EX-15.2 83 exhibit152.htm MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016 AND 2015 Exhibit 99.2

Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




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The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations for Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation (the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015.  The MD&A was prepared as of November 25, 2016.  All amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified.


Highlights – for the year ended August 31, 2016


Financial:


·

On September 1, 2016, the Company closed the first tranche of a $5 Million private placement of securities with Crede CG III, Ltd.


In the initial round of financing, the Company privately placed 1,840,400 shares of its common stock and warrants for US$1.25 million. The common stock issued in the first tranche of the financing, which closed on September 1, 2016, was priced at US$0.6792 per share. The investor also received five-year warrants to purchase 1,840,400 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of US$0.8291 per share. The common stock issued in the first tranche of the financing or issued upon exercise of the warrants issued in the first tranche of the financing will be restricted until a valid registration for such common stock becomes effective.


On September 26, 2016, the Company closed the second tranche of the $5 million private placement of securities with Crede CG III, Ltd.  


In the second round of the financing, the Company privately placed convertible notes and warrants for US$3.75 million. The convertible notes were issued in the principal amount of US$3.75 million, carried a coupon of 2.0% and matured on September 26, 2046. The Company immediately exercised its right to cause the conversion of the convertible notes, resulting in the cancellation of the notes and the issuance of 5,357,143 shares of common stock to the investor. The investor also received five-year warrants to purchase 4,017,857 shares of common stock at an exercise price of US$1.10 per share. The closing of the second tranche of the financing was conditioned upon a valid registration statement for the common stock issued or issuable to the investor upon exercise of warrants being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Commission declared the Company’s Form F-3 Registration Statement registering the stock effective on September 23, 2016.


·

During the year ended August 31, 2016, the Company closed US $1,000,000 in gold loans with the following terms:


·

Under the terms of the loan agreements, the gold loans are for a period of three years, are subject to renewal, and carry an 8% interest rate payable quarterly. The bullion loans may be repaid in cash or common shares of the Company or gold in specified form.  If the bullion loans are paid back by bullion, the valuation date for such bullion will the date of the loan agreements. The bullion loans may be converted into common shares of the Company at the sole discretion of the lenders at an exercise price of US$0.70 per share.  Interest is payable



1




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




quarterly, either in cash or in shares at a price of US$0.308 per share. There is no prepayment penalty.


The Company also closed and additional US $104,540 in gold loans with the following terms:


·

Under the terms of the loan agreements, the gold loans are for a period of one year, are subject to renewal, and carry an 8% interest rate payable quarterly. The bullion loans may be repaid in cash or common shares of the Company or gold in specified form.  If the bullion loans are paid back by bullion, the valuation date for such bullion will the date of the loan agreements. The bullion loans may be converted into common shares of the Company at the sole discretion of the lenders at an exercise price of US$0.50 per share.  Interest is payable quarterly, either in cash or in shares at a price of US$0.375 per share. There is no prepayment penalty.


The Company also closed and additional US $200,000 in gold loans with the following terms:


·

Under the terms of the loan agreements, the gold loans are for a period of one year, are subject to renewal, and carry an 8% interest rate payable quarterly. The bullion loans may be repaid in cash or common shares of the Company or gold in specified form.  If the bullion loans are paid back by bullion, the valuation date for such bullion will the date of the loan agreements. The bullion loans may be converted into common shares of the Company at the sole discretion of the lenders at an exercise price of US$0.40 per share.  Interest is payable quarterly, either in cash or in shares at a price of US$0.39 per share. There is no prepayment penalty.


·

On July 8, 2015, the Company closed US $1,530,000 million dollar "bullion loans”.


Under the terms of the loan agreements, the bullion loans are for a period of one year, are subject to renewal, and carry an 8% interest rate payable quarterly. The bullion loans may be repaid in cash or common shares of the Company or gold in specified form at the option of the lender.  If the bullion loans are paid back by bullion, the valuation date for such bullion will be the date of the loan agreements. The bullion loans may be converted into common shares of the Company at the sole discretion of the lenders at an exercise price of US$0.27658 per share.  Interest is payable quarterly, either in cash or in shares at a price of US$0.27658 per share at the option of the lender. There is no prepayment penalty.


An 8% finder’s fee was paid through the issuance of 442,548 common shares at a price of $0.40 per share with a value of $177,019.


·

On March 25, 2015, the Company amended the terms of its convertible senior note financing, the first drawdown from escrow under which successfully closed on December 29, 2014.


Under the original financing terms, notes in the principal amount of US$10,000,000 were issued at an 8% discount, yielding an initial funding amount of US$9,200,000. The initial (closing) drawdown from escrow was US$1,766,558, and the balance of the funded amount (less expenses of issue) was placed in escrow to be available for future drawdowns, subject to the Company meeting certain financial ratios. The notes were to bear interest at 8% per annum, payable monthly.


The outstanding principal at the time of the amendment was US$9,250,000 representing the original USD$10,000,000 less the payment made as part of the lenders “mandatory redemption option”. The previously escrowed funds were returned to the lender -- under the amended financing, there is no escrow of funds -- and the outstanding principal amount of the notes was



2




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




reduced to US$1,450,000. Interest at 8% per annum has thereafter been calculated on the reduced principal amount only, effective from March 1, 2015. A maximum of US$300,000 in cash was repayable in April, 2015, pursuant once again to the lender’s "mandatory redemption option."


The reduced amount of outstanding notes remained convertible at the option of the lender at 115% of the 5-day volume-weighted average trading price on the NYSE MKT of the Company's common shares as at December 9, 2014 (being US$0.98). The terms of the 982,143 share purchase warrants issued to the lender on closing are unchanged; they remain exercisable for 5 years at the conversion price, and the lender may also opt to receive interest in common shares in lieu of cash at that price. The maturity of the notes remained 24 months prepayable at the option of the Company 6 months after the original closing. The lender was entitled to resume mandatory redemptions of up to US$750,000 monthly commencing in May 2015 payable in cash or, subject to registration and certain financial criteria, shares at the option of the Company (at a price based on 90% of the then-current volume weighted average trading price).  As noted, the lender opted to redeem the entire outstanding principal in shares and the loan is now fully repaid.


The lender will be entitled to advance up to an additional US$4,000,000 to the Company in exchange for 8% discount notes subject to the same maturity and repayment terms (and entitlement to share purchase warrants) as currently apply, with a conversion price of US$0.98, subject to downward adjustment to US$0.50, from and after September 30, 2015, under certain market conditions. In consideration of the amendments agreed to, the lender received 500,000 common shares of the Company.


As of June 16, 2015, the lender redeemed the remaining outstanding balance into shares, which resulted in the issuance of 5,010,518 common shares with a fair value of $1,958,397 reducing the balance of convertible senior notes to $nil.


Operational:


·

Limited mining activities covering both the southern half (flooded for the most part) and northern half (new pit extension) of the South pit conducted during the 12 months ending 31st August 2016.


·

Cumulative total ore stockpiled at the ROMPAD as of 31st August 2016 is 73,710.66 tonnes averaging 1.39g/t Au with total contained metal ounces of 3,300.42. Cumulative total ore stockpiled respectively on Pads# 1, 2 and 3 as of 31st August 2016 remained as 20,931.75t @ 2.29g/t Au (1,541.77Ozs); 12,943.78t @ 2.78g/t Au (1,155.55Ozs) & 12,087.90t @ 3.64g/t Au (1,416.65Ozs). Cumulative total ore mined from the South Pit (rompad + heap leach pads) as of 31st August 2016 stands at 119,725.59 tonnes averaging 1.86g/t Au with total contained metal ounces of 7,161.24.


·

By news release dated February 8, 2016, the Company announced that first gold had been poured from the pilot Carbon-in-Column plant at the Buckreef Gold mine.  The timing and amount of the pour of gold was not a decision of management but was done in response to a request made by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Minerals of Tanzanian.  As a show of reasonable willingness to cooperate on this non-contract item, the Company did what it preferred not to do - pour prematurely to proper market price. The Company recovered 5,863.20grams (188.51Ozs) of gold dore with an averaged purity of 91.64%. The smelting was conducted in the presence of authorities from the TMAA, MEM and TRA (Customs & Revenue) and gold dore was successfully exported to the Company agent in Zurich for further processing after payment of royalties due to the government.  


·

In Q2 2016, the Company conducted metallurgical test-work on a 3.9 tonne bulk sample (Buckreef South/Main oxide/transition ore-2t and Buckreef Main Pit sulphide ore-1.9t) with a



3




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




reputable laboratory in South Africa. The resultant results indicated a very promising 36-40% fine gold component that can be recovered (90%) by simple gravity recovery processing from all three types of ores tested. Overall leaching results returned recoveries in the low 90%. The detailed analytical findings in the report are being utilized to fine tune the final settings of the new Gravity-CIL process plant proposed for the commercial operation of the Buckreef Mine.


·

In Q3 2016, the Company commenced phase construction of the gravity recovery component of the proposed new CIL process plant during the quarter. This comprised installation of the crusher circuit units, refurbishment and installation of the gravity recovery scrubber, nugget trap and diestar table.  Preliminary testing of the effectiveness and functionality of the circuit was tested using a temporary 1m long Diestar table recovered from the Kigosi camp. Purchase and installation of a 6m-long Diestar table to afford reasonable commercial production trials is underway.


·

Sphere Envirotech, an environmental consultant company submitted the Buckreef EMP document to the certifying authority, National Environment Management Council (NEMC). NEMC eventually conducted the mandatory field check visit to verify the report by the consultant. A NEMC Technical Advisory Committee then met up with Buckreef company personnel and the consultant to discuss the report. Issues raised from that consultative meeting were formally received by the Company at the end of August 2016. The issues will be rectified and the EMP report will then be update to reflect the changes prior to re-submission to NEMC prior to actual certification of the upgraded Buckreef EMP.


Overall Performance


As at August 31, 2016, the Company had current assets of $1,032,319, compared to $1,552,416 on August 31, 2015.  The decrease is mainly due to cash outflows in regard to expenditures on exploration of $688,296 (2015 - $2,529,248), net additions to property, plant and equipment of $88,339 (2015 - $665,099) primarily in connection with the construction of the processing plant, and cash used in operations of $1,914,495 (2015 - $901,062) offset by proceeds from the gold bullion loan financing of $1,729,000 (2015 - $1,852,036), proceeds from the sales-leasebacks of $nil (2015 - $496,559), net proceeds from the convertible senior note financing of $nil (2015 - $684,979) and net proceeds from loans from related parties and proceeds from convertible loans of $354,747 (2015 - $nil).  Mineral properties and deferred exploration assets were $45,802,858 as at August 31, 2016, compared to $48,150,191 at August 31, 2015.


Net loss for the year ended August 31, 2016 was $12,781,902, compared to a net loss of $8,995,697 in the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  The main difference in net loss between the two periods is due to the following fluctuations:


-

Lower share based payment expense in the form of a recovery of $38,996 during the year ended August 31, 2016, as compared to $506,747 expense during the year ended August 31, 2015 due to the number of RSU’s forfeited during the current period resulting in a recovery of expense (see note 6 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details of RSU’s issued),


-

A decrease in the salaries and benefits expense of $623,716 for the year ended August 31, 2016, compared to $1,053,384 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  Salaries and benefits decreased after the departure of several officers, directors and employees who left the Company during the year.


-

A decrease in the gain on the revaluation of derivative liability to a loss of $3,905,000 for the year ended August 31, 2016, compared to a gain of $150,000 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  



4




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




See notes 19 and 22 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details on warrant liability.


-

A decrease in the loss on the amendment of the convertible senior note financing resulting from the amendment of the terms of the convertible senior notes financing on March 25, 2015, which resulted in a loss of $2,034,406 for the year ended August 31, 2015 as compared to $nil in 2016.


-

A decrease in the gain on the revaluation of derivative liability to a loss of $964,600 for the year ended August 31, 2016, compared to a gain of $324,000 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  See note 6 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details on warrant liability.


-

An increase in write offs of mineral properties to $3,516,268 during the year ended August 31, 2016, compared to $2,233,843 during the year ended August 31, 2015, mainly due to the write down of the Lunguya project during the current period.


-

Interest accretion of $1,028,568, compared to $738,134 in the comparable period in 2015.  Interest accretion in the current period represent interest in connection with the gold loan bullion loans, which increased as compared to the year ended August 31, 2015.  Interest accretion in the comparative period mainly represent interest in connection with the convertible senior notes, which were fully converted during the year ended August 31, 2015.


The remainder of the expenses primarily decreased in comparison to the prior period as the Company looked to be more cost effective as it worked towards securing additional financing and moving its Buckreef project into production.  These variances are further discussed below.


Share Capital:

During the year ended August 31, 2016, the Company issued 50,000 shares (2015 – 174,608 shares) pursuant to the RSU plan with a value of $120,500 (2015 - $729,778).  The Company also issued 536,137 (2015 – nil) shares with a value of $372,130 (2015 - $nil) in connection with interest payments related to the bullion loans outstanding.  The Company issued 75,000 (2015 – nil) shares with a value of $26,250 (2015 - $nil) for services during the period.  In the comparative period, the Company issued 400,000 shares with a value of $264,000 in connection with a finder’s fee related to the convertible senior note financing completed in December 2014, and 500,000 shares with a value of $250,000 in connection with the March 25, 2015 amendment to the terms of the convertible senior note financing that was originally completed in December 2014.  Similarly, during the current year, 320,543 shares with a value of $477,609 were issued as financing fees for the gold loans closed during the year.  The convertible senior notes were fully converted during the year ended August 31, 2015 through the issuance of 5,010,518 shares with a value of $1,958,397 through redemptions by the lender pursuant to the redemption option held by the lender in connection with the terms of the convertible senior note financing.  In the current period, capital was utilized for the Buckreef Gold Project development, property acquisition, exploration, capital equipment purchases and general operating expenses as tabulated below.  The remaining funds/cash liquid assets, when available, are invested in interest bearing investments, which are highly liquid.




5




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016







 

C$

(000)

Funds available August 31, 2015

768

Net proceeds (repayments) from sales-leasebacks

(76)

Equipment purchases

(88)

Mineral property expenditures including licences, environmental and exploration, net of recoveries

 (688)

Proceeds from gold bullion loan

1,729

Other loans

355

General corporate expenses

 (1,915)

Funds available August 31, 2016

$85


At August 31, 2016, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $11,836,214 (August 31, 2015 – $4,684,253 working capital deficiency), had not yet achieved profitable operations, has accumulated losses of $90,600,819 (August 31, 2015 – $77,970,955) and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. The Company will require additional financing in order to conduct its planned work programs on mineral properties, meet its ongoing levels of corporate overhead and discharge its future liabilities as they come due.


Based on the Company’s current funding sources and taking into account the working capital position and capital requirements at August 31, 2016, these factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and is dependent on the Company raising additional debt or equity financing. The Company must obtain additional funding in order to continue development and construction of the Buckreef Project. The Company presently does not have adequate resources to maintain its core activities for the next fiscal year or sufficient working capital to fund all of its planned activities.  The Company is continuing to pursue additional financing to fund the construction of the Buckreef Project and additional projects. However there is no assurance that such additional funding and/or project financing will be obtained or obtained on commercially favourable terms.  Force majeure which was in effect at the Company’s Buckreef Project in Tanzania as described in Note 4 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 was lifted on June 9, 2016.


Additional funding may be derived from revenues generated in the future from operation of its heap leach mine.  Management continues to explore alternative financing sources in the form of equity, debt or a combination thereof; however, the current economic uncertainty and financial market volatility make it difficult to predict success.  Risk factors potentially influencing the Company’s ability to raise equity or debt financing include:  the outcome of the feasibility study at the Buckreef Project, mineral prices, the risk of operating in a foreign country, including, without limitation, risks relating to permitting, and the buoyancy of the credit and equity markets.  For a more detailed list of risk factors, refer to the Company’s Form 20-F Annual Report for the year ended August 31, 2016, which is filed on SEDAR as the Company’s Annual Information Form.


Due to the current low interest rate environment and lack of funds, interest income is not expected to be a significant source of income or cash flow.  Management intends to monitor spending and assess results on an ongoing basis and will make appropriate changes as required.


TRENDS


·

There are significant uncertainties regarding the prices of precious and base metals and other minerals and the availability of equity and debt financing for the purposes of mineral exploration and development.  The prices of precious and base metals have been subject to extreme volatility over recent periods, as such the Company remains cautious;


·

The Company’s future performance is largely tied to development of the Buckreef project and other main projects and outcome of future drilling results; and



6




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016





·

Current financial markets are likely to be volatile in Canada for the remainder of the fiscal year, reflecting ongoing concerns about the stability of the global economy.  As well, concern about global growth may lead to future drops in the commodity markets.  Uncertainty in the credit markets has also led to increased difficulties in borrowing or raising funds.  Companies worldwide have been negatively affected by these trends.  As a result, the Company may have difficulties raising equity and debt financing for the purposes of base and precious metals exploration and development.


These trends may limit the Company’s ability to discover and develop an economically viable mineral deposit.


Selected Financial Information


 

As at and for the year ended August 31,   2016

As at and for the year ended August 31,   2015

As at and for the year ended August 31,   2014

Total Revenues

$0

$0

$0

Net income (loss) for the period

$(12,781,902)

$(8,995,697)

$(2,416,265)

Basic income (loss) per share

$(0.12)

$(0.09)

$(0.02)

Diluted income (loss) per share

$(0.12)

$(0.09)

$(0.02)

Total assets

$49,885,545

$53,108,859

$52,792,901

Total long term financial liabilities

$1,645,529

$680,000

$0

Cash dividends declared per share

$0

$0

$0


Results of Operations


Net additions to mineral properties and deferred exploration costs for the year ended August 31, 2016 were $1,168,935, net of recoveries from the sale of gold of $279,203, compared to $3,331,566 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  The amount has decreased as compared with the prior year as the Company has had to allocate limited resources on core and crucial activities at the Buckreef property and other properties to keep the properties in good standing due to the limited financial resources as a result of difficult market conditions.  During the comparable period, the Company was in the process of actively bringing the Buckreef into production and as such incurred higher additions as compared to the current period once the financial difficulties hit the Company beginning with the second quarter in 2015.  As the Company was under Force Majeure on its Buckreef Project for much of the year, only limited expenditures to keep the project ongoing were incurred.


The Company also incurred property, plant and equipment additions of $157,862 (2015 - $668,005).  The amount was higher during the comparative period as the Company continued to finalize construction of the heap leach pads and processing plant which began during the year ended August 31, 2014.  Exploration activities have reduced as the Company was under Force Majeure on its Buckreef project for much of the year, and is working to continue towards the commencement of production and continue exploration work on other projects in its portfolio and at the same time is conscious about conserving its cash in the current economic downturn.  


Net loss for the year ended August 31, 2016 was $12,781,902, compared to a net loss of $8,995,697 for the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  For the three month period ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, there was a net loss of $5,509,566 compared to a net loss of $2,030,188, respectively.  The main difference in net loss between the comparable periods ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 is mainly due to the variances discussed above.  


Variances in the remaining expenditures is set out below:




7




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




For the year ended August 31, 2016, depreciation expense was $478,699, compared to $384,708 for the year ended August 31, 2015. The increase of $93,991 is due to additions to property, plant and equipment over last year resulting in higher amounts of depreciation on overall capital assets. The capital expenditure for the year ended August 31, 2016 was $157,862 as compared to $668,005 in the year ended August 31, 2015.  Capital expenditures were higher in the comparable period and commencing from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 is due to construction of the heap leach pads and processing plant.  The processing plant is currently not yet being depreciated as it is currently still under testing and commissioning.


Consulting fees for the year ended August 31, 2016 were $432,316, compared to $246,147 in the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  Consulting expenses increased during the current period as the Company hired consultants in an effort to advance its Buckreef project.  The consultants were hired to advise in regards to the status of the processing plant and any modifications and changes to the operational process.  Consulting fees for the three months ended August 31, 2016 were $204,446 compared to $98,337 in the comparable period ended August 31, 2015. The expense for the three month period increased due to the same reason as the increase for the year.  


Directors’ fees for the year ended August 31, 2016 were $285,188, compared to $367,524 in the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  For the three month period ended August 31, 2016, director fees amounted to $54,890 (2015 - $129,702).  The amount decreased as compared to the same period in the prior year due to director resignations during the year as well as lower RSU expense in the current period, driven by lower stock prices for most of the year.


Office and general expenses for the year ended August 31, 2016 were $246,938, compared to $326,088 in the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  Office and general costs decreased between the comparable periods due to cost reduction measures across all areas of the Company in light of the current economic conditions and resources available to the Company.  For the three month period ended August 31, 2016, office and general expenses were $87,752 compared to $128,983 in the comparable period ended August 31, 2015. The expense for the three month period increased due to the same reason as the increase for the year.  


Shareholder information costs for the year ended August 31, 2016 decreased to $249,645 from $361,265 for the comparable year ended August 31, 2015. The decrease is due to the additional reporting requirements in connection with the convertible senior note financing and operational updates during the comparable quarter.  For the three month period ended August 31, 2016, shareholder information costs were $99,299 compared to $17,167 for the three month period ended August 31, 2015.  The reason for the increase for the three month period is due to various filings and activity close to the end of the year as the Company lifted force majeure and worked towards the financings closed subsequent to year end.  


Professional fees decreased by $292,871 for the year ended August 31, 2016 to $387,177 from $680,048 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  Professional fees were higher during the comparable quarter as the Company dealt with tax litigation in Tanzania, increased accounting costs surrounding the convertible senior note financing transaction and various business consulting fees on strategy regarding financings.  For the three month period ended August 31, 2016 professional fees went from $244,297 for the three month period ended August 31, 2015 to $127,180.  The expense for the three month period decreased due to the same reason as the decrease for the year.  


Salaries and benefits expense decreased to $623,716 for the year ended August 31, 2016 from $1,053,364 for the year ended August 31, 2015.  Salaries and benefits decreased as the Company moved towards using consultants in the place of salaried employees which carries a lower cost than having salaried employees as well as the Company reducing its workforce wherever possible in an effort to minimize costs.  The expenses for the corresponding three month period ending August 31, 2016 and 2015 were $57,778 and $279,072 respectively.  




8




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Share based payments for the year ended August 31, 2016 resulted in a recovery of $38,996, compared to an expense of $506,747 in the comparable year ended August 31, 2015.  Share based payments vary depending on the number of equity based compensation options issued and vesting.  See note 6 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details.  The decrease is mainly due to RSUs forfeited during the year.  Director fee RSU expense was $157,813 and $192,468 respectively for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015.  


For the year ended August 31, 2016, travel and accommodation expense increased by $3,174 from $58,507 in 2015 to $61,681.  For the three months ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, travel and accommodation expense increased by $17,211 from $22,562 in 2015 to $39,773. Travel and accommodation expense increased in the fourth quarter due to timing of travel during the year but remained consistent overall with the previous year.   


For the year ended August 31, 2016, the foreign exchange gain was $111,352 compared to an exchange gain of $390,459 for the same year ended August 31, 2015.  The Tanzanian Shilling exchange rate increased from 1,587 at August 31, 2015 to 1,635 at August 31, 2016.  The US Dollar exchange rate increased from 1.3157 at August 31, 2015 to 1.312 at August 31, 2016.


The interest accretion expense for the year ended August 31, 2016 was $1,028,568, compared to $738,134 for the year ended August 31, 2015. Interest accretion in the current period represent interest in connection with the gold loan bullion loans, which increased as compared to the year ended August 31, 2015.  Interest accretion in the comparative period mainly represent interest in connection with the convertible senior notes, which were fully converted during the year ended August 31, 2015.


During the nine month period ended May 31, 2016, the Company agreed to abandon and wrote off $3,516,268 in expenses in various project areas (2015 – wrote off $2,233,843) (see note 4 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the three and years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details). The Company is continuously evaluating its mineral properties Licenses and Carry Forward Balances and makes adjustments as deemed necessary to reflect current plans to explore and develop licenses into the future.


A loss of $946,600 (2015 – gain of $324,000) was recognized during the year ended August 31, 2016 in connection with the revaluation of the warrant liability.  Warrant liability is revalued at every reporting period using the Black-Scholes model.  See note 6 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details.


A loss of $3,905,000 (2015 – $150,000 gain) was recognized during the year ended August 31, 2016, in connection with the revaluation of the derivative liability.  The derivative liability is revalued at every reporting period using the Black-Scholes model.  See note 19 and 22 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 for details.


A loss on the amendment of the convertible senior note financing resulting from the amendment of the terms of the financing on March 25, 2015 as described earlier which resulted in a loss of $nil (2015 - $2,034,506) for the year ended August 31, 2016.




9




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Summary of Quarterly Results (unaudited)


(Expressed in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

2016

Q4

2016

Q3

2016

Q2

2016

Q1

2015

Q4

2015

Q3

2015

Q2

2015

Q1

Total revenues

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

Net Income (Loss)

$(5,510)

$(1,052)

$(5,057)

$(1,163)

$(2,030)

$(6,062)

$324

$(1,227)

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share


$(0.05)


$(0.01)


$(0.05)


$(0.01)


$(0.02)


$(0.06)


$0.00


$(0.01)


Liquidity and Capital Resources – Going Concern Discussion


The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash balances in order to meet short term business requirements.  Because the Company does not currently derive any production revenue from operations, its ability to conduct exploration and development work on its properties is largely based upon its ability to raise capital by equity funding.  Previously, the Company obtained funding via private placements, public offering and various sources, including the Company’s President and CEO.


Based on the Company’s current funding sources and taking into account the working capital position and capital requirements at August 31, 2016, these factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and is dependent on the Company raising additional debt or equity financing. The Company must obtain additional funding in order to continue development and construction of the Buckreef Project. The Company presently does not have adequate resources to maintain its core activities for the next fiscal year or sufficient working capital to fund all of its planned activities.  The Company is continuing to pursue additional financing to fund the construction of the Buckreef Project and additional projects. However there is no assurance that such additional funding and/or project financing will be obtained or obtained on commercially favourable terms.  Force majeure which was in effect at the Company’s Buckreef Project in Tanzania as described in Note 4 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 was lifted on June 9, 2016.


At August 31, 2016, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $11,836,214 (August 31, 2015 – $4,684,253 working capital deficiency), had not yet achieved profitable operations, has accumulated losses of $90,600,819 (August 31, 2015 – $77,970,955) and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. The Company will require additional financing in order to conduct its planned work programs on mineral properties, meet its ongoing levels of corporate overhead and discharge its future liabilities as they come due.


Some of the Company’s mineral properties are being acquired over time by way of option payments.  It is at the Company’s option as to whether to continue with the acquisition of the mineral properties and to incur these option payments.


Force Majeure:


On February 5, 2016, the Company, through its subsidiary Tanzam provided notice of Force Majeure under its agreement with STAMICO, owned by Tanzanian Treasury. The notice of Force Majeure is based upon the invasion and forced occupation by several hundred illegal miners of the Company’s properties including the South Pit and other areas within the Buckreef site, thereby endangering the Company’s team and preventing Tanzam from continuing its mining operations.  


The Company was requested by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Minerals to provide an area of access for artisanal miners within 14 days of notice. The Company identified three potential areas with one to be designated for true artisanal mining, meaning without the use of mechanized mining equipment. Mining would not be allowed below the water table. The Company would also require artisanal miners to operate



10




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




responsibly in accordance with Tanzanian mining and environmental law, and land and water requirements.


On the 15th day following notice, the occupation by illegal miners occurred as the Company refused to allow access to areas that represent a material portion of the deposit according to the Company’s NI 43-101 technical reports. The Company has communicated to both the Minister and the Deputy Minister, indicating its willingness to provide an area of access to legitimate artisanal miners.


On June 9th, 2016, Force Majeure was lifted.


Commitments:


In order to maintain the existing site of mining and exploration licenses, the Company is required to pay annual license fees. The Company has not paid its annual license fees since October 2014 with exception of Buckreef mining licenses. As at August 31, 2016 an accrual of $780,000 (August 31, 2015 - $463,390) has been recorded relating to unpaid license fees. Note that these licenses remain in good standing until a letter of demand is received from Ministry of Energy and Minerals requesting payment of any unpaid license fees plus 50% penalty, and The Company fails to respond within 30 days. The Company has not received a letter of demand. The potential penalty relating to unpaid license fees is around $390,000 (August 31, 2015 - $75,000). The Company has recorded an accrual for all valid and active mining licenses.


Convertible senior note


On March 25, 2015, the Company amended the terms of its convertible senior note financing, the first drawdown under which successfully closed on December 29, 2014.


The outstanding principal at the time of the amendment was US$9,250,000 representing the original USD$10,000,000 less the payment made as part of the lenders “mandatory redemption option”. The previously escrowed funds were returned to the lender.  Under the amended financing, there is no escrow of funds and the outstanding principal amount of the notes was reduced to US$1,450,000. Interest at 8% per annum is calculated on the reduced principal amount only, effective from March 1, 2015. A maximum of US$300,000 in cash will be repayable in April, 2015, pursuant once again to the lender’s "mandatory redemption option."


The reduced amount of outstanding notes remain convertible at the option of the lender at 115% of the 5-day volume-weighted average trading price on the NYSE MKT of the Company's common shares as at December 9, 2014 (being US0.98). The terms of the 982,143 share purchase warrants issued to the lender on closing are unchanged; they remain exercisable for 5 years at the conversion price, and the lender may also opt to receive interest in common shares in lieu of cash at that price. The notes mature in 24 months and are prepayable at the option of the Company 6 months after the original closing. The lender may resume mandatory redemptions of up to US$750,000 monthly commencing in May, 2015 payable in cash or, subject to registration and certain financial criteria, shares at the option of the Company (at a price based on 90% of the then-current volume weighted average trading price).


The lender will be entitled to advance up to an additional US$4,000,000 to the Company in exchange for 8% discount notes subject to the same maturity and repayment terms (and entitlement to share purchase warrants) as currently apply, with a conversion price of US$0.98, subject to downward adjustment to $0.50, from and after September 30, 2015, under certain market conditions. In consideration of the amendments agreed to, the lender will receive 500,000 common shares of the Company.


The loss on amendment is presented net of gains on the conversion option occurring up to the time of amendment.




11




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




The balance of the convertible senior note is as follows:

 

  August 31, 2015                            and August 31, 2016

Note issued at face value ($10,000,000 USD)

$       11,626,808

Discount on convertible note ($800,000 USD)

           (930,145)

Conversion component of convertible note ($2,934,000 USD)

            (3,359,000)

Transaction costs relating to convertible note – shares

             (264,000)

Warrants issued to debenture holders

             (444,000)

Transaction costs relating to convertible note – broker warrants

             (71,000)

Transaction costs relating to convertible note – cash

             (435,174)

Amortization of bond discount and transaction costs

             540,980

Repayments – cash ($750,000 USD)

             (933,825)

Reduction of conversion component on repayment

252,000

Foreign exchange

             282,731

Balance, prior to amendment

$         6,265,375

Reduction in notes on amendment

(4,521,501)

Redemption of convertible notes

            (1,784,356)

Foreign exchange

             40,482

Balance, August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2016

$                       -


Derivative in convertible senior notes:

The conversion option is considered an embedded derivative as it is denominated in USD whereas the Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The feature is classified as a current liability on the statement of financial position and is carried at fair value as determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with changes in fair value recorded as gains or losses in the statement of comprehensive loss.  


The assumptions in valuing the embedded derivative on issuance at December 9, 2014 include an expected volatility of 74%, a risk free interest rate of 0.72% and an expected life of 2 years resulting in a fair value on issuance of $3,359,000.  As at August 31, 2015, the derivative in the convertible note was valued at $nil (August 31, 2014 - $nil), as the balance of the convertible notes was converted into shares.


Interest expense related to the Debentures amounted to $172,700 (2014 - $nil), as at August 31, 2015 and is recorded as finance charge in the statement of comprehensive loss. Accretion expense during the year ended August 31, 2015 totaled $540,980 (2014 - $nil).  All interest payments have been paid as of August 31, 2015.


During the year ended August 31, 2015, the lender redeemed $1,784,356 of convertible senior notes which were paid in shares, which resulted in the issuance of 5,010,518 common shares with a fair value of $1,958,397.  The resulting loss on redemption of convertible senior notes of $174,041 (2014 - $nil) is reflected as a loss for the year ended August 31, 2015.  


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.


Transactions with Related Parties


Related parties include the Board of Directors and officers, close family members and enterprises that are controlled by these individuals as well as certain consultants performing similar functions.


Related party transactions conducted in the normal course of operations are measured at the exchange value (the amount established and agreed to by the related parties).



12




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016





(a) Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation entered into the following transactions with related parties:


Year ended,

Notes

August 31, 2016

August 31, 2015

Legal services

(i)

$10,363

$282,169

Rent

(ii)

$15,199

$27,199

Rent

(iii)

$nil

$5,516

Consulting

(iv)

$157,637

$175,908

Consulting

(v)

$33,838

$165,477


(i) The Company engages a legal firm for professional services in which one of the Company’s directors is a partner.  During the year ended August 31, 2016, the legal expense charged by the firm was $10,363 (2015 - $282,169).  As at August 31, 2016, $327,766 remains payable (August 31, 2015 - $315,994).


(ii) During the year ended August 31, 2016, $15,199 (2015 - $27,199) was paid to a company associated with the Company’s former Chairman and COO and his spouse for office rental.


(iii)  During the year ended August 31, 2016, $nil (2015 - $5,516) was paid to a company associated with the Company’s former CFO for office rental.  This office rental lease was cancelled effective November 1, 2014.


(iv) During the year ended August 31, 2016, $157,637 (2015 - $175,908) was paid for heap leach construction consulting and website/data back-up services to companies controlled by individuals associated with the CEO.


(v) During the year ended August 31, 2016, $33,838 (2015 - $165,477) was paid for grade control drilling, license fees and other consulting services to Stamico, the Company’s joint venture partner on the Buckreef Gold Project.


As at August 31, 2016, the Company has a receivable of $3,903 (August 31, 2015 - $nil) from an organization associated with the Company’s President and CEO.  


As at August 31, 2016, the Company has a receivable of $5,541 (August 31, 2015 - $5,541) from the former general manager of the Company for amounts advanced on his behalf.  


During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company sold automotive and mining equipment in the amount of $243,805 to directors of the Company and $333,700 to the Company’s CEO for total proceeds of $577,505 as described in Note 4.  Pursuant to the agreements, the Company entered into 1-year lease agreements on the automotive and mining equipment with effective dates in May 2015. Per the terms of the leases, the Company agrees to purchase back the automotive and mining equipment at the end of the lease periods for a lump sum payment of USD$74,848. The initial base payments vary between the agreements and range between $3,500 and $8,000 payable monthly.  The effective interest rate on the capital lease obligation outstanding is between 20% and 30%.


As at August 31, 2016, the balance outstanding under capital lease obligations is $370,103 (August 31, 2015 - $496,559) and is repayable within 1 year based on the monthly payments as described above.  As such, the capital lease obligation is classified as a current liability.


(b) Remuneration of Directors and key management personnel (being the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer) of the Company was as follows:




13




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016







Years ended,

August 31, 2016

August 31, 2015

 

Salaries and benefits (1)

       Share based payments (2), (3)

Salaries and benefits (1)

        Share based payments (2), (3)

Management

$    245,962

$       130,873

$    346,464

$     397,440

Directors

127,375

157,813

175,056

192,468

Total

$    373,337

$       288,686  

$    521,520

$     589,908  


(1)

Salaries and benefits include director fees. The board of directors do not have employment or service contracts with the Company. Directors are entitled to director fees and RSU’s for their services and officers are entitled to cash remuneration and RSU’s for their services.

(2)

Compensation shares may carry restrictive legends.

(3)

All RSU share based compensation is based on the accounting expense recorded in the year.


As at August 31, 2016, included in trade and other payables is $576,000 (August 31, 2015 - $133,000) due to these key management personnel with no specific terms of repayment.  


During the year ended August 31, 2016 the Company’s CEO provided various loans to the Company totaling $221,115 which is outstanding as at August 31, 2016.  The balance is payable on demand, interest free, and unsecured.  


Restricted Stock Unit Plan


The Restricted Stock Unit Plan (RSU Plan) is intended to enhance the Company’s and its affiliates’ abilities to attract and retain highly qualified officers, directors, key employees and other persons, and to motivate such officers, directors, key employees and other persons to serve the Company and its affiliates and to expend maximum effort to improve the business results and earnings of the Company, by providing to such persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company.  To this end, the RSU Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock units (RSUs).  Each RSU represents an entitlement to one common share of the Company, upon vesting.  As of September 29, 2015, the Board resolved to amend the suspension to 800,000 of the 2,500,000 common shares previously authorized for issuance under the RSU Plan, such that a maximum of 1,700,000 shares shall be authorized for issuance under the RSU Plan, until such suspension may be lifted or further amended. RSU awards may, but need not, be subject to performance incentives to reward attainment of annual or long-term performance goals in accordance with the terms of the RSU Plan.  Any such performance goals are specified in the award agreement.


Of the 1,700,000 shares authorized for issuance under the Plan, 1,418,862 (August 31, 2015 - 1,368,862) shares have been issued as at August 31, 2016.


Critical Accounting Estimates


Assessment of Recoverability of Mineral Property Costs


The deferred cost of mineral properties and their related development costs are deferred until the properties are placed into production, sold or abandoned. These costs will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the properties following the commencement of production. Cost includes both the cash consideration as well as the fair market value of any securities issued on the acquisition of mineral properties. Properties acquired under option agreements or joint ventures, whereby payments are made at the sole discretion of the Company, are recorded in the accounts at such time as the payments are made. The proceeds from property options granted reduce the cost of the related property and any excess over cost is applied to income  The Company’s recorded value of its exploration properties is based on historical costs that expect to be recovered in the future. The Company’s recoverability



14




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




evaluation is based on market conditions for minerals, underlying mineral resources associated with the properties and future costs that may be required for ultimate realization through mining operations or by sale.


Assessment of Recoverability of Deferred Income Tax Assets


The Company follows the balance sheet method of accounting for income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the estimated tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax liabilities and assets are measured using substantively enacted tax rates.  The effect on the deferred tax liabilities and assets of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that the change occurs.  Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference and the carry forward of unused credits and unused tax losses can be utilized.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income tax obligations. This process involves estimating the actual tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. The Company assesses, based on all available evidence, the likelihood that the deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent that recovery cannot be considered probable, the deferred tax asset is not recognized.


Estimate of Share Based Payments, Warrant Liability, Embedded Derivatives Associated Assumptions


The Company recorded share based payments based on an estimate of the fair value on the grant date of share based payments issued and reviews its foreign currency denominated warrants each period based on their fair value. The accounting required for the warrant liability and the derivative liability embedded in the gold bullion loan requires estimates of interest rate, life of the warrant, stock price volatility and the application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model.   See note 8 of the August 31, 2016 audited consolidated financial statements for full disclosure.


Critical accounting policies


Mineral Properties


All direct costs related to the acquisition and exploration and development of specific properties are capitalized as incurred.  If a property is brought into production, these costs will be amortized against the income generated from the property.  If a property is abandoned, sold or impaired, an appropriate charge will be made to the statement of comprehensive loss at the date of such impairment.  Discretionary option payments arising on the acquisition of mining properties are only recognized when paid.  Amounts received from other parties to earn an interest in the Company's mining properties are applied as a reduction of the mining property and deferred exploration and development costs until all capitalized costs are recovered at which time additional reimbursements are recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss, except for administrative reimbursements which are credited to operations.


Consequential revenue from the sale of metals, extracted during the Company's test mining activities, is recognized on the date the mineral concentrate level is agreed upon by the Company and customer, as this coincides with the transfer of title, the risk of ownership, the determination of the amount due under the terms of settlement contracts the Company has with its customer, and collection is reasonably assured.  Revenues from properties earned prior to the commercial production stage are deducted from capitalized costs.


The amounts shown for mining claims and related deferred costs represent costs incurred to date, less amounts expensed or written off, reimbursements and revenue, and do not necessarily reflect present or future values of the particular properties.  The recoverability of these costs is dependent upon discovery of economically recoverable reserves and future production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.



15




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016





The Company reviews the carrying value of a mineral exploration property when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the property exceeds its fair value, the property will be written down to fair value with the provision charged against operations in the year of impairment. An impairment is also recorded when management determines that it will discontinue exploration or development on a property or when exploration rights or permits expire.


Ownership in mineral properties involves certain risks due to the difficulties in determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequently ambiguous conveyance history characteristic of many mineral interests.  The Company has investigated the ownership of its mineral properties and, to the best of its knowledge, ownership of its interests are in good standing.


Capitalized mineral property exploration costs are those directly attributable costs related to the search for, and evaluation of mineral resources that are incurred after the Company has obtained legal rights to explore a mineral property and before the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral reserve are demonstrable.  Any costs incurred prior to obtaining the legal right to explore a mineral property are expensed as incurred.  Field overhead costs directly related to exploration are capitalized and allocated to mineral properties explored.  All other overhead and administration costs are expensed as incurred.


Once an economically viable reserve has been determined for a property and a decision has been made to proceed with development has been approved, acquisition, exploration and development costs previously capitalized to the mineral property are first tested for impairment and then classified as property, plant and equipment under construction.


Impairment of Long-lived Assets


At each date of the statement of financial position, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is an indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cashgenerating unit to which the assets belong.


Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pretax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cashgenerating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cashgenerating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in the statement of comprehensive loss.


Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or cashgenerating unit) in prior years.


The Company’s most critical accounting estimate relates to the impairment of mineral properties and deferred exploration costs.  During the year ended August 31, 2016, the Company wrote off $3,516,268 of costs related to its mineral properties (2015 – $2,233,843).  Management assesses impairment of its exploration prospects quarterly. If an impairment results, the capitalized costs associated with the related project or area of interest are charged to expense.  




16




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Asset Retirement Obligations


The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations, including those associated with the reclamation of mineral properties and property, plant and equipment, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. Initially, a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized at its fair value in the period in which it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of the liability, the corresponding asset retirement obligation is added to the carrying amount of the related asset and the cost is amortized as an expense over the economic life of the asset using either the unitofproduction method or the straightline method, as appropriate.  Following the initial recognition of the asset retirement obligation, the carrying amount of the liability is increased for the passage of time and adjusted for changes to the current marketbased discount rate, amount or timing of the underlying cash flows needed to settle the obligation.   


Financial Instruments


Fair Value of Financial Instruments


The Company designated its other financial assets, derivatives in convertible senior notes and warrant liability as fair value through profit and loss, which are measured at fair value.  Fair value of other financial assets is determined based on quoted market prices and is categorized as Level 1 measurement.  Fair value of warrant liability and derivatives in convertible loan, gold loans and convertible senior notes are categorized as Level 3 measurement as it is calculated based on unobservable market inputs.   A 10% change in volatility from the level 3 measurement will have an impact of $176,000 on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.  Trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents are classified as loans and receivables, which are measured at amortized cost.  Trade and other payables and convertible debt are classified as other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost.  Fair value of trade and other payables and convertible debt are determined from transaction values that are not based on observable market data.  


The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables approximate their fair value due to the relatively short term nature of these instruments.  


Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments.  These estimates are subject to and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.


A summary of the Company's risk exposures as they relate to financial instruments are reflected below:


Credit Risk


Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations.  The Company is subject to credit risk on the cash balances at the bank, its short-term bank investments and accounts and other receivables and the carrying value of those accounts represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank investments are with Schedule 1 banks or equivalents.  The accounts and other receivables consist of GST/HST and VAT receivable from the various government agencies and amounts due from related parties.  The Company has not recorded an impairment or allowance for credit risk as at August 31, 2016, or August 31, 2015.

Interest Rate Risk


Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rate.  The Company’s bank accounts earn interest income at



17




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




variable rates.  The Company’s future interest income is exposed to changes in short-term rates As at August 31, 2016, a 1% increase/decrease in interest rates would decrease/increase net loss for the period by approximately $1,000 (2015 - $7,000).

Liquidity Risk


The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due.  As at August 31, 2016, the Company had current assets of $1,032,319 (August 31, 2015 - $1,552,416) and current liabilities of $12,868,533 (August 31, 2015 - $6,236,669). All of the Company’s trade payables and receivables have contractual maturities of less than 90 days and are subject to normal trade terms.  Current working capital deficiency of the Company is $11,836,214 (August 31, 2015 - $4,684,253 working capital deficiency).  The Company will require additional financing in order to conduct its planned work programs on mineral properties and the development and construction of the Buckreef Project, meet its ongoing levels of corporate overhead and discharge its liabilities as they come due.  

Foreign Currency Risk


The Company is exposed to the financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates.  The Company has offices in Canada, USA, and Tanzania, but holds cash mainly in Canadian and United States currencies.  A significant change in the currency exchange rates between the Canadian dollar relative to US dollar and Tanzanian shillings could have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.  At August 31, 2016, the Company had no hedging agreements in place with respect to foreign exchange rates.  As a majority of the funds of the Company are held in US currencies, a 10% movement in the foreign exchange rate will have an approximate $723,000 impact on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.    

Disclosure of Outstanding Share Data


As at the date of this MD&A, there were 116,453,922 common shares outstanding, 6,802,901 share purchase warrants outstanding, and 1,275,591 RSUs outstanding.


Outlook


The Company’s Board of Directors has confirmed the strategic objective of the Corporation is to develop the Buckreef Gold Project as with part of the low cost cash flow generating mine projects including the Kigosi Gold project. The Company is also exploring and evaluating various mineral properties in the portfolio. In addition, management is of the opinion that Itetemia’s Golden Horseshoe Reef (GHR) represents a modest, yet robust, medium-grade, near surface gold deposit that warrants further feasibility investigations. As well, the Luhala property holds modest but low cost gold extraction potential.  Management has developed a conceptual production plan whereas Buckreef South Main resource is currently at mine development including the construction of low cost heap leach plantThis plan is part of a bigger plan aimed at advancing Buckreef (including Main, South, Bingwa and Tembo), Itetemia, Luhala and Kigosi projects through various stages of development into eventual production.





18




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Exploration Summary

[exhibit152004.gif]The continuity of expenditures on mineral properties is as follows:




19




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Buckreef Project


Mine Development and Operations


Progress


The Buckreef Project is located in the Geita District of the Geita Region south of Lake Victoria, some 110km southwest of the city of Mwanza (see Figure, overleaf).  The project area can be accessed by ferry across Smiths Sound, via tarred national road and thereafter via unpaved but well-maintained gravel roads. The Project comprises five prospects namely Buckreef, Bingwa, Tembo, Eastern Porphyry and Buziba. The Buckreef prospect encompasses three ore zones namely Buckreef South, Buckreef Main and Buckreef North.


The Project is fully-licensed for mining and extraction of gold. The pilot Heap Leach gold extraction plant is 85% completed. The oxide/transition ore component from the Buckreef Prospect is one among other gold prospects including Bingwa and Tembo in the pipe line to generate cash flow in the short term to fund the development, mining and extraction of the main sulphide ore component for the entire Buckreef Project.


The following cumulative work was completed up to 31st August 2016:


·

There was no gold processing (plant operations) during the reporting period at Buckreef Gold Mine. The Company however commenced re-building the gravity recovery component of the proposed new CIL process plant during the quarter. 50% of the revamp and installation of the crusher circuit units and gravity plant refurbishment was completed. Preliminary testing of the effectiveness and functionality of the circuit will be tested in early June while we await the 6m shaking table.


·

Major repairs were effected on the Buckreef dam wall that had been severely damaged during a spell of heavy rains during the period. The dam is the main source of water for process plant operations.


·

As part of statutory requirements, NEMC (environment)/TMAA (process plant) /Fire department (safety) officials paid visits to site to ensure we are in compliance. Issues raised will be addressed in Q4.


·

All relevant documentation for the Buckreef Special Mining License (SML04/92) and 11 Prospecting License (PL) renewal applications were submitted to The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) during the 3rd quarter of the reporting period (June 2016). The SML renewal applied for was based on a 15-year LOM based on projected CIL process plant capacity.  By 30th August 2016, all the PL renewal applications were successfully processed while the renewal of the SML is still in progress.



20




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




License Status


At the end of this reporting quarter Buckreef project area had 13 PLs and 1 SML covering a surface area of 95.40km2. The Buckreef Project license status and statutory liabilities are as shown in the table below:


[exhibit152006.gif]


Exploration Projects


Following the Company’s decision to include mine development to its strategy of generating maximum revenue from its extensive portfolio of properties and with the rising costs of maintaining prospecting and other licenses in Tanzania, management decided review, revamp and clean up the TRX PL portfolio with a view to discard certain licenses and/or alternatively farm them out in JV packages.


A detailed in-house geological reviews of each respective project area and its potential for discovery of gold mineralization have been submitted to a technical team that will review the merits and de-merits of each project in Tanzania.


This exercise was necessitated by the need to establish all outstanding, current and future financial liabilities and obligations arising from our total land-holdings. Brief descriptions of PL holdings for each respective project area are summarized below up to 31st August 2016.


Itetemia Project


The Itetemia gold deposit includes the mineral resources of the Golden Horseshoe Reef (“GHR”), and is an advanced stage exploration project focusing on the development of the GHR. A total of 9,833m of diamond core drilling (51 holes) and 8,339m of RC drilling (138 holes) was completed on the project. Modeling and processing of assay results from both the core drilling and RC drilling so far completed over the GHR and surrounding areas culminated in the estimation of the following Mineral Resources by CSA Australia Pty (Ltd) (“CSA”).  The gold resource numbers for the GHR are as at 30th May 2016 using a cut-off grade of 1.0g/t:-




21




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016







DOMAIN

CLASSIFICATION

VOLUME

(m3)

TONNES

(t)

GRADE

(g/t)

OUNCES

oz

Main Lode

Indicated

816,000

2,390,000

3.14

241,000

Inferred

355,000

1,053,000

3.68

125,000

TOTAL MAIN LODE

1,171,000

3,443,000

3.31

366,000

Footwall Lode

Indicated

141,000

409,000

1.92

25,000

Inferred

128,000

380,000

2.57

31,000

TOTAL FOOTWALL LODE

269,000

789,000

2.23

57,000

TOTAL INDICATED

957,000

2,799,000

2.96

266,000

TOTAL INFERRED

483,000

1,433,000

3.39

156,000

GRAND TOTAL

1,440,000

4,232,000

3.11

422,000

Rounding results in computational discrepancies.


The process to convert the PL covering the Horseshoe Gold Prospect at Itetemia into a Special Mining License (SML) was commenced during the reporting period. The Company submitted all documentation required for the conversion of the Itetemia PL into a Special Mining License to the relevant authorities in the Ministry of Mines.  A follow up on the Mining License renewal shows that the application is still under review.


As of the 31st August 2016, Itetemia project area has 10 active PLs, 1 ML application and 1 PL renewal application all covering a surface area of 46.23km2. The Itetemia Project license status and statutory liabilities are as shown in the table below:


[exhibit152008.gif]



Kigosi Project


Kigosi Project area remains subject to a Game Reserve Declaration Order. Upon repeal or amendment of that order by the Tanzanian Government, the Kigosi Mining Company will be legally entitled to exercise its rights under the Mineral Rights and Mining Licence. The procedures for de-gazetting the Kigosi mining licence project area from a game reserve area to a mining area on the government gazette has not been completed by government of Tanzania.




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Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




There were no developments on the Kigosi mining area degazetting process during the reporting quarter to allow mine development on the idling Kigosi Mining Licence.  The gold resource numbers for the Kigosi Project are, as at 30th May 2016 using a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t:-


Table 1:Kigosi Project Resource (Measured and Indicated category)


[exhibit152010.gif]


Table 2: Kigosi Project Resource (Inferred category)


[exhibit152012.gif]


At the end of this reporting quarter Kigosi project area had 32 PLs and 1 ML covering a surface area of 510.85km2. The Kigosi Project license status and statutory liabilities are as shown in the tables below:




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Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Table 1a: Kigosi Project Active PLs-Tancan Mining  


[exhibit152014.gif]


Table 1b: Kigosi Project Active PLs-Tanzam2000 Ltd.


[exhibit152016.gif]  




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Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Table 1c: Kigosi Project Active PLs-JV partners


[exhibit152018.gif]


Luhala Project


The Luhala Project is an advanced stage exploration project focusing on the development of the Luhala gold deposit which consists of five anomalous hilltops. The mineralization is stratabound shear-zone hosted gold mineralization (stratigraphic and structural control) within a distinct unit of felsic rocks with associated ferruginized mafic and felsic rocks.


Drilling at the Luhala Project has been concentrated on the Luhala Hills (Luhala Hill, Kisunge Hill, Shilalo Hill South and Shilalo Hill West). A total of 3,279m of diamond core drilling (26 holes) and 8,665m of RC drilling (144 holes) was completed on the project. Modeling and processing of assay results from both the core drilling and RC drilling conducted over the various deposits at Luhala, has to-date resulted in the estimation, by CSA, of the following Mineral Resources for Luhala as at 8th March 2011 using a cut-off grade of 1.0g/t:


DOMAIN / ZONE

CLASSIFICATION

VOLUME

(m3)

TONNES

(t)

GRADE

(g/t)

OUNCES

oz

Kisunge Central

Inferred

410,000

870,000

1.76

48,900

Kisunge East

110,000

240,000

2.15

16,800

Kisunge South

60,000

120,000

1.68

6,300

Shilalo South

100,000

200,000

2.47

15,900

Shilalo West

200,000

430,000

1.73

23,900

TOTAL LUHALA PROJECT

880,000

1,860,000

1.87

112,000

TOTAL INFERRED

880,000

1,860,000

1.87

112,000

GRAND TOTAL

880,000

1,860,000

1.87

112,000

Rounding results in computational discrepancies.


The process of selecting a consultant to carry out feasibility study at the Luhala gold project has been completed and once funds are available the contract to engage the consultant to carry out the study will be signed to initiate the FS study works.


At the end of this reporting quarter Luhala project area had 4 PLs covering a surface area of 36.50km2. The Luhala Project license status and statutory liabilities are as shown in the table below:


[exhibit152020.gif]


Lunguya Project


As reported in Q3, historical JV agreements covering the bulk of the areas in which exploration work was



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Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




conducted and resources defined lapsed hence the resources have been written off and still no further work is planned on this project.


As of 31st August 2016, Lunguya project area had 8 PLs covering a surface area of 90.43km2. The Lunguya Project license status and statutory liabilities are as shown in the table below:


[exhibit152022.gif]


Exploration Projects


Following the Company’s decision to include mine development to its strategy of generating maximum revenue from its extensive portfolio of properties and with the rising costs of maintaining prospecting and other licences in Tanzania, management decided to drop some licences.  Efforts to revamp and clean up our current presentation of the TRX PL portifolio are at an advanced stage. This exercise was necessitated by the need to establish all outstanding, current and future financial liabilities and obligations arising from our total land-holdings. The total liabilities of unpaid rents including the penalties is US$1,114,125.


A technical team that was formed to review the prospectivity of the entire licence portfolio in Tanzania and propose to management licences to be dropped will be engaged once the revamping and PL status update report is completed.


Risk Factors


The Company is subject to a number of extraneous risk factors over which it has no control. These factors are common to most exploration companies and include, among others: project ownership and exploration risk, depressed equity markets and related financing risk, commodity price risk, fluctuating exchange rates, environmental risk, insurance risk, sovereign risk.  For further details on the risk factors affecting the Company, please see the Company’s Form 20-F Annual Report for year ended August 31, 2016 filed on SEDAR as the Company’s Annual Information Form.




26




Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




Disclosure Controls and Procedures (“DC&P”)


Requirements of NI 52-109 include conducting an evaluation of the effectiveness of DC&P.  Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the DC&P in place as of August 31, 2016 and concluded that such procedures are adequate and effective to ensure accurate and complete disclosures in filings.  Any system control over disclosure procedures, particularly for junior exploration companies, no matter how well designed and implemented, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect all inaccuracies.  These limitations include limited personnel available for such work, geographical logistics and human error among others.  The Board of Directors assess the integrity of the public financial disclosures through the oversight of the Audit Committee.


Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”)


Requirements of NI 52-109 include conducting an evaluation of the effectiveness of ICFR.  Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the ICFR in place as of August 31, 2016 and concluded that such procedures are adequate and effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards.  Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed and implemented, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.  


The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) are responsible for the design and effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and the design of internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) to provide reasonable assurance that material information related to the Company is made known to the Company’s certifying officers. The Company’s controls are based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) 2013 framework. The Company’s CEO and the CFO have evaluated the design and effectiveness of the Company’s DC&P as of August 31, 2016 and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company is made known to them by others within the Company. The CEO and CFO have also evaluated the design and effectiveness of the Company’s ICFR as of August 31, 2016 and concluded that these controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that financial information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner.


During the current period there have been no changes in the Company’s DC&P or ICFR that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Additional Information


The Company is a Canadian public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “TNX” and also listed on the NYSE MKT LLC trading under the symbol “TRX”.  Additional information about the Company and its business activities is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the Company’s website at www.tanzanianroyalty.com.


Approval


The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the disclosure contained in the annual MD&A.  A copy of this annual MD&A will be provided to anyone who requests it.  It is also available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this



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Management Discussion and Analysis

August 31, 2016




MD&A constitutes “forward-looking information” under Canadian securities legislation.  Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the potential of the Company’s properties; the future prices of base and precious metals; success of exploration activities, cost and timing of future exploration and development; the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources; conclusions of economic evaluations; requirements for additional capital; and other statements relating to the financial and business prospects of the Company.  Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or “variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may” , “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”.  Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments at Buckreef or other mining or exploration projects, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and is inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: unexpected events and delays during permitting; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms in light of the current decline in global liquidity and credit availability; uncertainty of inferred mineral resources; future prices of base and precious metals; currency exchange rates; government regulation of mining operations; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; risks inherent in base and precious metal exploration and development including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations; and uncertain political and economic environments.  Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



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