2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Company's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries BRZ, USAMSA, AM, Stibnite Holding Company US Inc., and Antimony Mining and Milling US LLC. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant and critical estimates include property, plant and equipment depreciation and potential impairment, metal content of mineral resources, accounts receivable allowance for uncollectible accounts, net realizable value of inventories, deferred income taxes, income taxes payable, environmental remediation liabilities and asset retirement obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash in banks and investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of cash held for reclamation performance bonds and is held in certificates of deposit with financial institutions.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount that management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Management provides for probable uncollectible amounts through an allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on management’s judgment, considering historical write-offs, collections and current credit conditions. Balances which remain outstanding after management has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts and a credit to the applicable accounts receivable. Payments received on receivables subsequent to being written off are considered a bad debt recovery.

Inventories

Inventories at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of finished antimony products, antimony metal, antimony concentrates, antimony ore, and finished zeolite products, and are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value. Finished antimony products, antimony metal and finished zeolite products costs include raw materials, direct labor and processing facility overhead costs and freight allocated based on production quantity. Stockpiled ore is carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Since the Company's antimony inventory is a commodity with a sales value that is subject to world prices for antimony that are beyond the Company's control, a significant change in the world market price of antimony could have a significant effect on the net realizable value of inventories. The Company periodically reviews its inventories to identify excess and obsolete inventories and to estimate reserves for obsolete inventories as necessary to reflect inventories at net realizable value.

Translations of Foreign Currencies

All amounts in the financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency for all of the Company’s operations. Foreign translation gains and losses relating to Mexican subsidiaries are recognized as foreign exchange gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

Going Concern Consideration

At December 31, 2020, the Company’s consolidated financial statements show negative working capital of approximately $2.7 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $32.7 million.  With the exception of 2018, the Company has incurred losses for the past several years.  The net income in 2018 was primarily due to non-recurring events which contributed approximately $2.5 million to net income. The continuing losses are principally a result of the Company’s antimony operations due to both depressed antimony prices and production costs incurred in Mexico.  To improve conditions, the Company plans to continue searching for areas to reduce these production costs.   Management expects improvement in cash flow in 2021 from the sale of precious metals extracted from the leach circuit that came on line in Mexico in the second half of 2020.  

Over the past several years, the Company has been able to make required principal payments on its debt from cash generated from operations. The Company is confident it can make debt payments when due. In March 2020, the Company applied for and received funds from a note payable under the CARES Act for $443,400. In July 2020 the Company was successful in raising $1,813,068 from the sale of shares of common stock and warrants to fund capital projects in Mexico. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company raised $23,497,180 (net of $1,499,820 in agent’s fees) from sale of shares of its common stock and warrants that will be used for general corporate purposes, working capital, and to fund a geochemical, geological and geophysical program at the Los Juarez property. With the funds raised, management believes the Company has sufficient funds to sustain its operations and meet its financial obligations during the 12 months following the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

Properties, Plants and Equipment

Properties, plants and equipment are stated at historical cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of two to thirty years. Vehicles and office equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to twelve years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Betterments of a major nature are capitalized. Expenditures for new property, plant, equipment, and improvements that extend the useful life or functionality of the asset are capitalized. When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

The costs to obtain the legal right to explore, extract and retain at least a portion of the benefits from mineral deposits are capitalized as mineral rights in the year of acquisition. These capitalized costs are amortized on the statement of operations using the straight line method over the expected life of the mineral deposit when placed into production. Mineral rights are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the potential for impairment exists. Mineral rights are subject to write down in the period the property is abandoned. Mineral properties are amortized over the estimated economic life of the mineral resource using the straight-line method, based upon estimated lives of the properties, or the units-of-production method, based upon estimated units of mineral resource.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Management reviews and evaluates the net carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. A test for recoverability is performed based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows that will be generated from operations at each property and the estimated salvage value of asset. Although management has made what it believes to be a reasonable estimate of factors based on current conditions and information, assumptions underlying future cash flows, which includes the estimated value of assets, are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are dependent upon, among other factors, estimates of: (i) product and metals to be recovered from identified mineralization and other resources (ii) future production and capital costs, (iii) estimated selling prices (considering current, historical, and future prices) over the estimated remaining life of the asset and (iv) market values of property, if appropriate. It is possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect the estimate of future cash flows to be generated from operating properties. If estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of an asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the asset.

Exploration and Development

The Company expenses exploration costs as such in the period they occur. The mine development stage begins once the Company has determined an ore body can be economically developed. Expenditures incurred during the development stage are capitalized as deferred development costs. Costs to improve, alter, or rehabilitate primary development assets which appreciably extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency or safety of such assets are also capitalized. The development stage ends when the production stage of reserves begins. Deferred development costs are amortized over the estimated economic life of the mineral resource using the straight-line method, based upon estimated lives of the properties, or the units-of-production method, based upon estimated units of mineral resource.

Asset Retirement Obligations and Reclamation Costs

All of the Company's mining operations are subject to reclamation and remediation requirements. Minimum standards for mine reclamation have been established by various governmental agencies. Costs are estimated based primarily upon environmental and regulatory requirements and are accrued. The liability for reclamation is classified as current or noncurrent based on the expected timing of expenditures. Reclamation differs from an asset retirement obligation in that no associated asset is recorded in the case of reclamation liabilities.

It is reasonably possible that because of uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental contamination, application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, and changes in remediation technology, the ultimate cost of remediation and reclamation could change in the future. The Company continually reviews its accrued liabilities for such remediation and reclamation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that its remediation and reclamation liability has changed.

The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which the Company incurs a legal obligation for the retirement of long-lived assets if it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. A corresponding asset is also recorded and depreciated over the life of the assets on a straight line basis. After the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the liability will be adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Determination of any amounts included in determination of fair value is based upon numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement costs, future inflation rates, and the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates.

Revenue Recognition

Products consist of the following:

● Antimony: includes antimony oxide, sodium antimonate, antimony trisulfide, and antimony metal

● Zeolite: includes coarse and fine zeolite crushed in various sizes

● Precious Metals: includes unrefined and refined gold and silver

For antimony and zeolite products, revenue is recognized upon the completion of the performance obligation which is met when the transaction price can be reasonably estimated and revenue is recognized generally at the time when risk is transferred. The Company has determined the performance obligation is met and title is transferred either upon shipment from the Company’s warehouse locations or upon receipt by the customer as specified in individual sales orders. The performance obligation is met because at that time, 1) legal title is transferred to the customer, 2) the customer has accepted the product and obtained the ability to realize all of the benefits from the product, 3) the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership to it, 4) it is very unlikely product will be rejected by the customer upon physical receipt, and 5) the Company has the right to payment for the product. Shipping costs related to the sales of antimony and zeolite products are recorded to cost of sales as incurred. For zeolite products, royalty expense due a third party by the Company is also recorded to cost of sales upon sale in accordance with terms of underlying royalty agreements.

For sales of precious metals, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer. Refining and shipping costs related to sales of precious metals are recorded to cost of sales as incurred.

The Company has determined that its contracts do not include a significant financing component. Prepayments, which are not common, received from customers prior to the time that products are processed and shipped, are recorded as deferred revenue. For antimony and zeolite sales contracts, the Company may factor certain receivables and receive final payment within 30 days of the performance obligation being met. For antimony and zeolite receivables not factored, the Company typically receives payment within 10 days. For precious metals sales, a provisional payment of 75% is typically received within 45 days of the date the product is delivered to the customer. After an exchange of assays, a final payment is normally received within 90 days of product delivery.

Common Stock Issued for Consideration Other than Cash

All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the common stock issued.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax liabilities or assets are determined at the end of each period using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is recognized on deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company applies generally accepted accounting principles for recognition of uncertainty in income taxes and prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents, including stock options, warrants to purchase the Company's common stock, and convertible preferred stock. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, potentially dilutive common stock equivalents not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive are as follows:

	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Warrants		6,194,899		702,041
Convertible preferred stock		1,751,005		1,751,005
Total possible dilution		7,945,904		2,453,046

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposits, restricted cash, due to factor (included in accrued liabilities), notes payable to bank, and notes payable. The carrying value of these instruments approximates fair value based on their contractual terms.  

Fair Value Measurements

When required to measure assets or liabilities at fair value, the Company uses a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used. The Company determines the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall. The categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 uses significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 uses significant unobservable inputs. The amount of the total gains or losses for the period are included in earnings that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date. The Company has no financial assets or liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis.

Contingencies

In determining accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies, the Company evaluates such accruals and contingencies for each reporting period. Estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior year’s data to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported operations, stockholders’ equity or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Auditing Standards Update (“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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The update is to address issues identified as a result of the complexity associated with applying generally accepted accounting principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years and with early adoption permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of this update on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.