EX-99.1 2 ndm_ex991.htm CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ndm_ex991

 
Exhibit 99.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
 
 
 
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
 
 
Notes
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Cash
  5(b) 
 $874 
 $805 
Mineral property, plant and equipment
  3 
  150,181 
  138,867 
Total non-current assets
    
  151,055 
  139,672 
 
    
    
    
Current assets
    
    
    
Amounts receivable and prepaid expenses
  4 
  692 
  914 
Cash and cash equivalents
  5(a) 
  7,267 
  14,038 
Total current assets
    
  7,959 
  14,952 
 
    
    
    
Total Assets
    
 $159,014 
 $154,624 
 
    
    
    
EQUITY
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
Capital and reserves
    
    
    
Share capital
  6 
 $594,051 
 $587,448 
Reserves
  6 
  117,690 
  107,163 
Deficit
    
  (566,821)
  (556,106)
Total equity
    
  144,920 
  138,505 
 
    
    
    
LIABILITIES
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
Non-current liabilities
    
    
    
Trade and other payables
  10 
  941 
  934 
Total non-current liabilities
    
  941 
  934 
 
    
    
    
Current liabilities
    
    
    
Warrant liabilities
  7 
  19 
  43 
Loans payable
  8 
   
  1,360 
Payables to related parties
  9 
  313 
  1,095 
Trade and other payables
  10 
  12,821 
  12,687 
Total current liabilities
    
  13,153 
  15,185 
 
    
    
    
Total liabilities
    
  14,094 
  16,119 
 
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
Total Equity and Liabilities
    
 $159,014 
 $154,624 
 
Nature and continuance of operations (note 1)
Commitments and contingencies (note 14)
Events after the reporting date (note 15)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
 
These condensed consolidated intertim financial statements are signed on the Company’s behalf by:
 
/s/ Ronald W. Thiessen
 
/s/ Christian Milau
 
 
 
Ronald W. Thiessen
 
Christian Milau
Director
 
Director
 
Page | 1
 

 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive (Income) Loss
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except for share information)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31
 
 
 
Notes
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and evaluation expenses
  3, 12 
 $7,234 
 $12,050 
General and administrative expenses
  3, 12 
  2,407 
  2,349 
Legal, accounting and audit
    
  987 
  891 
Share-based compensation
  6(d), (f) 
  447 
  704 
Loss from operating activities
    
  11,075 
  15,994 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
    
  (333)
  260 
Interest income
    
  (42)
  (70)
Finance expense
    
  39 
  27 
Gain on revaluation of warrant liabilities
    
  (24)
   
Loss before tax
    
  10,715 
  16,211 
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense
    
   
   
Net loss
    
 $10,715 
 $16,211 
 
    
    
    
Other comprehensive (income) loss
    
    
    
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net loss
    
    
    
Foreign exchange translation difference
  6(g) 
  (10,773)
  2,872 
Other comprehensive (income) loss
    
 $(10,773)
 $2,872 
 
    
    
    
Total comprehensive (income) loss
    
 $(58)
 $19,083 
 
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
Basic and diluted loss per share
  11 
 $0.02 
 $0.05 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
 
 
Page | 2
 
 

 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31
 
 
 
Notes
 
 
 2020
 
 
 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 
 $(10,715)
 $(16,211)
Non-cash or non operating items
 
 
 
    
    
Depreciation
  3 
  159 
  163 
Interest income
    
  (42)
  (70)
Interest on credit facility loans
  8 
  9 
   
Gain on revaluation of warrant liabilities
  7 
  (24)
   
Share-based compensation
    
  447 
  704 
Unrealized exchange differences
    
  (243)
  (14)
Changes in working capital items
    
    
    
Amounts receivable and prepaid expenses
    
  227 
  848 
Trade and other payables
    
  (576)
  2,856 
Payables to related parties
    
  371 
  (215)
Net cash used in operating activities
    
  (10,387)
  (11,939)
 
    
    
    
Investing activities
    
    
    
Interest received on cash and cash equivalents
    
  35 
  42 
Net cash from investing activities
    
  35 
  42 
 
    
    
    
Financing activities
    
    
    
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
  6(b) 
   
  15,337 
Transaction costs in the issuance of common shares
  6(b) 
  (10)
  (1,236)
Proceeds from private placement financings
  6(b) 
  6,015 
  3,242 
Transaction costs for the private placement financings
  6(b) 
  (95)
  (112)
Proceeds from the exercise of share purchase options and warrants
  6(c), (d) 
   
  118 
Payments of principal portion of lease liabilities
    
  (96)
  (92)
Repayment of credit facility loans
  8, 9(a) 
  (2,523)
   
Additional costs paid for issue of special warrants
    
   
  (2)
Net cash from financing activities
    
  3,291 
  17,255 
 
    
    
    
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    
  (7,061)
  5,358 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents
    
  290 
  16 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning balance
    
  14,038 
  14,872 
 
    
    
    
Cash and cash equivalents - ending balance
  5(a) 
 $7,267 
 $20,246 
 
Supplementary cash flow information (note 5(a))
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
 
 
Page | 3
 
 
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.                        
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Changes in Equity                        
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except for share information)                      
 
 
 
Notes
 
 
Share capital
 
 
 Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Equity -
 
 
 Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 settled
 
 
 currency
 
 
 
 
 
 Share
 
 
 Subscriptions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Number of
 
 
 
 
 
 share-based
 
 
 translation
 
 
 Investment
 
 
 Purchase
 
 
 received for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 shares
 
 
 
 
 
 compensation
 
 
 reserve
 
 
 revaluation
 
 
 Warrants
 
 
 shares
 
 
 
 
 
 Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (note 6(a)
 
 
 Amount
 
 
 reserve
 
 
 (note 6(g))
 
 
 reserve
 
 
 (note 6(c))
 
 
 (note 6(b))
 
 
 Deficit
 
 
equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2019
 
 
 
  313,417,856 
 $517,327 
 $66,938 
 $38,686 
 $(17)
 $12,189 
 $ 
 $(486,913)
 $148,210 
Shares issued on exercise of options per option plan
  6(d)
  155,000 
  76 
   
   
    
    
   
    
  76 
Shares issued on exercise of options not issued per option plan
  6(c)
  36,300 
  15 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  15 
Shares issued upon exercise of warrants
  6(c)
  49,685 
  27 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  27 
Shares issued pursuant to restricted share unit plan
  6(f)
  85,294 
  117 
  (56)
   
   
   
   
   
  61 
Fair value allocated to shares issued on exercise of options and warrants
    
   
  99 
  (74)
   
   
  (25)
   
   
   
Share issued on bought deal financing, net of transactions costs
  6(b)
  17,968,750 
  14,101 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  14,101 
Share issued on conversion of special warrants, net of transaction costs
  6
  10,150,322 
  8,190 
   
   
   
  (8,190)
   
   
   
Share issued pursuant to private placement, net of transaction costs
  6(b)
  3,769,476 
  3,130 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  3,130 
Share-based compensation
6(d) & (f)
   
   
  661 
   
   
   
   
   
  661 
Net loss
       
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  (16,211)
  (16,211)
Other comprehensive loss net of tax
    
   
   
   
  (2,872)
   
   
   
   
  (2,872)
Total comprehensive loss
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  (19,083)
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance at March 31, 2019
    
  345,632,683 
 $543,082 
 $67,469 
 $35,814 
 $(17)
 $3,974 
 $ 
 $(503,124)
 $147,198 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance at January 1, 2020
    
  422,942,680 
 $587,448 
 $70,150 
 $32,365 
 $(17)
 $3,972 
 $693 
 $(556,106)
 $138,505 
Share issued pursuant to private placements, net of transaction costs
  6(b)
  13,688,823 
  6,613 
   
   
   
   
  (693)
   
  5,920 
Additional transaction costs for public offering in December 2019
    
   
  (10)
   
   
   
   
   
   
  (10)
Share-based compensation
6(d)
   
   
  447 
   
   
   
   
   
  447 
Net loss
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
  (10,715)
  (10,715)
Other comprehensive income net of tax
    
   
   
   
  10,773 
   
   
   
   
  10,773 
Total comprehensive income
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  58 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance at March 31, 2020
    
  436,631,503 
 $594,051 
 $70,597 
 $43,138 
 $(17)
 $3,972 
 $ 
 $(566,821)
 $144,920 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
 
 
Page | 4
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
1. 
NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF OPERATIONS
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (the "Company") is incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and its principal business activity is the exploration of mineral properties. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "NDM" and on the NYSE American Exchange ("NYSE American") under the symbol "NAK". The Company’s corporate office is located at 1040 West Georgia Street, 15th floor, Vancouver, British Columbia.
 
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements ("Financial Statements") of the Company as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2020, include financial information for the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group" and individually as "Group entities"). The Company is the ultimate parent. The Group’s core mineral property interest is the Pebble Copper-Gold-Molybdenum Project (the "Pebble Project") located in Alaska, United States of America ("USA" or "US"). All US dollar amounts when presented are expressed in thousands, unless otherwise stated.
 
The Group is in the process of exploring and developing the Pebble Project and has not yet determined whether the Pebble Project contains mineral reserves that are economically recoverable. The Group’s continuing operations and the underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown for the Group’s mineral property interests, is entirely dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves; the ability of the Group to obtain financing to complete the exploration and development of the Pebble Project; the Group obtaining the necessary permits to mine; and future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of the Pebble Project.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company raised net proceeds of $5,920 from private placements of common shares (note 6(b)).
 
As at March 31, 2020, the Group had $7,267 (December 31, 2019 – $14,038) in cash and cash equivalents for its operating requirements and a working capital deficiency of $5,194. These financial statements have been prepared on the basis of a going concern, which assumes that the Group will be able to raise sufficient funds to continue its exploration and development activities and satisfy its obligations as they come due. Subsequent to the reporting period, the Group raised gross proceeds of approximately $17,313 thorough the completion of an underwritten public offering and a private placement of common shares (note 15). For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Group incurred a net loss of $10,715 and $16,211, respectively, and had a deficit of $566,821 as at March 31, 2020. The Group has prioritized the allocation of its financial resources in order to meet key corporate and Pebble Project expenditure requirements in the near term. Additional financing will be required in order to progress any material expenditures at the Pebble Project and for working capital requirements. Additional financing may include any of or a combination of debt, equity and/or contributions from possible new Pebble Project participants. There can be no assurances that the Group will be successful in obtaining additional financing. If the Group is unable to raise the necessary capital resources and generate sufficient cash flows to meet obligations as they come due, the Group may, at some point, consider reducing or curtailing its operations. As such, there is material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
 
The Group through the Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble Partnership") initiated federal and state permitting for the Pebble Project under the National Environmental Protection Act ("NEPA"), by filing documentation for a Clean Water Act ("CWA") 404 permit with the US Army Corps of Engineers ("USACE") in December 2017. The USACE published a draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") in February 2019 and completed a 120-day public comment period on the draft EIS on July 2, 2019. On July 30, 2019, the US Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") announced that it has taken action to withdraw a Proposed Determination initiated under Section 404(c) of the CWA in 2014 to attempt to pre-emptively veto the Pebble Project before it received an objective, scientific regulatory review under NEPA. The Proposed Determination was ultimately withdrawn in July 2019.
 
 
Page | 5
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
2. 
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
(a) 
Statement of Compliance
 
These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC"s). They do not include all of the information required by IFRS for complete annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2019 ("2019 annual financial statements").
 
These Financial Statements were authorized for issue by the Audit and Risk Committee on May 14, 2020.
 
(b) 
Use of Judgments and Estimates
 
In preparing these Financial Statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
 
There was no change in the use of significant estimates and judgments during the current periods as compared to those described in Note 2 in the Group’s 2019 annual financial statements, other than as follows:
 
On March 11, 2020, the current outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, creating an unprecedented global health and economic crisis. COVID-19’s impact on global markets has been significant through March 2020 and subsequent to the date of the Financial Statements. The situation continues to evolve rapidly. On March 26, 2020, in accordance with the order of the Governor of Alaska, the Group’s 100% owned Pebble Partnership, along with all other nonessential offices in Alaska, closed its offices for the health and safety of its personnel. Notwithstanding the closure, the Group has maintained its staff and employees, and continues to support the NEPA EIS process remotely to help ensure that the project schedule published by the USACE of a final EIS and a Record of Decision ("ROD") by mid-2020 remains on track. Technical review meetings were completed before the implementation of the Governor’s order in response to COVID-19.
 
The Group’s plans to advance the development of the Pebble Project are dependent upon the continued progress of our approval and permitting process with the USACE, the EPA and Alaskan state agencies, as well as our ability to continue the work required in connection with this process through our employees and our contractors. While the Group has not been notified of any delay, it is possible that government efforts to curtail the COVID-19 outbreak will result in delays in our permitting process, including a possible delay in the release by the USACE of their final EIS and the progress through to a ROD. In addition, our personnel may be delayed in completing the required work that we are pursuing in connection with this process due to quarantine, self-isolation, social distancing, restrictions on travel, restrictions on meetings and work from home requirements. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, new information that may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions taken to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others. Moreover, the spread of the coronavirus globally is expected to have a material adverse effect on global and regional economies and to continue to negatively impact stock markets, including the trading price of the Company’s shares. These adverse effects on the economy, the stock market and the Company’s share price could adversely impact our ability to raise capital, with the result that our ability to pursue development of the Pebble Project could be adversely impacted, both through delays and through increased costs. Any of these developments, and others, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations and could delay our plans for development of the Pebble Project.
 
 
Page | 6
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
3. 
MINERAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
The Group’s exploration and evaluation assets are comprised of the following:
 
Three months ended March 31, 2020
 
Mineral Property interest 1
 
 
  Plant and equipment 2 
 
 
Total 
 
Cost
 
 
 
   
 

 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2019 and Ending balance
 $112,541 
 $3,018 
 $115,559 
 
    
    
    
Accumulated depreciation
    
    
    
Beginning balance
   
  (1,615)
  (1,615)
Depreciation 3
   
  (159)
  (159)
Ending balance
   
  (1,774)
  (1,774)
 
    
    
    
Foreign currency translation difference
  36,121 
  275 
  36,396 
 
    
    
    
Net carrying value –March 31, 2020
 $148,662 
 $1,519 
 $150,181 
 
Notes to table:
 
1. 
Comprises the Pebble Project, a contiguous block of 2,402 mineral claims covering approximately 417 square miles located in southwest Alaska, 17 miles (30 kilometers) from the villages of Iliamna and Newhalen, and approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) southwest of the city of Anchorage.
 
2. 
Includes ROU Assets, which relate to the use of office space, a copier, hangers, yard storage and one vehicle. The following comprises ROU Assets:
 
 
Three Months ended March 31, 2020
 
Land and Buildings 
 
 
Equipment 
 
 
Total 
 
Balance December 31, 2019 and Ending balance
 $1,591 
 $53 
 $1,644 
 
    
    
    
Accumulated depreciation
    
    
    
Beginning balance
  (411)
  (9)
  (420)
Depreciation 3
  (102)
  (4)
  (106)
Ending balance
  (513)
  (13)
  (526)
 
    
    
    
Foreign currency translation difference
  24 
  2 
  26 
 
    
    
    
Net carrying value – March 31, 2020
 $1,102 
 $42 
 $1,144 
 
3. 
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, total depreciation was $163 of which ROU Asset depreciation was $106. ROU Asset depreciation of $58 (2019 – $55) is included in general and administrative expenses. The remainder is included in exploration and evaluation expenses.
 
 
Page | 7
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
 
4. 
AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAID EXPENSES
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Sales tax receivable
 $70 
 $177 
Amounts receivable
  128 
  239 
Prepaid expenses
  494 
  498 
Total
 $692 
 $914 
 
5. 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
 
(a) 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
The Group’s cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, consisted of cash on hand and was invested in business and savings accounts.
 
Supplementary cash flow information
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
In the three months ended March 31, 2019:
 
● 
Common shares were issued on settlement of equity-settled restricted share units (note 6(f)).
● 
Special warrants were converted for no additional consideration (note 6(b)).
 
(b) 
Restricted cash
 
The Group has cash deposited with a United States financial institution that has been pledged as collateral to the surety provider for a US$2,000 surety bond placed with the Alaskan regulatory authorities for a performance guarantee related to any potential reclamation liability as a condition of the Miscellaneous Land Use Permit granted to the Pebble Partnership for its ongoing activities on the Pebble Project. The cash deposit will be released once any reclamation work required has been performed and assessed by the Alaskan regulatory authorities. The cash is invested in a money market fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, income of $2 (2019 – $4) has been recognized which has been re-invested.
 
6. 
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
 
(a) 
Authorized Share Capital
 
At March 31, 2020, the authorized share capital comprised an unlimited (2019 – unlimited) number of common shares ("shares") with no par value.
 
(b) 
Financings
 
January 2020 Private Placements
 
In January 2020, the Group completed private placements of 13,688,823 shares for gross proceeds of approximately $6,708 (US$5,065). Of this, $6,009 was received in January 2020 on the placement of 12,262,323 shares as the Group received $699 in December 2019 for subscriptions to 1,426,500 shares. After transaction costs of $95 (of which $6 was incurred in 2019), net proceeds to the Group was $6,613 (of which $693 was recognized in December 2019).
 
 
Page | 8
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
March 2019 Bought Deal
 
The Group completed a bought deal offering of 17,968,750 shares at US$0.64 per share for gross proceeds of US$11,500 ($15,337). The Group incurred transaction costs of $1,236, which includes a 6% commission paid to the underwriters, and raised net proceeds of $14,101.
 
March 2019 Private Placement
 
The Group completed a private placement of 3,769,476 shares at $0.86 (US$0.64) per share for gross proceeds of approximately $3,242 (US$2,412). After transaction costs of $112, the Group raised net proceeds of $3,130.
 
February 2019 Conversion of Special Warrants
 
10,150,322 special warrants issued in a private placement in were converted into shares on a one-for-one basis for no additional consideration to the Group. Additional transaction costs of $2 were incurred in the period.
 
(c) 
Share Purchase Warrants and Options not Issued under the Group’s Incentive Plan
 
The following reconciles outstanding warrants and non-employee options (options that were not issued under the Group’s incentive plan (see below)), each exercisable to acquire one common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 respectively:
 
Continuity
 
Cannon Point options 
(note 1)
 
 
Mission  Gold  warrants 
(note 1)
 
 
Other warrants 
(note 2)
 
 
Special  warrants 
(note 3)
 
 
Broker warrants 
(note 4)
 
 
 
Total 
 
Beg. Balance
  327,700 
  3,964,701 
  27,074,399 
  10,150,322 
   
  41,517,122 
Exercised
  (36,300)
  (49,685)
   
  (10,150,322)
   
  (10,236,307)
Bal. Mar 31, 2019
  291,400 
  3,915,016 
  27,074,399 
   
   
  31,280,815 
Issued
   
   
  466,666 
   
  244,000 
  710,666 
Exercised
  (68,150)
  (150,390)
   
   
   
  (218,540)
Bal.Dec 31, 2019 and Mar 31, 2020
  223,250 
  3,764,626 
  27,541,065 
   
  244,000 
  31,772,941 
 
Weighted Averages per option/warrant
As at Mar 31 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise price
 $0.38 
 $0.55 
 $0.65 
   
   
 $0.64 
Exercise price US dollars
   
   
   
   
 $US 0.41 
 $US 0.41 
Remaining life in years
  2.15 
  0.27 
  1.19 
   
  0.23 
  1.08 
As at Dec 31, 2019
    
    
    
    
    
    
Exercise price
 $0.38 
 $0.55 
 $0.65 
   
   
 $0.64 
Exercise price US dollars
   
   
   
   
 $US 0.41 
 $US 0.41 
Remaining life in years
  2.40 
  0.52 
  1.45 
   
  0.48 
  1.33 
 
 
 
Page | 9
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
Notes to tables:
 
1. 
The Group exchanged options and warrants to purchase shares in the Company, which were outstanding in Cannon Point Resources Ltd. ("Cannon Point") and Mission Gold Ltd. ("Mission Gold") on the acquisition of these companies in October 2015 and December 2015 respectively.
 
2. 
Warrants were issued pursuant to the June 2016 prospectus financing, July 2016 private placement and and the 2019 non-revolving term loan credit facility agreement (note 8).
 
3. 
The special warrants were issued in a private placement at an exercise price of $0.83 (US$0.62) per special warrant in December 2018.
 
4. 
The Broker Warrants were issued to the underwriters pursuant to the June 2019 prospectus financing and expire June 24, 2020.
 
(d) 
Share Purchase Option Compensation Plan
 
The following reconciles the Group’s share purchase options ("options") issued and outstanding pursuant to the Group’s incentive plan for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
 
Continuity of options
 
Number of  options
 
 
Weighted  average  exercise  price  ($/option)
 
Beginning Balance
  24,606,732 
  1.03 
Exercised
  (155,000)
  0.49 
Balance March 31, 2019
  24,451,732 
  1.03 
Granted
  6,610,500 
  0.99 
Expired
  (4,235,000)
  1.54 
Exercised
  (1,030,666)
  0.54 
Forfeited
  (10,700)
  0.82 
Cancelled
  (33,600)
  1.10 
Balance December 31, 2019
  25,752,266 
  0.96 
Forfeited
  (6,000)
  0.99 
Balance March 31, 2020
  25,746,266 
  0.96 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Group recognized share-based compensation ("SBC") of $447 (2019 – $651) for options.
 
The following table summarizes information on options as at March 31, 2020:
 
 
Page | 10
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options outstanding
 
 
Options exercisable
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise prices ($)
 
 
Number of options
 
 
Weighted average  remaining  contractual  life  (years)
 
 
Number of options
 
 
Weighted average  remaining  contractual  life  (years)
 
  0.48 
  450,000 
  0.96 
  450,000 
  0.96 
  0.49 
  5,105,000 
  1.28 
  5,105,000 
  1.28 
  0.50 
  2,316,666 
  0.56 
  2,316,666 
  0.56 
  0.76 
  5,538,000 
  2.62 
  5,538,000 
  2.62 
  0.99 
  6,604,500 
  4.50 
  3,305,250 
  4.50 
  1.75 
  5,732,100 
  1.85 
  5,732,100 
  1.85 
Total and weighted average contractual life per option 
  25,746,266 
  2.45 
  22,447,016 
  2.15 
 
The weighted average exercise price for exercisable options as at March 31, 2020 was $0.95 (December 31, 2019 – $0.95) per option.
 
(e) 
Deferred Share Units ("DSUs")
 
As at March 31, 2020, a total of 458,129 DSUs were issued and outstanding (March 31 and December 31, 2019 – 458,129). There have been no new grants of DSUs since 2017.
 
(f) 
Restricted Share Units ("RSUs")
 
The following reconciles RSUs outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 respectively:
 
Continuity of RSUs  
 
Number of  RSUs  
 
 
Weighted  average  fair value  ($/RSU)  
 
Beginning Balance
  196,753 
  1.27 
Shares issued
  (85,294)
  1.37 
Withheld
  (75,582)
  1.14 
Balance March 31, 2019
  35,877 
  2.23 
Shares issued
  (25,792)
  1.57 
Withheld
  (10,085)
  1.27 
Balance December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020
   
   
 
 
 
Page | 11
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
(g) 
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
 
Balance January 1, 2019
 $38,686 
Loss on translation of foreign subsidiaries
  (2,872)
Balance March 31, 2019
  35,814 
Loss on translation of foreign subsidiaries
  (3,449)
Balance December 31, 2019
  32,365 
Gain on translation of foreign subsidiaries
  10,773 
Balance March 31, 2020
 $43,138 
 
The foreign currency translation reserve represents accumulated exchange differences arising on the translation, into the Group’s presentation currency (the Canadian dollar), of the results of operations and net assets of the Group’s subsidiaries with a US dollar functional currency.
 
7. 
WARRANT LIABILITIES
 
As the Broker Warrants (note 6(c)) have a US dollar exercise price, they have been treated as cash-settled warrant liabilities. They were recognized at fair value on date of issue as a financing cost with subsequent changes in fair value being recognized in loss. The following table reconciles the change in fair value of the warrant liabilities:
 
 
 
March 31,
2020
 
 
December 31,
2019
 
Beginning balance
 $43 
 $ 
Fair value on issue recognized as a financing cost
   
  50 
Fair value gain on revaluation recognized in loss for period
  (24)
  (7)
Ending balance
 $19 
 $43 
 
The fair value at March 31, 2020 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
Assumptions
 
2020
 
Risk-free interest rate
  1.22% 
Expected volatility 1
  93.74% 
Expected life
  0.2 years  
Share price used
 $0.54 
Expected dividend yield
  Nil  
 
Note
 
1. 
Expected volatility is based on the historical and implied volatility of the share price on the TSX.
 
 
Page | 12
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
8. 
LOANS PAYABLE
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Beginning balance
 $1,360 
 $ 
Loans provided during the period
  183 
  2,317 
Accrued interest
  9 
  14 
Repayment of loans
  (1,364)
   
Loans transferred to payables to related parties (note 9)
  (188)
  (971)
Total
 $ 
 $1,360 
 
    
    
In November 2019, the Group entered into an unsecured non-revolving term loan credit facility agreement (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders (the "Lenders"), two of whom are related parties, of up to $3,500. Loans provided by the Lenders earned interest at 10% per annum and were paid on repayment of the loans (see below). Pursuant to the Credit Facility, the repayment of the loans and accrued interest was to occur on a date that is the earlier of i) May 25, 2020 and ii) the date the Group has completed one or more equity or debt financings raising an aggregate of US$20,000.
 
As consideration for entering into the Credit Facility, the Group issued to the Lenders, on a pro rata basis, 466,666 share purchase warrants, each warrant exercisable into one share at the exercise price of $0.75 per share until December 2, 2021, of which 153,333 warrants were issued to the two related parties.
 
In January and February 2020, the loans including accrued interest were repaid to the Lenders. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Group accrued interest of $9, of which $5 (December 2019 – $4) related to the two related parties, and has been included in the finance expense in the loss for the period.
 
9. 
RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
 
The components of transactions to related parties is as follows:
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
Payables to related parties
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Key management personnel (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans payable
 $ 
 $971 
Loans payable beginning balance
  971 
   
Provided by key management personnel
  183 
  967 
Accrued interest
  5 
  4 
Repayment of loans
  (1,159)
   
Other
  87 
   
Hunter Dickinson Services Inc. (b)
  226 
  124 
Total payables to related parties
 313 
 $1,095 
 
Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on consolidation. Details between the Group and other related parties are disclosed below:
 
 
Page | 13
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
(a) 
Transactions and Balances with Key Management Personnel ("KMP")
 
The aggregate value of transactions with KMP, being the Group’s directors, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), Company Secretary, Executive Vice President ("EVP"), Environment and Sustainability, Vice President ("VP"), Corporate Communications, VP, Engineering and VP, Public Affairs, and Pebble Partnership ("PLP") senior management including the PLP CEO, Executive VP ("EVP"), Public Affairs, Senior VP ("SVP"), Corporate Affairs, SVP Engineering, VP, Permitting, Chief of Staff and Chair of Pebble Mines Corp ("PMC Chair"), was as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:
 
Transactions
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts paid and payable to HDSI for services of KMP employedby HDSI 1
 $614 
 $632 
Amounts paid and payable to KMP 2
  1,217 
  1,176 
Bonuses paid to KMP 3
  264 
  310 
Interest payable on loans received from KMP 5
  5 
   
 
  2,100 
  2,118 
Share-based compensation 4
  297 
  537 
Total compensation
 2,397 
 2,655 
 
Notes to previous table:
 
1. 
The Group’s CEO, CFO, Board Chair and senior management, other than disclosed in note 2 below, are employed by the Group through Hunter Dickinson Services Inc. ("HDSI") (refer (b)).
 
2. 
Represents short-term employee benefits, including director’s fees paid to the Group’s independent directors, and salaries paid and payable to the PLP CEO, PMC Chair and PLP EVP, SVPs, VP and Chief of Staff. The SVP Engineering is employed by the Group through a wholly-owned US subsidiary of HDSI ("HDUS"). The Group reimburses HDUS for costs incurred.
 
3. 
In 2020, incentive bonuses were paid to the PLP CEO, PLP SVP Corporate Affairs and PLP Chief of Staff. In 2019, incentive bonuses were paid to the CFO, EVP, Environment and Sustainability, VP, Corporate Communications, SVP, Engineering, VP, Permitting, and to the Company Secretary.
 
4. 
Includes cost of RSUs and share purchase options issued and/or vesting during the respective periods.
 
5. 
The Group’s Board Chair and CEO advanced a total of $1,150 to the Group pursuant to the Credit Facility (note 8), $967 in December 2019, and $183 in January 2020. The Group repaid the loans including interest accrued in January 2020.
 
(b) 
Transactions and Balances with other Related Parties
 
HDSI is a private company that provides geological, engineering, environmental, corporate development, financial, administrative and management services to the Group and its subsidiaries at annually set rates pursuant to a management services agreement. The annually set rates also include a component of overhead costs such as office rent, information technology services and general administrative support services. HDSI also incurs third party costs on behalf of the Group, which are reimbursed by the Group at cost. Several directors and other key management personnel of HDSI, who are close business associates, are also key management personnel of the Group.
 
 
Page | 14
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, and 2019, transactions with HDSI were as follows:
 
Transactions
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Services rendered by HDSI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering
 $73 
 $369 
Environmental
  95 
  171 
Socioeconomic
  91 
  115 
Other technical services
  32 
  61 
 
  291 
  716 
General and administrative
    
    
Management, corporate communications, secretarial, financial and administration
  539 
  659 
Shareholder communication
  168 
  165 
 
  707 
  824 
 
    
    
Total for services rendered
  998 
  1,540 
 
    
    
Reimbursement of third party expenses
    
    
Conferences and travel
  76 
  66 
Insurance
  51 
   
Office supplies and information technology
  110 
  96 
Total reimbursed
  237 
  162 
 
    
    
Total
 $1,235 
 $1,702 
 
10. 
TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
Current liabilities
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Falling due within the year
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade 1
 $12,543 
 $12,401 
Lease liabilities 2
  278 
  286 
Total
 $12,821 
 $12,687 
 
    
    
Non-current liabilities
    
    
Lease liabilities 2
 $941 
 $934 
Total
 $941 
 934 
 
Notes:
 
1. 
At March 31, 2020 and December 31,2019, trade payables in current liabilities includes legal fees due to legal counsel of US$5,274, due December 24, 2020, and US$635 payable on completion of a partnering transaction.
 
 
Page | 15
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
2. 
Lease liabilities relate to lease of offices, a copier, site hangers, yard storage and one vehicle, which have remaining lease terms of one to 122 months and interest rates of 7.5% – 10.5% over the term of the leases. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Group recognized $30 (2019 – $27) in interest expense on lease liabilities.
 
The following table provides the schedule of undiscounted lease liabilities as at March 31, 2020:
 
 
 
Total
 
Less than one year
 $384 
One to five years
  884 
Later than 5 years
  352 
Total undiscounted lease liabilities
 $1,620 
 
The Group had short-term lease commitments of less than a year relating to property leases totaling $93 as of January 1, 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Group incurred short-term lease commitments of $62 and expensed $65.
 
11. 
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
 
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was based on the following:
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019 
 
Loss attributable to common shareholders
 $10,715 
 $16,211 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (000s)
  434,012 
  326,902 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, basic and diluted loss per share does not include the effect of employee share purchase options outstanding (2020 – 25,746,266, 2019 – 24,451,732), non-employee share purchase options and warrants (2020 – 31,772,941, 2019 – 31,280,815), DSUs (2020 – 458,129, 2019 – 458,129), and RSUs (2020 – nil, 2019 – 35,877), as they are anti-dilutive.
 
12. 
EMPLOYMENT COSTS
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Group recorded $3,833 (2019 – $3,728) in salaries and benefits, including share-based payments of $447 (2019 – $651) and amounts paid to HDSI for services provided to the Group by HDSI personnel (note 9(b)).
 
13. 
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
 
The Group is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of documented investment policies, counterparty limits, and controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:
 
 
Page | 16
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
(a) 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Group if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its liquid financial assets, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and amounts receivable. The Group limits the exposure to credit risk by only investing its cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash with high-credit quality financial institutions in business and saving accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, in government treasury bills, low risk corporate bonds and money market funds which are available on demand by the Group when required. Amounts receivable (note 4) exclude receivable balances with government agencies and refundable deposits. The Group’s maximum exposure at the following reported dates was:
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
Exposure
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Amounts receivable
 $128 
 $239 
Restricted cash
  874 
  805 
Cash and cash equivalents
  7,267 
  14,038 
Total exposure
 8,269 
 $15,082 
 
(b) 
Liquidity Risk
 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they become due. The Group ensures, as far as reasonably possible, it will have sufficient capital in order to meet short to medium term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Group’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, where applicable. The Group however, has noted material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern (note 1) notwithstanding that it has been successful in the past in raising funds when needed. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents at the reporting date were invested in business and savings accounts (note 5(a)).
 
The Group’s financial liabilities are comprised of current trade and other payables (note 10) and payables to related parties (note 9), which are due for payment within 12 months from the reporting date, and non-current trade payables, which are due for payment more than 12 months from the reporting date. The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial liabilities represent the Group’s contractual obligations.
 
(c) 
Foreign Exchange Risk
 
The Company is subject to both currency transaction risk and currency translation risk: the Pebble Partnership, Pebble Services Inc. and U5 Resources Inc. have the US dollar as functional currency, and certain of the Company’s corporate expenses are incurred in US dollars. The operating results and financial position of the Group are reported in Canadian dollars in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. As a result, the fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar will have an impact upon the losses incurred by the Group as well as the value of the Group’s assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity. The Group has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks.
 
The exposure of the Group's US dollar-denominated financial assets and liabilities to foreign exchange risk at the following reported dates was:
 
 
Page | 17
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
 
December 31
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts receivable
 $270 
 $263 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
  5,094 
  14,090 
 
  5,364 
  14,353 
Financial liabilities:
    
    
Non-current trade payables
  (941)
  (932)
Warrant liabilities
  (19)
  (43)
Current trade and other payables
  (12,101)
  (12,426)
Payables to related parties
  (115)
  (24)
 
  (13,176)
  (13,425)
Net financial liabilities exposed to foreign currency risk
 (7,812)
 (928)
 
Based on the above net exposures and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 10% change in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar would result in a gain or loss of $781 (December 31, 2019 – $93) in the reported period. This sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items.
 
(d) 
Interest Rate Risk
 
The Group is subject to interest rate cash flow risk with respect to its investments in cash and cash equivalents. The Group’s policy is to invest cash at fixed rates of interest and cash reserves are to be maintained in cash and cash equivalents or short-term low risk investments in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return for shareholders. Fluctuations in interest rates when cash and cash equivalents mature impact interest income earned.
 
Assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 100 basis points change representing a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease or increase in loss of $27 (2019 – $43) for the three month period.
 
(e) 
Capital Management
 
The Group's policy is to maintain a strong capital base to maintain investor and creditor confidence and to sustain future development of the business. The capital structure of the Group consists of equity, comprising share capital and reserves, net of accumulated deficit. There were no changes in the Group's approach to capital management during the period. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
 
(f) 
Fair Value
 
The fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amount.
Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
●            
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
● 
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
●            
Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data.
 
 
Page | 18
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. Fair value measurements, which are determined by using valuation techniques, are classified in their entirety as either Level 2 or Level 3 based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement.
 
The fair value measurement of the warrant liabilities (note 7) until their expiry are categorized within Level 2 of the hierarchy as it is exposed to market risk as they employ the quoted market price of shares and foreign exchange rates.
 
14. 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
(a) 
Legal Proceedings
 
On February 14, 2017, short seller investment firm Kerrisdale Capital Management LLC published a negative piece (the "Kerrisdale Report") regarding the Pebble Project. Three putative shareholder class actions were filed against the Company and certain of its current officers and directors in US federal courts, specifically the Central District of California (Los Angeles) and the Southern District of New York (New York City). The cases are captioned: Diaz v. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. et al, Case No. 17-cv-01241 (C.D. Cal.), Kirwin v. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. et al, Case No. 17-cv-01238 (S.D.N.Y.) and Schubert v. Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd., et al., Case No. 1:17-CV-02437 (S.D.N.Y.). The complaints relied on the claims made in the Kerrisdale Report and alleged damages to a class of investors who purchased shares of the Company prior to the publication of the Kerrisdale Report and allege liability for losses pursuant to Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5 thereunder, as well as control person liability against the individual defendants pursuant to Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
The plaintiffs in both the Kirwin and Schubert actions voluntarily dismissed their claims without prejudice. The plaintiffs in the Diaz action continued to litigate and filed an amended complaint. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the Diaz action, which the plaintiffs opposed. In April 2018, the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the "California District Court") granted the Company’s motion and dismissed the plaintiffs’ amended complaint in full, noting that its reliance on the sources in the Kerrisdale Report was an insufficient basis to allege securities fraud. The Court allowed the plaintiffs an opportunity to amend their complaint, which they did in June 2018. The Company again moved to dismiss the new complaint, and briefing on the motion concluded in November 2018.
 
On February 22, 2019, the California District Court again dismissed all of the securities class action claims brought against the Company and certain of its officers and directors in the Diaz action, this time without leave to amend. The Court ruled in favor of the Company and its officers and directors on all claims and ordered the case closed.
 
In March 2019, the Diaz plaintiffs filed a notice of an appeal of the district court’s dismissal order, and their appeal was filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in California, in June 2019. The Company filed its response in August 2019 and the plaintiffs submitted their reply in October 2019, closing the briefing before the appellate court. Subsequent to the reporting period, in April 2020, the appellate court decided that a hearing was unnecessary and, on May 8, 2020, the three appellate judge panel issued a memorandum decision affirming the district court’s dismissal of the plaintiffs’ claims. The plaintiffs may request a rehearing by the appellate court in the coming weeks, and if so, the Company will continue to defend itself vigorously in this action.
 
(b) 
Short-term lease commitments
 
As of March 31, 2020, the Group has $100 in short-term lease commitments. These leases have fixed monthly payments for the remaining term.
 
 
Page | 19
 
 
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited - Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated, except per share or option)
 
 
 
(c) 
Pipeline Right-of-Way Bond Commitment
 
The Group posted a bond of US$300 with the Alaskan regulatory authorities for a performance guarantee related to any potential reclamation liability as a condition for a pipeline right-of-way to a subsidiary of the Pebble Partnership, the Pebble Pipeline Corporation. The Group is liable to the surety provider for any funds drawn by the Alaskan regulatory authorities.
 
15. 
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE
 
(a) 
Market Offering
 
On May 13, 2020, the Group closed an underwritten public offering of 14,375,000 shares of the Company at a price of $0.70 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $10,063. The offering was completed pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated April 29, 2020, among the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation, as lead underwriter and bookrunner, and a syndicate of underwriters including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and TD Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Underwriters were paid a 5% cash commission.
 
(b) 
Private Placement
 
On May 13, 2020, the Group completed a non-brokered private placement of 10,357,143 shares at $0.70 per share for gross proceeds of $7,250. The shares are subject to applicable resale restrictions, including a four-month hold period under Canadian securities legislation.
 
 
Page | 20