UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020.

 

or

 

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _______________________to___________________________

 

Commission File Number: 333-169701

 

Desert Hawk Gold Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada		82-0230997
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1290 Holcomb Ave. Reno, NV		89502
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)
(775) 337-8057
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ☒  No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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  ☒  No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting Company	☒
		Emerging growth company	☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ☐  No  ☒

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of November 12, 2020: 26,831,603.

 

 

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP.

Form 10-Q

September 30, 2020

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	1
Item 1. Financial Statements	1
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	20
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	21
Item 1A. Risk Factors	21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	22
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	22
Item 6. Exhibits	22
SIGNATURES	23

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP

BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

 

		September 30,				December 31,
		2020				2019
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash		$	87,181			$	2,116,432
Inventories (Note 5)			5,710,282				4,333,682
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			36,804				181,030
Total Current Assets			5,834,267				6,631,144
INVENTORY, non-current portion (Note 5)			697,302				-
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 6)			5,542,207				5,287,515
MINERAL PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS, net (Note 7)			3,681,092				3,729,637
RECLAMATION BONDS (Note 4)			759,726				759,351
TOTAL ASSETS		$	16,514,594			$	16,407,647
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	1,470,034			$	436,881
Accrued officer salary and director fees			21,005				-
Notes payable - equipment, current portion (Note 12)			982,917				1,302,239
Pre-Paid forward gold contract liability, current portion (Note 3)			2,546,549				189,351
Settlement of consulting contract payable (Note 14)			200,000				200,000
Total Current Liabilities			5,220,505				2,128,471
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Note payable - SBA (Note 11)			463,497				-
Notes payable - equipment (Note 12)			267,168				-
Asset retirement obligation (Note 13)			1,021,601				826,637
Pre-Paid forward gold contract liability (Note 3)			11,053,451				13,410,649
			12,805,717				14,237,286
TOTAL LIABILITIES			18,026,222				16,365,757
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 19)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Note 15)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding			-				-
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 26,831,603 and 26,631,603 shares issued and outstanding			26,833				26,633
Additional paid-in capital			9,666,275				9,466,475
Accumulated deficit			(11,204,736	)			(9,451,218	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)			(1,511,628	)			41,890
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)		$	16,514,594			$	16,407,647

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
		2020				2019				2020				2019
REVENUE
Sales of product		$	1,499,729			$	98,388			$	4,205,776			$	98,388
EXPENSES
General production and project costs			1,154,944				(162,877	)			3,487,428				228,257
Depreciation and amortization			321,075				421,072				911,901				605,854
Other operating costs			181,374				-				481,024				197,621
Exploration expense			-				3,140				342,350				74,294
Legal and professional			14,204				18,199				103,586				170,320
Officers and directors fees			87,615				84,096				259,087				240,941
Consulting expense			65,055				-				65,055				437,617
General and administrative			104,112				66,358				233,794				175,955
(Gain) loss on disposition of equipment			-				-				162				51,950
			1,928,379				429,988				5,884,387				2,182,809
OPERATING LOSS			(428,650	)			(331,600	)			(1,678,611	)			(2,084,421	)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and other income			5,442				1,827				5,817				1,827
Interest expense - equipment financing			(28,685	)			(20,575	)			(76,514	)			(28,063	)
Interest expense - related parties			-				-				-				(31,412	)
Interest expense - other			(3,357	)			-				(4,210	)			-
Loss on settlement of consulting contract (Note 14)			-				-				-				(900,000	)
Loss on settlement of redeemable stock			-				-				-				(63,094	)
Financing expense			-				-				-				(28,663	)
			(26,600	)			(18,748	)			(74,907	)			(1,049,405	)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES			(455,250	)			(350,348	)			(1,753,518	)			(3,133,826	)
INCOME TAXES			-				-				-				-
NET LOSS		$	(455,250	)		$	(350,348	)		$	(1,753,518	)		$	(3,133,826	)
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.07	)		$	(0.12	)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED			26,798,994				26,631,603				26,687,807				25,241,493

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2020				2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss		$	(1,753,518	)		$	(3,133,826	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			911,901				605,854
Accretion of asset retirement obligation			69,601				56,019
Gain on settlement of asset retirement obligation			-				(20,451	)
Loss on disposal of equipment, net			162				51,950
Common stock issued for consulting contract settlement			-				100,000
Common stock issued for settlement of redeemable stock			-				52,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories			(2,073,902	)			(1,658,396	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			144,226				(58,910	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			1,033,153				(442,429	)
Accrued liabilities - officer salary and director fees			21,005				(922,039	)
Interest payable - related parties			-				(463,993	)
Settlement of consulting contract payable			-				200,000
Net cash used by operating activities			(1,647,372	)			(5,634,221	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property and equipment			(545,197	)			(844,904	)
Additions to mineral properties and interests			-				(900,000	)
Increase in reclamation bonds			(375	)			(13,945	)
Net cash used by investing activities			(545,572	)			(1,758,849	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from note payable - SBA			463,497				-
Proceeds from note payable - related parties			-				91,680
Proceeds from forward gold contract liability, net			-				10,600,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			200,000				-
Payment of obligation under capital lease - related party			-				(69,562	)
Payment of notes payable - equipment			(499,804	)			(616,108	)
Payment of short term note payable - related parties			-				(340,680	)
Payment of convertible debt - related parties			-				(1,350,000	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			163,693				8,315,330
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH			(2,029,251	)			922,260
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD			2,116,432				8,716
CASH, END OF PERIOD		$	87,181			$	930,976
NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Common stock issued for mineral properties and interests			-			$	2,200,000
Equipment acquired with notes payable		$	447,650			$	1,189,810

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)

For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019

 

										Additional								Total Stockholders’
		Common Stock								Paid-in				Accumulated				Equity
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				(Deficit)
Balance, June 30, 2019			26,631,603			$	26,633			$	9,466,475			$	(8,458,403	)		$	1,034,705
Net loss			-				-				-				(350,348	)			(350,348	)
Balance, September 30, 2019			26,631,603			$	26,633			$	9,466,475			$	(8,808,751	)		$	684,357
Balance, June 30, 2020			26,631,603			$	26,633			$	9,466,475			$	(10,749,486	)		$	(1,256,378	)
Common stock issued for cash at $1.00 per share			200,000				200				199,800				-				200,000
Net loss			-				-				-				(455,250	)			(455,250	)
Balance, September 30, 2020			26,831,603			$	26,833			$	9,666,275			$	(11,204,736	)		$	(1,511,628	)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (unaudited)

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019

 

										Additional								Total Stockholders’
		Common Stock								Paid-in				Accumulated				Equity
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				(Deficit)
Balance, December 31, 2018			20,881,603			$	20,753			$	7,120,355			$	(5,674,925	)		$	1,466,183
Common stock issued in connection with acquiring mineral proprerties and interests (Note 7)			5,500,000				5,500				2,194,500				-				2,200,000
Common stock issued in connection with settlement of consulting contract (Note 14)			250,000				250				99,750				-				100,000
Common stock released in settlement of redeemable stock			-				130				51,870				-				52,000
Net income (loss)			-				-				-				(3,133,826	)			(3,133,826	)
Balance, September 30, 2019			26,631,603			$	26,633			$	9,466,475			$	(8,808,751	)		$	684,357
Balance, December 31, 2019			26,631,603			$	26,633			$	9,466,475			$	(9,451,218	)		$	41,890
Common stock issued for cash at $1.00 per share			200,000				200				199,800				-				200,000
Net loss															(1,753,518	)			(1,753,518	)
Balance, September 30, 2020			26,831,603			$	26,833			$	9,666,275			$	(11,204,736	)		$	(1,511,628	)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Desert Hawk Gold Corp. (the “Company”), a Nevada Corporation, was incorporated on November 5, 1957. The Company commenced its current mining activities on May 1, 2009.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company entered into Joint Venture Agreements with the Clifton Mining Company (“Clifton”), the Woodman Mining Company and the Moeller Family Trust for the lease of certain of their property interests in the Gold Hill Mining District of Utah.  In 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with DMRJ Group, (a Platinum Partners related entity), which allowed for long term funding of the Kiewit project and helped to provide cash flow for operations during the period from 2009 until 2014 while the permitting process was ongoing. The final permit needed to begin development of the Kiewit property was received in January 2014 and development began in February 2014. Construction at the site was substantially complete on September 30, 2014. Revenue from the heap leach operation began in October 2014 with the first sales of gold concentrate.

 

Prior to March 2019, ongoing undercapitalization continued to hamper the Company’s ability to operate. Due to lack of funding, the Company was temporarily shut down beginning third quarter of 2017. On March 7, 2019, the Company successfully finalized a prepaid forward gold contract liability agreement (the Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”)) that provided funding and enabled production to resume later in 2019. See Note 3.

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim balance sheets and statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The operating and financial results for the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020.

 

These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). These unaudited interim financial statements do not include all note disclosures required by U.S. GAAP on an annual basis, and therefore should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020.

 

This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist in understanding the Company’s financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

Accounting Method

 

The Company’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

Accounting for Stock Options and Stock Awards Granted to Employees and Nonemployees

 

All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock or options to purchase shares of common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity interest issued. For stock options, the Company estimates the fair value of stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of some subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Significant estimates used in preparing these financial statements include those assumed in estimating the number of gold ounces in and costing of inventories, the recoverability of the cost of mining claims, asset retirement obligation, stock-based compensation, determination of the fair value of common stock issued, deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior periods’ amounts to the current presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on the results of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows previously reported.

 

Inventories

 

The recovery of gold from certain oxide ores is achieved through the heap leaching process. Under this method, mineralized material is placed on a leach pad where it is treated with a chemical solution, which dissolves the gold contained in the material. The resulting “pregnant” solution is further processed in a plant where gold is recovered. The Company records ore on leach pad, solution in carbon columns in process and gold concentrate, at average production cost per gold ounce, less provisions required to reduce inventory to net realizable value. Production costs include the cost of mineralized material processed; direct and indirect materials and consumables; direct labor; repairs and maintenance; utilities; amortization of property, equipment, and mineral properties; and mine administrative expenses. Costs are removed from ore on leach pads as ounces are recovered, based on the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad.

 

Estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pad are calculated from the quantities of material placed on the leach pad (measured tons added to the leach pad), the grade of material placed on the leach pad (based on assay data) and an estimated recovery percentage (based on ore type). The nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, actual gold ounces recovered are regularly monitored and estimates are refined based on actual results over time. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had a limited operating history and actual results only over a short period of time. Due to this, estimates of recoverable gold are based primarily on initial tests with only limited refinements.

 

Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis. The ultimate recovery of gold from a leach pad will not be known until the leaching process is concluded. The quantification of material inventory on the leach pad is based on estimates of the quantities of gold at each balance sheet date that the Company expects to recover. See Note 5.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Sales of gold concentrate sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues and receivables upon completion of the performance obligations and transfer of control of the product to the customer. For concentrate sales, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price can be reasonably estimated, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment at estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed from shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, prices at which sales of the Company’s concentrates will be settled are estimated. Previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to the estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer.

 

Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of royalties and charges by the customer for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated with the customers. Charges are estimated upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from estimates. See Note 17.

 

Loss Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, common stock equivalents of 2,400,000 associated with the Company’s outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the periods then ended.

 

Going Concern

 

As shown in the accompanying financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $11,204,736 through September 30, 2020 and net loss of $1,753,518 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence.

 

 

Although production has restarted in 2019, it has not yet reached optimum levels. The timing and amount of capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including demand for products, metals market pricing, and the availability of opportunities for expansion through affiliations and other business relationships. Although management has procured funding through a forward sales agreement (Note 3) they continue to seek new capital from equity securities issuances or other business arrangements to provide funds needed to increase liquidity, fund internal growth, and fully implement its business plan. The Company’s management believes that it has sufficient funds to meet its obligations and continue production over the next twelve months, however there are no assurances that will occur. The Company is currently engaged in discussions with another mining company regarding processing a limited amount of their ore at the Company’s Gold Hill site as a means of increasing revenue. A “pilot test” of their ore is in process.

 

COVID -19

 

The Company’s operations and business have experienced disruption due to the unprecedented conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic spreading throughout the United States and elsewhere, causing disruptions to the Company’s business operations and management. These disruptions are most evident in our ability to retain and house employees while maintaining proper social distancing and with delays in obtaining materials and supplies. There has also been a reduction in the availability of equipment financing. These disruptions continue to hamper operations.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update removes, modifies and makes additions to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The update was adopted as of January 1, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The update contains a number of provisions intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of this update on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements upon adoption.

 

NOTE 3 – PREPAID FORWARD GOLD CONTRACT LIABILITY

 

During the first quarter of 2019, the Company entered into and closed a Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with PDK Utah Holdings L.P. (“PDK”) for the sale and purchase by PDK of gold produced from the Company’s mining property. Under the terms of the original Purchase Agreement, PDK initially agreed to purchase a total of 73,910 ounces of gold from the Company. The Company agreed to deliver ounces of gold produced from the Kiewit property to PDK. The Company would receive proceeds from PDK at the then current spot price less a discount specified in the Purchase Agreement. Prepayment was to be made in three tranches, with the initial tranche in the amount of $11,200,000 having been made upon execution of the Purchase Agreement on March 7, 2019 (the “Initial Funding”), $4,500,000 for Tranche 2 to occur at least six months following the Initial Funding date, and $5,500,000 for Tranche 3 to occur at least 10 months following the Initial Funding date, provided that all conditions precedent for funding Tranches 2 and 3 are met. From the Initial Funding, the Company paid an upfront fee of $600,000 to PDK for expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. The first gold delivery of 655 ounces is due December 2020.

 

The Purchase Agreement contains a royalty provision whereby royalties of 4% are due on gold and silver recovered from mining operations at the Kiewit site and sold by the Company to a third party. Royalties are payable within 30 days following the end of each fiscal quarter. Royalties payable at September 30, 2020 and December 30, 2019 were $149,988 and $36,074. The September 30, 2020 balance includes royalties payable for the second and third quarters of 2020. Payment of these royalties have been delayed with verbal permission by PDK.

 

The Purchase Agreement contains a participation payment whereby PDK receives a portion of the proceeds from gold sold by the Company to a third party. The amount of proceeds due to PDK is based upon a percentage of proceeds over a set gold price per ounce. Payment of this participation amount has been delayed with verbal permission of PDK. In addition, PDK may reduce the required number of ounces to be sold in exchange for common shares of the Company. As security for the obligations of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company has granted PDK a security interest in all of the assets of the Company and has issued and recorded a Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases, Rents, As Extracted Collateral and Contracts, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing. The Purchase Agreement contains representations and warranties, as well as affirmative and negative covenants customary to a transaction of this nature.

 

 

On October 31, 2019, the Company and PDK amended the Purchase Agreement and entered into the Amended Pre-Paid Forward Agreement (the “Amended Agreement”) to adjust the second and third tranches paid to the Company, to reduce the total number of ounces of gold subject to the Purchase Agreement, and to revise other provisions therein. The second tranche was reduced from $4,500,000 to $1,600,000, and the third tranche was reduced from $5,500,000 to $1,400,000. The second tranche was received on October 31, 2019 upon execution of the Amended Agreement and the third tranche was received on December 27, 2019, with funds to be dedicated in accordance with the revised budget furnished with the Amended Agreement. The amendment also reduced the total number of ounces of gold to be delivered under the agreement from 73,910 to 47,045.

 

The prepayment has been accounted for as deferred revenue and is presented as a prepaid forward gold contract liability on the balance sheet at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 with a total balance of $13,600,000 which is the $14,200,000 received from PDK in Tranches 1-3, less the $600,000 upfront fee paid by the Company in 2019.

 

Under the terms of the Amended Agreement, the Company is obligated to deliver gold in the following quantities:

 

Months		Gold Ounces per Month				Total Gold Ounces
December 2020			655				655
January 2021 to March 2021			896				2,688
April 2021 to March 2022			911				10,932
April 2022 to March 2023			1,396				16,752
April 2023 to December 2023			1,753				15,777
January 2024			241				241
							47,045

 

The Amended Agreement also altered the total amount that PDK may reduce the number of ounces of gold to be delivered under the Amended Agreement in exchange for common shares of the Company. Under the Amended Agreement, PDK may reduce the required number of ounces by up to 8,000 ounces in exchange for common shares of the Company.

 

NOTE 4 – RECLAMATION BONDS

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company has a surety bond of $674,000 in an escrow account with the bonding company for reclamation of its property. This escrowed amount is held at Bank of New York, Mellon for the Company’s benefit. It may not be released to the Company without the prior consent of the surety bondholder. The escrowed amount does not earn interest.

 

In March 2019, as part of the Amended Lease (Note 7), the Company returned the Cactus Mill property and the reclamation bond of $42,802 on that property to Clifton Mining Company.

 

Total reclamation bonds posted at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are $759,726 and $759,351, respectively, which consists of the above escrowed amount along with certificate of deposits held with the state of Utah for the remaining bonds on the property, including exploration bonds.

 

NOTE 5 – INVENTORIES

 

Inventories at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consists of the following:

 

		September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
Ore on leach pad		$	5,849,230			$	3,903,297
Carbon column in process			165,092				235,762
Finished goods			393,262				194,623
Total		$	6,407,584			$	4,333,682

 

 

Inventories at September 30, 2020 were valued at cost. Inventories at December 31, 2019 were valued at net realizable value because production costs were greater than the amount the Company expected to receive on the sale of the estimated gold ounces contained in inventories on December 31, 2019. A portion of the September 30, 2020 inventory has been classified as non-current. This classification was made based on the amount of gold expected to be sold over the next twelve months.

 

NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a summary of property and equipment at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

		September 30,				December 31,
		2020				2019
Equipment		$	6,253,319			$	5,336,011
Furniture and fixtures			6,981				6,981
Electronic and computer equipment			50,587				50,587
Vehicles			315,905				256,815
Land improvements			44,840				44,840
			6,671,632				5,695,234
Less accumulated depreciation			(2,893,393	)			(2,254,961	)
			3,778,239				3,440,273
Kiewit property facilities			2,497,436				2,497,436
Less accumulated amortization			(733,468	)			(650,194	)
			1,763,968				1,847,242
Total		$	5,542,207			$	5,287,515

 

For the Kiewit property facilities amortization expense of $28,817 and $83,274, which is based on units of production, was recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Amortization in the amount of $83,965 and $44,423 was recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

NOTE 7 – MINERAL PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS

 

Mineral properties and interests as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

		September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
Kiewit and all other sites		$	3,700,000			$	3,700,000
JJS property			250,000				250,000
			3,950,000				3,950,000
Less accumulated amortization			(632,149	)			(475,401	)
			3,317,851				3,474,599
Asset retirement obligation
Kiewit Site			529,289				452,193
Kiewit Exploration			28,377				11,126
JJS property			31,016				-
Total			588,682				463,319
Less accumulated amortization			(225,441	)			(208,281	)
			363,241				255,038
Total		$	3,681,092			$	3,729,637

 

On June 13, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement whereby the Company acquired 20 claims adjacent to the Kiewit property from Ben Julian, LLC for $250,000, known as the JJS Property. Although drilling has commenced on this property, permitting has not been completed and production has not yet begun.

 

In 2009, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the Clifton Mining Company (“Clifton”) and the Woodman Mining Company for the lease of their property interests in the Gold Hill Mining District of Utah. In March 2019, the Company and Clifton entered into a Second Amended and Restated Lease Agreement (the “Amended Lease”).   Under the terms of this Amended Lease, the Company relinquished its leasehold interest in all but 10 of the patented mining claims, for which it retained only the surface rights, and 66 of the unpatented lode mining claims previously held by the Company. The Cactus Mill property was returned to Clifton Mining Company as part of this agreement.

 

 

As consideration for entering into the Amended Lease, the Company issued 5,500,000 shares of its common stock with a fair value of $2,200,000 which increased the carrying value of the mineral properties and interests. In addition, the Company and Clifton entered into a Registration Rights Agreement to register for resale the shares issued to Clifton which requires the Company to register the shares within 18 months (which is September 7, 2020) following the initial funding received under the Purchase Agreement (Note 3). In the event the Company does not register the shares within the 18-month period, the Company is obligated to pay Clifton a royalty equal to 2.5% of the net smelter returns from the minerals generated from the Company’s mining claims. The registration of these shares was filed and became effective on April 14, 2020.

 

Under the terms of the initial 2009 Joint Venture Agreement, the Company was required to pay a 4% net smelter royalty (“NSR”) on base metals in all other areas except for production from the Kiewit gold property and a NSR on gold and silver, except for production from the Kiewit gold property, based on a sliding scale of between 2% and 15% based on the price of gold or silver, as applicable.  The Company was also required to pay Clifton a 6% NSR on any production from the Kiewit gold property.  

 

As part of the Purchase Agreement (Note 3) finalized in March 2019, these NSRs were bought out by the Company from Clifton and two other minority royalty holders at a cost of $900,000 which increased the carrying value of the mineral properties and interests. The buyer of the Purchase Agreement (Note 3), PDK, acquired a 4% NSR, previously held by Clifton, on the Kiewit property for $2,200,000. PDK remitted the funds for the NSR directly to Clifton. PDK will receive a 4% net NSR on proceeds from the sale of gold and silver from the Kiewit and JJS properties.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company revised its estimate of gold ounces to be produced from its mineral properties and interests. The updated estimate of total gold ounces to be produced from the property considered actual gold ounce recoveries since production began and estimated ounces contained in mineral resources. The new estimate resulted in increased gold ounces at January 1, 2020 from 39,480 gold ounces to 98,066 gold ounces. Amortization of the mineral properties and interests based on total units of production was $54,316 and $156,748 for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020. Amortization for these periods was based on the updated estimate. Amortization for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 was $170,959 and $184,837.

 

NOTE 8 – SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE – RELATED PARTIES

 

During 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, the Company entered into several short-term notes payable with the convertible debt holders (Note 9) and with the Company’s president. Total borrowed was $91,680 during the first quarter 2019 and $249,000 during the year ended December 31, 2018. The notes bore interest at 10%, had a 2% loan initiation fee, and were due in full on March 31, 2019. These short-term notes were repaid in full, including 10% interest and a 2% loan initiation fee, in March 2019 as part of the terms of the Purchase Agreement. There was no interest expense recognized on these loans for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. Interest expense recognized on these loans was $5,820 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

NOTE 9 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT – RELATED PARTIES

 

At December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding convertible promissory notes to two of its minority shareholders, for a total of $1,350,000 plus accrued interest of $456,750. All of these notes were paid in full, including accrued interest, on March 7, 2019 with funds received under the Purchase Agreement.

 

Interest expense recognized on these loans was $24,412 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

NOTE 10 – OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE — RELATED PARTY

 

A capital lease was entered into on June 20, 2016 with RMH Overhead, LLC for mining and crushing equipment valued at $185,618, some of which had been previously owned by the Company. RMH Overhead, LLC is an entity owned by the Company’s president, Rick Havenstrite. Lease payments were paid in full, including accrued interest and late fees, in March 2019 with funds received under the Purchase Agreement. The equipment is being amortized over the estimated useful life of the equipment. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2018 was $66,292. The Company now owns the equipment which is included in property and equipment on the balance sheet. Interest expense recognized on this obligation under capital lease was $1,968 for the three and nine months ended September 2019, with no interest recognized in 2020.

 

 

NOTE 11 – NOTE PAYABLE - SBA

 

In April 2020, the Company received a loan of $463,497 pursuant to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under Division A, Title I of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020. The loan, which was in the form of a Note dated April 16, 2020 issued by the Company, matures on April 9, 2025 and bears interest at a rate of 1% per annum, payable monthly commencing on August 15, 2021. The Note may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Under the terms of the PPP, certain amounts of the loan may be forgiven if they are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act. Qualifying expenses include payroll costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, and utilities. As of September 30, 2020, the Company has used funds from the loan to pay qualifying expenses. The Company intends to apply for forgiveness of the loan at which time grant income of $463,497 will be recognized.

 

NOTE 12 – NOTES PAYABLE – EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a summary of the equipment notes payable:

 

		September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
Note payable to Wheeler Machinery, collateralized by a used 374D L Excavator, due in 12 monthly installments of $19,575, beginning June 2020, including interest at 8%, with a balloon payment due in June 2021 of $150,164. At September 30, 2020, the Company was 1 payment delinquent in its obligation.		$	310,144			$	-
Note payable to ICM Solutions, LLC, collateralized by 3 grasshopper leg systems, due in 12 monthly installments of $4,365, beginning April 2020, including interest at 9%, with a balloon payment of $41,696 due in April 2021.  At September 30, 2020, the Company was 1 payment delinquent in its obligation on this note payable.			69,230				-
Note payable to Epiroc, collateralized by a used Epiroc drill, due in 6 monthly installments of $22,235, beginning October 2019, the balloon amount of $488,317 was refinanced in April 2020, with a new loan in that amount, due in 36 monthly payments of $14,679 including interest at 5.2%. Payments on this note payable are current.			424,950				563,368
Note payable to Wheeler Machinery, collateralized by a used CAT 740 Haul truck, originally due in 11 monthly installments of $14,475, beginning May 2019, including interest at 9%, with a balloon payment due in April 2020 of $168,873. This agreement has been extended, with original terms while the Company seeks alternative financing. At September 30, 2020, the Company was 2 payments delinquent in its obligation on this note payable. The entire principal balance is classified as a current year obligation.			114,146				206,682
Note payable to Wheeler Machinery, collateralized by a used D8T dozer, due in 11 monthly payments of $19,125, beginning August 2019, including interest at 10%, with a balloon payment due in July 2020 of $350,281. This agreement has been extended, with original terms, while the Company seeks alternative financing. At September 30, 2020, the Company was 1 payment delinquent in its obligation on this note payable. The entire principal balance is classified as a current year obligation.			314,791				441,989
Note payable to Komatsu Equipment, collateralized by a used PC490 Excavator, due in 11 monthly payments of $10,320, beginning July 2019, including interest at 9%, with a balloon payment due in March 2020 of $71,372. This was refinanced by Komatsu in May 2020 with 1 payment of $28,823 and 12 monthly payments of $1,903 including interest at 4.6%. Payments on this note payable are current.			16,824				90,200
			1,250,085				1,302,239
Current portion			(982,917	)			(1,302,239	)
Long term portion		$	267,168			$	-
Principal payments due are as follows for the twelve months ended:
September 30, 2021		$	982,917
September 30, 2022			166,178
September 30, 2023			100,990
		$	1,250,085

 

 

NOTE 13 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

 

Changes in the asset retirement obligation for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

		September 30, 2020				September 30, 2019
Asset retirement obligation, beginning of period		$	826,637			$	792,747
Reduction in liability due to transfer of Cactus Mill property			-				(40,802	)
Obligation incurred:
Kiewit properties			94,347				-
JJS property			31,016				-
Accretion expense			69,601				56,019
Asset retirement obligation, end of period		$	1,021,601			$	807,964

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Cactus Mill property was returned to Clifton as part of the terms of the Amended Lease (Note 7). The net asset retirement cost of $17,120 and obligation of $40,802 relating to the Cactus Mill property were eliminated resulting in a gain on settlement of asset retirement obligation of $20,451 recognized in general and administrative expense in the statement of operations.

 

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company updated the asset retirement obligation to reflect a plan for reclamation and closure of the mine at the end of its life which resulted in an increase of estimated undiscounted costs of $198,365. The asset retirement asset and obligation increased by $125,363 as a result of a change in the estimated timing of costs and the impact of discounting the costs to present value. The estimated reclamation costs were discounted using credit adjusted, risk-free interest rate of 10% from the time we incurred the obligation to the time we expect to pay the retirement obligation.

 

NOTE 14 – SETTLEMENT OF CONSULTING CONTRACT

 

On March 29, 2018, the Company entered into a five-year Agency Agreement (the “Agency Agreement”) with H&H Metals Corp., a New York corporation (“H&H”). Under the terms of the Agency Agreement, H&H agreed to provide certain advisory services in regard to natural resources activities and to assist in securing purchasers for minerals produced from its mining properties.

 

On January 16, 2019, the Company negotiated a termination of the Agency Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with H&H. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, the Company paid H&H $600,000 in cash and agreed to pay an additional $200,000 within 18 months. The Company also issued 250,000 shares of its common stock with a fair value of $100,000 to H&H. In addition, Phillip H. Holme, a principal of H&H, became a director of the Company. In April 2020, Mr. Holme passed away unexpectedly. No decision has been made at this time about a replacement to fill the vacancy on the Board of Director caused by Mr. Holme’s death.

 

The Company recognized a loss on settlement of consulting contract of $900,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The balance of $200,000 was due in July 2020 under the terms of the settlement agreement and has not yet been paid.

 

 

NOTE 15 – CAPITAL STOCK

 

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock. All shares have equal voting rights and have one vote per share. Voting rights are not cumulative and, therefore, the holders of more than 50% of the common stock could, if they choose to do so, elect all of the directors of the Company.

 

2020 Activity

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, the Company had the following transaction relating to common stock:

 

●

The Company commenced a private placement offering of our common stock on June 22, 2020. The offer includes 10,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share to accredited investors only and expired on September 30, 2020. The offering did not include warrants. A total of $200,000 was raised through this offering.

 

2019 Activity

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019, the Company had the following transactions relating to common stock. All shares issued were valued at $0.40 per share based on the most recent sale of common stock for cash:

 

●

Issued 5,500,000 shares of common stock to Clifton in connection with the Amended Lease (Note 7). The fair value of these shares was $2,200,000.

 

●

Issued 250,000 shares of common stock to H&H in connection with settlement of a consulting contract (Note 14). The fair value of these shares was $100,000.

 

●

In connection with the settlement of stock redeemable with gold proceeds issued in 2012, the Company allowed investors to retain 130,000 shares of common stock that had been issued in connection with a financing in 2012. The fair value of these shares was $52,000.

 

Preferred Stock

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorized 10,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Stock available for issuance with such rights and preferences, including liquidation, dividend, conversion, and voting rights, as the Board of Directors may determine.

 

NOTE 16 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In addition to transactions disclosed in Note 14 and 15, the Company had the following related party transactions.

 

The Company has a month to month lease agreement for its office space with RMH Overhead, LLC, a company owned by Rick Havenstrite, the Company’s President and a director. The Company recognized rent expense of $4,500 and $12,500 for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020. The Company also recognized rent expense of $3,000 and $9,000 for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 under this lease.

 

As of September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019, accrued compensation of $10,005 and nil was due to officers. This entire balance was due to Rick Havenstrite, who serves as our President and as a director.

 

The Company compensates directors for their contributions to the management of the Company, with the Chairman of the Board receiving $6,000 per month and other directors receiving $5,000 per quarter. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued compensation due to directors was $11,000 and nil.

 

NOTE 17 – REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Product sales for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 are shown below. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company did not have a gold sales receivable balance. All revenue for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was from sales to Asahi Refining USA, Inc.

 

 

		Three Months ended September 30, 2020				Three Months ended September 30, 2019				Nine Months ended September 30, 2020				Nine Months ended September 30, 2019
Gold		$	1,979,156			$	119,200			$	5,307,976			$	119,200
Silver			20,420				970				52,305				970
			1,999,576				120,170				5,360,281				120,170
Less:  Royalties			(84,189	)			(4,807	)			(201,197	)			(4,807	)
Upside participation payments			(332,035	)			(10,276	)			(742,957	)			(10,276	)
Outside processing charges			(83,623	)			(6,699	)			(210,351	)			(6,699	)
			(499,847	)			(21,782	)			(1,154,505	)			(21,782	)
Total sales of product		$	1,499,729			$	98,388			$	4,205,776			$	98,388

 

Royalties payable at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $149,988 and $36,074, respectively. Upside participation payable at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $332,039 and nil, respectively. Upside participation payable represents a payment whereby PDK receives a portion of the proceeds of gold sold by the Company to a third party based on a percentage of proceeds over a fixed gold price. See Note 3.

 

NOTE 18 – STOCK OPTIONS

 

The Company has reserved 2,400,000 shares under its 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was adopted by the board of directors on March 28, 2018, retroactive to February 23, 2018, as a vehicle for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees, officers, directors, consultants, and other service providers. The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. The Company may issue, to eligible persons, restricted common stock, incentive and non-statutory options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units. The terms and conditions of awards under the Plan will be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Outstanding options at September 30, 2020 were 2,400,000, have a remaining life of 2.4 years, and had no intrinsic value. No options were granted, expired, or were exercised during 2020 or 2019.

 

NOTE 19 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In addition to commitments disclosed in Notes 3 and 7, the Company had the following commitments and contingencies.

 

Employment Agreements

 

The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Havenstrite as President of the Company, which is ongoing. The agreement, as amended, requires Mr. Havenstrite to meet certain time requirements and limits the number of other board member obligations in which he can participate. The agreement allows for a base annual salary of $144,000 plus certain performance compensation upon fulfillment of established goals. The agreement allows the board of directors to terminate Mr. Havenstrite’s employment at any time, providing for a severance payment upon termination without cause.

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 accrued compensation due to officers of the Company was $10,005 and nil, respectively. The entire balance of $10,005 was due to Rick Havenstrite.

 

Director’s Fees

 

The Company compensates its directors for their service to the Company. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 accrued compensation due to directors was $11,000 and nil.

 

Finder’s Agreement

 

On May 11, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Mount Royal Consultants (Mount Royal) to assist in finding prospective investors. Mount Royal would receive a finder’s fee of 7% for a connection with a company that resulted in a qualified investment consisting of equity securities or a fee of 3% for a connection with a company that resulted in a purchase of debt securities. On March 7, 2019, the Company closed a Purchase Agreement (Note 3) to a buyer for the purchase of gold produced from the Company’s mining property. This agreement was deemed to be subject to the finder’s fee and resulted in a payment to Mount Royal of $318,000, 3% of the $10,600,000 beneficially received by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement. On November 1, 2019, an additional payment of 3% of the Tranche 2 payment received by the Company resulted in a payment of $48,000 to Mount Royal and a third payment of $42,000 was issued after receipt of the Tranche 3 payment on December 27, 2019.

 

 

Future amounts to be received from investors could also be subject to this agreement. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized no consulting expense relating to this agreement. Shares sold in July 2020 pursuant to the private placement offering were not subject to this agreement.

 

Mining Leases

 

Annual claims fees are currently $155 per claim plus administrative and school trust land fees. Total paid for claims fees in the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $14,794 each period. Claims fees are due in August for the year beginning in September of that year.

 

NOTE 20 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Consignment Ore

 

At September 30, 2020, the Company was engaged in talks with another mining company regarding processing a limited amount of their ore at the Company’s Gold Hill site. A “pilot test” of a small quantity of their ore is currently in process.

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and audited financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and with the unaudited financial statements and related notes thereto presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The results of operations for the periods reflected herein are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future periods.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

The statements contained in this report that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements found in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” are forward-looking statements that represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, ability to retain and recruit personnel, the effects of competition, and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “plans,” or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements.

 

Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this 10-Q. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following:

 

●

environmental hazards;

 

●

metallurgical and other processing problems;

 

●

unusual or unexpected geological formations;

 

	●	need for additional funding to continue operations;
	●	global economic and political conditions;

 

●

staffing considerations in remote locations;

 

●

disruptions in credit and financial markets;

 

●

global productive capacity;

 

●

changes in product costing;

 

	●	competitive technology positions and operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, fires, flooding, landslides, power outages, explosions, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, war and terrorist activities); and
	●	disruptions due to global pandemics or civil unrest.

 

Mining operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to exploration, permitting procedures, safety precautions, property reclamation, employee health and safety, air and water quality standards, pollution and other environmental protection controls, all of which are subject to change and are becoming more stringent, and costly to comply with. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those expected. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

These risk factors could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We are a mineral exploration company located in the Gold Hill Mining District in Tooele County, Utah. We are currently focused on exploration and development of our Kiewit claims and operation of a heap leach processing facility.

 

We were originally incorporated in the State of Idaho on November 5, 1957. For several years we bought and sold mining leases and claims, but in 1995 we ceased all principal business operations. In 2008, we changed our corporate domicile from the State of Idaho to the State of Nevada. In May 2009, we raised funds to recommence mining activities. In July 2009, we entered into agreements to commence exploration activities on mining claims in the Gold Hill Mining District located in Tooele County, Utah. We hold leasehold interests within the Gold Hill Mining District consisting of 66 unpatented mining claims and 30 patented claims. From these claims we have centered our exploration activities on the Kiewit site.

 

During 2018 we settled our outstanding debt with DMRJ Group I, LLC and repurchased and retired all outstanding preferred shares issued to them under the 2010 Investment Agreement with them.

 

During 2019 we secured funding of $13,600,000 (net) from PDK Utah Holdings LP under the terms of the Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement dated March 7, 2019. We also renegotiated our lease with Clifton Mining and released all but the current unpatented and patented mining claims. We also reacquired the existing royalties from Clifton and its affiliates and issued a royalty to PDK equal to 4% of the net smelter returns from our mine. An additional 20 claims, known as the JJS Property, were also acquired.

 

We suspended our mining operations in June 2016 because of depressed metal prices and lack of funds. We resumed operations in Spring 2018 and again suspended operations in October 2018 for lack of funding. Since securing funding in March 2019, we have recommenced mining operations. Revenues of approximately $13,900,000 from sales of gold and other metals have been received through September 30, 2020.

  

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

The operating loss of $428,650 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the operating loss of $331,600 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 represents increased losses in the amount of $97,050. Increased losses are due to the commencement of ongoing operations in mid-2019 which has resulted in increased general production costs. During the quarters ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we had net losses of $455,250 and $350,348, respectively. This represents an increase in net loss of $104,902 for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 over the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

The operating loss of $1,678,611 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the operating loss of $2,084,421 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 represent decreased losses in the amount of $405,810. Decreased losses are due to the commencement of ongoing operations and increased metal sales in 2020, offset by the reduction in fees associated with finding a lender, including legal and accounting fees as well as consulting fees in association with the Purchase Agreement finalized on March 7, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we had net losses of $1,753,518 and $3,133,826, respectively. This represents a decrease in net loss of $1,380,308 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 over the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

 

Liquidity and Cash Flow

 

Net cash used by operating activities was $1,647,372 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, compared with cash used by operating activities of $5,634,221 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019. This $3,986,850 decrease in the amount of cash used by operating activities is primarily attributable to the payment of accrued expenses and accounts payables in 2019 and to the ongoing increase in inventories during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

Net cash used by investing activities was $545,572 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to $1,758,849 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019. This decrease of $1,213,277 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 was due the reduction in additions to property and equipment and to the purchase of royalty interests as part of the Purchasing Agreement in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $163,693 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, compared with $8,315,330 cash provided by financing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019. The decrease of $8,151,638 in cash provided by financing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 was due primarily to proceeds received in 2019 from the Pre-Paid Forward Gold Purchase Agreement and offset partially by the proceeds from an SBA -PPP loan and the sale of stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

As a result of the above, cash decreased by $2,029,251 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, leaving us with a cash balance of $87,181 as of September 30, 2020.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The selection and application of accounting policies is an important process that has developed as our business activities have evolved and as the accounting rules have changed. Accounting rules generally do not involve a selection among alternatives, but involve an implementation and interpretation of existing rules, and the use of judgment, to the specific set of circumstances existing in our business. Discussed below are the accounting policies that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in our attached unaudited financial statements for a discussion of those policies.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Sales of all metal products are recorded as revenues when title and risk of loss transfer to the purchaser. Sales to the purchaser are recorded at gross sales price less charges for treatment, refining, smelting and other sales charges.

 

Mineral Exploration and Development Costs

 

We account for mineral exploration costs in accordance with ASC 932 Extractive Activities. All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned. Expenditures to explore new mines, to define further mineralization in existing bodies of mineralized material, and to expand the capacity of operating mines, are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of estimated gold on the heap leach pad and in the carbon process system and are valued at the lower of production cost or market value. Gold on the heap leach pad is estimated to be 80% complete for cost purposes and gold in the process system is estimated at 95% complete.

 

Mineral Properties

 

We account for mineral properties in accordance with ASC 930 Extractive Activities-Mining. Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized by project area upon purchase of the associated claims. Mineral properties are periodically assessed for impairment of value and any diminution in value.

 

 

Reclamation and Remediation

 

Remediation, reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation costs for inactive properties. We use assumptions about future costs, capital costs and reclamation costs. Such assumptions are based on our current mining plan and the best available information for making such estimates.

 

For non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and that they are reasonably estimable. Such costs are based on management’s estimate of amounts expected to be incurred when the remediation work is performed.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents as well as various notes payable. All instruments are accounted for on a historical cost basis, which, due to the short maturity and interest rates of these financial instruments, approximates fair value at September 30, 2020 and 2019. 

 

Going Concern

 

As shown in the accompanying financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $11,204,736 through September 30, 2020 which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence.

 

Although production restarted in 2019, it has not yet reached optimum levels. The timing and amount of capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including demand for products, metals market pricing, and the availability of opportunities for expansion through affiliations and other business relationships. Although management has procured funding through Purchase Agreement, they intend to continue to seek new capital from equity securities issuances to provide funds needed to increase liquidity, fund internal growth, and fully implement its business plan. However, with the funding received under the Purchase Agreement during first quarter of 2019, and ongoing metals sales, the Company believes it has the ability to meet its obligations for the next twelve months. The Company is currently engaged in discussions with another mining company regarding processing a limited amount of their ore at the Company’s Gold Hill site as a means of increasing revenue. A “pilot test” of their ore is in process.

 

If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for these financial statements, then adjustments would be necessary to the carrying values of the assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, result of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the disclosure required by this item.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer, who serves as our principal executive officer; and our Treasurer, who serves as our principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

The following risk factors represent material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 30, 2020:

 

Insufficient cash and liquidity considerations could adversely impact our business.

 

Sufficient liquidity is necessary for us to continue our operations. Delinquent accounts payable and other delinquencies on equipment payments, royalties and other obligations may jeopardize our ability to maintain equipment and supplies as needed to continue our operations and could cause us to default on our contractual obligations. Additionally, delinquent payables could cause us to not be able to manage our business as effectively as possible and our business and reputation with vendors and investors could be harmed.

 

A pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease in the markets in which we operate or that otherwise impacts our operations, facilities, or suppliers could adversely impact our business.

 

If a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease including the recent outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, or other public health crisis were to affect our markets or facilities or those of our suppliers, our business could be adversely affected. Consequences of the coronavirus outbreak are resulting in disruptions in or restrictions on our and others’ ability to travel. In particular, the staff of government permitting agencies cannot easily perform their required site visits and office closures at government sites for staff charged with approving our permits have affected our ability to proceed timely with permitting work. Staffing at the mine site has become more difficult and requires more of management’s time to ensure that proper social distancing is maintained among the employees while they are working.  Due to the remote location of the mine, special accommodations are required to obtain and retain employees who may not be able to find adequate housing due to the results of the virus.  Special arrangements are necessary to ensure that employees are able to commute to work without violating the distancing standards. In addition, effects of the virus have caused delays in shipping times for chemicals and supplies used at the mine.

 

If such an infectious disease broke out at our office, facilities, or work sites, our operations may be affected significantly, our productivity may be affected, our ability to complete projects in accordance with our contractual obligations may be affected, and we may incur increased labor and materials costs. If the suppliers, ore processors, or others with which we contract are affected by an outbreak of infectious disease, service work may be delayed, and we may incur increased labor and materials costs. If our subcontractors with whom we work were affected by an outbreak of infectious disease, our labor supply may be affected, and we may incur increased labor costs. In addition, we may experience difficulties with certain suppliers or with vendors in their supply chains, and our business could be affected if we become unable to procure essential chemicals, equipment, supplies or services in adequate quantities and at acceptable prices. We could incur substantial delays in obtaining necessary permits to operate our business.

 

 

Further, infectious outbreak may cause disruption to the U.S. economy, or the local or foreign economies of the markets in which we operate, cause shortages of materials, increase costs associated with obtaining materials, affect job growth and consumer confidence, adversely affect the value of the gold or other minerals extracted at the mine, or cause economic changes that we cannot anticipate. Overall, the potential impact of a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease with respect to our market or our facilities is difficult to predict and could adversely impact our business.

 

In response to the COVID-19 situation, federal, state and local governments (or other governments or bodies) are considering placing, or have placed, restrictions on travel and conducting or operating business activities. At this time those restrictions are very fluid and evolving. We have been and will continue to be impacted by those restrictions. Given that the type, degree and length of such restrictions are not known at this time, we cannot predict the overall impact of such restrictions on us, our customers, our subcontractors and supply chain, others that we work with or the overall economic or governmental environment. As such, the impact these restrictions may have on our financial position, operating results and liquidity cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but the impact likely would be material. In addition, due to the speed with which the COVID-19 situation is developing and evolving, there is uncertainty around its ultimate impact on public health, business operations and the overall economy. Therefore, the negative impact on our financial position, operating results and liquidity cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but the impact may be material.

 

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

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, we issued 200,000 shares of common stock to a single accredited investor for gross proceeds of $200,000. These shares were issued pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act. Management received verification and reasonably believed that at the time of issuance the investor was an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. The investor was afforded the opportunity to ask questions of our management and to receive answers concerning the terms and conditions of the investment. No selling commissions or other remuneration was paid in connection with the sales of these shares. This private placement offering expired on September 30, 2020.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this quarterly report.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.		Description
31.1		Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer
31.2		Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer
32.1		Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
32.2		Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
95		Mine Safety Disclosure
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

In accordance with Rule 402 of Regulation S-T, the XBRL information included in Exhibit 101 to this Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

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.

 

	Desert Hawk Gold Corp.
	By:	/s/ Rick Havenstrite
Date: November 16, 2020		Rick Havenstrite, Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 16, 2020	By:	/s/ Marianne Havenstrite
		Marianne Havenstrite, Treasurer
		(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

 

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