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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

4.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to mineralized material and related future metals prices that are the basis for future cash flow estimates utilized in impairment calculations and units-of-production depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations; environmental reclamation and closure obligations; estimates of recoverable metals in stockpiles; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and the fair value of financial instruments. The Company based its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

The policies adopted, considered by management to be significant, are summarized as follows:

 

a.Basis of consolidation

 

All of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries are 100% owned and as such the Company does not have a noncontrolling interest in any of its subsidiaries.   All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated at consolidation.

 

b.Translation of foreign currencies

 

Substantially all expenditures and sales are made in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company and its subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as their functional and reporting currency.

 

c.Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

d.Inventories

 

Metals inventory at the Velardeña Properties consisted of marketable products including concentrates and precipitates.  Metals inventory was carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on spot and futures metals prices through estimated sale and settlement dates, less the estimated costs to complete processing and bring the product to sale. Costs included in metals inventory included direct and indirect costs of mining and processing, including depreciation.  The Company had no metals inventories at December 31, 2015 as the result of the suspension of operations at its Velardeña Properties during November 2015 (see Note 1).  At December 31, 2014 the Company had written down its metals inventory to net realizable value with excess costs included in cost of sales and depreciation (see Note 7).

 

Materials and supplies inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cost includes applicable taxes and freight. The Company routinely counts and evaluates its material and supplies to determine the existence of any obsolete stock that is subject to impairment (see Note 3).

 

e.Mining properties, exploration and development costs

 

The Company expenses general prospecting costs and the costs of acquiring and exploring unevaluated mineral properties. When a mineral property is determined to have proven and probable reserves, subsequent development costs are capitalized to mineral properties.  For acquired mineral properties with proven and probable reserves, the Company capitalizes acquisition costs and subsequent development costs.  When mineral properties are developed and operations commence, capitalized costs are charged to operations using the units-of-production method over proven and probable reserves. Upon abandonment or sale of a mineral property, all capitalized costs relating to the specific property are written off in the period abandoned or sold and a gain or loss is recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

As discussed in Note 1, the Company is considered an exploration stage company under the criteria set forth by the SEC since it has not yet demonstrated the existence of proven or probable reserves at the Velardeña Properties, or any of the Company’s other properties. As such, the Company expenses costs as incurred related to the extraction of mineralized material at its Velardeña Properties.  The Company established a cost basis for the mineralized material at the Velardeña Properties as a result of purchase accounting for the Company’s business combination transaction with ECU Silver Mining Inc. (“ECU”) in September 2011, the transaction pursuant to which the Company acquired the Velardeña Properties. Mineral properties acquired in the ECU merger were recorded at estimated fair market value based on valuations performed with the assistance of an independent appraisal firm and a minerals engineering company. Although the Company has not demonstrated the existence of proven and probable reserves, and the Company has not completed a pre-feasibility economic assessment, the Company had established the existence of mineralized material that was used in assigning value to mineral properties for purchase accounting purposes. The subsequent extraction of this mineralized material has provided a reasonable basis for the calculation of units-of-production depreciation for the cost basis in the mineral properties.

 

On a quarterly basis the Company evaluates its exploration properties to determine if they meet the Company’s minimum requirements for continued evaluation.  The rights to the properties that do not meet the minimum requirements are relinquished and the carrying values, if any, are written off and reflected in other operating gains and losses, net on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.  Costs of exploration subsequent to the application of fresh start accounting have been and will continue to be expensed.

 

f.Property, plant and equipment and long lived asset impairment

 

Buildings are depreciated using the straight—line method over the estimated useful lives of 30 to 40 years or the life of the mine whichever is shorter.  Mining equipment and machinery, excluding the plant, are depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives of three to eight years or the lease period, whichever is shorter.  Mineral properties and the plant are depreciated using units of production based on estimated mineralized material.  Other furniture and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to five years.  Depreciation on plant and equipment used in the construction of an asset is capitalized to the constructed asset.

 

As discussed above, the Company does not have any properties with proven or probable reserves including the the Velardeña Properties.

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and per the guidance of ASC 360 the Company assesses the recoverability of its property, plant and equipment, including goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.   If the sum of estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis is less than the carrying amount of the related asset, impairment is considered to exist. The related impairment loss is measured by comparing estimated future net cash flows on a discounted basis or by comparing other market indicators to the carrying amount of the asset (see Notes 3 and 9).

 

g.Asset Retirement Obligations

 

The Company records asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) in accordance with ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” (“ASC 410”), which establishes a uniform methodology for accounting for estimated reclamation and abandonment costs. According to ASC 410, the fair value of an ARO is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. An offsetting asset retirement cost (“ARC”) is capitalized as part of the carrying value of the assets with which it is associated, and depreciated over the useful life of the asset (see Note 14).

 

The Company prepares estimates of the timing and amount of expected cash flows when an ARO is incurred. The fair value of the ARO is measured by discounting the expected cash flows using a discount rate that reflects the credit adjusted risk-free rate of interest. The Company records the fair value of an ARO when it is incurred and layer adjustments of the ARO are recorded as an adjustment to the corresponding ARC. The ARO is adjusted to reflect the passage of time (accretion cost) calculated by applying the discount rate implicit in the initial fair value measurement to the beginning-of-period carrying amount of the ARO. The Company records accretion costs to expense as incurred.

 

h.Revenue Recognition

 

Following the guidance of ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC 605”), the Company recognizes “Revenue from the sale of metals” at the earliest point that both risk of loss and title transfer to the purchaser pursuant to the terms of the Company’s sales agreements. Prices for concentrate and precipitate sales are fixed according to terms included in the sales agreements, which generally call for final pricing based on average metals prices observed over specific periods that range from 10 days prior to the transfer of title to the month following the month the product is received by the purchaser.  Revenue is recorded based on estimated metals contained in the product from assay data and using either actual or projected prices for the pricing period specified in the sales agreement.  Upon final settlement revenue may be adjusted for changes in actual contained metals and final metals prices.

 

The Company recognizes oxide plant lease fees and reimbursements for labor, utility and other costs as “Revenue from Oxide plant lease” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss following the guidance of ASC 605 regarding “income statement characterization of reimbursements received for “out-of-pocket” expenses incurred” and “reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent”.  ASC 605 supports recording as gross revenue fees received for the reimbursement of expenses in situations where the recipient is the primary obligor and has certain discretion in the incurrence of the reimbursable expense.  The actual costs incurred for the reimbursed labor, utility and other costs are reported as “Oxide plant lease costs” in the statement of operations. The Company recognizes lease fees during the period the fees are earned per the terms of the lease (see Note 17).

 

i.Stock compensation

 

Stock based compensation costs are recognized per the guidance of ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), using a graded vesting attribution method whereby costs are recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award (see Note 16).  Stock grants are valued at their grant date at fair value which in the case of options requires the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Per ASC 718 the grants may be classified as equity grants or liability grants depending on the terms of the grant.

 

j.Net income (loss) per Share of Common Stock

 

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to holders of the Company’s Common Stock by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted into Common Stock.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because to include them would have been anti-dilutive.

 

k.Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as all changes in equity (deficit), exclusive of transactions with stockholders, such as capital investments.  Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and changes in certain assets and liabilities that are reported directly in equity.  For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 Comprehensive Loss included the change in the market value of available for sale securities and is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

l.Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), on a tax jurisdictional basis.  The Company files United States and certain other foreign country income tax returns, and pays taxes reasonably determined to be due.  The tax rules and regulations in these countries are highly complex and subject to interpretation.  The Company’s income tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities and in connection with such examinations, disputes can arise with the taxing authorities over the interpretation or application of certain tax rules within the country involved.  In accordance with ASC 740, the Company identifies and evaluates uncertain tax positions, and recognizes the impact of uncertain tax positions for which there is a less than more-likely-than-not probability of the position being upheld when reviewed by the relevant taxing authority.  Such positions are deemed to be unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding liability is established on the balance sheet.

 

The Company classifies income tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense.

 

m.Recently Adopted Standards

 

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”).  The purpose of the standard update is to simplify presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Amortization of the discount or premium shall be reported as interest expense in the case of liabilities or as interest income in the case of assets. Amortization of debt issuance costs also shall be reported as interest expense. ASU No. 2015-03 becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and the Company adopted ASU 2015-03 in 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In April 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations will be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 became effective for the Company January 1, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”), which requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward that the entity intends to use and is available for settlement at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 became effective for the Company January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

n.Recently Issued Pronouncements

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) which amended its standards related to the accounting of certain financial instruments. This amendment addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The new rules will become effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact the amendment will have on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 affects reporting entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out or average cost. ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s  Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”).  ASU 2014-15 will require management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued on both an interim and annual basis. Management will be required to provide certain footnote disclosures if it concludes that substantial doubt exists or when its plans alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 becomes effective for annual periods beginning in 2016 and for interim reporting periods starting in the first quarter of 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2014, FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. In addition, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized and the related cash flows. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017; early adoption is not permitted. ASU 2014-09 was originally effective December 15, 2016 but ASU 2015-14 deferred the effective date by one year. The Company is evaluating the financial statement implications of adopting ASU 2014-09 but does not believe adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.