to the Clay Group (the “November 2016 Warrants”) in connection with the November 2016 Loan. On February 22, 2018, the Company completed a rights offering at a share price lower than the original exercise price of $0.85 of the November 2016 Warrants. As per an anti-dilution provision included in the November 2016 Loan agreement, the exercise price of the November 2016 Warrants was revised to $0.6650 on the rights offering completion date. The expiry date of November 18, 2021 of the November 2016 Warrants remains unchanged.

 

 10 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

7.Derivative Liabilities (liabilities)

  

The share purchase warrants meet the definition of a derivative liability instrument as the exercise price is not a fixed price as described above. Therefore, the settlement feature does not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria outlined in ASC 815-40-15.

 

The fair value of the derivative liabilities related to the Clay Group share purchase warrants as at June 30, 2018 was $372 (December 31, 2017 $439). The derivative liabilities were calculated using the binomial and the Black-Scholes pricing valuation models with the following assumptions:

 

Warrants related to June 2015 Loan 

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Risk-free interest rate   1.91%   1.73%
Expected life of derivative liability   1.94 years    2.44 years 
Expected volatility   69.67%   78.59%
Dividend rate   0.00%   0.00%

 

Warrants related to November 2016 Loan 

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Risk-free interest rate   1.98%   1.73%
Expected life of derivative liability   3.40 years    3.89 years 
Expected volatility   74.75%   75.69%
Dividend rate   0.00%   0.00%

 

The change in the derivative share purchase warrants is as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Balance, beginning of the period  $439   $5,458 
Change in fair value   (67)   (5,019)
Balance, end of the period  $372   $439 

 

Share Purchase Warrants

 

On July 25, 2016, the Company issued 6,317,700 share purchase warrants with an exercise price of C$2.00 and an expiry date of July 25, 2019. As at June 30, 2018, the Company re-measured the share purchase warrants and determined the fair value of the derivative liability to be $1 (December 31, 2017 - $2).

 

8.Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Reclamation Financial Assurance

 

The Company is required to provide the Bureau of Land Management, the State Office of Mine Reclamation and Kern County with a revised reclamation cost estimate annually.  The financial assurance is adjusted once the cost estimate is approved.

 

This estimate, once approved by state and county authorities, forms the basis of reclamation financial assurance. The reclamation assurance provided as at June 30, 2018 was $1,749 (December 31, 2017 $1,465).

 

The Company is also required to provide financial assurance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (the “Regional Board”) for closure and reclamation costs related to the lined impoundments, which are defined as the Stage 1 and Stage 2 heap leach pads, the overflow pond, and the solution collection channel. The reclamation financial assurance estimate as at June 30, 2018 is $2,450 (December 31, 2017 $1,869).

 

 11 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

8.Asset Retirement Obligations (continued)

 

In addition to the above, the Company is required to obtain and maintain financial assurance for initiating and completing corrective action and remediation of a reasonably foreseeable release from the Project’s waste management units as required by the Regional Board. The reclamation financial assurance estimate as at June 30, 2018 is $278 (December 31, 2017 $278).

 

The Company entered into $4,921 (2017 $3,612) in surety bond agreements in order to release its reclamation deposits. The Company pays a yearly premium of $101 (2017 $90). Golden Queen Ltd. has provided a corporate guarantee on the surety bonds.

 

Asset Retirement Obligation

 

The total asset retirement obligation as at June 30, 2018, was $2,413 (December 31, 2017 $1,838). 

 

The Company estimated its asset retirement obligations based on its understanding of the requirements to reclaim and remediate its property based on its activities to date. As at June 30, 2018, the Company estimates the cash outflow related to these reclamation activities will be incurred in 2028. Reclamation provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a discount rate based on a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of 8.34% and an inflation rate of 2.41%.

 

The following is a summary of asset retirement obligations:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Balance, beginning of the period  $1,838   $1,366 
Accretion   83    126 
Changes in cash flow estimates   492    346 
Balance, end of the period  $2,413   $1,838 

 

9.Share Capital

 

The Company’s common shares outstanding are no par value, voting shares with no preferences or rights attached to them.

 

Common shares

 

On January 17, 2017, the Company issued 100,000 shares for a total of $59 as finder fees which were recognized in general and administrative expenses in connection with the declaration of commercial production in December 2016.

 

On February 22, 2018, the Company closed a rights offering and issued 188,952,761 shares for total gross proceeds of $25,036. The Company paid associated fees of $668 which were classified as share issue costs.

 

Stock options

 

The Company’s current stock option plan (the “Plan”) was adopted by the Company in 2013 and approved by shareholders of the Company in 2013. The Plan provides a fixed number of 7,200,000 common shares of the Company that may be issued pursuant to the grant of stock options. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) but shall not be less than the volume-weighted, average trading price of the Company’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) for the five (5) trading days immediately prior to the date of the grant. The expiry date of a stock option shall be the date so fixed by the Board subject to a maximum term of five (5) years.

 

 12 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

9.Share Capital (continued)

 

Stock options (continued)

 

The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. The compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which approximates the vesting period.

 

The following is a summary of stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

 

   Shares   Weighted Average
Exercise Price per
Share
 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016   1,555,000   $0.85 
Options granted   1,605,001   $0.38 
Options forfeited   (166,667)  $0.64 
Options expired   (393,333)  $1.13 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2017   2,600,001   $0.54 
Options forfeited   (75,000)  $0.29 
Options expired   (50,000)  $1.16 
Options outstanding, June 30, 2018   2,475,001   $0.53 

  

On March 14, 2017, the former CFO of the Company resigned. 146,667 stock options were forfeited on this date as they did not meet the vesting conditions. Accordingly, the share-based compensation associated with the unvested stock options was reversed. The expiry date of 393,333 stock options that had vested was modified to June 14, 2017 pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement. These stock options were not exercised, thus expired during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

On March 20, 2017, the Company granted 400,002 options to the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) which are exercisable at a price of $0.65 for a period of five years from the date of grant. 133,334 options vested on March 20, 2018, 133,334 options vest on March 20, 2019 and 133,334 options vest on March 20, 2020.

 

The fair value of stock options granted as above was calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

   2017 
Expected life (years)   5.00 
Interest rate   1.18% ~ 1.70%
Volatility   77.29% ~ 79.17%
Dividend yield   0.00%

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized $35 and $80 (the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 - $52 and $85) in stock-based compensation relating to employee stock options that were issued and/or had vesting terms.

 

 13 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

9.Share Capital (continued)

 

Stock options (continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as at June 30, 2018:

 

Expiry
Date
  Number
Outstanding
   Number
Exercisable
   Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)
   Exercise
Price
 
September 3, 2018   150,000    150,000    0.18   $1.59 
September 8, 2020   430,000    430,000    2.19   $0.58 
November 30, 2021   365,000    121,666    3.42   $0.66 
March 20, 2022   400,002    133,334    3.72   $0.65 
October 20, 2022   1,129,999    -    4.31   $0.29 
Balance, June 30, 2018   2,475,001    835,000    3.47      

 

As at June 30, 2018, the aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding exercisable options was $nil (December 31, 2017 $nil).

 

Warrants

 

As at June 30, 2018, 24,317,700 warrants were outstanding (December 31, 2017 – 24,317,700).

 

The following table summarizes information about share purchase warrants outstanding:

 

Expiry
Date
  Number
Outstanding
   Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)
   Exercise
Price
 
June 8, 2020   10,000,000    2.19   $0.7831 
July 25, 2019 (1)   6,317,700    1.32   C$2.0000 
November 18, 2021   8,000,000    3.64   $0.6650 
Balance, June 30, 2018   24,317,700    2.44      
(1)Non-tradable share purchase warrants.

 

10.General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses are incurred to support the administration of the business that are not directly related to production. Significant components of general and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Audit, legal and professional fees  $169   $108   $409   $396 
Salaries and benefits and director fees   180    140    683    700 
Regulatory fees and licenses   46    17    125    70 
Insurance   144    114    283    247 
Corporate administration   340    333    633    715 
   $879   $712   $2,133   $2,128 

 

 14 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

11.Loss Per Share

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Numerator:                    
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of the Company - numerator for basic and diluted  $(632)  $962   $(6,049)  $(1,465)
Denominator:                    
Weighted average number of  common
shares outstanding -basic and diluted
   300,101,444    111,148,683    244,772,735    112,360,179 
                     
Income (loss) per share – basic and diluted  $(0.00)  $0.01   $(0.02)  $(0.01)

 

Weighted average number of shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 excludes 2,475,001 options (December 31, 2017 2,600,001) and 24,317,700 warrants (December 31, 2017 – 24,317,700) that were antidilutive.

 

12.Related Party Transactions

 

Except as noted elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, related party transactions are disclosed as follows:

 

(i)Compensation of Key Management Personnel, Transactions with Related Parties and Related Party Balances

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized $104 and $299 (for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 – $78 and $278) salaries and fees for Officers and Directors.

 

As at June 30, 2018, $nil (December 31, 2017 $38) was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets for closing fees paid to related parties.

 

As at June 30, 2018, $28 (December 31, 2017 $463 for amended fees and accrued interest payable to related parties) was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for accrued interest payable to related parties and salaries and fees payable to Officers and Directors.

 

(ii)Note Payable

 

On November 18, 2016, the Company entered into a loan with the Clay Group for $31,000 (the “November 2016 Loan”), due on May 21, 2019 with an annual interest rate of 8%, payable quarterly. In connection with the November 2016 Loan the Company issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. See Note 7.

 

On November 10, 2017, the Company and the Clay Group agreed to amend the November 2016 Loan by reducing the 2018 quarterly and 2019 Q1 principal payments from $2,500 to $1,000, adding the reduction of such payments pro-rata to the remaining 2019 payments, and increasing the annual interest rate from 8% to 10% effective January 1, 2018 (the “November 2017 Loan”). This amendment was accounted for as a debt modification.

 

The following table summarizes activity on the notes payable:

 

 15 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

12.Related Party Transactions (continued)

 

(ii)Note Payable (continued)

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Balance, beginning of the period  $30,099   $26,347 
Interest payable transferred to principal balance   -    2,212 
Accretion of discount on loans   994    1,940 
Capitalized financing and legal fees   -    (400)
Accretion of capitalized financing and legal fees   130    - 
Repayment of loans and interest   (6,711)   - 
Balance, end of the period  $24,512   $30,099 
           
Current portion  $24,512   $7,712 
Non-current portion  $-   $22,387 

 

(iii)Amortization of Discounts and Interest Expense

 

The following table summarizes the amortization of discounts and interest on loan:

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Accretion of the Nov 2017 Loan discount  $504   $454   $994   $740 
Accretion of capitalized financing and legal fees   66    -    130    - 
Interest expense related to the Nov 2017 Loan   695    646    1,409    1,272 
Closing and commitment fees related to the Credit Facility   10    -    40    - 
Interest expense related to Komatsu financial loans (1)   166    150    401    285 
Accretion of discount and interest on loan  $1,441   $1,250   $2,974   $2,297 

 

(1)Komatsu is not a related party and has only been included in the above table to reconcile the total interest expense incurred for the period … to the amounts capitalized and expensed.

 

(iv)Joint Venture Transaction

 

The Company has presented Gauss’ ownership in GQM LLC as a non-controlling interest amount on the balance sheet within the equity section. However, there are terms in the agreement that provide for the exit from the investment in GQM LLC for an initial member whose interest in GQM LLC becomes less than 20%.

 

If a member becomes less than a 20% interest holder, its remaining interest will (ultimately) be terminated through one of 3 events at the non-diluted member’s option:

a.Through conversion to a net smelter royalty (“NSR”);
b.Through a buy-out (at fair value) by the non-diluted member; or
c.Through a sale process by which the diluted member’s interest is sold.

 

The net assets of GQM LLC as at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

 16 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

12.Related Party Transactions (continued)

 

(iv)Joint Venture Transaction (continued)

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Assets, GQM LLC  $160,379   $149,095 
Liabilities, GQM LLC   (24,130)   (28,024)
Net assets, GQM LLC  $136,249   $121,071 

  

Included in the assets above, is $5,930 (December 31, 2017 $2,606) in cash held by GQM LLC which is directed specifically to fund capital expenditures required to continue with production and to settle GQM LLC’s obligations. The liabilities of GQM LLC do not have recourse to the general credit of Golden Queen except for $2,203 for two mining drill loans and $4,228 in surety bond agreements.

 

Non-Controlling Interest

 

The carrying value of the non-controlling interest is adjusted for net income and loss, distributions and contributions pursuant to ASC 810-10 based on the same percentage allocation used to calculate the initial book value of temporary equity.

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Net and comprehensive income (loss) in GQM LLC  $2,475   $462   $(4,819)  $(317)
Non-controlling interest percentage   50%   50%   50%   50%
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest  $1,238   $230   $(2,410)  $(159)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to permanent non-controlling interest  $743   $138   $(1,446)  $(95)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to temporary non-controlling interest  $495   $92   $(964)  $(64)

 

   Permanent Non-
Controlling
Interest
   Temporary Non-
Controlling
Interest
 
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2017  $36,321   $24,214 
Capital contribution   10,000    - 
Net and comprehensive loss for the period   (1,446)   (964)
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, June 30, 2018  $44,875   $23,250 

 

(v)Credit Facility

 

On May 23, 2017, GQM LLC entered into a $5,000 one-year revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) in which Gauss Holdings LLC and Auvergne, LLC agreed to extend credit in the form of loans to GQM LLC. The Credit Facility commenced on July 1, 2017, bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum and is subject to a commitment fee of 1% per annum. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, GQM LLC paid commitment fees of $30 (2017 – $nil). The balance of the Credit Facility was $3,000 as at December 31, 2017. The Credit Facility expired on May 22, 2018.

 

 17 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

13.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Royalties

 

The Company has acquired a number of mineral property interests outright. It has acquired exclusive rights to explore, develop and mine other portions of the Mine under various mining lease agreements with landowners. Royalty amounts due to each landholder over the life of the Mine vary with each property.

 

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

 

The Company’s exploration and development activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect of such activities on the environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays or affect the economics of a mine, and cause changes or delays in the Company’s activities.

 

Corporate Guaranties

 

The Company has provided corporate guaranties for two of GQM LLC’s mining drill loans. The Company has also provided a corporate guaranty for GQM LLC’s surety bonds.

 

14.Financial Instruments

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

All financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Transaction costs are expensed when they are incurred, unless they are directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets, in which case they are added to the costs of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3 Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

 

   June 30, 2018 
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Liabilities:                
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (see Note 7)  $372   $     -   $372   $     - 
Share purchase warrants – (see Note 7)   1    -    1    - 
   $373   $-   $373   $- 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Liabilities:                
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (see Note 7)  $439   $     -   $439   $     - 
Share purchase warrants – (see Note 7)   2    -    2    - 
   $441   $-   $441   $- 

 

 18 
  

 

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(amounts expressed in thousands of US dollars - Unaudited)

 

14.Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value measurement of the financial instruments above use observable inputs in option price models such as the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge its obligations. To mitigate exposure to credit risk on financial assets the Company has established policies to ensure liquidity of funds and ensure counterparties demonstrate minimum acceptable credit worthiness.

 

The Company maintains its US Dollar and Canadian Dollar cash in bank accounts with major financial institutions with high credit standings. Cash deposits held in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $250 and Canadian Dollar cash deposits held in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) for up to C$100.

 

Certain United States and Canadian bank accounts held by the Company exceed these federally insured limits or are uninsured as they relate to US Dollar deposits held in Canadian financial institutions. As at June 30, 2018, the Company’s cash balances held in United States and Canadian financial institutions include $10,537, which are not fully insured by the FDIC or CDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and management believes that using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates the credit risk in cash.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company holds approximately 55% of its cash in bank deposit accounts with a single major financial institution. The interest rates received on these balances may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. Based on the average cash balances during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have reduced the interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, by an immaterial amount.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

Certain purchases of corporate overhead items are denominated in Canadian Dollar. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of operations. Specifically, the appreciation of the Canadian Dollar against the US Dollar may result in an increase in the Canadian operating expenses in US dollar terms. As at June 30, 2018, the Company maintained the majority of its cash balance in US Dollars. The Company currently does not engage in any currency hedging activities.

 

 19 
  

   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

 

The following discussion of the operating results and financial condition of Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. (“Golden Queen”, “GQM Ltd.”, “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is as at August 9, 2018 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and the notes thereto.

 

All amounts herein are presented in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts, or unless otherwise noted.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions and parameters used in the feasibility study referenced in this report. These forward-looking statements are based upon numerous assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include among other things the receipt and compliance with the terms of required approvals and permits, results of operations and commodity prices. In addition, projected mining results, including quantity of ore, grade, production rates, operating costs and recovery rates, are subject to numerous risks normally associated with mining activity of the nature described in this report and in the feasibility study, and as a result actual results may differ substantially from projected results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.

 

Cautionary Note to US Investors

 

We advise US investors that the mineral reserve estimates disclosed in this report have been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulations and may not qualify as “reserves” under the SEC Industry Guide 7. Information concerning mineral resources and reserves set forth herein may not be comparable with information presented by companies using only US standards in their public disclosure.

 

Mr. Tim Mazanek, SME is a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this Form 10-Q.

 

The Soledad Mountain Mine

 

Overview

 

The Company is engaged in the operation of the Soledad Mountain Mine (“the Mine”), located in the Mojave Mining District, Kern County, California. The Company owns 50% of Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC (“GQM LLC”), the operator of the Mine. The remaining 50% is owned by Gauss LLC (“Gauss”). The Mine is located just outside the town of Mojave in southern California and utilizes conventional open pit mining methods and cyanide heap leach and Merrill-Crowe processes to recover gold and silver from crushed, agglomerated ore. The Mine also produces small quantities of aggregate.

 

Highlights: Second Quarter Highlights

 

·Total of 3,900 kt million tons of ore and waste were mined including 1,473 kt of ore;
·Plant processed a total of 943 kt of ore at an average grade of 0.020 oz/t; and
·9,976 ounces of gold and 99,846 ounces of silver were produced.

 

Project Update

 

Operations during the first half of 2018 have shown continued improvement in gold ounces loaded on the pad. Mining of the East Pit has progressed on schedule. For the quarter, ore mining was 49% higher in the East Pit than contemplated in the mine plan as a result of a lower stripping ratio. In addition, the ore grade was higher by 26%. A significant amount of ore has been stockpiled during the second quarter and the ore quantity contained within the stockpile was over 750K tons at the end of June 2018.

 

 20 
  

 

During the second half of 2017, the mine produced and sold more gold than the recoverable ounces placed on the pad during the same period, effectively depleting the leach pad inventory of its gold loaded solution. Consequently, in the first quarter 2018, gold production was significantly reduced. The monthly recoverable gold ounces loaded on the leach pad have steadily increased since September 2017, but the positive impact on production has only begun during the second quarter of 2018.

 

 

In the process area, pad-loading tonnage and average grade are increasing compared to the past two quarters. Modifications have been made to the secondary plant during the quarter that have increased both the throughput and the run-time. Gold precipitation has increased, although not steadily, from the low period of January 2018. In June, there was a dip in ounces precipitated due to the move to stack the second lift on Pad-2. Leach solutions had to penetrate twice the amount of leach material, delaying gold flow to the Merrill-Crowe Plant. As a result of higher grades in the East Pit and the improved plant throughput, gold production is anticipated to continue increasing throughout the remainder of this year. Leaching performance is currently matching the feasibility study, with the total apparent gold recovery to June 30, 2018 of 69.1%, which management believes is on track to achieve the life of mine 80% gold recovery.

 

In the second quarter of 2018, the Company continued to develop the East Pit. It is anticipated that the transition to the East Pit will provide the majority of ore production for at least the next two years where higher ore tonnage and grade and lower waste tons are expected. The plan is to increase the delivery of ounces to the heap leach pad by selectively mining higher grade tons as much as practical.

 

A total of 19,520 feet of reverse circulation drilling was completed during first quarter. This drill program was designed to increase confidence in the currently modelled ore grades and tonnage associated with the Golden Queen vein structure, to improve the Company’s understanding of the Patience vein structure potentially adding ounces to the Company’s reserves and to investigate the Silver Queen vein structure (where historical underground development is illustrated on historic maps but not evidenced in historic extraction reports). The drill results were analyzed during the second quarter. A new life of mine plan is anticipated during the third quarter.

 

As well, the Company is in the process of permitting additional infrastructure for ongoing operations and planned activities that are expected to extend the mine life of Soledad Mountain beyond the initial 11 years contemplated in the 2015 Feasibility Study.  The process is anticipated to take approximately one to two years.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded aggregate sales of $4 thousand dollars. In 2017, the Company was added to the California AB 3098 list, which allows the Company to sell its aggregate to state and municipal agencies. The Company will not include the sale of aggregate in cash flow projections until such time as a long-term contract for the sale of products has been secured.

  

There is a total of 213 employees currently on site.

 

 21 
  

 

Results of Operations

 

The following are the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

      Three months ended   Six months ended 
      30-June-18   30-June-17   30-June-18   30-June-17 
Mining - Key Metrics                       
Ore mined  k ton   1,473    1,010    2,608    1,862 
Waste mined: ore mined ratio  ore mined ratio   1.7:1    3.7:1    1.9:1    3.7:1 
Gold grade placed  oz/ton   0.020    0.016    0.019    0.017 
Silver grade placed  oz/ton   0.347    0.201    0.331    0.215 
Gold sold  oz   9,892    12,653    16,421    23,813 
Silver sold  oz   96,127    53,514    149,739    115,609 
Apparent cumulative recovery - gold (1)  %   69.1%   68.0%   69.1%   68.0%
Apparent cumulative recovery - silver (1)  %   27.7%   25.3%   27.7%   25.3%
                        
Financial (1)                       
Revenue  $   14,485    16,882    24,070    31,686 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and depletion (or Direct mining costs)  $   8,130    13,367    21,146    24,929 
Depreciation and depletion  $   3,364    2,742    6,340    5,498 
Income (loss) from mine operations  $   2,991    773    (3,416)   1,259 
General and administrative expenses  $   (879)   (712)   (2,133)   (2,128)
Total other income (expenses)  $   (1,508)   1,131    (2,910)   (755)
Net and comprehensive income (loss)  $   604    1,192    (8,459)   (1,624)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Golden Queen Mining Co Ltd.  $   (632)   962    (6,049)   (1,465)
Average realized gold price (1)  $/oz sold   1,302    1,262    1,313    1,246 
Average realized silver price (1)  $/oz sold   16.62    17.10    16.65    17.37 
Total cash costs - net of by-product credits (1)(2)  $/Au oz produced   730    1,038    1,214    1,016 
All-in sustaining costs - net of by-product credits (1)  $/Au oz produced   1,045    1,427    1,586    1,552 
Total cash costs (3)  $/t placed   16.56    13.48    17.25    14.61 
Off-site costs (1)  $/t placed   0.63    0.71    0.62    0.77 

 

(1)Total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, apparent cumulative recovery, off-site costs, average realized gold price and average realized silver price are financial performance measures with no standard meaning under US GAAP. Refer to “Non-US GAAP Financial Performance Measures” for further information.
(2)Total cash costs – net of by-product credits figure incorporates inventory changes and others adjustment, refer to total cash costs reconciliation in “Non-US GAAP Financial Performance Measures” for details.
(3)Total cash costs figure does not incorporate inventory changes and others adjustment.

 

Financial Results

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company generated revenues from operations of $14,485 from the sale of 9,892 ounces of gold and 96,127 ounces of silver and $24,070 from the sale of 16,421 ounces of gold and 149,739 ounces of silver, respectively. In comparison, for the same periods of 2017 the Company generated revenues from operations of $16,882 from the sale of 12,653 ounces of gold and 53,514 ounces and $32,686 from the sale of 23,813 ounces of gold and 115,609 ounces of silver.

 

The decrease in revenue resulted from the time required for the gold to be processed through the leach pad. There was 18,807 ounces of gold was placed on the leach pad in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 16,590 ounces in the second quarter of 2017 and revenues from ounces of gold placed on the leach pad will not be realized until later this year. As a result of this situation, the Mine recorded a higher cost per ton (less tons mined).

 

 22 
  

 

The costs, excluding depreciation and depletion, applicable to sales incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $8,130 and $21,146 (three and six months ended June 30, 2017 - $13,367 and $24,929), respectively. The cost of sales, excluding depreciation and depletion, in the current quarter substantially decreased in comparison with the prior quarter due to a lower cost per ounce in the second quarter of 2018. Costs of sales include mining, processing, maintenance and site support costs. Also, included in the costs of sales are refining, transportation costs, royalties and property taxes. 

 

Depreciation and depletion expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $3,364 and $6,340 (three and six months ended June 30, 2017 – $2,742 and $5,498), respectively. The increase in 2018 compared to 2017 was mainly due to the addition of depreciable fixed assets of $19,409 in the third and fourth quarters of 2017 and the addition of depreciable fixed assets of $4,990 in the first two quarters of 2018.

 

General and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $879 and $2,133 (three and six months ended June 30, 2017 - $712 and $2,128), respectively. The increase in 2018 compared to 2017 was mainly a result of higher legal and professional fees, salaries and benefits, insurance and regulatory fees.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company incurred finance expenses of $1,441 and $2,974 compared to $1,250 and $2,297 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in finance expenses was mainly due to an increase of 2% in the interest rate on the Clay Loan resulting in additional interest payable and increased accretion on the Clay Loan.

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a loss of $70 and gain of $68 on derivative instruments compared to gains of $2,375 and $1,894 on derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The gain for six months ended June 30, 2018 was smaller due to insignificant downward movement of the Company’s share price compared to the same period of 2017. Significant downward movement of the Company’s share price in the three months ended June 30, 2017 resulted in a significant gain while the Company’s share price remained relatively consistent during the same period of 2018 fiscal year.

 

Summary of Quarterly Results

 

Results for the eight most recent quarters are set out in the table below:

 

   Results for the quarter ended: 
   30-Jun-18   31-Mar-18   31-Dec-17   30-Sep-17 
Revenue  $14,485   $9,585   $13,939   $16,496 
Net and comprehensive income (loss)  $602   $(9,063)  $(1,327)  $(3,224)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GQM Ltd.  $(632)  $(5,417)  $2,188    (1,889)
Basic net income (loss) per share  $0.00   $(0.03)  $0.02   $0.01 
Diluted net income (loss) per share  $0.00   $(0.03)  $0.02   $0.01 
                     
   Results for the quarter ended: 
   30-Jun-17   31-Mar-17   31-Dec-16   30-Sep-16 
Revenue  $16,882   $14,804   $10,278   $13,451 
Net and comprehensive income (loss)  $1,192   $(2,816)  $(434)  $3,591 
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GQM Ltd.  $962   $(2,426)   868    2,738 
Basic net income (loss) per share  $0.01   $(0.02)  $0.01   $0.03 
Diluted net income (loss) per share  $0.01   $(0.02)  $0.01   $0.03 

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, net and comprehensive income was $602 mainly as a result of income generated from operations of $2,112.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net and comprehensive loss was $9,063 mainly as a result of loss from mine operations of $6,449 due to higher direct mining costs as a result of developing the East Pit and lower revenues due to lower production as a result of less available gold ounces on the leach pad.

 

 23 
  

 

In general, the results of operations can vary from quarter to quarter depending upon the nature, timing and cost of activities undertaken, whether or not the Company incurs gains or losses on foreign exchange or grants stock options, and the movements in its derivative liability.

 

Reclamation Financial Assurance and Asset Retirement Obligation

 

Reclamation Financial Assurance

 

The Company is required to provide the Bureau of Land Management, the State Office of Mine Reclamation and Kern County with a revised reclamation cost estimate annually.  The financial assurance is adjusted once the cost estimate is approved.

 

This estimate, once approved by state and county authorities, forms the basis of reclamation financial assurance. The reclamation assurance provided as at June 30, 2018 was $1,749 (December 31, 2017 $1,465).

 

The Company is also required to provide financial assurance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (the “Regional Board”) for closure and reclamation costs related to the lined impoundments, which are defined as the Stage 1 and Stage 2 heap leach pads, the overflow pond, and the solution collection channel. The reclamation financial assurance estimate as at June 30, 2018 is $2,450 (December 31, 2017 $1,869).

 

In addition to the above, the Company is required to obtain and maintain financial assurance for initiating and completing corrective action and remediation of a reasonably foreseeable release from the Project’s waste management units as required by the Regional Board. The reclamation financial assurance estimate as at June 30, 2018 is $278 (December 31, 2017 $278).

 

The Company entered into $4,921 (2017 $3,612) in surety bond agreements in order to release its reclamation deposits. The Company pays a yearly premium of $101 (2017 $90). Golden Queen Ltd. has provided a corporate guarantee on the surety bonds.

 

Asset Retirement Obligation

 

The total asset retirement obligation as at June 30, 2018, was $2,413 (December 31, 2017 $1,838). 

 

The Company estimated its asset retirement obligations based on its understanding of the requirements to reclaim and remediate its property based on its activities to date. As at June 30, 2018, the Company estimates the cash outflow related to these reclamation activities will be incurred in 2028. Reclamation provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows discounted to their present value using a discount rate based on a credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of 8.34% and an inflation rate of 2.41%.

 

The following is a summary of asset retirement obligations:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Balance, beginning of the period  $1,838   $1,366 
Accretion   83    126 
Changes in cash flow estimates   492    346 
Balance, end of the period  $2,413   $1,838 

 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Transactions with Related Parties

 

Except as noted elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, related party transactions are disclosed as follows:

 

(i)Compensation of Key Management Personnel, Transactions with Related Parties and Related Party Balances

 

 24 
  

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized $104 and $299 (for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 – $78 and $278) salaries and fees for Officers and Directors.

 

As at June 30, 2018, $nil (December 31, 2017 $38) was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets for closing fees paid to related parties.

 

As at June 30, 2018, $28 (December 31, 2017 $463) for amended fees and accrued interest payable to related parties was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for accrued interest payable to related parties and salaries and fees payable to Officers and Directors.

 

(ii)Note Payable

 

On November 18, 2016, the Company entered into a loan with the Clay Group for $31,000 (the “November 2016 Loan”), due on May 21, 2019 and an annual interest rate of 8%, payable quarterly. In connection with the November 2016 Loan the Company issued 8,000,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable for a period of five years expiring November 21, 2021. The common share purchase warrants have an exercise price of $0.85. As per an anti-dilution provision included in the November 2016 Loan agreement, the exercise price of the November 2016 Warrants was revised to $0.6650 on the rights offering completion date. The expiry date of November 18, 2021 of the November 2016 Warrants remains unchanged.

 

On November 10, 2017, the Company and the Clay Group entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) pursuant to which they agreed to amend the November 2016 Loan by reducing the 2018 quarterly and 2019 Q1 principal payments from $2,500 to $1,000, adding the reduction of such payments pro-rata to the remaining 2019 payments, and increasing the annual interest rate from 8% to 10% effective January 1, 2018 (the “November 2017 Loan”). On February 22, 2018, the Company and the Clay Group entered into definitive agreements to amend the terms of the November 2016 Loan and the registration rights agreement in accordance with the Letter Agreement. This amendment was accounted for as a debt modification.

 

The following table summarizes activity on the notes payable:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Balance, beginning of the period  $30,099   $26,347 
Interest payable transferred to principal balance   -    2,212 
Accretion of discount on loans   994    1,940 
Capitalized financing and legal fees   -    (400)
Accretion of capitalized financing and legal fees   130    - 
Repayment of loans and interest   (6,711)   - 
Balance, end of the period  $24,512   $30,099 
           
Current portion  $24,512   $7,712 
Non-current portion  $-   $22,387 

 

(iii)Amortization of Discounts and Interest Expense

 

The following table summarizes the amortization of discounts and interest on loan:

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Accretion of the Nov 2017 Loan discount  $504   $454   $994   $740 
Accretion of capitalized financing and legal fees   66    -    130    - 
Interest expense related to the Nov 2017 Loan   695    646    1,409    1,272 
Closing and commitment fees related to the Credit Facility   10    -    40    - 
Interest expense related to Komatsu financial loans (1)   166    150    401    285 
Accretion of discount and interest on loan  $1,441   $1,250   $2,974   $2,297 

 

(1)Komatsu is not a related party and has only been included in the above table to reconcile the total interest expense incurred for the period to the amounts capitalized and expensed.

 

 25 
  

 

(iv)Joint Venture Transaction

 

The Company has presented Gauss’ ownership in GQM LLC as a non-controlling interest amount on the balance sheet within the equity section. However, there are terms in the agreement that provide for the exit from the investment in GQM LLC for an initial member whose interest in GQM LLC becomes less than 20%.

 

If a member becomes less than a 20% interest holder, its remaining interest will (ultimately) be terminated through one of three events at the non-diluted member’s option:

 

a.Through conversion to a net smelter royalty (“NSR”);
b.Through a buy-out (at fair value) by the non-diluted member; or
c.Through a sale process by which the diluted member’s interest is sold.

 

The net assets of GQM LLC as at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
Assets, GQM LLC  $160,379   $149,095 
Liabilities, GQM LLC   (24,130)   (28,024)
Net assets, GQM LLC  $136,249   $121,071 

  

Included in the assets above, is $5,930 (December 31, 2017 $2,606) in cash held by GQM LLC which is directed specifically to fund capital expenditures required to continue with production and to settle GQM LLC’s obligations. The liabilities of GQM LLC do not have recourse to the general credit of Golden Queen except for $2,203 for two mining drill loans and $4,921 in surety bond agreements.

 

Non-Controlling Interest

 

The carrying value of the non-controlling interest is adjusted for net income and loss, distributions and contributions pursuant to ASC 810-10 based on the same percentage allocation used to calculate the initial book value of temporary equity.

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Three Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
Net and comprehensive income (loss) in GQM LLC  $2,475   $462   $(4,819)  $(317)
Non-controlling interest percentage   50%   50%   50%   50%
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest  $1,238   $230   $(2,410)  $(159)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to permanent non-controlling interest  $743   $138   $(1,446)  $(95)
Net and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to temporary non-controlling interest  $495   $92   $(964)  $(64)

 

 

   Permanent Non-
Controlling
Interest
   Temporary Non-
Controlling
Interest
 
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, December 31, 2017  $36,321   $24,214 
Capital contribution   10,000    - 
Net and comprehensive loss for the period   (1,446)   (964)
Carrying value of non-controlling interest, June 30, 2018  $44,875   $23,250 

 

 26 
  

 

(v)Credit Facility

 

On May 23, 2017, GQM LLC entered into a $5,000 one-year revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) in which Gauss Holdings LLC and Auvergne, LLC agreed to extend credit in the form of loans to GQM LLC. The Credit Facility commenced on July 1, 2017, bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum and is subject to a commitment fee of 1% per annum. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, GQM LLC paid commitment fees of $30 (2017 – $nil). The Credit Facility expired on May 22, 2018. The balance of the Credit Facility was $3,000 as at December 31, 2017, and the balance was repaid during the first quarter of 2018.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level3 Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

 

   June 30, 2018 
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Liabilities:                
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (see Note 7)  $372   $     -   $372   $     - 
Share purchase warrants – (see Note 7)   1    -    1    - 
   $373   $-   $373   $- 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Liabilities:                
Share purchase warrants – Related Party (see Note 7)  $439   $     -   $439   $     - 
Share purchase warrants – (see Note 7)   2    -    2    - 
   $441   $-   $441   $- 

 

Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value measurement of the financial instruments above uses observable inputs in option price models such as the binomial and the Black-Scholes valuation models.

 

Please refer also to the note on fair value of derivative liability under Results of operations above for more information.

 

Select Non-Consolidated Figures

 

The Company has a 50% interest in GQM LLC, which meets the definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). The Company consolidates entities which meet the definition of a VIE for which it is the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined it is the member of the related party group that is most closely associated with GQM LLC and, as a result, is the primary beneficiary who consolidates GQM LLC.

 

 27 
  

 

The following table shows figures attributable to the Company only as at June 30, 2018:

 

    GQM LLC
100%
    GQM LLC
50%
Attributable
to GQM
Ltd.
    GQM Ltd.
on a Non-
Consolidated
Basis *
    GQM Ltd.
Attributable
 
          (1)     (2)     (1) + (2)  
Cash   $ 5,930     $ 2,965     $ 4,608     $ 7,573  
Short Term Debt   $ 8,096     $ 4,048     $ 24,512     $ 28,560  
Long Term Debt   $ 8,306     $ 4,153     $ 0     $ 4,153  
Working Capital/(Deficit)   $ 18,376     $ 9,188     $ (20,074 )   $ (10,886 )

 

* includes GQM Holdings

 

The following table shows figures attributable to the Company only for the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

   GQM LLC
100%
   GQM LLC
50%
Attributable
to GQM
Ltd.
   GQM Ltd.
on a Non-
Consolidated
Basis *
   GQM Ltd.
Attributable
 
       (1)   (2)   (1) + (2) 
Revenue  $24,070   $12,035   $-   $12,035 
Cost of sales including depreciation and depletion  $(27,280)  $(13,640)  $(205)  $(13,845)
Accretion expense  $(84)  $(42)  $-   $(42)
G&A Expenses  $(1,132)  $(566)  $(922)  $(1,488)
Share based payments  $-   $-   $(80)  $(80)
Decrease in fair value of derivative liability  $-   $-   $68   $68 
Finance Expense  $(441)  $(221)  $(2,533)  $(2,754)
Interest Income  $40   $20   $32   $52 
Other  $8   $4   $-   $4 
Net Loss  $(4,819)  $(2,410)  $(3,640)  $(6,049)

 

* includes GQM Holdings

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has generated $113,384 in revenues from operations since inception and as at June 30, 2018, had an accumulated deficit of $94,549 and working capital deficit of $9,792.

 

Cash from operating activities:

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, $10,708 of cash was used in operating activities compared to $5,450 of cash generated from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increased use of cash in 2018 was primarily due to increased direct mining costs and reduced revenue arising from lower production in 2018 compared to 2017.

 

Cash used in investing activities:

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, $2,394 of cash was used in investing activities compared to $9,479 of cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The significant construction costs related to the heap leach pad incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $8,600. Since the heap leach pad was completed in 2017, no significant costs were incurred in the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Cash from financing activities:

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, $20,703 of cash was generated from financing activities compared to $2,988 of cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

 

 28 
  

 

Working capital:

 

The following table shows working capital as at June 30, 2018:

 

  

GQM LLC
100%

   GQM Ltd. on a
Non-
Consolidated
Basis *
   GQM Ltd. on a
Consolidated
Basis **
 
Current assets  $23,691   $4,747   $28,438 
Current liabilities   (13,348)   (24,821)   (38,231)
Working capital/(deficit)  $10,343   $(20,074)  $(9,793)

 

*includes GQM Holdings
**includes GQM Holdings and GQM LLC

 

Golden Queen and GQM Holdings

 

As at June 30, 2018, Golden Queen and GQM Holdings had current assets of $4,747 (December 31, 2017 – $502) and current liabilities of $24,821 (December 31, 2017 – $9,194) for a working capital deficit of $20,074 (December 31, 2017 – working capital deficit of $8,692).

 

GQM LLC

 

As at June 30, 2018, GQM LLC had current assets of $23,691 (December 31, 2017 – $12,162) and current liabilities of $13,348 (December 31, 2017 – $16,572) for working capital of $10,343 (December 31, 2017 – working capital deficit of $4,410).

 

Outstanding Share Data

 

The number of shares issued and outstanding and the fully diluted share position are set out in the table below:

 

Item  No. of Shares       
Shares issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2017   111,148,683       
Shares issued as the result of a rights offering   188,952,761       
Shares issued and outstanding as at June 30, 2018   300,101,444   Exercise Price  Expiry Date
Shares to be issued on exercise of directors and employees stock options   2,475,001   $0.29 to $1.59  From 09/03/18 to 10/20/22
Shares to be issued on exercise of warrants   24,317,700   $0.665 to $0.95 and CAD $2.00  From 06/08/20 to 11/18/21
Fully diluted August 9, 2018   326,894,145       

 

The Company has unlimited authorized share capital.

 

Non-US GAAP Financial Performance Measures

 

Non-US GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standard meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

 

Total Cash Costs

 

Total cash costs are derived from amounts included in the statement of operations and include direct mining costs and site general and administrative costs. The direct mining costs shown on the table below include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, smelting, refining, third party transportation costs, advanced minimum royalties and production costs less silver metals revenues. Management has determined that silver revenues when compared with gold revenues, are immaterial and therefore are considered a by-product of the production of gold.

 

 29 
  

 

The table below shows a reconciliation of total cash costs per gold ounce and cash costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2018   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Total cash costs               
Mining  $8,087   $7,376   $7,174 
Processing   4,707    4,488    4,346 
Indirect mining cost   2,029    1,972    2,308 
Inventory changes and others   (6,735)   (820)   1,970 
Cost of sales   8,088    13,016    15,798 
Site general and administrative   792    732    897 
Cash costs before by-product credits   8,880    13,748    16,695 
Divided by gold produced (oz)   9,976    6,579    9,886 
Cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($/oz)   890    2,090    1,689 
Less: By-product silver credits per ounce ($/oz)   (160)   (136)   (123)
Total cash cost per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis ($/oz)  $730   $1,954   $1,566 
                
Ore placed (tons)   943,148    806,450    837,779 
Total Cash Costs ($/t placed)   16.56    18.06    17.52 
Crusher mechanical availability (%)   73%   65%   69%
Apparent cumulative recovery (1) - gold (%)   69.1%   71.5%   75.5%
Apparent cumulative recovery (1) - silver (%)   27.7%   27.1%   27.4%

 

(1)Note: Apparent cumulative recovery is the ratio of metal produced since beginning of leaching over total estimated metal contained in ore loaded to pad since beginning of operation.

 

The increase in inventory during the second quarter was caused by the significant increase in the volume of mined ore stockpile and the increased number of gold ounces currently under leach. Historically, the inventory’s net realizable value was below its cost which resulted in inventory write-downs. In the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company did not record any write-down as inventory’s net realizable value exceeded its cost.

 

All-in Sustaining Costs

 

Golden Queen defines all-in sustaining costs as the sum of direct mining costs (as defined under total cash costs), site and corporate general and administrative costs, share based payments, reclamation liability accretion and capital expenditures that are sustaining in nature. Adoption of the standard is voluntary and the cost measures presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

 

The table below shows a reconciliation of cash costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis and all-in sustaining costs per ounce:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2018   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
All-in sustaining costs               
Cash costs before by-product credits  $8,880   $13,748   $16,695 
Silver by-product   (1,598)   (895)   (1,221)
Total cash cost after by-product   7,282    12,853    15,474 
Corporate general and administrative expenses   87    522    549 
Share based payments   35    45    68 
Accretion expense   42    42    32 
Sustaining capital   2,974    2,412    3,303 
All-in sustaining costs   10,420    15,874    19,426 
Divided by gold produced (oz)   9,976    6,579    9,886 
All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce on a by-product basis  $1,045   $2,413   $1,965 

 

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The following table reconciles the above non-US GAAP measures to the most directly comparable US GAAP measures:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2018   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Cost of goods sold  $11,494   $16,034   $19,450 
Less: depreciation and depletion   (3,364)   (2,976)   (3,526)
Less: accretion expense   (42)   (42)   (126)
Direct mining costs   8,088    13,016    15,798 
Add: site general and administrative expenses   792    732    897 
Cash costs before by-product credits  $8,880   $13,748   $16,695 

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Full disclosure of the Company’s significant accounting policies and estimates in accordance with US GAAP can be found in notes of its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

Additional Information

 

Further information on Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s web site at www.goldenqueen.com.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, other than the Company has implemented a remediation plan and has addressed the deficiencies previously noted in the areas of personnel and controls and has engaged an external consultant to assist in the documentation and review of its internal controls.

 

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Fraud Analysis

 

The Company is committed to preventing fraud and corruption and is developing an anti-fraud culture. To achieve this goal, the Company has committed to the following:

 

1.Developing and maintaining effective controls to prevent fraud;
2.Ensuring that if fraud occurs a vigorous and prompt investigation takes place;
3.Taking appropriate disciplinary and legal actions;
4.Reviewing systems and procedures to prevent similar frauds;
5.Investigating whether there has been a failure in supervision and take appropriate disciplinary action if supervisory failures occurred; and
6.Recording and reporting all discovered cases of fraud.

 

The following policies have been developed to support the Company’s goals:

 

·Insider Trading Policy
·Managing Confidential Information Policy
·Whistleblower Policy
·Anti-corruption Policy

 

All policies can be viewed in full on the Company’s website at www.goldenqueen.com

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no reported instances of fraud.

 

Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation with respect to the Company.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

GQM LLC is the operator of the Project, which is located in Mojave in Kern County, California. The mine safety disclosures required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K are included in Exhibit 95.1 of this Quarterly Report. There were no reportable incidents at GQM LLC during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
  Description of Exhibit   Manner of Filing
         
10.1   First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement dated February 22, 2018 among the Company, the Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, and the Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2018
         
10.2   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated February 22, 2018 among the Company, the Landon T. Clay 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated March 6, 2009, EHT, LLC, and the Clay Family 2009 Irrevocable Trust Dated April 14, 2009   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2018
         
31.1   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934   Filed herewith
         
31.2   Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934   Filed herewith
         
32.1   Section 1350 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer   Filed herewith
         
32.2   Section 1350 Certification of the Principal Financial Officer   Filed herewith
         
95.1   Mine Safety Disclosure   Filed herewith
         
101   Financial Statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL   Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: August 9, 2018

 

  GOLDEN QUEEN MINING CO. LTD.
  (Registrant)
     
  By: /s/ Thomas M. Clay
    Thomas M. Clay
    Principal Executive Officer
     
  By: /s/ Guy Le Bel
    Guy Le Bel
    Principal Financial Officer

 

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