UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 61-1934413 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. employer identification no.) |
900 - 580 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 3B6
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(604) 423-2709
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | [ ] | Accelerated filer | [ ] |
| Non-accelerated filer | [ ] | Smaller reporting company | [X] |
| Emerging growth company | [X] |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financing accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our most recently completed fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the “JOBS Act.” As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other exemptions from requirements that are otherwise applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include:
| ● | Reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; | |
| ● | Exemptions from non-binding shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; and | |
| ● | Exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. |
We may take advantage of these exemptions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company if we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenues as of the end of a fiscal year, if we are deemed to be a large-accelerated filer under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or if we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period allowed for emerging growth companies for complying with new or revised accounting guidance as allowed by Section 107 of the JOBS Act and Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
You should rely only on the information contained in this registration statement on Form 10 or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. You should assume that the information contained herein is accurate as of the date of this Amendment No. 2 to our registration statement on Form 10 only.
This registration statement will become effective automatically 60 days from the date of the original filing (the “Effective Date”), pursuant to Section 12(g)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As of the Effective Date, we will become subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) under the Exchange Act and will be required to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and we will be required to comply with all other obligations of the Exchange Act applicable to issuers filing registration statements pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
Use of Names
In this registration statement, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Western Magnesium” refer to Western Magnesium Corporation together with its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Currency
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “$” or “US$” in this registration statement refer to United States dollars, and all references to “C$” refer to Canadian dollars.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This registration statement contains statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements.” All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this registration statement regarding the prospects of our industry or our prospects, plans, financial position or business strategy may constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “foresee,” “project,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “forecast,” “continue” or “could” or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terms. Furthermore, forward-looking statements may be included in various filings that we make with the SEC or press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of our authorized executive officers. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited, to the risks described under the heading “Risk Factor Summary” and in Item 1A—“Risk Factors” in this registration statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this registration statement, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to any forward-looking statements. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in our reports to the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this registration statement.
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Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks described in Item 1A—“Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations would likely be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our securities would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Set forth below is a summary of some of the principal risks we face:
| ● | Our losses and inability to provide assurance as to when or if we will become profitable and generate cash in our operating activities. | |
| ● | Our need for substantial additional financing to operate our business and difficulties we may face acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. | |
| ● | Our significant indebtedness and significant restrictions on our operations. | |
| ● | Our inability to implement our plans to construct and operate our planned a magnesium research and development pilot plant and obtain necessary permits and authorizations to construct and operate the facility. | |
| ● | Risks related to health, safety and environmental laws, regulations and other requirements in Canada and the U.S. that may expose us to substantial claims, costs, and liabilities. | |
| ● | The impact of global climate change on our ability to conduct future operations. | |
| ● | Our lack of a diversified portfolio of assets. | |
| ● | Risks related to our information technology systems, and potential cyber-attacks and security and privacy breaches. | |
| ● | Risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks. | |
| ● | Our dependence on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor for the production of magnesium. | |
| ● | Our inability to attract and retain key personnel. | |
| ● | Growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. | |
| ● | The adverse consequences of litigation we are currently involved in and litigation we may face from time to time. | |
| ● | Risk related to the protection of our intellectual and our exposure to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties. | |
| ● | Risks related to competition. | |
| ● | Risks related to our lack of internal controls over financial reporting and their effectiveness. |
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| ● | Risks related to elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under Delaware law and the existence of indemnification rights for our obligations to our directors, officers, and employees. | |
| ● | Difficulty in enforcing judgments and effecting service of process on directors and officers that are not citizens of the United States. | |
| ● | The lack of a guarantee on a return on our common stock. | |
| ● | The dilutive effect of additional issuances of our common stock, or securities convertible into our common stock\. | |
| ● | The adverse effect on the market price of our common stock related to sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or shares issuable upon conversion of our Convertible Debt. | |
| ● | The volatility of the market price for our common stock. | |
| ● | Our ability to raise further working capital as a result of a decline in the price of our common stock could affect and our ability to continue operations. | |
| ● | Our stock price and trading volume could decline if securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market. | |
| ● | An investor may face liquidity risks with an investment in our common stock. | |
| ● | Risks related to a lack of dividend payments by us on our common stock and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment. | |
| ● | Our increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States. |
Cautionary Note Regarding Mineralized Material
“Mineralized material” as used in this Registration Statement on Form 10, although permissible under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7, does not indicate “reserves” by SEC standards. We cannot be certain that any mineralized materials will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7-compliant “reserves.” Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the disclosed mineralized material estimates will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that mineralized material can be economically or legally extracted.
Background
We are a reporting issuer in Canada listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) under the symbol “WMG.” Our common stock is also traded in the United States on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets (the “OTCQB”) under the symbol “MLYF.”
We have developed proprietary magnesium production technology with the aim of becoming a premier low-cost producer of green primary magnesium metal. We are in the final stages of construction and commencing test production of magnesium at a research and development pilot plant in metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We expect to commence test production at this facility by the end of 2021. Our proprietary technology utilizes a continuous silicothermic process that is expected to produce high grade magnesium with low labor and energy costs while generating minimal waste and toxic by-products.
In addition, we own a 100% interest in 81 unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 1,673 acres (the “Tami Mosi Mining Claim”), four unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 10 acres located in the Moor Mining District in Elco County, Nevada and a 100% interest in three patented mining claims located in the Pinto mining district of Nevada totaling approximately 296 acres (the “Silverado Mining Claim”). We do not plan on commencing extraction of minerals at this time from any mining claims we hold. In addition, we do not consider our mining claims to be material to our business or financial condition. See Item 3—“Properties.”
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Corporate History
We were incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on March 24, 1966 as “Ft. Lauderdale Resources Inc.” We changed our name to Amcorp Industries Inc. on July 20, 1990, to Molycor Gold Corporation on May 17, 1996, to Nevada Clean Magnesium Inc. on April 16, 2012 and to Western Magnesium Corporation on May 14, 2019. On May 14, 2019, we discontinued from the jurisdiction of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and domesticated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware under the name “Western Magnesium Corporation (WMC).” In connection with the name change, we also changed our stock symbol to “WMG” on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Western Magnesium Corp., incorporated in the State of Nevada in the United States which owns our mining claim in the Schell Creek Range located southeast of Ely, Nevada; and Western Magnesium Canada Corp., incorporated on May 3, 2019 in British Columbia, Canada which manages our Canadian operations.
The address of our Canadian office and principal place of business is Suite 900, 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B6. Our U.S. office is located at Suite 249, 3733 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, 89169. Our research and development pilot plant will be located at Unit 102, 5140 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5J 0J4.
General Development of Our Business
In 2006, we acquired the Silverado Mining Claim. During the year ended October 31, 2013, an impairment was recorded on this claim for $412,793 reducing its book value to $1.
In 2009, we acquired 27 mining claims totaling approximately 1,744 acres on property located southeast of Beaverdell, British Columbia (the “Beaverdell Mining Claim”). During the year ended October 31, 2013, an impairment was recorded on this claim for $335,133 reducing its book value to $1. During the year ended October 31, 2020, we sold our interest in the Beaverdell Mining Claim for $50,000 and recognized a gain on sale of $37,156.
On October 9, 2006, we acquired the Tami Mosi Mining Claims. On May 1, 2009, an Initial Resource Estimate was completed by Norm Tribe & Associates, Ltd. On June 11, 2010, a Phase 1 Process Development Study for Exploitation of the Tami Mosi Mining Claims was completed by Haze Research, Inc. On August 3, 2011, an updated resource estimate was completed by Tetra Tech, Inc. (“Tetra Tech”), on September 15, 2011 a Preliminary Economic Assessment and Technical Report of the Tami-Mosi Magnesium Project was completed by Tetra Tech and amended on July 4, 2014.
On April 4, 2017, we completed construction of a bench scale test furnace that employed our proprietary continuous silicothermic process and in October 2017, we successfully completed furnace preparations - a major milestone in the testing of our bench scale pilot furnace.
In November 2017, we completed “proof of concept” in the production of magnesium metal from our bench scale test furnace. The metal produced was a result from a partial test charge being conducted in order to identify any operational deficiencies in the furnace prior to a full charge test of dolime material.
In January 2018, we received a final assay report assessing the purity of the raw magnesium metal produced from our bench scale pilot furnace test program. In accordance with ASTM International standard ASTM E1479-16, the testing was analyzed via inductively coupled plasma (ICP). This unrefined magnesium metal was found to have a very good metal purity capable of producing ASTM B92 grade metal with minimal treatment. No impurities were found which would impact food grade applications.
In July 2018, we entered into an agreement with Industrial Surplus Ltd. (“ISL”) to build a silicothermic reduction furnace based on our bench scale test furnace.
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In December 2018, our technical team produced a magnesium ingot from dolomite obtained from the Tami Mosi Mining Claims. This accomplishment completed the proof of concept stage allowing us to develop a pilot magnesium furnace based on the bench scale furnace.
Our Business
We have developed proprietary magnesium production technology with the aim of becoming a premier low-cost producer of green primary magnesium metal. We are in the final stages of construction and commencing test production at a research and development pilot plant in Metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We expect to commence test production by the end of 2021. Our proprietary technology utilizes a continuous silicothermic process that is expected to produce high grade magnesium with low labor and energy costs while generating minimal toxic by-products.
Following completion of our magnesium research and development pilot plant, we intend to construct a full-scale magnesium production facility in the United States. Our plans will require a significant amount of additional capital. See Item 2—“Financial Information – Liquidity and Capital Resources.” We have no current plans to extract minerals from any of our mining claims. See Item 3—“Properties.”
Magnesium and Its Production
Magnesium is the lightest of all commonly used structural metal, following steel and aluminum. It is the lightest and strongest of the structural metals, it is one fourth the weight of steel, two fifths the weight of titanium and two thirds the weight of aluminum. Magnesium has multiple industrial and consumer applications. Magnesium ingots are a prime raw material input for the production of titanium and aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys. Magnesium powder and granules are used to remove sulfur in the production of steel. Due to their unique light weight and high strength properties, magnesium alloys are used in a variety of aircraft and automobile parts, as well as in electronic equipment such as computers, cameras and cellular phones.
Most magnesium produced globally comes from natural minerals such as dolomite and magnesite in the form of magnesium carbonate. It can also be found in seawater and in salt lakes brines or underground mineral salt deposits. Magnesium can be produced through several different methods including the electrolytic process or thermal-reduction as practiced in the most commonly used Pidgeon process.
The electrolytic process involves the electrolysis of molten magnesium chloride which produces molten magnesium and chlorine. The metal is cast into ingots for further processing as needed and the chlorine by product may be sold for use in the production of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride pipe (PVC).
In the thermal-reduction method calcined magnesium containing ores (magnesite and dolomite) are broken down into fine powder and mixed with reducing agents and catalyst agent. The mixture is heated in a vacuum chamber producing magnesium vapors which later condense into crystals. The crystals are then melted, refined and poured into ingots for further processing.
The Pidgeon process, using ferrosilicon as s catalyst, is most commonly used for production of magnesium as its operation is relatively easy and has a low capital cost. The traditional process using horizontal retorts is high in energy consumption and has low productivity.
Dependence on Customers, Principal Products or Services
Since we have not commenced production of magnesium and have no revenues, we are currently not dependent on any customers. In addition, we do not anticipate producing any significant quantities of magnesium until we launch a full scale production facility following the launch and testing of our magnesium research and development pilot facility.
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Competitive Conditions and Our Position
Magnesium production is highly competitive and is dominated by several large producers in China, the United States, Israel, Brazil, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Once we commence magnesium, we will compete with existing producers that may have greater resources, access to public equity markets, more experienced management or may be more mature as a business. Production costs associated with the energy needed to fuel the magnesium refinery and raw material costs are a significant challenge facing all producers. We believe that the more energy efficient proprietary silicothermic magnesium production technology we are developing will enable us to be competitive with other magnesium producers who use the less energy efficient electrolytic process or thermal-reduction as practiced in the most commonly used Pidgeon process that consumes significantly greater resources. Further, we believe we face competition from manufacturers of other products, such as aluminum alloys, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, ceramics, and glass, among others. Product quality, price and availability are important differentiating factors. See Item 1A—“Risk Factors.” We expect to face significant competition, which may have an adverse effect on expected revenues.”
Sources and Availability of Materials
As discussed above, we are currently in the final stages of developing a research and development pilot magnesium production facility and consequently have no current need to obtain dolomite and ferrosilicon, the primary raw materials used to produce pure magnesium. The production of magnesium products is dependent, however, on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to production, as well as electricity and other local utilities. Dolomite and ferrosilicon are in abundant supply in Canada where are research and development pilot plant is being constructed and the United States where we intend to construct our full-scale production facility. Once we commence commercial production of magnesium, any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as the raw material cost of dolomite and ferrosilicon, could, however, materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. We intend to purchase dolomite and ferrosilicon on a purchase order basis from local suppliers at market prices based on our production requirements. In addition, we believe there will be adequate availability of electricity needed to power our magnesium furnace and operate our production facility. Consequently, our management believes that we will have access to a sufficient supply of the key inputs for the foreseeable future.
Intellectual Property—Patents, Trademarks
We regularly seek to protect our intellectual property rights in connection with our production process and methods. We rely on non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements and segregate development and engineering duties among certain members of our development team to protect our intellectual property rights. To the extent we describe or disclose our proprietary production techniques, we redact or request redaction of such information prior to public disclosure. Despite these measures, we may be unable to detect the unauthorized use of, or take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights. Effective trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which we offer or intend to produce magnesium or offer our products for sale to the same extent as in the United States. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property could impair our ability to compete effectively. Further, enforcing our intellectual property rights could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources and may not prove successful. Although we intend to protect our rights vigorously, there can be no assurance that these measures will be successful. See Item 1A—“Risk Factors” with respect to intellectual property.
We own the website domain www.westernmagnesium.com and www.westmagcorp.com and social media accounts across certain major platforms.
We do not have any patents or trademarks nor have we filed any patent or trademark applications in the United States or Canada.
Regulation of Magnesium Production and Mining, Environmental Compliance
Our pilot magnesium production facility that we are currently developing in Metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, will require local governmental approval before pilot operations can commence. We have applied for a business license, building permit, and all sub trade permits, which all have been tentatively approved. We expect final approval of the facility in the third calendar quarter of 2021. Once operational, we will be subject to compliance with various types of government laws and regulations which often provide discretion to government authorities and could be interpreted, applied, or modified in ways to make our operations or compliance activities more costly. These laws and regulations include those relating to health and safety (WorkSafe BC, ASME, OSHA) (including those promulgated in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), competition, data privacy and security and environmental compliance. For a discussion of the risks associated with certain applicable laws and regulations, see Part I Item 1A of this Form 10.
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Once we commence pilot magnesium production in Canada and mining in the U.S., we will be subject to extensive provincial environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the release or discharge of materials into the air, water and soil, waste management, pollution prevention measures, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, the exposure of persons to hazardous materials, and greenhouse gas emissions. Since our planned pilot magnesium production facility is not currently operational, we have not incurred any material costs for compliance with environmental laws.
We believe our planned operations in Canada and the holding of mining claims in the U.S. comply with the current environmental protection requirements. We are not subject to any admonition, penalty, investigations or inquiries imposed by the environmental regulators in Canada and the U.S., nor are we subject to any claims or legal proceedings to which we are named as a defendant for violation of any environmental laws and regulations.
Employees
As of July 31, 2021, we had approximately 22 employees. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Available Information
Our website address is www.westernmagnesium.com. Through this website, our filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, will be accessible (free of charge) as soon as reasonably practicable after materials are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this registration statement.
You also may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
The following are certain factors relating to our business. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or currently deemed immaterial by us, may also impair our operations. If any such risks actually occur, our shareholders could lose all or part of their investment and its business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected and its ability to implement its growth plans could be adversely affected. Our shareholders should evaluate carefully the following risk factors associated with the shares of common stock.
Risks Related to our Business and Operations
We incurred net losses in the six months ended April 30, 2021 and fiscal years 2020 and 2019 with net cash used in operating activities and cannot provide assurance as to when or if we will become profitable and generate cash in our operating activities.
We incurred net losses of $4,672,605 and $4,967,886 and net cash used in operating activities of $3,270,534 and $3,191,722 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, we incurred net losses of $2,554,388 and $2,341,068 and net cash used in operating activities of $1,335,724 and $1,947,194 for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2019, respectively. As of April 30, 2021, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of $31,134,397. Such losses have historically required us to seek additional funding through the issuance of debt or equity securities. In addition, we have historically experienced and may prospectively experience fluctuations in our quarterly earnings due to the nature of our business. Our long-term success is dependent upon among other things, completion of an operational magnesium production facility and generating revenue from sales of magnesium to reduce our cash needs, and there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve sales of magnesium.
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We anticipate requiring substantial additional financing to operate our business and we may face difficulties acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.
We will need additional capital to complete the buildout of our planned research and development pilot magnesium production plant and ultimately a full scale production facility as well as sustain our operations and will need to seek further financing. If we fail to raise additional capital, as needed, our ability to implement these plans will be compromised. To date, our operations and production plant development have been funded from the proceeds of debt and equity financings. We expect to require substantial additional capital in the future primarily to fund working capital requirements of our business, including operational expenses, planned capital expenditures for our research and development pilot plant and ultimately a full scale production facility and debt service.
Even if we obtain financing for our near-term operations and capital expenditures, we expect that we will require additional capital thereafter. Our capital needs will depend on numerous factors including: (i) the costs and timing of completion of construction of a full scall magnesium production facility; (ii) achieving magnesium sales; (iii) the level of our investment in research and development; and (iv) the amount of our capital expenditures.
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership held by our existing shareholders will be reduced and our shareholders may experience significant dilution. In addition, new securities may contain rights, preferences, or privileges that are senior to those of existing securities. If we raise additional capital by incurring debt, this will result in increased interest expense. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, market fluctuations in the price of our securities could limit our ability to obtain equity financing.
No assurance can be given that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be materially adversely affected, and we could be forced to reduce or discontinue our operations.
We have significant indebtedness under our debt obligations, which also include significant restrictions on our operations.
The significant level of indebtedness represented by the Convertible Debenture could have important consequences to our shareholders due to the following potential factors: (i) difficulty in satisfying obligations and covenants with respect to indebtedness; (ii) limitations on the ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate requirements and increased cost of any additional borrowing; (iii) a requirement to pay the full principal amount plus accrued interest upon maturity on December 10, 2022, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; and (iv) placing us at a disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors.
Our ability to repay the principal and accrued interest upon maturity, or to refinance, our indebtedness will depend on our stock price and our ability to raise additional equity and/or indebtedness and future cash flow, which is subject to our completion of a full scale magnesium production facility, future sales of magnesium, prevailing economic conditions, prevailing interest rate levels, and financial, competitive, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
The Convertible Debenture contains numerous restrictive covenants that limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters, including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances, to sell additional securities and to merge or consolidate with another entity or to make certain restricted payments, including declaring or paying dividends or other distributions. Our failure to comply with our obligations under the Convertible Debenture could result in a default, which, if not waived, could permit acceleration of the Convertible Debenture. If the Convertible Debenture under the Convertible Debenture were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness.
The Convertible Debenture will need to be repaid, renewed, refinanced or converted no later than December 10, 2022. Although we believe that we can negotiate an extension or renewal of the Convertible Debenture or obtain replacement financing, if necessary, prior to the maturity of the Convertible Debenture, there can be no assurance that the maturity date under the Convertible Debenture will be extended or renewed or that future borrowings will be available to us, or available on acceptable terms, in an amount sufficient to meet our financing requirements at that time. If such an extension or renewal or future borrowings were not available, or not available on acceptable terms, in each case, as necessary at the applicable time, it would have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
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We may be subject to risks associated with increased liabilities and the ability to meet our debt obligations.
We have incurred substantial liabilities, in addition to the Convertible Debenture, to invest in the businesses of our subsidiaries. These liabilities have increased the risk of an investment in our common stock because the liabilities increase our need for capital to pay them. Our ability to pay our accounts payable and other liabilities and comply with the terms and conditions of our Convertible Debenture will depend upon our future performance and will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting our business and operations, including general economic conditions. There are no assurances that we will be able to pay all of our liabilities as they become due. If we fail to implement our development plans, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
A fundamental part of our strategy is to construct and operate a research and development pilot magnesium production facility using a continuous silicothermic reactor system technology we have developed. Although we expect to commence production for the purposes of testing and certification by the end of 2021 and have raised $6,650,207 in fiscal 2021 and through the date of this registration statement, we will need additional financing to implement our development strategy to construct a full scale magnesium production facility. We may not have access to the funding required for this plan on acceptable terms. Our development plans may also suffer significant delays as a result of a variety of factors, such as legal and regulatory requirements, either of which could prevent us from completing our plans as currently expected. In addition, even if we can implement our strategy, development in the magnesium market, increased sales to various industries, including the automobile industry may not materialize to the extent we expect, or at all, resulting in unutilized magnesium production capacity. Any failure to successfully implement our business strategy, including for any of the above reasons, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We may, in addition, decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of our business strategy at any time.
We may not be able to obtain necessary permits and authorizations.
We may not be able to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, or authorizations to operate our planned research and development pilot magnesium production facility in Metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and commence mining activities on our Tami Mosi mining claim, or may only be able to do so at great cost. In addition, we may not be able to comply fully with the wide variety of laws and regulations applicable to magnesium production and mineral mining. Failure to comply with or to obtain the necessary licenses, permits, certificates, or authorizations could result in a delay in our ability to operate our planned research and development pilot magnesium production facility, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to a broad range of health, safety and environmental laws, regulations and other requirements in Canada and the U.S. that may expose us to substantial claims, costs, and liabilities.
Magnesium production and mining is subject to numerous complex and stringent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and other requirements, including those related to health, safety, environmental, and waste management and disposal matters, which may expose us to substantial claims, costs, and liabilities. We may be subject to fines, penalties and other damages, such as natural resource damages and the costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of soil, surface water, groundwater, and other media under laws such as CERCLA (commonly known as Superfund) or similar U.S. and foreign regulations. These laws, regulations, policies, and other requirements could change or be applied or interpreted in ways that could (i) require us to enjoin, curtail, development of our planned research and development pilot magnesium production facility and mining operations in Nevada, including the implementation of corrective measures, the installation of additional equipment, or the undertaking of other remedial actions, or (ii) subject us to enforcement risk or impose on or require us to incur additional capital expenditures, compliance or other costs, fines, or penalties, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock.
Once we commence magnesium production at our planned research and development pilot facility in Canada, the costs of complying with such laws, regulations, policies and other requirements, including participation in assessments, remediation activities, and cleanups of sites, as well as internal voluntary programs, are expected to be significant for the foreseeable future.
In addition, because environmental laws, regulations, policies and other requirements are constantly evolving, we expect to incur costs to maintain compliance and such costs could increase materially and prove to be more limiting and costly than we anticipate. Evolving standards and expectations can result in increased litigation and/or increased costs, all of which can have a material and adverse effect on our business operations, expected revenues and cash flows. Future compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and other regulatory requirements or expectations may prove to be more limiting and costly than we anticipate and may disrupt our plans for development of a magnesium production facility.
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Global climate change is an international concern and could impact our ability to conduct future operations.
Global climate change is an international issue and receives an enormous amount of publicity. We would expect that the imposition of international treaties or federal, state or local laws or regulations pertaining to mandatory reductions in energy consumption or emissions of greenhouse gases could affect the feasibility of our magnesium production and increase our operating costs.
Additionally, legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us and/or our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and/or other costs to comply with such regulations. Any adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such regulations. Given the political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition, operating performance or ability to compete.
We will not have a highly diversified portfolio of assets.
We have invested in and plan to operate solely within the magnesium industry. Thus, an investment in our company will provide limited diversity as to asset type. Additionally, the assets to be held by us will be geographically concentrated as we intend to operate a single magnesium production facility in the United States. This lack of diversification could increase the risk associated with the revenue stream we expect to receive from the production and sale of magnesium and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We face risks related to our information technology systems, and potential cyber-attacks and security and privacy breaches.
Our use of technology is critical in our continued operations. We are susceptible to operational, financial and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. Successful cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions affecting us, or our service providers can result in, among other things, financial losses, the inability to operate our planned magnesium production facility, the unauthorized release of customer information or confidential information and reputational risk. We have not experienced any material losses to date relating to cybersecurity attacks, other information breaches or technological malfunctions. However, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such losses in the future. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, we may be required to use additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate security vulnerabilities.
We may store and collect personal information about future customers and will be responsible for protecting that information from privacy breaches that may occur through procedural or process failure, information technology malfunction or deliberate unauthorized intrusions. Any such theft or privacy breach would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. We are subject to laws, rules and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions relating to the collection, processing, storage, transfer and use of personal data. Our ability to execute transactions and to possess and use personal information and data in conducting our business subjects us to legislative and regulatory burdens that may require us to notify regulators and customers, employees and other individuals of a data security breach. Evolving compliance and operational requirements under the privacy laws, rules and regulations of jurisdictions in which we operate impose significant costs that are likely to increase over time. In addition, non-compliance could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities and/or significant fines, could negatively impact our reputation and may otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
We face risks related to our insurance coverage and uninsurable risks.
Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally, including adverse environmental conditions, accidents, fires, labor disputes and changes in the regulatory environment. Such occurrences could result in damage to assets, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in operations, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
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Although we intend to continue to maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider to be reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards encountered in our operations is not generally available on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which we may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.
We are dependent on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor for the production of magnesium.
The production of magnesium is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to smelting operations, as well as electricity and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs, such as dolomite, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Some of these inputs may only be available from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. If a sole source supplier was to go out of business, we might be unable to find a replacement for such source in a timely manner, or at all. If a sole source supplier were to be acquired by a competitor, that competitor may elect not to sell to us in the future. Any inability to secure required supplies and services, or to do so on appropriate terms, could have a materially adverse impact on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition. We plan to purchase key inputs on a purchase order basis from suppliers at market prices based on its production requirements and anticipated demand. We believe that we will have access to a sufficient supply of the key inputs for the foreseeable future.
Our planned magnesium production operations are expected to consume considerable energy, which makes us vulnerable to rising energy costs. Accordingly, rising or volatile energy costs may adversely affect our business and our ability to operate profitably.
The ability to compete and grow will be dependent on us having access, at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, to skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in maintaining our required supply of skilled labor, equipment, parts and components. This could have a material effect on our financial results.
Our inability to attract and retain key personnel could materially adversely affect our business.
Our success is dependent upon the ability, expertise, judgment, discretion and good faith of our senior management and key personnel. We compete with other companies both within and outside the magnesium industry to recruit and retain competent employees. If we cannot maintain qualified employees to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We may be subject to growth-related risks.
We may be subject to growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls. Our ability to manage growth effectively will require us to implement and improve our operational and financial systems and to expand, train and manage our employee base. Our inability to deal with this growth may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, revenue, results of operation and financial condition.
We are currently involved in litigation, and there may be additional litigation in which we will be involved in the future.
We are currently involved in litigation. An adverse decision in the litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, even if we are successful in the litigation, we will likely incur substantial legal fees in asserting our claims against the respondents and in defending against the counterclaims and, thus, these legal fees could have a material adverse effect on our anticipated business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business which could adversely affect our business. Should any litigation in which we become involved be determined against us such a decision could materially adversely affect our ability to continue operating and the market price for our common stock and could use significant resources.
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Our intellectual property may be difficult to protect.
We rely upon certain proprietary intellectual property, including but not limited to proprietary processes as it relates to magnesium production. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to maintain and enhance protection over our intellectual property, know-how and other proprietary information. We enter into confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with our corporate partners, employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, developers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the receiving party keep confidential and not disclose to third-parties’ confidential information developed by the receiving party or made known to the receiving party by us during the course of the receiving party’s relationship with us. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the receiving party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property, and we enter into assignment agreements to perfect our rights. These confidentiality, inventions, and assignment agreements may be breached and may not effectively assign rights to proprietary information to us. In addition, our proprietary information could be independently discovered by competitors, in which case we may not be able to prevent the use of such proprietary information by our competitors. The enforcement of a claim alleging that a party illegally obtained and was using our proprietary information could be difficult, expensive, and time consuming and the outcome would be unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect such proprietary information. The failure to obtain or maintain meaningful intellectual property protection could adversely affect our ability to compete with other magnesium producers.
Our failure to adequately maintain and enhance protection over our proprietary information could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined adversely to us, could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.
Our success depends on our ability to use and develop new production technologies without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. We cannot assure that third parties will not assert intellectual property claims against us. If third parties assert copyright or patent infringement or violation of other intellectual property rights against us, we will be required to defend our self in litigation or administrative proceedings, which can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of management personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liability to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay ongoing royalties or subject us to injunctions that may prohibit the development and operation of our planned magnesium production facility.
We expect to face significant competition, which may have an adverse effect on expected revenues.
We expect to compete with a variety of both U.S. and non-U.S. magnesium producers as well as with producers of other materials, such as aluminum alloy, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, ceramics, and glass, among others. Use of such materials could reduce the demand for magnesium products, which may reduce our expected revenues once we complete construction of our planned full scale magnesium production facility. Factors affecting our ability to compete include increased competition from overseas producers, our competitors’ pricing strategies, the introduction or advancement of new technologies and equipment by our competitors or our customers, changes in our customers’ strategy or material requirements, and our ability to achieve cost-efficiency of our planned facility. See Business—Competition.
We are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States.
We are treated as a Canadian resident company (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”)) subject to Canadian income taxes. We are also treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax pursuant to Section 7874 of the Code and are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our worldwide income. As a result, we are subject to taxation both in Canada and the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
It is unlikely that we will pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, dividends received by shareholders who are residents of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act will be subject to U.S. withholding tax. Any such dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of withholding tax under the Canada-United States tax treaty. In addition, a foreign tax credit or a deduction in respect of foreign taxes may not be available.
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Dividends received by U.S. shareholders will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax but will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Dividends paid by us will be characterized as U.S. source income for purposes of the foreign tax credit rules under the Code. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders generally will not be able to claim a credit for any Canadian tax withheld unless, depending on the circumstances, they have an excess foreign tax credit limitation due to other foreign source income that is subject to a low or zero rate of foreign tax.
Dividends received by shareholders that are neither Canadian nor U.S. shareholders will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and will also be subject to Canadian withholding tax. These dividends may not qualify for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under any income tax treaty otherwise applicable to our shareholders, subject to examination of the relevant treaty.
Because our common stock is treated as shares of a U.S. domestic corporation, the U.S. gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax rules generally apply to a non-U.S. shareholder of our common stock.
Each shareholder should seek tax advice, based on such shareholder’s particular circumstances, from an independent tax advisor.
Our internal controls over financial reporting may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various Canadian and U.S. reporting and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of our management’s time in our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applicable Canadian securities laws regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applicable Canadian securities laws, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retrospective changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers, and employees under Delaware law and the existence of indemnification rights for our obligations to our directors, officers, and employees may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers, and employees.
Our bylaws, as amended, contain a provision permitting us to eliminate the personal liability of our directors to us and our shareholders for damages incurred as a director or officer to the extent provided by Delaware law. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under any future employment agreements with our officers or agreements entered into with our directors. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in us incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors and officers, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and the resulting costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors and officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our shareholders against our directors and officers even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders.
There may be difficulty in enforcing judgments and effecting service of process on directors and officers that are not citizens of the United States.
Certain of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States and some or all of the assets of such persons are located outside of the United States. Therefore, it may not be possible for shareholders to collect or to enforce judgments or liabilities against them under U.S. securities laws. Moreover, it may not be possible for shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons.
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Generally, original actions to enforce liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws may not be brought in a Canadian court. Such actions must be brought in a court in the United States with applicable jurisdiction. Persons obtaining judgments against us in United States courts, including judgments obtained under U.S. federal securities laws, will then be required to bring an application in a Canadian court to enforce such judgments in Canada.
Risks Related to our Securities
A return on our common stock is not guaranteed.
There is no guarantee that our common stock will earn any positive return in the short term or long term. A holding of our common stock is speculative and involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by holders whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. A holding of our common stock is appropriate only for holders who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their holdings.
Additional issuances of our common stock, or securities convertible into our common stock, may result in dilution.
We may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may dilute our existing shareholder’s holdings. Our certificate of incorporation permits the issuance of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock and our proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation permits the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, and existing shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights in connection with such further issuances. Our board of directors has discretion to determine the price and the terms of further issuances, and such terms could include rights, preferences and privileges superior to those existing holders of our common stock. Moreover, additional shares of our common stock will be issued by us on the conversion of the Convertible Debenture in accordance with its terms. To the extent holders of our options or other convertible securities convert or exercise their securities and sell our common stock they receive, the trading price of our common stock may decrease due to the additional amount of common stock available in the market. Further, we may issue additional shares of our common stock in connection with strategic acquisitions. We cannot predict the size or nature of future issuances or the effect that future issuances and sales of our common stock (or securities convertible into our common stock) will have on the market price of our common stock. Issuances of a substantial number of additional shares of our common stock, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. With any additional issuance of our common stock or preferred stock, investors will suffer dilution to their voting power and economic interest in our company.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock may have an adverse effect on their market price.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time either by existing holders of our common stock, by the holder of the Convertible Debenture that is convertible into our common stock and the holders of warrants that may be exercised to acquire our common stock. These sales, or the market perception that the holders of a large number of shares of our common stock, Convertible Debenture or warrants intend to sell shares of our common stock, could reduce the market price of our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our securities.
The market price for our common stock may be volatile.
The market price for securities of early stage magnesium companies generally are likely to be volatile. In addition, the market price for our common stock has been and may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations; | |
| ● | recommendations by securities research analysts; | |
| ● | changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies in the industry in which we operate; | |
| ● | addition or departure of our executive officers and other key personnel; |
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| ● | registration of shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debenture or exercise of the Warrants; | |
| ● | sales or perceived sales of additional shares of our common stock; | |
| ● | operating and financial performance that varies from the expectations of management, securities analysts and investors; | |
| ● | regulatory changes affecting our industry generally and our business and operations both domestically and abroad; | |
| ● | announcements of developments and other material events by us or our competitors; | |
| ● | fluctuations in the costs of vital production materials and energy; | |
| ● | changes in global financial markets, global economies and general market conditions, such as interest rates and price volatility of competitive products; | |
| ● | significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors; | |
| ● | operating and share price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us or from a lack of market comparable companies; and | |
| ● | news reports relating to trends, concerns, technological or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in our industry or target markets. |
Financial markets have at times historically experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that: (i) have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of companies and (ii) have often been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of our common stock from time to time may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that may result in impairment losses to us. There can be no assurance that further fluctuations in price and volume of equity securities will not occur. If increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of our common stock may be materially adversely affected.
A decline in the price of our common stock could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.
A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because all of our operations have been and will be financed through the sale of convertible debt and equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a material adverse effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to commence production of magnesium at our research and development pilot plant and ultimately at a full scale production plant. If the price of our common stock declines, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our plans to develop a full scale magnesium production plant.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports or publish misleading, inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If no or few securities or industry analysts cover us, the trading price and volume of our common stock would likely be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, or provides more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
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An investor may face liquidity risks with an investment in our common stock.
Our common stock currently trades on the TSXV in Canada and is quoted on the OTCQB in the United States. We cannot predict at what prices our common stock will continue to trade, and there is no assurance that an active trading market will be sustained. Our common stock does not currently trade on any U.S. national securities exchange. In the event our common stock begins trading on any U.S. national securities exchange, we cannot predict at what prices it will trade and there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained. There is a material liquidity risk associated with an investment in our common stock.
Trading in securities quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors, some of which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Markets is not a U.S. national securities exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Markets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a U.S. national securities exchange like the Nasdaq or the NYSE. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling our common stock on the OTC Markets.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividend on our common stock and do not currently intend to do so in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings, if materialized, for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which it was purchased.
General Risks
We may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow may be negatively impacted by challenging global economic conditions.
A global economic slowdown would cause disruptions and extreme volatility in global financial markets, increased rates of default and bankruptcy and declining consumer and business confidence, including as a result of COVID-19, which can lead to decreased levels of consumer spending. These macroeconomic developments could negatively impact our business, which depends on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending. As a result, we may not be able to attract customers once we begin magnesium production, or we may be forced to reduce the price of our products. We are unable to predict the likelihood of the occurrence, duration or severity of such disruptions in the credit and financial markets or adverse global economic conditions. Any general or market-specific economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
We are subject to increased costs as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States.
As a public company in Canada and the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements, rules and regulations under the applicable Canadian and American securities laws and rules of stock exchanges on which our securities may be listed. There are increased costs associated with legal, accounting and other expenses related to such regulatory compliance. Securities legislation and the rules and policies of the TSXV require listed companies to, among other things, adopt corporate governance and related practices, and to continuously prepare and disclose material information, all of which add to a company’s legal and financial compliance costs. We may also elect to devote greater resources than we otherwise would have on communication and other activities typically considered important by publicly traded companies.
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We are eligible to be treated as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company.” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this registration statement and periodic reports and proxy statements, and (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of April 30, 2022, or if we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following October 31. Additionally, if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before April 30, 2022, we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and the stock price may be more volatile.
Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected take advantage of the extended transition period allowed for emerging growth companies for complying with new or revised accounting guidance as allowed by Section 107 of the JOBS Act and Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated and combined financial data for the periods, and as of the dates, indicated. The (i) consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 and (ii) consolidated balance sheet data as of October 31, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Western Magnesium and our subsidiaries, which are included elsewhere in this registration statement. The selected consolidated financial data for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 has been derived from the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Western Magnesium and our subsidiaries, which are included elsewhere in this registration statement.
The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented in Item 13 of this registration statement, and is presented as of April 30, 2021, unless otherwise indicated. Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and on a going-concern basis that contemplates continuity of operations and realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
| Six Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Total Expenses | (2,571,044 | ) | (2,378,176 | ) | (4,714,740 | ) | (4,964,297 | ) | ||||||||
| Other Income (Expense) | 16,656 | 37,108 | 42,138 | (3,589 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Income Loss | (2,554,388 | ) | (2,341,068 | ) | (4,672,605 | ) | (4,967,886 | ) | ||||||||
| Loss Per Share | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
| Total Assets | 1,425,287 | 1,040,789 | 708,763 | 312,784 | ||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | 4,155,949 | 1,370,686 | 2,551,447 | 1,581,814 | ||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities | 192,896 | 1,293 | 237,218 | – | ||||||||||||
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented in Item 13 of this registration statement. Except for historical information, the discussion in this section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those discussed below for many reasons, including the risks described in “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Item 1A—“Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this registration statement.
MD&A of Western Magnesium Corporation
This management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations of Western Magnesium Corporation (the “Company,” “Western Magnesium,” “our” or “we”) is for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019. It is supplemental to, and should be read in conjunction with, our interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 and our consolidated financial statements for years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 and the accompanying notes for each respective period. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Financial information presented in this MD&A is presented in United States dollars (“$” or “US$”), unless otherwise indicated.
The information about us provided in this MD&A, including information incorporated by reference, may contain “forward-looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable United States securities laws and Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, made by us that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “believes”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targeted”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “designed”, “goal”, or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words and includes, among others, information regarding: our ability to become profitable and generate cash in our operating activities; our need for substantial additional financing to operate our business and difficulties we may face acquiring additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all; our significant indebtedness and significant restrictions on our operations; our ability to construct and operate our planned a magnesium research and development pilot plant and obtain necessary permits and authorizations to construct and operate the facility; the impact of global climate change on our ability to conduct future operations.; our lack of a diversified portfolio of assets; our dependence on key inputs, suppliers and skilled labor for the production of magnesium.; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; growth-related risks, including capacity constraints and pressure on our internal systems and controls; the adverse consequences of litigation we are currently involved in and litigation we may face from time to time; risk related to the protection of our intellectual and our exposure to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties; risks related to competition; risks related to our lack of internal controls over financial reporting and their effectiveness; increased costs we are subject to as a result of being a public company in Canada and the United States; and other events or conditions that may occur in the future.
Forward-looking statements may relate to future financial conditions, results of operations, plans, objectives, performance or business developments. These statements speak only as at the date they are made and are based on information currently available and on the then current expectations of the party making the statement and assumptions concerning future events, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from that which was expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A—“Risk Factors.”
Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, because no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to the risks described in Item 1A—“Risk Factors.”
Consequently, all forward-looking statements made in this MD&A and other documents, as applicable, are qualified by such cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the anticipated results or developments will actually be realized or, even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on us. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we and/or persons acting on its behalf may issue. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required under securities legislation.
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Overview of the Business
We have developed proprietary magnesium production technology with the aim of becoming a premier low-cost producer of green primary magnesium metal. We are in the final stages of construction and commencing test production of magnesium at a research and development pilot plant in metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We expect to commence test production at this facility by the end of 2021. Our proprietary technology utilizes a continuous silicothermic process that is expected to produce high grade magnesium with low labor and energy costs while generating minimal waste and toxic by-products.
In addition, we own a 100% interest in 81 unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 1,673 acres (the “Tami Mosi Mining Claim”), four unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 10 acres located in the Moor Mining District in Elco County, Nevada and a 100% interest in three patented mining claims located in the Pinto mining district of Nevada totaling approximately 296 acres (the “Silverado Mining Claim”). We do not plan on commencing extraction of minerals at this time from any mining claims we hold. In addition, we do not consider our mining claims to be material to our business or financial condition. See Item 3—“Properties.”
Selected Financial Information
The following is selected financial data derived from our consolidated financial statements for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019.
The selected consolidated financial information set out below may not be indicative of our future performance:
| Six Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Total Expenses | (2,571,044 | ) | (2,378,176 | ) | (4,714,740 | ) | (4,964,297 | ) | ||||||||
| Other Income (Expense) | 16,656 | 37,108 | 42,135 | (3,589 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net Income Loss | (2,554,388 | ) | (2,341,068 | ) | (4,672,605 | ) | (4,967,886 | ) | ||||||||
| Loss Per Share | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
| Total Assets | 1,425,287 | 1,040,789 | 708,763 | 312,784 | ||||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | 4,155,949 | 1,370,686 | 2,551,447 | 1,581,814 | ||||||||||||
| Long-Term Liabilities | 192,896 | 1,293 | 237,218 | – | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended April 30, 2021 Compared to Six Months Ended April 30, 2020
Total Expenses
Total expenses were $2,571,044 for the six months ended April 30, 2021 (“YTD 2021”), as compared to $2,378,176 for the same period in the preceding year (“YTD 2020”). The increase of $192,868 in operating expenditures was due primarily to increased salaries and benefits and legal and professional expenses, partly offset by decreased stock-based compensation. The variance was primarily comprised of:
Salaries and benefits (2021 – $1,366,932; 2020 – $879,360; Variance – $487,572)
The Company incurred salaries and benefits of $1,366,932 in YTD 2021, as compared to $879,360 in YTD 2020, representing an increase of $487,572 in expenses. This was due mainly to increased personnel headcount including senior management members and engineers as the Company continued to ramp up its operations as it moves towards the buildout of its magnesium pilot plant facility. As at April 30, 2021, the Company had 22 full-time employees including nine executives. While as at April 30, 2020, the Company had 10 full-time employees including seven executives. Certain senior management members’ salaries were also adjusted during YTD 2021 to be in line with industry standards.
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Legal and professional (2021 – $287,586; 2020 – $80,407; Variance – $207,179)
The Company recorded legal and professional fees of $287,586 in YTD 2021, as compared to $80,407 in YTD 2020. The increase of $207,179 in legal and professional fees was due primarily to litigation and disputes the Company entered into with Mr. James Sever, GEM Global Yield LLC SC and Mr. Frank Halliday, respectively. During YTD 2021, the Company also incurred legal and professional fees as it prepared for its registration with the SEC, as well as on other general and corporate objectives.
Facilities and rent (2021 – $85,275; 2020 – $26,490; Variance – $58,785)
The Company recorded facilities and rent of $85,275 in YTD 2021, as compared to $26,490 in YTD 2020, representing an increase of $58,785 in expenses. The Company entered into a new operating lease in October 2020 with respect to its planned pilot plant to be located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and has started to incur facilities related expenses and operating costs since then, and hence, the higher rent compared to that in YTD 2020.
Depreciation (2021 – $96,993; 2020 – $38,509; Variance – $58,484)
In YTD 2021, the Company recorded $96,993 in depreciation expenses, of which $88,348 were in relation to its right-of-use assets and $8,645 were in relation to property, plant and equipment purchased. While in YTD 2020, the Company recorded $38,509 in depreciation expenses, of which $27,961 were right-of-use assets related and $10,548 were property, plant and equipment related. The increase of $58,484 in depreciation expenses was due primarily to the new right-of-use assets recognized in association with its October 2020 lease for its planned pilot plant.
Stock-based compensation (2021 – $nil; 2020 – $591,492; Variance – ($591,492))
Stock-based compensation fluctuated depending on timing of option grant. On December 30, 2020, the Company granted an aggregate 15,650,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants at a price of $0.13 per share, of which 9,500,000 were exercisable for a period of five years and 6,150,000 were exercisable for a period of two years. These options were subsequently nullified as they exceeded the maximum allowed under the Company’s stock option plan. The Company recognized and reversed the same stock-based compensation totaling $1,060,085, resulting in $nil expenses for YTD 2021. While in YTD 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $591,482 for the 4,500,000 stock options granted. This resulted in a negative variance of $591,492 between the two reporting periods.
Foreign exchange loss (gain) (2021 – ($86,227); 2020 – ($25,901); Variance – ($60,326))
Foreign exchange gain was $86,227 in YTD 2021, compared $25,901 in YTD 2020. The variance of $60,326 from foreign exchange transactions requiring US dollar settlement and translation of US dollar denominated accounts contributed to the decrease of total expenses compared to the preceding period.
Subsidies and recoveries (2021 – ($41,427); 2020 – $nil; Variance – ($41,427))
The company received subsides of $41,427 in YTD 2021 as it entered into wage subsidy agreements with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (“MiHR”) whereby MiHR would reimburse the Company a maximum amount of CAD$7,500 per participant, representing 75% of a participant’s compensation, in support for employment opportunities through paid work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students to gain work experiences in the mining sector. The Company signed up for seven participants in this program.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other items for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 were $16,656 and $37,108, respectively. In YTD 2021, the Company recognized a gain on the change in fair value of its derivative liability of $16,656. In YTD 2020, the Company recognized a gain on the sale of its exploration and evaluation assets previously written off of $37,108. These resulted in a variance of $20,452 between the two reporting periods.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 was $2,554,388 and $2,341,068, respectively.
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Year Ended October 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended October 31, 2019
Total Expenses
Total expenses were $4,714,740 for the twelve months ended October 31, 2020 (“Fiscal 2020”), as compared to $4,964,297 for the preceding year ended October 31, 2019 (“Fiscal 2019”). The decrease of $249,557 in operating expenditures was due primarily to decreased stock-based compensation, legal and professional fees, and shareholder communications expenses. These were partly offset by increased expenses in salaries and benefits, due diligence, and investor relations. The variance was primarily comprised of:
Stock-based compensation (2020 – $666,259; 2019 – $1,155,454; Variance – ($489,195))
During Fiscal 2020, the Company recorded stock-based compensation of $666,259 upon the grant of 6,700,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants. During Fiscal 2019, the Company recorded higher share-based compensation as it granted 19,650,000 stock options to its directors, officers, employees and consultants. The resulting variance was $489,195.
Legal and professional (2020 – $138,916; 2019 – $544,605; Variance – ($405,689))
The Company incurred legal and professional fees of $138,916 in Fiscal 2020, as compared to $544,605 in Fiscal 2019, resulting in savings of $405,689. The higher expenses in Fiscal 2019 was a result of the re-domestication of the parent company in Delaware, United States.
Shareholder communications (2020 – $54,554; 2019 – $390,198; Variance – ($335,644))
The Company incurred shareholder communications expenses of $54,554 in Fiscal 2020, as compared to $390,198 in Fiscal 2019, with savings of $335,644. The higher expenses in Fiscal 2019 was due primarily to the implementation of a shareholder outreach program preceded the re-domestication of the parent company in Delaware, United States.
Salaries and benefits (2020 – $1,797,783; 2019 – $1,348,937; Variance – $448,846)
The Company incurred salaries and benefits of $1,797,78 in Fiscal 2020, as compared to $1,348,937 in Fiscal 2019, with an increase of $448,846 in expenses. During Fiscal 2020, the Company had seven executives under five-year contracts, of which 2 contracts were terminated during the year, and seven employees. Notably, the Company added a Vice President of Operations, who has a depth of knowledge and expertise beneficial to the Company as it moved forward to the next phase of the pilot plant buildout. The Company also added two metallurgical specialists and a corporate secretary positions during the period.
Due diligence expenses (2020 – $594,921; 2019 – $388,065; Variance – $206,316)
Since Fiscal 2019, the Company had been exploring the opportunity of acquiring a potential smelter site to become a center for magnesium metal production. In Fiscal 2020, the Company continued its due diligence activities in furtherance of a possible acquisition. Other due diligence costs pertained to the Company’s planned pilot plant and planned testing for commercialization of its technology.
Investor relations (2020 – $237,874; 2019 – $130,290; Variance – $107,584)
In Fiscal 2020, the Company implemented a shareholders’ awareness program and hired an investor relations team to increase the Company’s name recognition and to grow shareholders’ value. During Fiscal 2020, the investor relations team spent considerable time with existing investors to facilitate the exercise of 40,336,661 common share purchase warrants for gross proceeds of $2,313,284. In addition, the team worked with existing and new shareholders in the completion of a non-brokered private placement of 3,643,791 units that raised gross proceeds of $416,719.
Consultant and management (2020 – $598,574; 2019 – $509,461; Variance – $89,113)
Consulting and management fees were $598,574 in Fiscal 2020, as compared to $509,461 in Fiscal 2019. The increase of $89,113 was a result of the Company ramping up its operations, including the lead up to the buildout of its magnesium pilot plant. During Fiscal 2020, the Company announced that it had contracted an international engineering firm to assist in the design and procurement of the magnesium pilot plant. Key activities, such as process design, flowsheet development, process modeling, and mechanical design were well under way with the goal of producing magnesium metal as soon as practicable.
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Depreciation (2020 – $86,706; 2019 – $7,727; Variance – $78,979)
In Fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $86,706 in depreciation expenses, of which $65,835 were in relation to its right-of-use assets and $20,871 were in relation to property, plant and equipment purchased. While in Fiscal 2019, the Company recorded $7,727 in depreciation expenses in relation to its property, plant and equipment. The increase of $78,979 in depreciation expenses was due primarily to the new right-of-use assets recognized in association with its leased office spaces as well as increased capital expenditures as the Company ramped up its operations in Fiscal 2020.
Total Other Income (Expense)
Total other gain was $42,135 for the twelve months ended October 31, 2020, and total other loss was $3,589 for the twelve months ended October 31, 2019. In Fiscal 2020, the Company recognized a gain on the change in fair value of its derivative liability of $4,979 and a gain on the sale of its exploration and evaluation assets previously written off of $37,156. In Fiscal 2019, the Company wrote off equipment of $3,589. These resulted in a variance of $45,724 between the two fiscal periods.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, net loss for the twelve months ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 was $4,672,605 and $4,967,886, respectively.
Drivers of Results of Operations
Total Expenses
Total expenses consist of general and administrative, engineering expenses, due diligence expenses, stock-based compensation and depreciation.
General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits, consulting, management, legal and professional fees, investor relations, shareholder communications, travel, facilities and rent, computer system and software, and office and other general and administrative expenses. Engineering expenses are in relation to the design and procurement of the magnesium pilot plant facility and the magnesium furnace reactor, as well as the commercialization of the our technology. Due diligence expenses pertain to those incurred in the potential acquisition of a smelter site for magnesium metal production.
Stock-based compensation on stock options issued to directors, officers and employees is measured at the fair value on the date of grant and expensed over the vesting period. For stock options issued to consultants, the fair value is periodically re-measured until the counterparty performance is complete.
Depreciation includes recognition of depreciation of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets over their depreciable lives.
Working Capital
The calculation of Working Capital provides additional information and is not defined under GAAP. We define Working Capital as current assets less current liabilities. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any standardized measure under GAAP. This information is intended to provide investors with information about our liquidity.
Other companies in our industry may calculate this measure differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of April 30, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, we had total current liabilities of $4,155,949, $2,551,448 and $1,581,814, respectively, and cash and cash equivalents of $70,365, $39,571 and $33,649, respectively, to meet our current obligations. As of April 30, 2021, we had working capital deficiency of $3,656,329, a decrease of working capital of $1,264,140 as compared to October 31, 2020, driven primarily by a significant increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and due to related parties amounts. As of October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, we had working capital deficiency of $2,392,189 and $1,448,294, respectively, a decrease of working capital of $943,895 also driven mainly by a significant increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and due to related parties amounts
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We have a history of operating losses. We have not yet achieved profitable operations and expect to incur further losses. We have funded our operations primarily from equity and debt financing. As of April 30, 2021, cash generated from financing activities was not sufficient to fund operations and, in particular, to fund our growth strategy in the short-term or long-term. As a result, we raised additional funds from equity and debt financing transactions in 2020 and 2021 as discussed below under “Recent Financing Transactions.” The primary need for liquidity is to fund working capital requirements of the business, including operational expenses, develop and construct our planned research and development pilot magnesium production facility and the capital expenditures associated with that project. The primary source of liquidity has primarily been private financing transactions. The ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to execute on the development and operation of our planned research and development pilot facility, to develop a full-scale commercial magnesium production facility and to make scheduled debt and rent payments and to repay or refinance indebtedness depends on our ability to raise funds from debt and/or equity financing which is subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms.
As of April 30, 2021, there have not had any meaningful impact or disruptions to our operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on an ongoing basis.
Recent Financing Transactions
During the year ended October 31, 2019, we received an unsecured loan of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,898) from a director and officer. The loan bears interest at 18% and is due on demand. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the loan was increased by an additional CAD$60,000 (USD equivalent $44,588) to CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent $157,483) and is due on September 24, 2021. As of April 30, 2021, we repaid the entire balance including interest accrued in the amount of CAD$26,724 (USD equivalent of $19,944).
On December 20, 2019, we exercised our right and called all outstanding common share purchase warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021 to expiry on January 19, 2020, and then extended the expiration date to February 19, 2020. Any unexercised warrants were voided and of no value after February 19, 2020. In all, a total of 40,336,661 warrants were exercised for gross proceeds of CAD$3,050,668 (USD equivalent of $2,313,284).
On January 17, 2020, we completed a non-brokered private placement consisting of 3,643,791 units at a price of CAD$0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$546,569 (USD equivalent of $416,719). Each unit consists of one share of our common stock and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of CAD$0.21 per share for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Subsequent to October 31, 2020, we extended the expiration date of the warrants to August 31, 2021. The common share purchase warrants were subject to an expiry acceleration provision, upon thirty days’ written notice, should the price of our common stock exceed CAD$0.30 for at least ten consecutive trading days. Finder’s fees of $41,275 were paid in connection with this offering.
On July 27, 2020, we closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent of $112,124, the “July 2020 Convertible Note”). The note bears interest at 12% per annum, and any accrued but unpaid interest, matures on the date that is one year following the closing date. Each July 2020 Convertible Note may be convertible into our common stock at the prevailing market price and any accrued but unpaid interest thereon will be convertible into our common stock at a price which is the greater of (i) CAD$0.15 or (ii) the Market Price (as defined in the policies of the TSX-V) on the date of a conversion notice. No finder’s fees were paid in connection with this offering.
On September 10, 2020, we announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 53,846,154 units priced at CAD$0.13 (USD$ 0.0988) per unit (the “Unit”) for an aggregate offering of up to CAD$7,000,000 (USD$ 5,318,600) (the “September 2020 Private Placement”). Each Unit is comprised of one share of our common stock and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at CAD$0.19 (USD$0.144) per share for a period of one year from the date of issuance. On November 20, 2020, we closed the first tranche of the September 2020 Private Placement of 5,599,171 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$727,892 (USD equivalent of $556,876). On January 15, 2021, we closed the second tranche of the September 2020 Private Placement consisting of 7,400,214 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$962,029 (USD equivalent of $755,798). On January 29, 2021, we closed the third tranche of the September 2020 Private Placement consisting of 5,382,303 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$699,699 (USD equivalent of $547,496). On March 24, 2021, we closed the fourth tranche of this offering and issued 6,554,172 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$852,042 (USD equivalent of $678,270). On April 27, 2021, we closed the fifth and final tranche of this offering and issued 851,395 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$110,681 (USD equivalent $89,237). We closed an aggregate 25,787,255 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$3,352,343 (USD equivalent of $2,627,677) and incurred aggregate share issue costs of $194,584 in connection to this offering.
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On March 12, 2021, we issued a total of 100,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5,000 (USD equivalent $4,002).
On April 22, 2021, we received advance subscription on a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$100,000 (USD equivalent of $80,000, the “April 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The note bears interest at 12% per annum and is due on the date that is one year following the closing date. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at the price of CAD$0.12 per share and will have warrants exercisable for a price of CAD$0.20 for a period of two years. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. No finder’s fees were paid in connection with this offering. The Company received final approval of the TSX-V on July 15, 2021.
On April 26, 2021, we issued a total of 400,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$20,000 (USD equivalent $16,113).
On May 5, 2021, we announced a non-brokered private placement priced at CAD$0.13 per unit (the “Unit”) to raise gross proceeds of up to CAD$3,000,000 (the “May 2021 Private Placement”). Each Unit in this offering consists of one share of our common stock and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year from the date of issuance. On May 28, 2021, we closed the first tranche of the May 2021 Private Placement issuing 5,223,420 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$679,044 (USD equivalent of $561,843). On June 17, 2021, we closed the second and final tranche of this offering consisting of 17,853,506 Units for gross proceeds of CAD$2,320,956 (USD equivalent of $1,880,687). We closed at the maximum offering and issued an aggregate 23,076,926 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$3,000,000 (USD equivalent of $2,442,530). No finder’s fees were paid in connection with this offering. Proceeds from this offering are for general working capital use and for completion of our planned research and development pilot plant.
On June 7, 2021, we received final approval from the TSX-V for an agreement with Industrial Surplus Supplies Ltd. (“ISL”), pursuant to which ISL will build a prototype internally heated testing lab furnace for the testing of a magnesium production process. In consideration of the services provided, we issued 1,538,461 common shares at a price of CAD$0.13 per share with a total fair value of CAD$200,000 (USD equivalent $162,800).
On June 10, 2021, we issued a total of 200,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$10,000 (USD equivalent $8,269).
On June 15, 2021, we closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of $1,500,000 (the “June 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The June 2021 Convertible Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum and matures on December 10, 2022. The June 2021 Convertible Debenture is convertible into 15,000,000 units, where each unit consists of (i) one share of our common stock, (ii) one-half of one Class A common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.13 until June 10, 2026, and (iii) one-half of one Class B common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.19 until June 10, 2026 (collectively, the “Class A and B Warrants”). In addition, the conversion price for accrued interest is the greater of (i) $0.10 and (ii) the minimum conversion price permitted by the TSX Venture Exchange at the time of conversion (should our common stock then be listed on such exchange).
Under the terms of the June 10, 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement we entered into as part of the offering of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 14, 2021, covering the public resale of the shares of common stock underlying such debenture and, upon its conversion, the Class A and Class B Warrants issuable upon such conversion (the “Underlying Shares”), and to use our best efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective on October 13, 2021. In addition, we agreed to provide the holder to the June 2021 Convertible Debenture certain piggy-back registration rights if we do not have an effective registration statement covering the Underlying Shares and we propose to file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to our common stock. We will pay all costs associated with the registration statements, other than underwriting commissions and discounts.
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In addition to certain covenants contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Convertible Debenture contain certain negative covenants by us, including:
| ● | other than certain permitted indebtedness, enter into, create, incur, assume, guarantee or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money of any kind, including, but not limited to, a guarantee, on or with respect to any of our property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom; | |
| ● | other than certain permitted liens, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any liens of any kind, on or with respect to any of our property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom; | |
| ● | amend our charter documents, including, without limitation, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, in any manner that materially adversely affects any rights of the Convertible Debenture Holder (notwithstanding the foregoing, we are entitled to proceed with the amendments to the charter documents as set out in our proxy materials for our shareholder meeting to be held in 2021); | |
| ● | repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire more than a de minimis number of shares of our common stock or common stock equivalents other than as to the Underlying Shares; | |
| ● | redeem, defease, repurchase, repay or make any payments in respect of, by the payment of cash or cash equivalents (in whole or in part, whether by way of open market purchases, tender offers, private transactions or otherwise), all or any portion of any of our indebtedness (other than the Convertible Debentures if on a pro-rata basis), whether by way of payment in respect of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, such indebtedness, in any case unless such indebtedness or interest is due and payable in accordance with the initial terms of such debt prior to any default thereunder; | |
| ● | declare or make any dividend or other distribution of our assets or rights to acquire our assets to holders of shares of our common stock, preferred stock, or any other equity security by way of return of capital or otherwise including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction; | |
| ● | sell or offer to sell any securities with non-fixed or floating price features, issue any common stock or common stock equivalents at a price lower than the conversion price herein then in effect, or issue any equity or debt instruments with anti-dilution provisions; or | |
| ● | enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing. |
In the event we issue or sell any common stock or common stock equivalents with terms that the purchaser then holding outstanding June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Convertible Debenture Holder”) or the Class A and B Warrants reasonably believes are more favorable to such holder than are the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants (the “MFN Securities”), then upon notice to us by such holder within five trading days after notice to such holder by us, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and any additional required regulatory approval to amend the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants as required, as the case may be, so as to give such holder the benefit of such more favorable terms or conditions. If we fail to obtain such regulatory approvals and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, then absent such approval we are forbidden to issue the MFN Securities.
The conversion price of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture is subject to proportional adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends and similar corporate events.
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In addition, if, at any time while the June 2021 Convertible Debenture is outstanding, we, directly or indirectly, effect any merger or consolidation of our company with or into another person or engage in a “Fundamental Transaction” as defined in the June 2021 Convertible Debenture, the Convertible Debenture Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Conversion Share that would have been issuable upon such conversion immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, the number of shares of our Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or us, if we are the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of our Common Stock for which the June 2021 Convertible Debenture is convertible immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction. In addition, the Conversion Price will be subject to certain adjustments so that the economic value of such shares and such conversion price are protected and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Convertible Debenture Holder. Alternatively, the Convertible Debenture Holder may demand that we redeem the June 2021 Convertible Debenture at a rate equal to 125% of the principal and interest due thereon, to be paid in full contemporaneously with consummation of the Fundamental Transaction.
We granted the investors certain rights of first refusal on our future offerings for so long as the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants are outstanding.
We may prepay and satisfy the June 2021 Convertible Debenture so long as an event of default has not occurred, upon 20 days’ prior written notice received by us to the holder, by paying 125% of the amounts owed on the June 2021 Convertible Debenture, including all principal, interest and other fees. The holder of this debenture may, however, convert all or a portion of the debenture during the 20 day notice period.
The June 2021 Convertible Debenture is not exercisable if the number of shares to be issued to the holder upon such exercise, together with all other shares then owned by the holder and our affiliates, would result in the holder beneficially owning more than 9.99% of our outstanding common stock. The holder may increase or decrease this ownership limitation to any percentage not exceeding 9.99% upon 61 days prior written notice to us.
Class A and Class B Warrants
Upon conversion of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture, we will issue the Class A and B Warrants. The holders may exercise the Class A and B Warrants on a cashless basis at any time that there is not an effective registration statement covering the underlying shares of common stock and the volume weighted average price of our common stock is greater than the exercise price at the time of exercise. The Class A and Class B Warrants are not exercisable, however, if the number of shares to be issued to the holder upon such exercise, together with all other shares then owned by the holder and our affiliates, would result in the holder beneficially owning more than 9.99% of our outstanding common stock. The holder may increase or decrease this ownership limitation to any percentage not exceeding 9.99% upon 61 days prior written notice to us.
The exercise price of the Class A and Class B Warrants is subject to proportional adjustment in the event of stock splits, recapitalizations and similar corporate events. In addition, the exercise price are each subject to adjustment if we issue or sell shares of our common stock for a consideration per share less than the exercise price then in effect, or issue options, warrants or other securities convertible or exchange for shares of our common stock at an exercise price less than the exercise price then in effect. If any of these events should occur, the exercise price each will be reduced to the lowest price at which these securities were issued or are exercisable.
In addition, if, at any time while the Class A and Class B Warrants are outstanding, we engage in a Fundamental Transaction, the exercise price thereof is subject to adjustment similar to the adjustment as provided for in the June 2021 Convertible Debenture. In addition, we may not enter into a Fundamental Transaction unless the holders of our common stock receive securities of an entity that is listed on a stock exchange in Canada or the United States, or cash, equal to the Black Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the Class A and Class B Warrants on the date of the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction.
On June 30, 2021, we issued 54,901 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2,745 (USD equivalent $2,215) and 20,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$3,800 (USD equivalent $3,066).
On July 16, 2021, we closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 4,350,000 units at a price of CAD$0.20 per unit (the “Unit”) for gross proceeds of CAD$870,000 (USD equivalent of $690,860, the “July 2021 Private Placement”). Each Unit in this offering consists of one share of our common stock and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of CAD$0.30 per share for a period of one year from the date of issuance.
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On July 19, 2021, we issued a total of 50,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$9,500 (USD equivalent $7,446).
Cash Flows
Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2020, and for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
| Six Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | (1,335,724 | ) | (1,947,194 | ) | (3,270,534 | ) | (3,191,722 | ) | ||||||||
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2020, and for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
| Six Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | (397,869 | ) | 23,582 | 18,985 | (89,848 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended April 30, 2021 and April 30, 2020, and for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
| Six Months Ended | Years Ended | |||||||||||||||
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | 1,790,603 | 2,604,865 | 3,257,823 | 3,129,146 | ||||||||||||
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, we do not have any off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our results of operations or financial condition, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.
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Contractual Obligations
As of April 30, 2021, we have the following obligations to make future payments, representing contracts and other commitments that are known and committed.
| Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Less than 1 Year | 1 – 3 Years | 3 – 5 Years | More than 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease obligations – premises | 672,355 | 149,004 | 523,351 | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Lease obligations – machines | 50,839 | 9,702 | 31,193 | 9,944 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Debt and interest obligations | 227,920 | 136,752 | 91,168 | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 951,114 | 295,458 | 645,712 | 9,944 | – | |||||||||||||||
Transactions with Related Parties
Due from related parties
Included in our current assets are the following amounts due from related parties:
As of April 30, 2021 | As of October 31, 2020 | As of October 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Advance to a director and officer | 13,254 | – | – | |||||||||
| Advance to a director and officer | 94,563 | – | – | |||||||||
| Advance to an officer | 119,935 | – | – | |||||||||
| Total due from related parties | 227,752 | – | – | |||||||||
Due to related parties
Included in our current liabilities are the following amounts due to related parties:
As of April 30, 2021 | As of October 31, 2020 | As of October 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Wages and vacation payable to a director and officer | 338,619 | 71,225 | – | |||||||||
| Wages and vacation payable to a director and officer | 232,966 | 61,050 | – | |||||||||
| Vacation payable to a director and officer | 20,914 | – | – | |||||||||
| Vacation payable to other officers | 31,679 | – | – | |||||||||
| Fees and expenses payable to related parties | 595,505 | 711,715 | 639,492 | |||||||||
| Promissory Note due to a director and officer | – | 60,567 | 102,014 | |||||||||
| Total due to related parties | 1,219,683 | 904,557 | 741,506 | |||||||||
Leases
We have entered into a sublease agreement with a company controlled by a director and officer for our Canadian office at Suite 900, 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B6. The lease had a two-year term from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 and required a monthly payment of CAD$9,345 for a total of CAD$224,280. Subsequent to April 30, 2021, the sublease agreement has been renewed for another two-year term from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023 and requires a monthly payment of CAD$9,794 for a total of CAD$235,056.
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Changes in or Adoption of Accounting Practices
The following GAAP standards have been recently issued by the accounting standards board. We are assessing the impact of these new standards on future consolidated financial statements. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period allowed for emerging growth companies for complying with new or revised accounting guidance as allowed by Section 107 of the JOBS Act and Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. Pronouncements that are not applicable or where it has been determined do not have a significant impact on us have been excluded herein.
| (i) | In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which amended the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) by creating ASC 842 to replace ASC 840. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”) to provide entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements (“ASU 2019-01”), which clarifies certain items regarding lessor accounting. It also clarifies the interim disclosure requirements during transition. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.
Effective November 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 retrospectively using the modified retrospective approach with no restatement of prior year amounts. Reclassifications and the adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognized in the opening balance sheet on November 1, 2019. In the context of initial application, we used the following assumptions to evaluate the lease population: |
| ● | exercised the option not to apply the new recognition requirements to short-term leases and to leases of low-value assets; and | |
| ● | made the election to not separate non-lease components from lease components and instead account for each lease component and any associated non-lease components as a single lease component. |
ASC 842 applies to leases for the year ended October 31, 2020. Upon adoption, we recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of ASC 840. These assets and liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of November 1, 2019. The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate for lease liabilities initially recognized as of November 1, 2019 was 7%.
There were no onerous lease contracts that would have required an adjustment to the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application. In applying ASC 842 for the first time, we applied the following practical expedients permitted by the standard: |
| ● | use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics; | |
| ● | reliance on previous assessments of whether leases are onerous immediately before the date of initial application; | |
| ● | application of the short-term leases exemption to leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at the date of initial application; and | |
| ● | exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application. |
The Company elected not to reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease at the date of initial application. Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date, the previous determinations pursuant to ASC 840 of whether a contract is a lease have been maintained. Additionally, we elected to not apply hindsight in determining a lease term of the ROU assets at the adoption date. |
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Based on the foregoing, the impact of the change in accounting policy on November 1, 2019 is summarized below:
| ● | we recognized right-of-use assets of $83,549, and a lease liability of $83,549. |
| (ii) | In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of current expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Adoption of ASU 2016-13 will require financial institutions and other organizations to use forward-looking information to better formulate their credit loss estimates. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available for sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief (“ASU 2019-05”), which provides transition relief to entities adopting ASU 2016-13. As smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, these updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adoption of these updates on its financial statements.
|
| (iii) | In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”), which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 requires entities to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (Step 1 under the current impairment test). The standard eliminates Step 2 from the current goodwill impairment test, which included determining the implied fair value of goodwill and comparing it with the carrying amount of that goodwill. As smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU on its financial statements.
|
| (iv) | In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07), which aligns the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments to nonemployees with that for employees, with certain exceptions. ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payments granted to non-employees in exchange for goods or services used or consumed in the entity’s own operations and supersedes the guidance in Subtopic 505-50, Equity – Equity-Based Payments to Nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 retains the existing cost attribution guidance, which requires entities to recognize compensation cost for nonemployee awards in the same period and in the same manner (i.e. capitalize or expense) they would if they paid cash for the goods or services, but it moves the guidance to Topic 718. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Effective November 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new standard. There were no material impact or adjustment to its financial statements.
|
| (v) | In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 adds, modifies, and removes certain fair value measurement disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Effective November 1, 2020, the Company adopted the new standard. There were no material impact or adjustment to its financial statements.
|
| (vi) | In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU on its financial statements.
|
| (vii) | In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments – Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) (“ASU 2020-01”), which is intended to clarify the interactions of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under Topic 815. ASU 2020-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this ASU on its financial statements. |
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements are described below.
Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is dependent upon estimates of useful lives which are determined through the exercise of judgment. The assessment of any impairment of these assets is dependent upon estimates of recoverable amounts that consider factors such as economic and market conditions and the useful lives of assets.
Estimated Useful Lives of and Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets is recorded over their estimated useful lives which do not exceed any contractual periods, if any. Intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired.
Business Combinations
In a business combination, all identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired are recorded at their fair values. One of the most significant estimates relates to the determination of the fair value of these assets and liabilities. For any intangible asset identified, depending on the type of intangible asset and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert or management may develop the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows. The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the assets concerned and any changes in the discount rate applied.
Certain fair values may be estimated at the acquisition date pending confirmation or completion of the valuation process. Where provisional values are used in accounting for a business combination, they may be adjusted retrospectively in subsequent periods. However, the measurement period will last for one year from the acquisition date.
Goodwill Impairment
An annual test for goodwill impairment will be performed, and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. Determining whether an impairment has occurred requires valuation using a discounted cash flow method. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples are used to corroborate discounted cash flow results based on several factors, including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections and market data.
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Consolidation
Judgment is applied in assessing whether we exercise control and have significant influence over entities in which we directly or indirectly own an interest. We have control when we have the power over the subsidiary, have exposure or rights to variable returns, and have the ability to use our power to affect the returns. Significant influence is defined as the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the subsidiaries. Where we are determined to have control, these entities are consolidated. Additionally, judgment is applied in determining the effective date on which control was obtained.
Stock-Based Payments
Valuation of stock-based compensation and warrants requires management to make estimates regarding the inputs for option pricing models, such as the expected life of the option, the volatility of our stock price, the vesting period of the option and the risk-free interest rate are used. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The estimates are considered for each new grant of stock options or warrants.
Leases
The Company uses the following policies to evaluate its leases:
Determining a lease: At contract inception, we review the facts and circumstances of the arrangement to determine if the contract is or contains a lease. The Company follows the guidance in ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements to evaluate if:
| ● | the contract has an identified asset; | |
| ● | we have the right to obtain substantially all economic benefits from the asset; and | |
| ● | we have the right to direct the use of the underlying asset. |
When determining if a contract has an identified asset, we consider both explicit and implicit assets, and whether the vendor has the right to substitute the asset. When determining if we have the right to direct the use of an underlying asset, we consider if we have the right to direct how and for what purpose the asset is used throughout the period of use and if we control the decision-making rights over the asset.
Discount rate: At commencement, lease-related assets and liabilities are measured at the present value of future lease payments over the lease term using an incremental borrowing rate. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we exercise judgment in determining the incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the time the lease commences.
Rent increases or escalation clauses: Certain leases contain scheduled rent increases or escalation clauses. We assess each contract individually and apply appropriate payments based on the terms of the agreement.
Renewal, purchase and termination options: Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. We exercise judgment in determining the term of these leases when extension or termination options are present and include such options in the calculation of the lease terms when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise these options.
Recognizing leases: We do not recognize leases with a contractual term of less than 12 months or low value leases on our financial statements. Lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
Residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants: Our lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, due from related parties, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, due to related parties, promissory note and convertible debenture.
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The fair value of current financial instruments approximates their carrying values as long as they are short-term in nature or bear interest at market rates.
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Financial instruments recorded at fair value are classified using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs used in determining the fair value and depending on the degree to which they are observable. The three levels of hierarchy are:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. from derived prices); and
Level 3 — Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
As at April 30, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents held by us was based on Level 1 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers between the levels during the reporting periods.
Financial Risk Management
The Company’s board of directors has the overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework. The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and in response to the Company’s activities. Management regularly monitors compliance with the Company’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Company.
In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to various risks such as interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity, credit, and liquidity. To manage these risks, management determines what activities must be undertaken to minimize potential exposure to risks. The objectives of the Company in managing risks are as follows:
| ● | Maintaining sound financial condition; | |
| ● | Financing operations; and | |
| ● | Ensuring liquidity to all operations. |
In order to satisfy these objectives, the Company has adopted the following policies:
| ● | Prepare budget documents at prevailing market rates to ensure clear corporate alignment to performance management and achievement of targets; | |
| ● | Recognize and observe the extent of operating risk within the business; and | |
| ● | Identify the magnitude of the impact of market risk factors on the overall risk of the business and take advantage of natural risk reductions that arise from these relationships. |
There have been no changes in risks that have arisen or how the Company manages those risks during the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 and the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019.
[i] Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in the market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash on deposits with banks and, from time to time, on its holdings of short-term investments. As of April 30, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, the Company had cash on deposits with banks of $70,365, $39,571 and $33,649, respectively. The Company had no short-term investment as at April 30, 2021, October 31 2020 and October 31, 2019. Given the level of cash and cash equivalents held by the Company, fluctuations in the market interest rates had no significant impact on its interest income during the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 and the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019.
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[ii] Foreign currency risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk on fluctuations related to cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and due from/to related parties that are denominated in US dollars. The Company has not entered into foreign exchange derivative contracts. A significant change in the currency exchange rates between the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar could have a material effect on the Company’s balance sheet, results of operations, or cash flows.
Based on the Company net exposures as at April 30, 2021, assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 5% appreciation or deterioration of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar would result in an increase or decrease of $212,773 in the Company’s net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
[iii] Commodity price risk
The value of the Company’s magnesium production business and its exploration and evaluation assets are dependent on the price of magnesium and the outlook for this mineral. Market prices for these metals historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside the Company’s control, including but not limited to, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand, industrial and retail demand, as well as certain other factors related specifically to magnesium. If magnesium prices decline for a prolonged period below the cost of production, it may not be economically feasible to continue towards production.
[iv] Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss if counterparties do not fulfill their contractual obligations and arises principally from trade receivables. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents and amounts receivable. The Company limits its exposure to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents as these financial instruments are held with major banks in Canada and the United States. Amounts receivable consist primarily of goods and services tax due from the Federal Government of Canada and other subsidy receivable. Management believes the credit risk concentration with respect to amounts receivable is remote. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
[v] Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due. The Company’s exposure to liquidity risk is dependent on its purchasing commitments and obligations and its ability to raise funds to meet commitments and sustain operations. The Company manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring its actual and forecasted working capital requirements to ensure there is capital to meet short-term and long-term obligations. As of April 30, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, we had working capital deficiency of $3,656,329, $2,392,189 and $1,448,294, respectively. As disclosed in note 1 of the Company’s financial statements, the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on many factors. The Company’s cash is primarily deposited in bank accounts and held by certain related parties as advances to them. The Company anticipates that its cash on hand, together with expected funds raised from private placements and on exercise of warrants and options, as well as debt financing, will provide sufficient financial resources to carry out its operations through the current fiscal year. However, additional funding will be required. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise the funds necessary to continue future operations. Liquidity risk has been assessed as high.
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The following tables set forth our principal physical properties as of April 30, 2021, unless otherwise indicated.
| Corporate Properties | ||||
| Type | Location | Leased / Owned | ||
| Office | 580 Hornby Street, Suite 900, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Leased | ||
| Office | 3733 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 249, Las Vegas, Nevada | Leased | ||
| Office | 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 720, McLean, Virginia | Leased | ||
| Production Properties | ||||
| Type | Description/Location | Leased / Owned | ||
| Mining Claim | Tami Mosi Magnesium Claim, Ely, Nevada | Leased | ||
| Mining Claim | Silverado Property, Pinto Mining District, Nevada | Leased | ||
| Research and Development Pilot Production Facility | 5140 North Fraser Way, Unit 102, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada | Leased | ||
Tami Mosi Mining Claims. We hold a 100% interest in 81 unpatented lode mining claims issued by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management totaling approximately 1,637 acres located in White Pine County, Nevada (the “Tami Mosi Mining Claims”) and four unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 10 acres located in the Moor Mining District, Elco County, Nevada. These mining claims are subject to a 2% net smelter royalty in favor of the prior owner of the claims.
The Tami Mosi Mining Claims are located in the Duck Creek Range, a mountain range located in central Nevada. The area is underlain by more than 10,900 feet of mineral fragments and carbonate rocks, including a geological formation known as the Devonian Guilmette Formation. Bands of dolomite altered from the limestone are characteristic within this formation.
Silverado Mining Claim. We hold a 100% interest in three patented mining claims located in the Pinto mining district of Nevada totaling approximately 296 acres. This claim has been impaired to $1.
Mining Plans. We do not plan on commencing extraction of minerals from any mining claims we hold at this time. In addition, we do not consider our mining claims to be material to our business or financial condition.
Research and Development Pilot Production Facility. In October 2020, we leased a 12,493 square foot facility in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada for a term of three years with a first right of offer to lease the premises beyond the expiration of the term if the landlord’s other tenant does not require the premises for the expansion of its business operations at the expiration of the term. We have commenced construction of a research and development pilot plant at this facility which is in the Vancouver metropolitan area and is located near major transportation routes and the Vancouver International Airport.
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ITEM 4. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of July 31, 2021 for (i) each member of our board of directors, (ii) each named executive officer (as defined below), (iii) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our securities and (iv) the members of our board of directors and our executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC. Generally, a person has beneficial ownership of a security if the person possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including any securities that a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Information with respect to beneficial owners of more than 5% of our securities is based on completed questionnaires and related information provided by such beneficial owners as of July 31, 2021. Except as indicated, all shares of our securities will be owned directly, and the person or entity listed as the beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power. The address for each director and executive officer is c/o Western Magnesium Corporation, 580 Hornby Street, Suite 900, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B6.
| Common Stock | ||||||||
| Name, Position and Address of Beneficial Owner | No. of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | % of Common Stock | ||||||
Karim Alameddine(1) Corporate Secretary | 600,000 | 0.16 | % | |||||
Rabih Ataya(2) Director and Senior Vice President (“SVP”), Strategy | 1,200,000 | 0.32 | % | |||||
Sam Ataya(3) Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) | 10,534,615 | 2.71 | % | |||||
Robert Brown(4) Director | 1,080,000 | 0.28 | % | |||||
| Andrea
Chan Chief Controller | – | – | ||||||
| Kim
Evans Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) | – | – | ||||||
Edward Lee(5) Director, Executive Chairman and former President and CEO | 11,131,000 | 2.86 | % | |||||
Lisa Maxwell(6) Executive Vice President (“EVP”) | 2,500,000 | 0.66 | % | |||||
Peter O’Rourke(7) Director and SVP, Government Affairs and Business Development | 500,000 | 0.13 | % | |||||
Paul Sauvé(8) SVP, Technology and Operations | 1,200,000 | 0.32 | % | |||||
Stephen Thorlakson(9) Director | 3,349,291 | 0.88 | % | |||||
Jeff Wilson(10) Director | 1,650,000 | 0.43 | % | |||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group | 33,744,906 | 8.74 | % | |||||
| Five Percent Shareholders: | ||||||||
| None. | ||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock and (ii) 150,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share (iii) 50,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share and (iv) 400,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (2) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock and (ii) 250,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share (iii) 250,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share and (iv) 200,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (3) | Includes the following: (i) 384,615 shares of common stock and (ii) 3,000,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share (iii) 2,000,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share, (iv) 650,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share and (v) 4,500,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (4) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock and (ii) 730,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share and (iii) 350,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (5) | Includes the following: (i) 1,281,000 shares of common stock, (ii) 1,850,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, (iii) 3,000,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share and (iv) 5,000,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (6) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock, (ii) 850,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, (iii) 900,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share and (iv) 750,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (7) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock and (ii) 500,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (8) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock, (ii) 300,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share, (iii) 150,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share and (iv) 750,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (9) | Includes the following: (i) 1,849,291 shares of common stock, (ii) 800,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, (iii) 300,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.15 per share and (iv) 400,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
| (10) | Includes the following: (i) no shares of common stock, (ii) 1,100,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, (iii) 350,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share and (iv) 200,000 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $0.13 per share. The stock options fully vested upon award. |
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ITEM 5. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Our bylaws, as amended, (the “Bylaws”) provide that our board of directors should not have fewer than three directors. Each director shall hold office until the close of the next annual general meeting of our shareholders, or until his or her successor is duly elected or appointed, unless his or her office is earlier vacated. Our board of directors currently consists of seven directors, of whom three are considered to be independent persons. See Item 7—”Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence – Director Independence” for details on the independence of our directors.
The following table sets forth the individuals that are our directors and executive officers as of the date of filing this registration statement on Form 10 and their respective positions.
| Name | Age | Position | ||
| Karim Alameddine | 28 | Corporate Secretary | ||
| Rabih Ataya | 61 | Director and SVP, Strategy | ||
| Sam Ataya | 52 | Director, President and CEO | ||
| Robert Brown | 89 | Director | ||
| Andrea Chan | 42 | Chief Controller | ||
| Kim Evans | 50 | CFO | ||
| Edward Lee | 59 | Director, Executive Chairman and former President and CEO | ||
| Lisa Maxwell | 54 | EVP | ||
| Peter O’Rourke | 49 | Director and SVP, Government Affairs and Business Development | ||
| Paul Sauvé | 34 | SVP, Technology and Operations | ||
| Stephen Thorlakson | 71 | Director | ||
| Jeffrey Wilson | 52 | Director |
All of our directors will be appointed to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected or appointed, unless their office is earlier vacated.
The Bylaws provide that the directors may, from time to time, appoint such officers as the directors determine. The directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.
Director and Executive Officer Biographies
Karim Alameddine. Mr. Alameddine joined Western Magnesium in 2019 as Assistant Corporate Secretary. From November 2013 to October 2019, he worked with the Toronto-Dominion Bank (“TDB”), one of the largest multinational banks in Canada. During his time with TDB he developed a thorough understanding of the regulatory standards which he utilized in his day-to-day responsibilities throughout his various positions within the organization. Mr. Alameddine’s drive for professionalism and passion for corporate services has created a unique opportunity for him with our company, where he serves shareholders in meeting their needs while centering his focus on industry and regulatory proceedings.
Rabih Ataya. Mr. Ataya brings over 30 years of extensive operational experience in the automotive industry. From 2010 to 2018, he was the General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, LLC, from 2002 – 2010 he was the General Manager of the Automotive Division of Mohammad Saleh & Reza Yousuf Behbehani Company and from 1996 – 2002 he was the General Manager of Mirage General Trading Establishment. He has led strategies into tactical initiatives that drove bottom line results. Mr. Ataya’s extensive experience in the automotive industry includes the North American, European, and Middle Eastern markets. This has afforded him opportunities to understand the industry throughout the supply chain process – by understanding the materials market, dealing with the full range of OEMs and finally expanding dealership business for all the high-end automobile makers. He has developed, nurtured and maintained strong relationships in the global auto industry. Mr. Ataya received his Executive Master of Business Administration from HEC Paris, France, one of the most recognized universities in the world, and an Innovative Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership Certification from Babson College. In addition, Mr. Ataya holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.
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Sam Ataya. Mr. Ataya has been our Chief Executive Officer and a director since September 2018. Mr. Ataya has a record with key strengths in demonstrating “big picture” approaches toward project management that require long term strategic planning and operational management. His ability to manage multi-faceted projects through team leadership has led him through operational turnarounds, management changes and the ability to mobilize resources to achieve the wanted results from strategic planning and analysis. From 2008 – 2018, Mr. Ataya was the CEO of The Stirling Group of Vancouver, B.C., a “One Stop” consulting service focused on assisting Micro-Cap, Mid-Cap, and Large-Cap Companies in need of financial recapitalization. The Stirling Group aids companies in strengthening their business models, investment proposals and helps source capital directly from an established global funding network From 1987 – 2008 he was the President of ASK Ventures, a venture capital firm. Mr. Ataya studied Business Administration at Langara College, Canada in 1990 and at the American University of London, England in 1992.
Robert Brown. Mr. Brown brings 50 years of varied metals industry experience in both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. He spent 20 years in the technical management areas of light metal foundries or reduction plants and has been a metallurgical consultant to major magnesium companies. He has been the Publisher of Magnesium Monthly Review since 1971 and a Contributing Editor and columnist for Light Metal Age and Australian Journal of Mining and is a Technical Consultant to Magnesium.com. He is a virtual fount of knowledge about the total magnesium industry, historical, present and future.
He is a consultant to Takamul Investments, an investment group 90% owned by Oman Oil where he has advised and helped establish a magnesium metal production industry in the Sultanate of Oman. From 2009 to 2011 he was a consultant to Molycor Gold Corporation (now Western Magnesium Corporation), working with Wardrop Engineering on the development of the NI 43-101 Technical Report. From 2008 to 2010 he was also a consultant to Chinese Magnesium Corporation, a joint venture based in Brisbane, Australia devoted to establishing a joint venture with Chinese magnesium producer in Shanxi Province to provide magnesium to Australia and the world magnesium market. During that time he also advised Advanced Magnesium Alloys Corporation (AMACOR) on the technical aspects of new silicothermic magnesium process. (2008). In August 2007 he worked with Thixomat, Inc. reviewing specific magnesium programs and recommended target markets and product specifics based on survey of magnesium wrought product suppliers. In April 2007 he worked as a consultant with Globex on the world magnesium industry. In the Fall of 2006, he worked on a proposed project to Magnesium Elektron North America (Spectrulite) on an idea to use magnesium sheet to reduce gas consumption and emissions from tractor trailers, with a potential for both governmental and private project funding. Prior to this, he worked all over the world as a consultant to a wide variety of companies as a magnesium specialist. Mr. Brown holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.
Andrea Chan. Ms. Chan brings to our company extensive experience in accounting and corporate finance in various industries including pharmaceuticals, technology and insurance with roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to joining our company in March 2021, Ms. Chan served from March 2016 to March 2021 as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Director, Finance and Administration and Corporate Secretary at Pacgen Life Science Corporation, a TSX-V company, where she oversaw and managed the accounting and corporate regulatory functions of the company, and assisted the completion of various corporate transactions including an initial public offering, private placement financings, acquisitions, financial restructuring and licensing transactions. Ms. Chan was also a senior consultant at KeenVision Consulting Inc. from September 2014 to March 2021, where she provided consulting services to public and private companies with annual sales up to CAD$25 million across different industries. Ms. Chan is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant, and a Certified Public Accountant designated in the State of Delaware. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting.
Kim Evans. Ms. Evans brings over 20 years of experience as a corporate finance executive, with several public companies. Since 2015 she has been a Director and CFO of BIGG Digital Assets Inc., a developer of blockchain technology solutions. In April 2004 she founded Golden Reign Resources (now Mako Mining Corp.) and served as the President and Director until November 2018. From June 2002 to April 2012 she worked with Eastcoal Inc. as a director, Corporate Secretary and CFO. Her experience has allowed her to optimize full cycle accounting in prudent, progressive, and purposeful ways producing high-level results. Her expertise extends to working with corporations on financial systems, strategic plans, budgets, capital decisions and corporate acquisitions. She is well versed in structuring and negotiating transactions and has experience in creating strategic alliances with corporate leaders to align and support key business initiatives. Ms.Evans has experience with IPO’s, US GAAP, in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, and creation of internal processes and controls, resulting in improved financial performance and heightened productivity. Ms. Evans is a CPA, CGA, and holds a Financial Management Program diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.
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Edward Lee. A longtime entrepreneur in private business in northern British Columbia, Mr. Lee was appointed as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Western Magnesium in December 2012. Previously, he served as our President. Mr. Lee served on the Boards of American Manganese, Inc. and Goldrea Resources Corp. Previously, he was a Director and Executive Vice President for Adanac Molybdenum Corp. Since 1989, Mr. Lee has been assisting public companies in capital formation and strategic business development. He brings Western Magnesium invaluable strategic insight, industry expertise and proven leadership. Mr. Lee has been a director of our company since March 2003 and has served as our Executive Chairman since November 2019. He was our President from March 2013 to November 2019 and our Chief Executive Officer from March 2013 to October 2018.
Lisa Maxwell. Ms. Maxwell brings with her over 25 years of experience in project management and business development. In December 2010 she founded Sequoia Corporate Services Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in the areas of project management, compliance and corporate governance for public companies. The firm focused on assisting public companies with their business development and regulatory needs. In 2000 she founded Maxwell & Associates, a project management firm working with public, private and crown corporations in the areas of education, healthcare and transportation. Ms. Maxwell studied International Business at Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada and Capilano University, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Peter O’Rourke. Prior to joining Western Magnesium, Mr. O’Rourke was the acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the US government (May – July 2018). Between February and May 2018 he was the Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs and led the Department’s staff and executive functions during a time of significant organizational change. He began his service with the VA as Senior Advisor to the Secretary (January – April 2017) moving up to the position of Executive Director for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (May 2017 – February 2018) and then promoted to VA Chief of Staff (February – May 2018). In these roles he organized VA’s senior staff and spearheaded the implementation of Presidential and Congressional intent to reset the definition of accountability in the civilian workforce and operationalized the protection and support for government whistleblowers. Between May 2015 and July 2016 he was the Principal of Calibre Systems, a company which led the development of transformational plans for Veterans Affairs, DoD, and other government organizations. From March 2012 – January 2014 he was the Vice-President, Marketing & Business Development with Blackland Aerospace where he created the worldwide marketing and business development capabilities for the firm and its aerospace manufacturing facilities.
Mr. O’Rourke was the Executive Director for Strong America Now where he led development and daily operations for a non-profit focused on generating support for government efficiency and cost savings using Lean Six Sigma methods (November 2010 – April 2012). Prior to this he was the Director, Marketing & Business Development for Accenture Federal Services (2007 – 2009), in this capacity he led development and execution of global strategic and operational marketing and business development activities for a new acquisition (George Group Consulting, LP). campaigns and client teams to enable effective business development initiatives and between 2005 and 2007 he was a Senior Consultant for George Group Consulting LP where he coached, mentored and taught U.S. Department of Defense senior officers and executives Lean Six Sigma methods, tools, and implementation strategies as a certified LSS Master Black Belt. Between 1998 and 2006, Mr. O’Rourke held multiple assignments worldwide as a high-performing expert in multiple supply chain and logistics disciplines. From 1990 – 1994 he was an Airman (Enlisted), U.S. Navy, performing assignments worldwide as Plane Captain, Fighter Squadron 213, Miramar Naval Air Station, California. Mr. O’Rourke holds a B.A. Political Science from the University of Tennessee.
Paul Sauvé. Mr. Sauvé brings with him over 15 years of experience in the mining industry including senior positions with Teck Resources as Senior Project Engineer and Metallurgist. Based on his strong chemical engineering background, he has had extensive experience with diversified metals & mining companies, gaining valuable know how in process development and optimization; fully integrated plant systems management; hydrometallurgical research facility operation that involved testing for metal recovery; process engineering for full scale studies and project execution; as well as modeling commercial sized facilities for production.
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As an innovative and versatile chemical/mine engineer, he has been recognized for his in-depth expertise in metallurgy – managing a dynamic & multifaceted hydrometallurgical research facility; shift metallurgist for an operating plant; flotation plant metallurgy; metallurgist for multi-unit operation in a continuous pilot plant; and supervision of a hydrometallurgical research plant. In addition to being a member of APEGBC, he comes with specialized skills in lab and filed-testing protocols, METSIM, Unisim, Visual Minteq and WHMIS. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science/Chemical Engineering degree from Lakehead University and a Diploma of Applied Science/Chemical Science Technology from BCIT.
Stephen Thorlakson. Mr. Thorlakson brings a wealth of experience in the construction project management and logistics industry, as well as extensive financial and business management expertise, having worked more than three decades within the financial services industry. As founder and President of the Canadian consulting firm Thorlakson Management Ltd., he has provided guidance, direction and hands-on management of major industrial and business development projects for clients. From 1980 until 2006, Stephen was a self- employed chartered financial planner in Fort St. John, British Columbia, a city for which he served as Mayor from 1990 through 2005 and Alderman from 1986 through 1990. He began his professional career working at Toronto Dominion Bank as Branch Manager and Senior Assistant Manager of Commercial Credit. From June 2006 to November 2010, he was the General Manager for Surerus Pipeline, and in 2011 he opened Thorlakson Management Ltd., a construction management firm that specializes in quality control, quality control, safety and site remediation.
Jeff Wilson. Jeff Wilson, Ph.D., P.Geo, has worked in mineral exploration, consulting and market regulation for over 20 years. He has also worked as an independent consultant since 2013. From 2010 until 2013, Mr. Wilson was the director of Geology at Tetra Tech WEI, Inc., a leading provider of consulting, engineering and technical services focused on the worldwide water, environmental, energy, infrastructure and natural resource industries. From 2006 until 2010, Dr. Wilson worked as a Listings Manager at the TSXV from 2006 to 2010, where he was responsible for reviewing technical and financial submissions by publicly traded resource companies. In addition, he has worked as a Project Geologist at Placer Dome Inc. from 2005 to 2006, Project Geologist for Fronteer Development Group from 2004 to 2005, a Senior Structural Geologist for AngloGold Ashanti in Brazil from 2000 to 2001 and a Senior Geologist at Newcrest Mining in Indonesia from 1996 to 1997. Dr. Wilson earned a PhD in Geology Jeff from Kingston University, England a Bachelor of Science degree from Glasgow University, Scotland within Geology.
Board Committees
We currently have an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a corporate governance committee. The members of each are set out below.
| Name of Member | Audit Committee | Compensation Committee | Corporate Governance Committee | |||
| Rabih Ataya | X | X | ||||
| Edward Lee | X (1) | |||||
| Stephen Thorlakson | X (1) | X (1) | X | |||
| Jeff Wilson | X | X | X |
(1) Denotes chairperson.
A brief description of each committee is set out below.
Audit Committee
The audit committee of our board of directors (the “Audit Committee”) is responsible for review of our interim and annual financial statements. For the purposes of performing their duties, the members of the Audit Committee have the right at all times, to inspect all of our books and financial records and any subsidiaries and to discuss with management and our independent auditors any accounts, records and matters relating to our financial statements. The Audit Committee members meet periodically with management and annually with our independent auditors.
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Composition of the Audit Committee
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, the following are the members of the Audit Committee:
Name of Member |
Independent (1) | Financially Literate (2) | ||
| Rabih Ataya | No | Yes | ||
| Stephen Thorlakson | Yes | Yes | ||
| Jeff Wilson | Yes | Yes |
Notes:
| (1) | A member of the Audit Committee is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect ‘material relationship’ with Western Magnesium. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the view of our board of directors, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a member’s independent judgment. An executive officer, such as the President or Secretary, is deemed to have a material relationship with Western Magnesium. |
| (2) | A member of the Audit Committee is financially literate if he or she has the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements. |
Relevant Education and Experience
Each member of the Audit Committee has experience relevant to his or her responsibilities as an Audit Committee member. See Item 5—”Director and Executive Officers – Director and Executive Officer Biographies” for a description of the education and experience of each Audit Committee member.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of our most recently completed fiscal year was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by our board of directors.
Audit Committee’s Charter
Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which sets out the Audit Committee’s responsibilities in detail. The Audit Committee has access to all books, records, facilities and personnel and may request any information about us as it may deem appropriate. It will also have the authority to retain and compensate special legal, accounting, financial and other consultants or advisors to advise the Audit Committee.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee of our board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) has the responsibility of assisting our board of directors in discharging its oversight responsibilities relating to the attraction, compensation, evaluation and retention of key senior management employees, and in particular the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Compensation Committee is tasked with reviewing our annual disclosure regarding executive compensation for inclusion where appropriate in our disclosure documents. The Compensation Committee is also charged with annually reviewing the Western Magnesium Corporation 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Incentive Plan”) and proposing changes thereto, approving any awards of options under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan and recommending any other employee benefit plans, incentive awards and perquisites with respect to our executive officers.
Composition of the Compensation Committee
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, the following are the members of the Compensation Committee:
Name of Member |
Independent (1) | |
| Rabih Ataya | No | |
| Stephen Thorlakson | Yes | |
| Jeff Wilson | Yes |
Notes:
| (1) | A member of the Compensation Committee is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect ‘material relationship’ with Western Magnesium. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the view of our board of directors, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a member’s independent judgment. An executive officer, such as the President or Secretary, is deemed to have a material relationship with Western Magnesium. |
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Compensation Committee’s Charter
Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which sets out the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities in detail.
For additional details on the Compensation Committee, see Item 6—”Executive Compensation – Compensation Governance.”
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance committee of our board of directors (the “Corporate Governance Committee”) is responsible to develop and monitor our approach to matters of governance.
Composition of the Corporate Governance Committee
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, the following are the members of the Corporate Governance Committee:
Name of Member |
Independent (1) | |
| Edward Lee | No | |
| Stephen Thorlakson | Yes | |
| Jeff Wilson | Yes |
Notes:
| (1) | A member of the Corporate Governance Committee is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect ‘material relationship’ with Western Magnesium. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the view of our board of directors, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a member’s independent judgment. An executive officer, such as the President or Secretary, is deemed to have a material relationship with Western Magnesium. |
Board Qualifications
We believe that each of the members of our board of directors has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that make him or her suitable to serve as our director, in light of our highly regulated magnesium business and the complex nature of our operations. See above under the heading Item 5—”Director and Executive Officers – Director and Executive Officer Biographies” for a description of the education and experience of each director.
Mr. Rabih Ataya’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | Finance and financial reporting expertise; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
Mr. Sam Ataya’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | Finance and financial reporting expertise; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
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Mr. Brown’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | Finance and financial reporting expertise; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
Mr. Lee’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | Finance and financial reporting expertise; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
Mr. O’Rourke’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | Finance and financial reporting expertise; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
Mr. Thorlakson’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | A deep understanding of entrepreneurship and of the industry; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
Mr. Wilson’s specific qualifications, experience, skills and expertise include:
| ● | Core business skills, including financial and strategic planning; | |
| ● | A deep understanding of entrepreneurship and of the industry; and | |
| ● | Operating and management experience. |
We believe these qualifications bring a broad set of complementary experience to our board of directors’ discharge of its responsibilities.
ITEM 6. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview of Executive Compensation
Our board of directors is authorized to review and approve annually all compensation decisions relating to our executive officers. In accordance with reduced disclosure rules applicable to emerging growth companies as set forth in Item 402 of Regulation S-K, this section explains how our compensation program is structured for its Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (the “named executive officers” or “NEOs”).
Compensation Governance
We have created a Compensation Committee, the members of which are Stephen Thorlakson, Jeff Wilson and Rabih Ataya.
All tasks related to developing and monitoring our approach to the compensation of our NEOs and directors are performed initially by the Compensation Committee and reviewed and approved by the members of the Board. The compensation of the NEOs, directors and our employees or consultants is recommended and approved by the Board without reference to any specific formula or criteria. NEOs that are also directors of our company are involved in discussions relating to compensation, and disclose their interest in and abstain from voting on compensation decisions relating to them, as applicable, in accordance with the applicable corporate legislation. Our compensation program is intended to attract, motivate, reward and retain the management talent needed to achieve our business objectives of improving overall corporate performance and creating long term value for our shareholders. The compensation program is intended to reward executive officers on the basis of individual performance and achievement of corporate objectives, including the advancement of our exploration and development goals.
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Our current compensation program is comprised of three major components: base salary or fees, short-term incentives such as discretionary bonuses and long-term incentives such as stock options.
In making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee and the Board strive to find a balance between short-term and long-term compensation and cash versus equity incentive compensation. Base salaries or fees and discretionary cash bonuses primarily reward recent performance and incentive stock options encourage NEOs and directors to continue to deliver results over a longer period of time and serve as a retention tool. The annual salary or fee for each NEO, as applicable, is recommended by the Compensation Committee and determined by the Board based on the level of responsibility and experience of the individual, the relative importance of the position to us, the professional qualifications of the individual and the performance of the individual over time. The NEOs’ performances and salaries or fees are to be reviewed periodically. Increases in salary or fees are to be evaluated on an individual basis and are performance and market-based. The amount and award of cash bonuses to key executives and senior management is discretionary, depending on, among other factors, the financial targeted goal, employee retention and advancement within our company. The Executive Chairman and CEO make the recommendation which is then sent to the Board for their approval. A peer group is not used to determine compensation.
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company does not have any pension, defined benefit, defined contribution or deferred compensation plans in place.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards
The long-term component of compensation for executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, will be based on equity awards issued pursuant to the Western Magnesium Corporation 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Incentive Plan”) that was approved by our shareholders on June 11, 2021. The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan permits the grant of the following (collectively, the “Awards”): (i) nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”) and incentive stock options (“ISOs”) (collectively, “Options”); (ii) stock appreciate rights (“SARs”); (iii) restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”); (iv) performance awards; (v) dividend equivalents; and (vi) other stock-based awards. This component of compensation is intended to reinforce management’s commitment to long term improvements in our performance.
The purpose of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is to enable us and certain of our subsidiaries to obtain and retain services of the eligible participants, which is essential to our long-term success. The granting of Options and other Awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is intended to promote our long-term financial interests and growth and the long-term financial interests and growth of our subsidiaries by attracting and retaining management and other personnel and key service providers with the training, experience and ability to enable them to make a substantial contribution to the success of our business. Moreover, the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan aims to align the interests of eligible participants with those of our shareholders through opportunities for increased equity-based ownership in our company.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all compensation paid to or earned by the named executive officers in the last two (2) fiscal years.
| Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year ended October 31 | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards (1) ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Non-qualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sam Ataya | 2020 | 360,000 | 37,150 | — | 64,195 | — | — | 89,160 | 550,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director, President and CEO (2) | 2019 | 302,768 | — | — | 262,174 | — | — | 11,290 | 576,232 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Edward Lee | 2020 | 420,000 | — | — | 69,173 | — | — | — | 489,673 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director, Executive Chairman and former President and CEO (3) | 2019 | 451,546 | — | — | 226,124 | — | — | — | 677,670 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kim Evans | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 29,720 | 29,720 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CFO (4) | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kristina Khersonski | 2020 | 85,000 | — | — | 19,764 | — | — | — | 104,764 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former CFO (5) | 2019 | 82,280 | — | — | 48,180 | — | — | 6,774 | 137,234 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dennis Mee | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Director and CFO (6) | 2019 | 28,225 | — | — | 8,697 | — | — | 61,155 | 98,077 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rabih Ataya | 2020 | 180,000 | — | — | 45,771 | — | — | — | 225,771 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director and SVP, Strategy (7) | 2019 | — | — | — | 21,900 | — | — | 21,075 | 42,975 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lisa Maxwell | 2020 | 120,000 | — | — | 39,527 | — | — | 2,601 | 162,128 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EVP (8) | 2019 | 93,072 | — | — | 52,498 | — | — | — | 145,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paul Sauvé | 2020 | 95,154 | — | — | 35,961 | — | — | — | 131,115 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SVP, Technology & Operations | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barrie Fraser | 2020 | 45,323 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45,323 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Director, President and Chief Operating Officer (9) | 2019 | 167,174 | — | — | 101,782 | — | — | — | 268,956 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | The amounts reported in the Option Awards column reflects aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. These amounts reflect our calculation of the value of these awards at the grant date and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may ultimately be realized by the named executive officer. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, which are included elsewhere in this registration statement. |
The 2019 Option Award compensation includes the following:
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Sam Ataya reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 3,000,000 stock options granted on December 5, 2018, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 until December 4, 2023; and |
| ● | 2,000,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024. |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Edward Lee reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 850,000 stock options granted on December 5, 2018, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 until December 4, 2023; and |
| ● | 2,300,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024. |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Kristina Khersonski reflects the issuance of 550,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Dennis Mee reflects the issuance of 300,000 stock options granted on December 5, 2018, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 until December 4, 2023, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Rabih Ataya reflects the issuance of 250,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024, and vested in full on the grant date.
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The 2019 Option Award compensation for Lisa Maxwell reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 300,000 stock options granted on December 5, 2018, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 until December 4, 2023; and |
| ● | 500,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024. |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
The 2019 Option Award compensation for Barrie Fraser reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 2,000,000 stock options granted on December 5, 2018, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 until December 4, 2023; and |
| ● | 500,000 stock options granted on May 23, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until May 22, 2024. |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation includes the following:
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Sam Ataya reflects the issuance of 650,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Edward Lee reflects the issuance of 700,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Kristina Khersonski reflects the issuance of 200,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Rabih Ataya reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 250,000 stock options granted on November 4, 2019, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 until November 3, 2024; and |
| ● | 200,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025, |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Lisa Maxwell reflects the issuance of 400,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025, and vested in full on the grant date.
The 2020 Option Award compensation for Paul Sauvé reflects the issuance of:
| ● | 300,000 stock options granted on March 27, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.11 until March 26, 2024; and |
| ● | 150,000 stock options granted on April 24, 2020, which entitles the holder of each such stock option to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 until April 23, 2025. |
These stock options were fully vested on the grant date.
| (2) | Mr. Ataya was appointed as our CEO and elected to our board of directors effective September 21, 2018. Mr. Ataya was appointed as our President effective January 31, 2020. The compensation disclosed for Mr. Ataya is for his position as our CEO and he was not separately compensated as a director. Mr. Ataya’s reported 2020 salary includes $75,000 accrued not yet paid. Mr. Ataya’s reported 2020 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $89,160 paid to a company where Mr. Ataya is principal. His reported 2019 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $11,290 paid to a company where he is principal. |
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| (3) | Mr. Lee was appointed as our Executive Chairman and CEO on March 24, 2013 and resigned as CEO on September 21, 2018. Mr. Lee was appointed as a director on March 29, 2004. The compensation disclosed for Mr. Lee is for his position as our Executive Chairman and he was not separately compensated as a director. Mr. Lee’s reported 2020 Salary includes $87,500 accrued not yet paid. |
| (4) | Ms. Evans was appointed as CFO on July 22, 2020. Ms. Evans’ reported 2020 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $29,720 paid to her. |
| (5) | Ms. Khersonski was appointed as CFO on May 11, 2019 and resigned on May 8, 2020. Ms. Khersonski’s reported 2019 All Other Compensation includes professional fees of $6,774 paid to her. |
| (6) | Mr. Mee was appointed as CFO and a director on September 25, 2017. Mr. Mee passed away on February 14, 2019. The compensation disclosed for Mr. Mee was for his position as our former CFO and he was not separately compensated as a director. Mr. Mee’s reported 2019 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $61,155 paid to a company where Mr. Mee was principal. |
| (7) | Mr. Ataya was appointed as SVP, Strategy on November 1, 2019 and as a director on March 10, 2020. The compensation disclosed for Mr. Ataya is for his position as our SVP, Strategy and he was not separately compensated as a director. Mr. Atay’s reported 2019 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $21,075 paid to him. |
| (8) | Ms. Maxwell was appointed as SVP, Corporate Development on December 1st, 2020 and promoted as EVP effective July 15, 2021. Ms. Maxwell’s reported 2020 All Other Compensation includes consulting fees of $2,601 paid to a company where Ms. Maxwell is principal. |
| (9) | Mr. Fraser was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer on November 1, 2018. Mr. Fraser was also a director of the Company. He resigned from his position on our board of directors and our company on January 31, 2020. The compensation disclosed for Mr. Fraser was for his position as our former President and Chief Operating Officer and he was not separately compensated as a director. |
Employment and Severance Agreements
Except as described below, we do not have any contracts, arrangements, agreements or plans that provide for payments to a named executive officer.
Employment, Consulting and Management Agreements
We have employment agreements with Edward Lee, Executive Chairman, Sam Ataya, President and CEO, Peter O’Rourke, SVP, Government Affairs and Business Development, Rabih Ataya, SVP, Strategy, Lisa Maxwell, EVP, Paul Sauvé, SVP, Technology and Operations, Andrea Chan, Chief Controller, and Karim Alameddine, Corporate Secretary, and a consulting agreement with Kim Evans, CFO, under which compensation was provided during the most recently completed financial year and/or interim period, or is payable in respect of services provided to us. We also had an employment agreement with Barrie Fraser, who served as our President and Chief Operating Officer prior to his resignation on January 31, 2020, and Kristina Khersonski, our former CFO prior to her resignation on May 8, 2020.
Executive Chairman, Edward Lee signed a contract on May 3, 2019 (the “Lee Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of USD$420,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. Lee shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding our achievement of annual financial and operating targets and his performance targets. Mr. Lee will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. Lee’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Mr. Lee’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. Lee shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability of Mr. Lee such that, in the view of our directors other than Mr. Lee, Mr. Lee is not able to carry out his responsibilities, we may terminate Mr. Lee’s employment by providing Mr. Lee or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of six (6) months’ base salary payable monthly. In the event we terminate Mr. Lee’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Mr. Lee terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) within 12 months of a Change of Control, Mr. Lee is entitled to receive from us a payment equal to the greater of: (i) a onetime payment of USD$3 million, less applicable deductions and withholdings; and (ii) any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the Employment Standards Act (British Columbia) (the “BCESA”).
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Executive President and CEO, Sam Ataya has signed a contract on May 3, 2019 (the “S. Ataya Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of USD$360,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. Ataya shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding our achievement of annual financial and operating targets and Mr. Ataya’s performance targets. Mr. Ataya will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. Ataya’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Mr. Ataya’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. Ataya shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability of Mr. Ataya such that, in the view of our directors other than Mr. Ataya, Mr. Ataya is not able to carry out his responsibilities, we may terminate Mr. Ataya’s employment by providing Mr. Ataya or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of six (6) months’ base salary payable monthly. In the event we terminate Mr. Ataya’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Mr. Ataya terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) within 12 months of a Change of Control, Mr. Ataya is entitled to receive from us a payment equal to the greater of: (i) a onetime payment of USD$3 million, less applicable deductions and withholdings; and (ii) any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA.
CFO, Kim Evans has a consulting contract with us pursuant to which she is paid a consulting fee of $10,000 per month, plus GST.
SVP, Government Affairs and Business Development, Peter O’Rourke, has signed a contract on April 2, 2021 (the “O’Rourke Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of USD$240,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. O’Rourke shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding our achievement of annual financial and operating targets and Mr. O’Rourke’s performance targets. Mr. O’Rourke will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. O’Rourke’s employment and for a period of two years from the end of Mr. O’Rourke’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. O’Rourke shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. We may terminate the employment of Mr. O’Rourke for cause at any time prior to the end of the term of the O’Rourke Contract without notice or any payment in lieu thereof. In the event we terminate Mr. O’Rourke’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Mr. O’Rourke terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) within 12 months of a Change of Control, Mr. O’Rourke is entitled to receive from us a payment equal to 12 months’ base salary.
SVP, Strategy, Rabih Ataya, has signed a contract on November 1, 2019 (the “R. Ataya Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of USD$180,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. Ataya shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding our achievement of annual financial and operating targets and Mr. Ataya’s performance targets. Mr. Ataya will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. Ataya’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Mr. Ataya’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. Ataya shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability of Mr. Ataya such that, in the view of our directors other than Mr. Ataya, Mr. Ataya is not able to carry out his responsibilities, we may terminate Mr. Ataya’s employment by providing him or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of six month’s base salary payable monthly. In the event we terminate Mr. Ataya’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control or Mr. Ataya terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months of a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive from us six month’s base salary and any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA.
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EVP, Lisa Maxwell, has signed a contract on December 1, 2020 (the “Maxwell Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of USD$180,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Ms. Maxwell will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Ms. Maxwell’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of her employment (howsoever occasioned), she shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability diagnosed by a licensed physician of the Employee such that, in the view of the Company’s directors other than the Employee, the Employee is not able to carry out his essential job functions, the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment by providing the Employee or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of six (6) months’ Base Salary payable monthly, and conditioned on the effectiveness of a Release. In the event we terminate Ms. Maxwell’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Ms. Maxwell terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months of a Change of Control, she is entitled to receive from us six month’s base salary and any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA. Ms. Maxwell’s annual compensation was increased to USD$250,000 on July 15, 2021.
SVP, Technology and Operations, Paul Sauvé, has signed a contract on March 23, 2020 (the “Sauvé Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of CAD$210,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. Sauvé’s annual base salary is increased to CAD$240,000 effective January 1, 2021. Mr. Sauvé shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding our achievement of annual financial and operating targets and Mr. Sauvé’s performance targets. Mr. Sauvé will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. Sauvé’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Mr. Sauvé’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. Sauvé shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability of Mr. Sauvé such that, in the view of our directors other than Mr. Sauvé, Mr. Sauvé is not able to carry out his responsibilities, we may terminate Mr. Sauvé’s employment by providing Mr. Sauvé or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of one (1) month’s base salary payable monthly. In the event we terminate Mr. Sauvé’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Mr. Sauvé terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) within 12 months of a Change of Control, Mr. Sauvé is entitled to receive from us one month’s base salary and any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA.
Chief Controller, Andrea Chan, has signed a contract on March 15, 2021 (the “Chan Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of CAD$100,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Ms. Chan’s annual base salary is increased to CAD$120,000 effective June 15, 2021. Ms. Chan will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Ms. Chan’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Ms. Chan’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Ms. Chan shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. In the event we terminate Ms. Chan’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Ms. Chan terminates her employment for Good Reason within 12 months of a Change of Control, she is entitled to receive from us one month’s base salary and any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA.
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Corporate Secretary, Karim Alameddine, has signed a contract on April 28, 2020 (the “Alameddine Contract”) and will be paid an annual base salary of CAD$80,000 which will be subject to all required deductions. Mr. Alameddine shall have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus upon meeting or exceeding the Company’s achievement of annual financial and operating targets and the Employee’s performance targets. Mr. Alameddine will also be granted such stock options as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its sole discretion and be entitled to participate in our benefits plans. During Mr. Alameddine’s employment and for a period of one year from the end of Mr. Sauvé’s employment (howsoever occasioned), Mr. Alameddine shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, shareholder (except to the extent of a less than 2% ownership interest of the outstanding shares of a publicly held corporation), director, agent, officer, employee, consultant, independent contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever of a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, be engaged in, compete with, be financially concerned or interested with, or employed by any company carrying on the business of development or processing of magnesium anywhere in North or South America or Europe. Upon the death or disability diagnosed by a licensed physician of the Employee such that, in the view of the Company’s directors other than the Employee, the Employee is not able to carry out his essential job functions, the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment by providing the Employee or his estate with pay and severance pay, if applicable, in the amount of six (6) months’ Base Salary payable monthly, and conditioned on the effectiveness of a Release. In the event we terminate Mr. Alameddine’s employment without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control (as defined below) or Mr. Alameddine terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months of a Change of Control, he is entitled to receive from us one month’s base salary and any minimum entitlements to written notice of termination, payment in lieu of such notice, or a combination of written notice and payment in lieu of such notice, at our sole discretion, required by the BCESA.
Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Barrie Fraser, had a contract with us to be paid an annual base salary of CAD$220,000, subject to all required statutory deductions. Mr. Fraser resigned his position with us effective January 31, 2020. No compensation was issued upon termination of his employment agreement.
Former CFO, Kristina Khersonski, signed a contract on January 15, 2020 to be paid an annual base salary of USD$180,000, subject to all required statutory deductions. Ms. Khersonski resigned her position with us effective May 8, 2020. No compensation was issued upon termination of her employment agreement.
“Change of Control” is defined in the Lee Contract, S. Ataya Contract, O’Rourke Contract and Sauvé Contract (collectively, the “Management Contracts”) as:
| (i) | an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting our securities (including securities of the Company on which conversion will become voting securities) by any person or group of persons acting in concert such that such person or group of persons are able for the first time to affect materially the control of our company; |
| (ii) | a merger, amalgamation or other business combination of us with or into another entity, or any other corporate reorganization, if more than 50% of the combined voting power of the continuing or surviving entity’s securities outstanding immediately thereafter are owned by persons who were not our security holders immediately prior to such merger, amalgamation, business combination or reorganization; |
| (iii) | the exercise of the voting power of any of all of our securities so as to cause or result in the election of a majority of members of the Board who were not previously incumbent directors thereof; |
| (iv) | the completion of a tender offer, an exchange offer, a take-over bid or any other offer or bid by an entity, person or group (other than with us or a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours) of more than 50% of our issued and outstanding voting securities; or |
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| (v) | the sale, transfer or disposition by us of all or substantially all of our assets. |
“Good Reason” is defined in the Management Contracts as:
| (i) | a material and detrimental change in the title, position, duties and responsibilities, authority or status of the executive with us; |
| (ii) | a material breach by us of the employment agreement; or |
| (iii) | a material reduction of the executive’s base salary. |
and in the case of the O’Rourke Contract, also includes the assignment by us of any substantial new duties inconsistent with Mr. O’Rourke’s positions, duties, responsibilities and status with us immediately prior to such a change in assigned duties.
Outstanding Equity Awards Table
The following table sets forth outstanding equity awards for our named executive officers at fiscal 2020 year-end.
| Option Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name and Principal Position | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options – Exercisable (#) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options – Unexercisable (#) | Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | Option Exercise Price (CAD$) | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sam Ataya | 3,000,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2023-12-04 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director, President and CEO | 2,000,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2024-05-22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 650,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2025-04-23 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Edward Lee | 250,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2022-03-27 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director, Executive | 750,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2023-08-12 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chairman and former | 850,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2023-12-04 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| President and CEO | 2,300,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2024-05-22 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 700,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2025-04-23 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kim Evans | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CFO | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kristina Khersonski | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former CFO (1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dennis Mee | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Director and CFO (2) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rabih Ataya | 250,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2024-05-22 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Director and SVP, | 250,000 | — | — | 0.15 | 2024-11-03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strategy | 200,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2025-04-23 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lisa Maxwell | 250,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2022-03-27 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| EVP | 300,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2023-08-12 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300,000 | — | — | 0.05 | 2023-12-04 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 500,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2024-05-22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 400,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2025-04-23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paul Sauvé | 300,000 | — | — | 0.11 | 2025-03-26 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SVP, Technology & Operations | 150,000 | — | — | 0.12 | 2025-04-23 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barrie Fraser | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former Director, President and Chief Operating Officer (3) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notes:
| (1) | Ms. Khersonski resigned as our CFO on May 8, 2020. There were no unvested options as of May 8, 2020. Following Ms. Khersonski’s resignation, all 1,050,000 vested options expired on August 6, 2020. |
| (2) | Mr. Mee passed away on February 14, 2020. There were no unvested options as of February 14, 2020 and all 850,000 vested options expired on February 14, 2020. |
| (3) | Mr. Fraser resigned as our President, Chief Operating Officer and director on January 31, 2020. There were no unvested options as of January 31, 2020. Following Mr. Fraser’s resignation, all 2,500,000 vested options expired on Jul 31, 20202. |
Retirement Benefit Plans
We do not have any pension, defined benefit, defined contribution or deferred compensation plans in place.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Except as described below, we do not have any contract, agreement, plan or arrangement that provides for payments to a named executive officer at, following or in connection with a termination (whether voluntary, involuntary or constructive), resignation, retirement, a change of control of our company or a change in a named executive officer’s responsibilities.
For each of the foregoing agreements, the following table summarizes the estimated incremental payments that are triggered by, or result from, change of control, severance, termination or constructive dismissal (assuming such events had occurred on or before October 31, 2020):
| NEO or Director | Payout for Termination Without Cause by the Company / Change of Control (1) / Good Reason (2) | |
| Edward Lee, Director and Executive Chairman | USD$3,000,000 | |
| Sam Ataya, Director, President and CEO | USD$3,000,000 | |
| Peter O’Rourke, Director and SVP, Government Affairs and Business Development | USD$240,000 (3) | |
| Paul Sauvé, SVP, Technology and Operations | CAD$17,500 |
Notes:
| (1) | Termination by us without cause within 12 months of a Change of Control. |
| (2) | Termination by the Executive for Good Reason within 12 months of a Change of Control. |
| (3) | Does not apply to termination without cause by us. |
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth all compensation paid to or earned by each of our directors during fiscal year 2020, except for compensation with respect to Messrs. Sam Ataya, Lee, Rabih Ataya and Fraser. Information with respect to the compensation of these current and former directors is included above in the “Summary Compensation Table.” As our executive officers, none of these current and former director (other than as described above) received any compensation for service as a director during fiscal year 2020.
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| Name | Fees Earned ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option ($) | Non-Equity ($) | Non-qualified ($) | All Other ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Robert Brown Current Director | — | — | 9,882 | — | — | — | 9,882 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Frank Halliday Former Director (3) | — | — | — | — | — | 48,666 | 48,666 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Michael Pickholz Former Director (4) | — | — | 9,882 | — | — | 3,960 | 13,842 | |||||||||||||||||||||
James Sever Former Director | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stephen Thorlakson Current Director | — | — | 45,994 | — | — | — | 45,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Jeff Wilson Current Director | — | — | 9,882 | — | — | — | 9,882 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Director cash compensation during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. |
| (2) | The amounts reported in the Stock Awards and the Option Awards columns reflect aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. These amounts reflect our calculation of the value of these awards at the grant date and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may ultimately be realized by the named executive officer. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, which are included elsewhere in this registration statement. |
| (3) | Mr. Halliday was appointed as a director on December 19, 2018 and resigned on March 10, 2020. Mr. Halliday’s reported All Other Compensation for 2020 was salary for his position as our former Socioeconomic and Environmental Permitting Director and he was not separately compensated as a director. |
| (4) | Mr. Pickholz was appointed as a director on October 18, 2018 and resigned on December 8, 2020. Mr. Pickholz’s reported All Other Compensation for 2020 was consulting fees for consulting services provided and he was not separately compensated as a director. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
See Item 7— “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence – Transactions with Related Persons” for further details.
None of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as our director or on the Compensation Committee, during fiscal 2020. None of our executive officers served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee, during fiscal 2020.
ITEM 7. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Related Party Transactions
A related party transaction includes any transaction or proposed transaction in which:
| ● | we are or will be a participant; | |
| ● | the aggregate amount involved exceeds $120,000 in any fiscal year; and | |
| ● | any related party has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. |
Related parties include any person who is or was (since the beginning of the last fiscal year, even if such person does not presently serve in that role) our executive officer or director, any shareholder owning more than 5% of any class of our voting securities or an immediate family member of any such person.
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Any potential related party transaction that requires approval will be reviewed and overseen by the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee will consider such factors as it deems appropriate to determine whether to approve, ratify or disapprove the related party transaction. The Audit Committee may approve the related party transaction only if it determines in good faith that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is in the best interests of us and our shareholders.
Transactions with Related Parties
(1) Sam Ataya
Mr. Ataya is a director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Ataya is also principal of The Stirling Group (“Stirling”).
During the current fiscal year, the Company provided advances to Mr. Ataya and Stirling for payments of the Company’s magnesium pilot plant facility and other administrative expenses. As of April 30, 2021, Mr. Ataya and Stirling held an aggregate balance of $94,563 due to the Company. Subsequent to April 30, 2021, the Company provided additional advances to Stirling in the amount of $530,000.
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company received an unsecured loan of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,898) from Mr. Ataya. The loan bears interest at 18% and is due on demand. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the loan was increased by an additional CAD$60,000 (USD equivalent $44,588) to CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent $157,483) and is due on September 24, 2021. As of April 30, 2021, we have repaid the entire principal balance and all interests accrued in the amount of CAD$26,724 (USD equivalent of $19,944).
The Company has entered into a sublease agreement with Stirling for our Canadian office at Suite 900, 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3B6. The lease had a two-year term from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 and required a monthly payment of CAD$9,345 for a total of CAD$224,280. Subsequent to April 30, 2021, the sublease agreement has been renewed for another two-year term from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023 and requires a monthly payment of CAD$9,794 for a total of CAD$235,056.
(2) Lisa Maxwell
Ms. Maxwell is Executive Vice President of the Company. Ms. Maxwell is also principal of Sequoia Corporate Services Inc. (“Sequoia”). During the current fiscal year, the Company provided advances to Ms. Maxwell and Sequoia for payments of the Company’s magnesium pilot plant facility and other administrative expenses. As of April 30, 2021, Ms. Maxwell and Sequoia held an aggregate balance of $119,935 due to the Company.
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Director Independence
For purposes of this registration statement, the independence of our directors is determined under the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). The independence rules of Nasdaq include a series of objective tests, including that an “independent” person will not be employed by us and will not be engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, our board of directors is required to make a subjective determination as to each person that no material relationship exists with us either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with us. It has been determined that three of our directors are independent persons under the independence rules of Nasdaq: Robert Brown, Jeff Wilson and Stephen Thorlakson.
Legal Proceedings
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, to our knowledge, there are no legal proceedings or regulatory actions material to us to which we are a party, or have been a party to, or of which any of our property is or was the subject matter of, and no such proceedings or actions are known by us to be contemplated except as provided below:
James Sever Claim. On September 29, 2020, James Sever filed a Notice of Civil Claim against us in the Supreme Court of British Columbia (Court File No. S-209728) (the “Sever Claim”). The Sever Claim alleges that Mr. Sever had an employment and/or other similar contractual relationship with us, and that we breached such contractual relationship by way of constructive dismissal or similar conduct. The Sever Claim seeks damages in excess of $2,500,000, certain equity compensation, prejudgment garnishment, costs, interest and other non-monetary relief. On July 27, 2021, we filed a response to the Sever Claim, which included the following pleadings: (a) that we were never properly served with the Sever Claim; (b) that we have never had any form of employment, independent or consulting relationship or agreement with Sever; (c) that we had no debts, liabilities or obligations to Sever; (d) that to the extent that Sever had some form of employment, independent or consulting or similar relationship or agreement as alleged in the Sever Claim (the existence of which we denied) such contract or relationship, if one existed, was never with us and was with some other corporate entity and, furthermore:
(i) any such contract or relationship would be governed by laws of the United States;
(ii) all, many or some of the claims in the Sever Claim would be barred by the British Columbia Limitation Act to the extent British Columbia law applies;
(iii) any such contract or relationship did not exist as alleged in the Sever Claim;
(iv) Mr. Sever was not terminated or constructively dismissed and, instead, Mr. Sever never provided any services under any such contract or relationship because Mr. Sever abandoned or resigned from, and/or failed to fulfil any of his obligations under, any and all contracts and relationships; and/or
(v) Mr. Sever failed to mitigate or alternatively has mitigated.
We intend to vigorously defend against the Sever Claim, and we believe that the Sever Claim is without merit. We cannot predict the outcome of the claim, however.
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GEM Yield Bahamas Limited Arbitration. On December 31, 2020, GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (“GEM”) served us with a Notice of Intention to Arbitrate (the “New York Arbitration Notice”) before the American Arbitration Association in New York, New York (Case No. 01-21-0004-2162) (the “GEM New York Arbitration”). The New York Arbitration Notice alleges we breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 entered into between us and GEM (the “GEM Agreement”), among other things, claiming damages of CDN$4.2 million (USD$ 3.3 million). On January 19, 2021, we filed a petition in the New York Supreme Court (Index No. 650401/2021 (the “New York State Action”) to stay the GEM New York Arbitration claiming the GEM Agreement was not valid. The Court in the New York State Action ruled on March 19, 2021 that there is an arbitration clause in the GEM Agreement but it is up the arbitrator in the GEM New York Arbitration to determine if the arbitration clause is valid. Following this ruling, the New York State Action was closed. GEM filed a Statement of Claim in the GEM New York Arbitration on June 9, 2021 and on June 25, 2021, we filed a Statement of Answer denying the existence of any binding agreement between us and GEM, among other defenses. Furthermore, we intend to vigorously defend ourselves and believe the allegations against us in the GEM New York Arbitration lack merit. We cannot predict the outcome of this arbitration proceeding, however.
There have been no substantive motions or pleadings in the GEM New York Arbitration aside from the Statement of Claim and Statement of Answer discussed above.
GEM Yield Bahamas Limited and GEM Global Yield LLC SC Arbitration. On or about February 8, 2021, GEM instituted another arbitration against us before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Montreal Canada (Case No. 01-21-0001-1245) (the “GEM Montreal Arbitration”) and joined, GEM’s affiliate, GEM Global Yield LLC SC (“GEM Global Yield” together with GEM, the “GEM Parties”). Similar to the allegations in the GEM New York Arbitration, the Statement of Claim filed by the GEM Parties alleges we breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 and promissory note, among other things, claiming damages of CDN$4.9 million (US $3.85 million), in addition to costs and expenses stemming from our alleged failure to issue to GEM Global Yield warrants to purchase up to 33,000,000 shares of our common stock. We are in the process of selecting an arbitrator in this matter along with the GEM Parties and following that, we will file a Statement of Answer. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in the GEM Montreal Arbitration and believe the allegations against us in this arbitration proceeding lack merit. We cannot predict, however, the outcome of this arbitration proceeding.
There have been no substantive motions or pleadings or rulings aside from the Statement of Claim and Statement of Answer.
Litigation Assessment
We have evaluated the foregoing claims to assess the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential loss as it relates to the litigation discussed above. Based on this assessment and estimate, which includes an understanding of our intention to vigorously defend the claims against us, we believe that the claims of any of the plaintiffs lack merit, however, and we cannot predict the likelihood of any recoveries by any of the plaintiffs against us. This assessment and estimate is based on the information available to management as of the date of this registration statement and involves a significant amount of management judgment, including the inherent difficulty associated with assessing litigation matters in their early stages. As a result, the actual outcome or loss may differ materially from those envisioned by the current assessment and estimate. Our failure to successfully defend or settle these claims could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, revenue and profitability and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline.
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ITEM 9. MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Trading Price and Volume
Our common stock is traded on the TSXV under the symbol “WMG.” The following table sets forth trading information for the shares of common stock for the periods indicated. (1)
| Low Trading Price | High Trading Price | |||
| Period | (CAD$) | (CAD$) | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2021) | 0.110 | 0.165 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2021) | 0.105 | 0.175 | ||
| Year Ended October 31, 2020 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2020) | 0.115 | 0.150 | ||
| Third Quarter (July 31, 2020) | 0.110 | 0.165 | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2020) | 0.095 | 0.170 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2020) | 0.105 | 0.230 | ||
| Year Ended October 31, 2019 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2019) | 0.140 | 0.250 | ||
| Third Quarter (July 31, 2019) | 0.045 | 0.270 | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2019) | 0.040 | 0.055 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2019) | 0.040 | 0.055 | ||
Notes:
| (1) | Source: Yahoo Finance. |
Our common stock is also traded on the OTCQB under the symbol “MLYF.” The following table sets forth trading information for our common stock for the periods indicated, as quoted on the OTCQB. (1)
| Low Trading Price | High Trading Price | |||
| Period | ($) | ($) | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2021) | 0.0864 | 0.1297 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2021) | 0.0810 | 0.1380 | ||
| Year Ended October 31, 2020 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2020) | 0.0840 | 0.1100 | ||
| Third Quarter (July 31, 2020) | 0.0847 | 0.1200 | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2020) | 0.0732 | 0.1230 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2020) | 0.0797 | 0.1700 | ||
| Year Ended October 31, 2019 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter (October 31, 2019) | 0.1075 | 0.1866 | ||
| Third Quarter (July 31, 2019) | 0.0350 | 0.2200 | ||
| Second Quarter (April 30, 2019) | 0.0302 | 0.0403 | ||
| First Quarter (January 31, 2019) | 0.0284 | 0.0425 | ||
Notes:
| (1) | Source: Yahoo Finance. |
Shareholders
As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, there are 812 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception. We currently intend to reinvest all cash resources to finance the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on the financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, restrictions in its debt agreements and any other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under future indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may incur.
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Equity Compensation Plans
2017 Stock Option Plan
Our shareholders and board of directors approved a stock option plan effective on August 8, 2017 (the “2017 Stock Option Plan”) which consisted of a fixed number stock option plan reserving for issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options a maximum of 35,219,701 shares of our common stock. At our shareholder meeting on August 8, 2018, our shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2017 Stock Option Plan to 36,643,701 (the “2017 Stock Option Plan Limit”).
The purpose of the 2017 Stock Option Plan is to attract and retain employees, officers, directors, consultants and management company employees to motivate them to advance our interests by affording them the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in our company through stock options. The 2017 Stock Option Plan was expected to benefit our shareholders by enabling us to attract and retain personnel of the highest caliber by offering to them an opportunity to share in any increase in the value of our common stock to which they have contributed.
Under the 2017 Stock Option Plan, the option exercise price must not be less than the last closing price of our common stock before the issuance of the required news release disclosing the grant of stock options (subject to the exceptions prescribed by the TSXV, less the applicable discount permitted by the policies of the TSXV). A stock option granted under the 2017 Stock Option Plan must, unless sooner terminated, expire on a date to be determined by our board of directors which cannot exceed ten years from the date the stock option is granted.
The number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance to any one optionee pursuant to stock options granted under the 2017 Stock Option Plan, together with any shares of our common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options granted to that optionee during the previous 12 months must not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding common stock at the time of granting of the stock options, provided that the aggregate number of stock options granted to each of the following categories of optionee: (a) each individual consultant; and (b) persons performing investor relations activities on our behalf, must not exceed 2% of the outstanding Shares at the time of grant unless the TSXV permits otherwise.
Subject to the discretion of our board of directors to apply vesting to the grant of any stock option, the stock options granted to an optionee under the 2017 Stock Option Plan will fully vest on the date of grant of such stock options. In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, and subject to the TSXV’s approval to the contrary, stock options granted to consultants performing investor relations activities must vest (and not otherwise be exercisable) in stages over a minimum of 12 months with no more than ¼ of the stock options vesting in any three month period.
If an optionee dies prior to the expiry of the optionee’s stock option, the optionee’s heirs, administrators or legal representatives may, by the earlier of: (a) one year from the date of the optionee’s death (or such lesser period as may be specified by our board of directors at the time of granting the stock option); and (b) the expiry date of the stock option; exercise any portion of such stock option. If an optionee ceases to be a director, officer, employee or consultant for any reason other than death, then such optionee’s stock option will terminate within a reasonable period to be determined by our board of directors commencing on the effective date the optionee ceases to be employed by or provide services to us (but only to the extent that such stock option has vested on or before the date the optionee ceased to be so employed or provide services to us) as provided for in the written option agreement between us and the optionee. The maximum exercise period upon such cessation is six months unless the optionee has entered into a valid employment or consulting agreement that provides for a longer exercise period, but in no case will the exercise period in such cessation be greater than one year unless prior TSXV approval has been given.
Subsequent to August 8, 2018 and up to April 30, 2021, we granted additional stock options and there were 42,370,000 stock options issued and outstanding, net of 21,467,000 expired stock options and 1,413,000 exercised stock options during the period, which was in excess of the 2017 Stock Option Plan Limit. Under TSXV policies, at our annual shareholders’ meeting on June 11, 2021 (the “2021 Annual Meeting”), we obtained (a) shareholder approval for the increase in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2017 Stock Option Plan to 42,370,000 shares of our common stock (the “Increased Stock Option Limit”); and (b) Disinterested Shareholder Approval for the grant of 6,626,299 stock options on December 30, 2020 that resulted in the 2017 Stock Option Plan Limit being exceeded (the “Excess Stock Option Grant”). “Disinterested Shareholder Approval” means approval by a majority of the votes cast by all our shareholders at a duly constituted shareholders’ meeting, excluding votes attached to common stock beneficially owned by insiders that received the Excess Stock Option Grants. Edward Lee, our Executive Chairman, was granted 5,000,000 stock options on December 30, 2020, and Sam Ataya, our President and CEO, was granted 4,500,000 stock options on December 30, 2020. These options have an exercise price of $0.13 and expire on December 31, 2025.
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Following the shareholder approval of the Increased Stock Option Limit, the Excess Stock Option Grant and the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan discussed below, we do not intend to grant additional stock options under the 2017 Stock Option Plan. Any shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2017 Stock Option Plan that are forfeited as a result of the expiration or termination of any awards under that plan after the date of adoption of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will, however, be added to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
Our shareholders and our board of directors approved the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan effective June 11, 2021 and to reserve for the grant of awards under that plan up to 27,312,368 shares of our common stock. We are awaiting the TSXV’s approval of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan prior to it becoming effective. The granting of awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is intended to attract and retain the highly qualified employees essential for the execution of our business strategy. The Company believes the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will (i) attract and retain key personnel, and (ii) provide a means whereby our directors, officers, employees, consultants, and advisors and our subsidiaries can acquire and maintain an equity interest in our company, or be paid incentive compensation, including incentive compensation measure by reference to the value of our common stock, thereby strengthening their commitment to our welfare and aligning their interests with those of our stockholders. Eligible participants under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan include employees, directors and independent contractors (except those performing services in connection with the offer or sale of our securities in a capital raising transaction, or promoting or maintaining a market for our securities) of our company or our subsidiaries will be eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will be administered by our board of directors or such other committee appointed by our board of directors (the “Administrator”).
The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan provides for various equity-based and cash-based incentive awards, including incentive stock options (“ISOs”), nonstatutory stock options (“NSOs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance units and shares and other equity-based or cash-based awards.
The Administrator or its permitted delegates has the power and discretionary authority to determine the amount, terms and conditions of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan awards, including, without limitation, (i) the exercise price of any stock options or stock appreciation rights, (ii) the method of payment for shares purchased pursuant to any award, (iii) the method for satisfying any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with any award, including by net exercise or the withholding or delivery of shares, (iv) the timing, terms and conditions of the exercisability, vesting or payout of any award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto, (v) the performance criteria, if any, applicable to any award and the extent to which such performance criteria have been attained, (vi) the time of the expiration of any award, (vii) the effect of the participant’s termination of service on any of the foregoing, and (viii) all other terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any award or shares acquired pursuant thereto as our board of directors shall consider to be appropriate and not inconsistent with the terms of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. A non-employee director may not be granted 2021 Equity Incentive Plan awards that exceed in the aggregate $300,000 in any calendar year. The foregoing limit does not apply to any award made pursuant to any election by the director to receive an award in lieu of all or a portion of annual and committee retainers and meeting fees.
The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under the 2017 Stock Option Plan as of October 31, 2020 and compensation plans not approved by our shareholders.
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrant and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
| Plan Category | (#) | (CAD$) | (#) | |||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 36,643,701 | 0.09 | 8,223,701 | |||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Total | 36,643,701 | 0.09 | 8,223,701 | |||||||||
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ITEM 10. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The following information represents securities sold by us within the past three years through April 30, 2021 which were not registered under the Securities Act. Included are new issues, securities issued in exchange for property, services or other securities, securities issued upon conversion from our other share classes and new securities resulting from the modification of outstanding securities. We sold all of the securities listed below pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder.
Common Stock
During the Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2018
On February 5, 2018, in consideration of services provided to the Company, 1,500,000 common shares were issued to Industrial Surplus Supplies Ltd. at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for a fair value of CAD$75,000 (USD equivalent of $60,082).
On May 7, 2018, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 3,100,000 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$155,000 (USD equivalent of $120,491). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.07 per share for a period of two years.
On October 4, 2018, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 8,200,000 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$410,000 (USD equivalent of $317,829). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. In connection with this transaction, 16,000 broker’s warrants were issued to agents exercisable at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. Finder’s fees of $620 were paid in cash.
On October 12, 2018, in connection with two non-brokered private placements of unsecured convertible notes, 9,201,150 common shares were issued to the holder of the convertible notes for settlement of the two convertible notes at a price of CAD$0.05 per share with aggregate face value and interest of CAD$460,057 (USD equivalent of $353,049). Upon conversion, the equity component of CAD$39,167 (USD equivalent of $30,056) previously recorded in equity reserves was reclassified to share capital.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, an aggregate of 13,000 common shares were issued to a director upon the exercise of options at a price CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$650 (USD equivalent of $498).
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, in consideration for services provided to the Company, an aggregate of 500,000 common shares were issued to Lodestar Management Group, LLC. (“Lodestar”) at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for a fair value of CAD$25,000 (USD equivalent of $19,310).
During the Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2019
On November 30, 2018, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 7,699,760 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$384,988 (USD equivalent of $289,443). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. In connection with this transaction, 145,960 common shares were issued to agents at a price of CAD$0.05 for a fair value of CAD$7,298 (USD equivalent of $5,487). Finder’s fees of $18,097 were paid in cash.
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On January 23, 2019, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 6,348,435 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$317,422 (USD equivalent $237,805). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. In connection with this transaction, 597,001 common shares at a price of CAD$0.05 for a fair value of CAD$29,850 (USD equivalent of $22,363) and 40,000 broker’s warrants exercisable at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years were issued to agents. Finder’s fees of $5,530 were paid in cash.
On March 29, 2019, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 11,750,464 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$587,523 (USD equivalent $439,664). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. In connection with this transaction, 218,287 common shares were issued to agents at a price of CAD$0.05 for a fair value of CAD$10,914 (USD equivalent of $8,168). Finder’s fees of $28,262 were paid in cash.
On May 13, 2019, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 34,712,595 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$1,735,630 (USD equivalent $1,289,053). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for a period of two years. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. Finder’s fees of $94,216 were paid in cash.
On September 6, 2019, 328,571 common shares were issued to a non-arm’s length party for settlement of debt at a price of CAD$0.175 per share for a fair value of CAD$57,500 (USD equivalent of $43,647).
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, an aggregate of 3,455,235 common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$172,762 (USD equivalent of $131,071).
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, an aggregate of 11,600,109 common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of warrants at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$928,009 (USD equivalent of $706,111).
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, an aggregate of 1,100,000 common shares were issued to certain officers and consultants upon the exercise of options at a price CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$55,000 (USD equivalent of $41,553). Upon exercise, CAD$36,750 (USD equivalent of $27,723) previously recorded in reserves was reclassified to share capital.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, in consideration for services provided to the Company, an aggregate of 150,000 common shares were issued to a service provider at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for a fair value of CAD$7,500 (USD equivalent of $5,668).
During the Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2020
On December 20, 2019, the Company exercised its right to call all outstanding common share purchase warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021 to expiry on January 19, 2020, and then extended the expiration date to February 19, 2020. Any unexercised warrants were voided and of no value after February 19, 2020. From November 13, 2019 through March 11, 2020, an aggregate of 32,472,661common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of warrants at a price of CAD$0.08 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2,597,813 (USD equivalent of $1,969,797), an aggregate of 3,000,000 common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of warrants at a price of CAD$0.07 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent of $158,718), and a further 4,864,000 common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$243,200 (USD equivalent of $184,769). 24,794,484 warrants expired unexercised.
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On January 17, 2020, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 3,643,791 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.15 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$546,569 (USD equivalent $416,719). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.21 per share for a period of one year. Subsequent to October 31, 2020, we extended the expiration date of the warrants to August 31, 2021. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.30 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. Finder’s fees of $41,275 were paid in cash.
On May 26, 2020, 100,000 common shares were issued to a consultant upon the exercise of options at a price CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5,000 (USD equivalent of $3,568).
On May 26, 2020, 400,000 common shares were issued to a consultant upon the exercise of options at a price CAD$0.08 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$32,000 (USD equivalent of $22,833). Upon exercise, CAD$27,715 (USD equivalent of $19,775) previously recorded in equity reserves was reclassified to share capital.
During the Six Months ended April 30, 2021
On November 20, 2020, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 5,599,171 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$727,892 (USD equivalent $556,876). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year.
On January 15, 2021, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 7,400,214 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$962,029 (USD equivalent $755,798). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year.
On January 29, 2021, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 5,382,303 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$699,699 (USD equivalent $547,496). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year.
On March 24, 2021, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 6,554,172 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$852,042 (USD equivalent $678,270). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year.
On April 27, 2021, in connection with a non-brokered private placement, 851,395 units were issued to private investors at a price of CAD$0.13 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$110,681 (USD equivalent $89,237). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year.
On March 12, 2021, 100,000 common shares were issued to a consultant upon the exercise of options at a price CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5,000 (USD equivalent of $4,002).
On April 26, 2021, an aggregate of 400,000 common shares were issued to private investors upon the exercise of common share purchase warrants for gross proceeds of CAD$20,000 (USD equivalent $16,113).
Debt Securities
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, we received an unsecured loan of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,898) from a director and officer. The loan bears interest at 18% and is due on demand. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the loan was increased by an additional CAD$60,000 (USD equivalent $44,588), to CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent $157,483), and is due on September 24, 2021. As of April 30, 2021, we have made repayments of the entire balance of principal and all interests accrued.
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On July 27, 2020, we issued to a private investor a CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent of $112,124) principal amount 12% convertible debenture convertible at the option of the holder to common shares at the greater of CAD$0.15 per share and the market price on the date of the conversion notice. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. The net proceeds from this transaction were used to fund working capital and general corporate purposes.
On April 22, 2021, we issued to a private investor a CAD$100,000 (USD equivalent of $80,000) principal amount 12% convertible debenture convertible at the option of the holder to common shares at a price of CAD$0.12 per share and common share purchase warrants exercisable at a price of CAD$0.20 per share for a period of two years. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. The net proceeds from this transaction were used to fund working capital and general corporate purposes.
On June 15, 2021, we issued an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of $1,500,000 (the “June 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The June 2021 Convertible Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum and matures on December 10, 2022. The June 2021 Convertible Debenture is convertible into 15,000,000 units, where each unit consists of (i) one share of our common stock, (ii) one-half of one Class A common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.13 until June 10, 2026, and (iii) one-half of one Class B common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.19 until June 10, 2026 (collectively, the “Class A and B Warrants”). In addition, the conversion price for accrued interest is the greater of (i) $0.10 and (ii) the minimum conversion price permitted by the TSX Venture Exchange at the time of conversion (should our common stock then be listed on such exchange).
Other Issuances
On April 19, 2018, 1,100,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, we extended the expiration date of 4,010,000 options from August 12, 2018 to August 12, 2023.
On December 5, 2018, 9,600,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.05 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
On May 23, 2019, 10,000,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, we extended the expiration date of 400,000 options from May 9, 2019 to May 8, 2024.
On November 4, 2019, 700,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain officer, employee and consultant as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
On November 25, 2019, 900,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain employees and consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.16 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
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On March 27, 2020, 300,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain officer as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.11 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 5 years after the grant date.
On April 24, 2020, 4,200,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.12 per share. 3,750,000 options vest immediately on the grant date. 450,000 options vest 25% every three-month period. These options expire 5 years after the grant date.
On August 26, 2020, 500,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain consultant as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.13 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date and expire 2 years after the grant date.
On December 30, 2020, 15,650,000 options to purchase common shares were granted to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants as additional compensation pursuant to our 2017 Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of CAD$0.13 per share. These options vest immediately on the grant date. 9,500,000 of the options expire 5 years after the grant date and 6,150,000 of the options expire 2 years after the grant date.
ITEM 11. DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED
Description of Our Securities
The following is a description of our capital stock and the material provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our proposed amended and restated certificate of incorporation, bylaws (as amended) and other agreements to which we and our shareholders are parties, in each case as of the date of this registration statement on Form 10.
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, there were 380,358,029 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding held of record by 812 stockholders. At our June 11, 2021 annual and special meeting of shareholders, our shareholders approved a special resolution authorizing us to amend and restate our Certificate of Incorporation, to include (a) an amendment for the purpose of authorizing up to 100,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, and (b) certain other corporate maintenance matters (the “Proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”). We are awaiting the TSXV’s approval of the Proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation prior to filing it with the Delaware Secretary of State. Following TSXV approval and the filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our board of directors may from time to time authorize by resolution the issuance of any or all shares of our common stock or preferred stock authorized in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation for such purposes, in such amounts, to such persons, corporations, or entities, for such consideration and in the case of the preferred stock, in one or more series, all as our board of directors in its discretion may determine and without any vote or other action by the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law.
A description of the material terms and provisions of our certificate of incorporation affecting the rights of holders of our capital stock is set forth below. The description is intended as a summary only.
Common Stock
Voting. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each outstanding share of common stock owned by that stockholder on every matter properly submitted to the stockholders for their vote. Stockholders are not entitled to vote cumulatively for the election of directors. Except for the election of directors, which are elected by a plurality vote, a majority vote of common stockholders is generally required to take action under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as amended.
Conversion, Redemption and Preemptive Rights. Holders of our common stock have no conversion, redemption, preemptive, subscription or similar rights.
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Dividend Rights. Subject to the rights of holders of preferred stock, holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive such cash dividends as may be declared thereon by our board of directors from time to time out of assets of funds of our company legally available for the payment of dividends.
Preferred Stock
Following TSXV approval and the filing of the Proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with he Delaware Secretary of State, we will be authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors will have the authority to issue this preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares and the relative rights, conversion rights, voting rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions) and liquidation preferences, without further vote or action by the stockholders. If shares of preferred stock with voting rights are issued, such issuance could affect the voting rights of the holders of our common stock by increasing the number of outstanding shares having voting rights, and by the creation of class or series voting rights. If our board of directors authorized the issuance of shares of preferred stock with conversion rights, the number of shares of common stock outstanding could potentially be increased by up to the authorized amount. Issuance of preferred stock could, under certain circumstances, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company and may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. Also, preferred stock could have preferences over our common stock (and other series of preferred stock) with respect to dividend and liquidation rights. We currently have no plans to issue any preferred stock.
Warrants
In conjunction with a private offering of securities between February 22, 2017 and May 10, 2017, we issued 13,051,460 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.05 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of five years after the date of issuance. In connection with this transaction, we issued 263,626 broker’s warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.05 per share for a period of five years. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 5,165,200 of these warrants and 135,750 of these broker’s warrants are outstanding. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause in the years three, four and five whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants within 30 days should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds the exercise price of the warrants by 25% of more for at least ten consecutive trading days.
In conjunction with a private offering of securities on August 15, 2017, we issued 1,570,000 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.05 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of five years after the date of issuance. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 710,000 of these warrants are outstanding. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause in the years three, four and five whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants within 30 days should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.0625 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days.
In conjunction with a private offering of securities on January 20, 2020, we issued 3,643,791 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.21 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of one year after the date of issuance. Subsequent to October 31, 2020, we extended the expiration date of the warrants to August 31, 2021. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 3,643,791 of these warrants are outstanding. The warrants are subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceeds CAD$0.30 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days.
In conjunction with a private offering of securities between November 20, 2020 and April 27, 2021, we issued 25,787,255 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.19 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of one year after the date of issuance. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 25,717,255 of these warrants are outstanding.
In conjunction with a private offering of securities between May 28, 2021 and June 17, 2021, we issued 23,076,926 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.19 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of one year after the date of issuance. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 23,076,926 of these warrants are outstanding.
In conjunction with a private offering of securities on July 16, 2021, we issued 4,350,000 warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.30 per share. These warrants are exercisable for a period of one year after the date of issuance. As of the date of this registration statement on Form 10, 4,350,000 of these warrants are outstanding.
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Limitations on Directors’ Liability; Indemnification of Directors and Officers
As permitted by Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of certain fiduciary duties as a director. The effect of this provision is to restrict our rights and the rights of our stockholders in derivative suits to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of certain fiduciary duties as a director, except that a director will be personally liable for:
| ● | any breach of his or her duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| ● | acts or omissions not in good faith which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| ● | the payment of dividends or the redemption or purchase of stock in violation of Delaware law; or |
| ● | any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
This provision does not affect a director’s liability under the federal securities laws.
At present, we maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in order to limit the exposure to liability for indemnification of directors and officers, including liabilities under the Securities Act; however, we are in the process of obtaining such insurance.
Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that May Have an Anti-Takeover Effect
Other than our authorized but unissued common stock and “blank-check” preferred stock following the filing of the Proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation available for future issuance without stockholder approval, as described under “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock” above, our certificate of incorporation does not contain any provisions that may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect or may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interests, including attempts that might result in a premium being paid over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.
Delaware Takeover Statute
In general, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a Delaware corporation that is a public company from engaging in any “business combination” (as defined below) with any “interested stockholder” (defined generally as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with such entity or person) for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to such date, our board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (2) on consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned (x) by persons who are directors and also officers and (y) by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or (3) on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
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Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law defines “business combination” to include: (1) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; (2) any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; (3) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; (4) any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or (5) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.
Potential for Anti-Takeover Effects
While certain provisions of Delaware law may have an anti-takeover effect, these provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies formulated by the board, and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control. In that regard, these provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.
Choice of Forum
Our bylaws, as amended, provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, as amended; any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, as amended; and any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the U.S. federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Our bylaws, as amended further provide that the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. The enforceability of similar exclusive federal forum provisions in other companies’ organizational documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and while the Delaware Supreme Court has ruled that this type of exclusive federal forum provision is facially valid under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts would enforce such provisions and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
These exclusive forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find either exclusive forum provision in our bylaws, as amended, to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur further significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent for our shares of common stock is Computershare Trust Company of Canada, 510 Burrard Street, 3rd Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3B9.
ITEM 12. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending, or completed legal action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, provided that such officer or director acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation in the performance of his duty. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
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Our bylaws, as amended, provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, except that no indemnification will be provided to a director, officer, employee, or agent if the indemnification sought is in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person without the authorization of our board of directors. The bylaws, as amended, also provide that the right of directors and officers to indemnification will be a contract right and will not be exclusive of any other right now possessed or hereafter acquired under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The bylaws, as amended, also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee, or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in such capacity, regardless of whether the bylaws, as amended, would permit indemnification of any such liability.
In accordance with Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation provides that directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors. The effect of this provision is to eliminate the personal liability of directors for monetary damages or actions involving a breach of their fiduciary duty of care, including any actions involving gross negligence.
We also maintain director and officer liability insurance to insure our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment under specified circumstances.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ITEM 13. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required to be included in this registration statement appear immediately following the signature page to this registration statement beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 14. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH AUDITORS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Engagement of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP
We appointed Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants (“Dale Matheson”) located at Suite 1500, 1140 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4G1 as our independent registered public accounting firm effective January 22, 2014. The engagement of Dale Matheson was approved by the Audit Committee and our board of directors. Dale Matheson will complete an audit of our company for the year ended October 31, 2021. Additionally, in connection with this registration statement, Dale Matheson provided audits of our company for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019.
Dale Matheson’s reports on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 contained a disclaimer of opinion and was qualified as to uncertainty related to us as a going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting.
| 68 |
ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
| (a) | Western Magnesium Corporation Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Six Months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 |
| (b) | Western Magnesium Corporation Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 |
| (c) | A list of exhibits filed with this registration statement is included in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| 69 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION
INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2021 AND 2020
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION
Index to Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 70 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020
(Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars)
| F-1 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As at April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars |
 |
| April 30, | October 31, | |||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Note | $ | $ | ||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 70,365 | 39,571 | ||||||||
| Amounts receivable | 63,394 | 4,579 | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | 138,109 | 115,109 | ||||||||
| Due from related parties | 8[a] | 227,752 | – | |||||||
| 499,620 | 159,259 | |||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 4 | 489,380 | 79,436 | |||||||
| Right-of-use assets | 5 | 313,898 | 373,987 | |||||||
| Mineral property costs | 7 | 93,453 | 93,453 | |||||||
| Reclamation deposit | 2,849 | 2,628 | ||||||||
| Deferred financing costs | 17[d] | 26,087 | – | |||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1,425,287 | 708,763 | ||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2,362,208 | 1,169,817 | ||||||||
| Due to related parties | 8[b] | 1,219,683 | 843,990 | |||||||
| Lease obligations – current | 6 | 128,108 | 143,709 | |||||||
| Promissory note | 10 | – | 60,567 | |||||||
| Provision for flow through share issuances | 11 | 235,165 | 216,924 | |||||||
| Convertible debenture | 12 | 184,574 | 96,318 | |||||||
| Derivative liability | 12 | 26,211 | 20,123 | |||||||
| 4,155,949 | 2,551,448 | |||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||
| Lease obligations – non-current | 6 | 192,896 | 237,218 | |||||||
| Total liabilities | 4,348,845 | 2,788,666 | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ deficit | ||||||||||
| Capital stock | ||||||||||
| Authorised: 1 billion common voting shares at par value of CAD$0.001 | ||||||||||
| Issued and paid: 349,706,782 (2020 – 323,419,527) | 13 | 23,775,230 | 21,322,022 | |||||||
| Obligations to issue shares | 13 | 45,446 | 596,872 | |||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | 13 | 4,182,037 | 4,182,037 | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 208,126 | 399,175 | ||||||||
| Deficit | (31,134,397 | ) | (28,580,009 | ) | ||||||
| Total shareholders’ deficit | (2,923,558 | ) | (2,079,903 | ) | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | 1,425,287 | 708,763 | ||||||||
Nature of operations and going concern [note 1]
Contingent liabilities and commitments [note 9]
Subsequent events [note 17]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
| F-2 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss For the three and six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars |
|
Three Months Ended April 30, | Six Months Ended April 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses (recoveries) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bank charges | 3,591 | 2,986 | 6,154 | 6,386 | ||||||||||||||
| Computer system and software | 11,697 | 10,215 | 71,785 | 17,362 | ||||||||||||||
| Consulting and management | 271,853 | 214,743 | 338,954 | 298,123 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,6 | 45,666 | 19,196 | 96,993 | 38,509 | |||||||||||||
| Due diligence expenses | 1,964 | 5,435 | 1,964 | 20,710 | ||||||||||||||
| Engineering expenses | 119,066 | 53,878 | 55,454 | 53,878 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (152,518 | ) | (25,836 | ) | (86,227 | ) | (25,901 | ) | ||||||||||
| Interest and accretion | 6,10 | 17,760 | 9,567 | 36,334 | 13,856 | |||||||||||||
| Investor relations | 19,060 | 49,978 | 70,936 | 139,547 | ||||||||||||||
| Legal and professional | 263,841 | 61,535 | 287,586 | 80,407 | ||||||||||||||
| Office and general | 22,158 | 51,420 | 59,611 | 101,819 | ||||||||||||||
| Facilities and rent | 70,190 | 16,129 | 85,275 | 26,490 | ||||||||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | 631,284 | 442,950 | 1,366,932 | 879,360 | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 13 | (1,060,085 | ) | 416,657 | – | 591,492 | ||||||||||||
| Shareholder communications | 86,234 | 15,760 | 86,234 | 32,284 | ||||||||||||||
| Subsidies and recoveries | (41,247 | ) | – | (41,247 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
| Transfer agent and regulatory fees | 14,747 | 20,787 | 23,630 | 33,443 | ||||||||||||||
| Travel expenses | 109,839 | 34,698 | 110,676 | 70,411 | ||||||||||||||
| 435,100 | 1,400,098 | 2,571,044 | 2,378,176 | |||||||||||||||
| Other items | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | 12 | 31,190 | – | 16,656 | – | |||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets previously written off | – | 37,108 | – | 37,108 | ||||||||||||||
| 31,190 | 37,108 | 16,656 | 37,108 | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the period | (403,910 | ) | (1,362,990 | ) | (2,554,388 | ) | (2,341,068 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (114,645 | ) | (181,958 | ) | (191,049 | ) | (3,124 | ) | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss for the period | (518,555 | ) | (1,544,948 | ) | (2,745,437 | ) | (2,344,192 | ) | ||||||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.00 | ) | (0.00 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 344,627,567 | 317,970,363 | 330,018,463 | 301,361,596 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
| F-3 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit For the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars |
|
| Common shares | Additional paid-in capital | Obligation to issue shares | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Deficit | Shareholders’ deficit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | 278,939,075 | 18,587,118 | 3,535,553 | 39,722 | 475,981 | (23,907,404 | ) | (1,269,030 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued pursuant to private placements [note 13[b]] | 3,643,791 | 416,719 | – | (39,722 | ) | – | – | 376,997 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on warrants exercised [note 13[b]] | 40,336,661 | 2,313,543 | – | – | – | – | 2,313,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share subscriptions [note 13[f]] | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation [note 13[d]] | – | – | 591,492 | – | – | – | 591,492 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss for the period | – | – | - | – | (3,124 | ) | (2,341,068 | ) | (2,344,192 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2020 | 322,919,527 | 21,317,380 | 4,127,045 | – | 472,857 | (26,248,472 | ) | (331,190 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 323,419,527 | 21,322,022 | 4,182,037 | 596,872 | 399,175 | (28,580,009 | ) | (2,079,903 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued pursuant to private placements [note 13[b]] | 25,787,255 | 2,627,677 | – | (596,872 | ) | – | – | 2,030,805 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on warrants exercised [note 13[b]] | 400,000 | 16,113 | – | – | – | – | 16,113 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on options exercised [note 13[b]] | 100,000 | 4,002 | – | – | – | – | 4,002 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share subscriptions [note 13[f]] | – | – | – | 45,446 | – | – | 45,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share issue costs [note 13[b]] | – | (194,584 | ) | – | – | – | – | (194,584 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation [note 13[d]] | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss for the period | – | – | – | – | (191,049 | ) | (2,554,388 | ) | (2,745,437 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | 349,706,782 | 23,775,230 | 4,182,037 | 45,446 | 208,126 | (31,134,397 | ) | (2,923,558 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
| F-4 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows For the six months ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars |
|
| Six Months Ended April 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss for the period | (2,554,388 | ) | (2,341,068 | ) | ||||
| Add (subtract) items not affecting cash: | ||||||||
| Accrued interest and accretion | 21,317 | 11,583 | ||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | (16,656 | ) | – | |||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 8,645 | 10,548 | ||||||
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 88,348 | 27,961 | ||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 73,637 | (55,127 | ) | |||||
| Gain on sale of assets previously written off | – | (37,108 | ) | |||||
| Interest expense on lease obligations | 10,821 | 1,978 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation | – | 591,492 | ||||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items relating to operations: | ||||||||
| Amounts receivable | (58,815 | ) | (9,035 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | (23,000 | ) | (10,356 | ) | ||||
| Due from related parties | (235,682 | ) | – | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,055,934 | (110,808 | ) | |||||
| Due to related parties | 294,115 | (27,254 | ) | |||||
| Cash used in operating activities | (1,335,724 | ) | (1,947,194 | ) | ||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (397,869 | ) | (13,527 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sale of exploration and evaluation assets | – | 37,109 | ||||||
| Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (397,869 | ) | 23,582 | |||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of shares, net of share issuance costs | 1,856,336 | 2,690,540 | ||||||
| Proceeds from share subscriptions | 45,446 | – | ||||||
| Deferred financing costs | (25,179 | ) | – | |||||
| Proceeds from convertible debenture | 78,566 | – | ||||||
| Payments of promissory note | (64,993 | ) | (56,405 | ) | ||||
| Payments of lease obligations | (99,573 | ) | (29,270 | ) | ||||
| Cash provided by financing activities | 1,790,603 | 2,604,865 | ||||||
| Change in cash for the period | 57,010 | 681,253 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period | 39,571 | 33,649 | ||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange on cash | (26,216 | ) | (22,855 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period | 70,365 | 692,047 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents is comprised solely of cash at April 30, 2021 and 2020.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
| F-5 |
|
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
Western Magnesium Corporation (the “Company”, or “WMC”) was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on March 24, 1966. On May 14, 2019, the Company discontinued from the jurisdiction of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and domesticated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware under the name “Western Magnesium Corporation”. WMC is a publicly traded company with its shares listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) under the symbol “WMG.V”, the OTCQB market under the symbol “MLYF”, and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol “M1V”. The Company has developed proprietary magnesium production technology which utilizes a continuous silicothermic process with the aim of becoming a premier low-cost producer of green primary magnesium metal.
As at April 30, 2021, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $31,134,397 (October 31, 2020 – $28,580,009) and working capital deficiency of $3,656,329 (October 31, 2020 – $2,392,189). For the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company reported a comprehensive loss of $2,745,437 (2020 – $2,344,192).
The Company is considered to be in the development stage. It has not yet achieved profitable operations and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. The Company has financed its activities and operations through equity issuances and debt financing and expects to continue to do so to the extent such instruments are issuable under terms acceptable to the Company and until such time as its operations provide positive cash flows. Accordingly, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the “Interim Financial Statements”) are presented on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will continue to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. Management believes that the going concern assumption is appropriate for these Interim Financial Statements based on its continuing ability to raise financing through share and debt issuances. If future financing is unavailable, the Company may not be able to meet its ongoing obligations, in which case the realizable value of its assets may decline materially from current estimates. If the going concern assumption was not appropriate for these Interim Financial Statements, potentially material adjustments may be necessary to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used. These factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, governments worldwide, including Canada, have enacted emergency measures including travel bans, legally enforced or self-imposed quarantine periods, social distancing and business and organization closures. These measures have adversely affected workforces, economies, and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn. The impact on the Company has not been significant but could affect the Company’s ability to raise financings in the future and restrict access to travel. Management continues to monitor the situation.
| F-6 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These Interim Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of Western Magnesium Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Western Magnesium Corp., incorporated in the State of Nevada in the United States and Western Magnesium Canada Corporation, incorporated in British Columbia, Canada.
[a] Accounting standards
The accompanying Interim Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations and continue its operations for the next year. Realization values may be substantially different from carrying values as shown and these Interim Financial Statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classification of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
These Interim Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for financial instruments that have been measured at fair value. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information.
They do not include all the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Financial Statements”).
[b] Functional and presentation currency
These Interim Financial Statements are presented in US dollars, except where indicated and except for per share amounts. The Company’s functional currency, and that of its subsidiary Western Magnesium Canada Corp., is the Canadian dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s US subsidiary is the United States dollar (“US dollars” or “USD”). The accounts of the Company, and those of its subsidiary Western Magnesium Canada Corp., have been translated to US dollars.
[c] Critical accounting estimates and judgments
Significant estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these Interim Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. Management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted for prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised.
Estimates and assumptions where there is a potential risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods include the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, the recoverability of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets, fair value measurements for financial instruments, the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, provisions for restoration and environmental obligations and contingent liabilities.
| F-7 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
Significant judgments
The preparation of these Interim Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgments in applying the Company’s Interim Financial Statements include:
| - | the assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and whether there are events or conditions that may give rise to substantial doubt; |
| - | whether there are indicators of impairment of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets and other non-current assets; |
| - | the classification / allocation of expenditures as exploration and evaluation expenditures or operating expenses; and, |
| - | the classification of financial instruments. |
3. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
New Standards Adopted During the Period
Fair Value Measurements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” which adds the disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Certain alternatives apply. Effective November 1, 2020, the Company adopted the new standard. The adoption of this ASU did not have any material adjustments to the Interim Financial Statements.
| F-8 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
| Computer Equipment | Office Furniture | Leasehold Improvements | Furnace & Plant Equipment | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 22,632 | 33,584 | 5,850 | 27,897 | 89,963 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions | 9,852 | 5,672 | 1,810 | 838 | 18,172 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | (166 | ) | (340 | ) | (50 | ) | (322 | ) | (878 | ) | ||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 32,318 | 38,916 | 7,610 | 28,413 | 107,257 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 3,177 | 109,081 | 285,611 | 397,869 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 2,717 | 3,388 | 4,575 | 12,692 | 23,372 | |||||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | 35,035 | 45,481 | 121,266 | 326,716 | 528,498 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 3,184 | 1,679 | 1,950 | – | 6,813 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 11,412 | 6,598 | 2,861 | – | 20,871 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 81 | 49 | 7 | – | 137 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 14,677 | 8,326 | 4,818 | – | 27,821 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 4,727 | 2,910 | 1,008 | – | 8,645 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 1,405 | 806 | 441 | – | 2,652 | |||||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | 20,809 | 12,042 | 6,267 | – | 39,118 | |||||||||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 19,448 | 31,905 | 3,900 | 27,897 | 83,150 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 17,641 | 30,590 | 2,792 | 28,413 | 79,436 | |||||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | 14,226 | 33,439 | 114,999 | 326,716 | 489,380 | |||||||||||||||
| F-9 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
5. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS
As at April 30, 2021, the right-of-use assets are leases for the Company’s office in Las Vegas, Nevada and its pilot plant facility located in Burnaby, British Columbia. These leases terminate on May 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The lease for the Company’s corporate office in Vancouver, British Columbia ended on March 31, 2021 and was subsequently renewed with a lease term which expires on March 31, 2023.
| Vancouver Office | Nevada Office | Pilot Plant | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Initial adoption of ASU 2016-02 [Note 6] | 60,418 | 23,131 | – | 83,549 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | – | - | 354,263 | 354,263 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | (717 | ) | (275 | ) | 3,686 | 2,694 | ||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 59,701 | 22,856 | 357,949 | 440,506 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 5,020 | 1,922 | 30,099 | 37,041 | ||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | 64,721 | 24,778 | 388,048 | 477,547 | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 44,095 | 15,104 | 10,404 | 69,603 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | (1,953 | ) | (670 | ) | (461 | ) | (3,084 | ) | ||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 42,142 | 14,434 | 9,943 | 66,519 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 18,373 | 7,553 | 62,422 | 88,348 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 4,206 | 1,488 | 3,088 | 8,782 | ||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | 64,721 | 23,475 | 75,453 | 163,649 | ||||||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 17,559 | 8,422 | 348,006 | 373,987 | ||||||||||||
| As at April 30, 2021 | – | 1,303 | 312,595 | 313,898 | ||||||||||||
| F-10 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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6. LEASE OBLIGATIONS
On adoption of ASU 2016-02, the Company recognized lease liability of $83,549 which had previously been classified as operating leases. The lease liability was measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments and discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate of approximately 7% at November 1, 2019.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company entered into a new operating lease with respect to its pilot plant facility located in Burnaby, British Columbia and recognized lease liability of $354,263, which was measured by discounting lease payments using an incremental borrowing rate of approximately 6%.
As at April 30, 2021, the Company had total lease obligations of $321,004, of which $128,108 was current and $192,896 was non-current.
| Vancouver Office | Nevada Office | Pilot Plant | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Initial recognition of lease liability | 60,418 | 23,131 | – | 83,549 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | – | – | 354,263 | 354,263 | ||||||||||||
| Lease payments | (43,627 | ) | (14,990 | ) | (10,831 | ) | (69,448 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expenses | 2,477 | 1,005 | 3,551 | 7,033 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | (1,145 | ) | 3,065 | 3,610 | 5,530 | |||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 18,123 | 12,211 | 350,593 | 380,927 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
| Lease payments | (19,297 | ) | (7,923 | ) | (68,707 | ) | (95,927 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expenses | 334 | 207 | 10,279 | 10,820 | ||||||||||||
| Prior period adjustment | – | (3,065 | ) | – | (3,065 | ) | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 840 | 35 | 27,374 | 28,249 | ||||||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | – | 1,465 | 319,539 | 321,004 | ||||||||||||
| Comprised of: | ||||||||||||||||
| Current lease obligations | – | 1,465 | 126,643 | 128,108 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current lease obligation | – | – | 192,896 | 192,896 | ||||||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | – | 1,465 | 319,539 | 321,004 | ||||||||||||
| F-11 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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7. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS
| Beaverdell Property | Silverado Property | Tami Mosi Property | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | 1 | 1 | 93,452 | 93,454 | ||||||||||||
| Sale of mineral property | (1 | ) | – | – | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 and April 30, 2021 | – | 1 | 93,452 | 93,453 | ||||||||||||
[a] Beaverdell Property, Greenwood Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada
The Beaverdell property is located 3 kilometers southeast of Beaverdell, British Columbia, and was 100% owned by the Company until last fiscal year. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company sold its 100% interest in and to the mineral property for aggregate proceeds of CAD$50,000 (USD equivalent $37,157) to be paid in two equal tranches: (i) upon signing of the sale agreement (received); and (ii) on or before April 7, 2020 (received). As a result, the Company recognized a gain on sale of $37,156. The carrying value of the property was $1.
[b] Silverado Property, Nevada, United States
The Silverado property is located in the Pinto mining district of Nevada, consists of 3 patented mining claims totaling approximately 120 hectares, and is 100% owned by the Company. The carrying value of the property is $1.
[c] Tami Mosi Property Nevada, United States
The Tami Mosi property is located approximately 8 miles southeast of Ely, Nevada, consists of 81 unpatented mining leases, and is 100% owned by the Company, and is subject to a 2% net smelter royalty in favor of the originating vendors.
| F-12 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
[a] Due from related parties
During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company provided advances to directors, officers and companies controlled by them. The advances were expected for payments of the Company’s magnesium pilot plant facility and other administrative expenses. As at April 30, 2021, balances on account from related parties were $227,752 (October 31, 2020 – $nil).
[b] Due to related parties
As at April 30, 2021, balances owing to related parties were $1,219,683 (October 31, 2020 – $843,990). They were unsecured and non-interest bearing, and had no stated terms of repayment. Of the amount, $357,500 was wages payable and $266,678 was vacation payable owing officers of the Company.
[c] Key management compensation
As at April 30, 2021, the Company had nine executives including Executive Chairman, Executive President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Process Engineer, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Government Affairs, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Senior Vice President of Operations and Corporate Secretary. Their aggregate annualized compensation is approximately $1,940,578.
During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company incurred salaries, management and consulting fees totaling $889,242 (2020 – $1,420,545) to directors, officers and related companies with directors in common. During the same period, the Company incurred share-based compensation of $nil (2020 – $338,135) for options granted to directors and officers of the Company.
| F-13 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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9. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
[a] Contingent liabilities
[i] On September 29, 2020, James Sever filed a Notice of Civil Claim against the Company in the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Sever Claim”). The Sever Claim alleges that Mr. Sever had an employment and/or other similar contractual relationship with the Company, and that the Company breached such contractual relationship by way of constructive dismissal or similar conduct. The Sever Claim seeks damages in excess of $2,500,000, certain equity compensation, prejudgment garnishment, costs, interest and other non-monetary relief. On July 27, 2021, the Company filed a response to the Sever Claim, which included the following, among other things: (a) that the Company was never properly served with the Sever Claim; (b) that the Company had never had any form of employment, independent or consulting relationship or agreement with Sever; (c) that the Company had no debts, liabilities or obligations to Sever; (d) that to the extent that Sever had some form of employment, independent or consulting or similar relationship or agreement as alleged in the Sever Claim, such contract or relationship, if one existed, was never with the Company and was with some other corporate entity.
The Company intends to vigorously defend against the Sever Claim, and believes that the Sever Claim is without merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of the Sever Claim, no provision has been recognized as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
[ii] On December 30, 2020, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Frank Halliday, a former director and officer of the Company, whereby the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Halliday termination pay in the amount of CAD$102,001 (USD equivalent $76,589) via installment payments commencing in January 2021 until October 2021. At October 31, 2020, the Company had recorded a provision for the settlement amount. For the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company had made aggregate payments of CAD$51,401 (USD equivalent 40,384) (2020 – $Nil) to Mr. Halliday, reducing the provision accordingly.
[iii] On December 31, 2020, GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (“GEM”) served the Company with a Notice of Intention to Arbitrate (the “New York Arbitration Notice”) before the American Arbitration Association in New York, (the “GEM New York Arbitration”). The New York Arbitration Notice alleges the Company breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 entered into between the Company and GEM (the “GEM Agreement”), among other things, claiming damages of CAD$4.2 million (USD equivalent $3.3 million). On January 19, 2021, the Company moved to stay the GEM New York Arbitration claiming the GEM Agreement was not valid. On March 19, 2021, the Court ruled that there was an arbitration clause but it was up to the arbitrator to determine if the arbitration clause was valid. Therefore, the New York State action was closed. GEM filed an arbitration, and in June 2021, the Company filed a Statement of Answer denying the existence of any binding agreement between the Company and GEM. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and believes the allegations against the Company in the GEM New York Arbitration lack merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of this arbitration proceeding, no provision has been recognized in respect to the GEM New York Arbitration as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
[iv] On February 9, 2021, GEM instituted another arbitration against the Company before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Montreal Canada (the “GEM Montreal Arbitration”) and joined GEM’s affiliate, GEM Global Yield LLC SC (“GEM Global Yield” together with GEM, the “GEM Parties”). The Statement of Claim filed by the GEM Parties alleges the Company breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 and promissory note, among other things, claiming damages of CAD$4.9 million (USD equivalent $3.85 million), in addition to costs and expenses. The Company and the GEM Parties are in the process of selecting an arbitrator in this matter, and following such appointment, the Company will file a Statement of Answer. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and believes the allegations lack merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of this arbitration proceeding, no provision has been recognized in respect to the GEM Montreal Arbitration as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
| F-14 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[b] Commitments
[i] On January 1, 2016, the Company signed a service agreement with Lodestar, a US corporate logistics company. Lodestar provides advisory, consulting, negotiation and other management services relating to corporate management, administrative and/or operational activities of the Company. The term of the contract is for one year and has been renewed under the same terms subsequently. The Company has agreed to compensate Lodestar in the amount of CAD$2,500 (USD equivalent $2,035) per month by either cash or arrangement of the issuance of shares. The number of shares issued will be based on the share price on the day of issuance that is not lower than the CAD$0.05 per common share minimum requirement and will not exceed CAD$2,500 (USD equivalent $2,035) in value. The shares will be issued on the last working day of each month for a period of twelve months. The Company issued 150,000 shares at a price of CAD$0.05 during the year ended October 31, 2019. There were no shares issued to Lodestar during the period ended April 30, 2021.
[ii] The Company had a sublease agreement for office space in Canada with a lease term from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021. Monthly rent was CAD$9,345 (USD equivalent $7,607). The sublease agreement has been subsequently renewed with a lease term which expires on March 31, 2023. In addition, the Company has an office lease in the United States with a lease term from May 15, 2019 to May 31, 2021. Monthly rent is $1,293. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a pilot plant facility in Canada with a lease term from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2023 at a monthly rent of CAD$20,715 (USD equivalent $16,862) [notes 5 and 6].
[iii] During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company signed a letter of intent for the potential purchase of a former smelter site in the state of Washington in the United States. The Company was granted access to the site to perform certain due diligence activities in furtherance of the proposed acquisition. The acquisition did not complete and the Company is renegotiating the letter of intent. During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company incurred $387,996 in connection with this investigation. The Company incurred another $14,937 during the period ended April 30, 2020, and $nil during the period ended April 30, 2021.
[iv] On November 19, 2019, the Company signed a three-year capital commitment with New York-based GEM Global Yield whereby GEM Global Yield will make available $150 million for the Company to use at its discretion, subject to certain terms, in its pursuit to commercialize production of high-grade magnesium metal. The Company will pay fees of 2% in cash or shares and issue 33 million warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.26 in connection with this share subscription facility. Any draw down on such funding is subject to regulatory approval. As at April 30, 2021, the Company had not received regulatory approval of this agreement and no funds had been drawn-down. During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company received notices from the GEM Parties of their intention to arbitrate the GEM Agreement [notes 9[a][iii] and 9[a][iv]].
10. PROMISSORY NOTE
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company received a loan of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,895) from a related party. The loan is unsecured, bears interest at 18% and is due on demand. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the loan was increased by an additional CAD$60,000 (USD equivalent $44,588), to CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent $157,483), and is due on September 24, 2021. During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company accrued interest expense of $1,620 (2020 – $11,583) and made repayments of the entire balance and interest totaling $64,993 (2020 – $101,066). As at April 30, 2021, the outstanding balance was $nil (October 31, 2020 – $60,567).
| F-15 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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11. PROVISION FOR FLOW THROUGH SHARE ISSUANCES
The Company has recorded a provision in the amount of $235,165 (October 31, 2020 – $216,924) for tax and related obligations relating to flow through share issuances from prior years.
12. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE
On July 27, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,124, the “July 2020 Convertible Debenture”). The note bears interest at 12% per annum and is due on the date that is one year following the closing date. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at the price which is the greater of CAD$0.15 and the market price on the date of the conversion notice. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. No finder’s fees were paid in connection with this private placement.
On April 22, 2021, the Company received advance subscription on a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$100,000 (USD equivalent $80,000, the “April 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The note bears interest at 12% per annum and is due on the date that is one year following the closing date. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at the price of CAD$0.12 and will have warrants exercisable for a price of CAD$0.20 for a period of two years. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. No finder’s fees were paid in connection with this private placement. The Company received final approval of the TSX-V on July 15, 2021.
Both the July 2020 Convertible Debenture and the April 2021 Convertible Debenture were determined to be hybrid financial instruments comprised of a debt host liability and an embedded derivative liability, as under the conversion feature the number of shares that will or may be issued to settle the notes may vary.
The Company uses a convertible bond pricing model based on a system of two coupled Black-Scholes equations where the debt and equity components are separately valued based on different default risks and assumptions. On issuance date of the July 2020 Convertible Debenture, the fair value of its debt host liability was determined to be $87,083 and the respective embedded derivative liability was valued at $25,041. On issuance date of the April 2021 Convertible Debenture, the fair value of its debt host liability was determined to be $58,720 and the respective embedded derivative liability was valued at $21,280. The debt host liability of the convertible note will be amortized at cost, with the embedded derivative liability measured at fair value through profit and loss.
As at April 30, 2021, the fair value of the July 2020 Convertible Debenture’s debt host liability was $124,826 (October 31, 2020 – $96,318) and the respective embedded derivative liability was $4,558 (October 31, 2020 – $20,123), resulting in a combined fair value of $129,384 (October 31, 2020 – $116,441). With respect to the April 2021 Convertible Debenture, no fair value adjustment was made as at April 30, 2021, with the balances of the debt host liability and the respective embedded derivative liability being $59,748 and $21,653, respectively, resulting in a combined fair value of $81,401.
| F-16 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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| July 2020 Convertible Debenture | April 2021 Convertible Debenture | Total | ||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Debt Host Liability | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of debt host liability recognized | 87,083 | – | 87,083 | |||||||||
| Accretion and interest expense | 8,751 | – | 8,751 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 484 | – | 484 | |||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 96,318 | – | 96,318 | |||||||||
| Fair value of debt host liability recognized | -– | 58,720 | 58,720 | |||||||||
| Accretion and interest expense | 19,699 | – | 19,699 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 8,809 | 1,028 | 9,837 | |||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | 124,826 | 59,748 | 184,574 | |||||||||
| Embedded Derivative Liability | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of embedded derivative liability recognized | 25,041 | – | 25,041 | |||||||||
| Fair value adjustment | (4,979 | ) | – | (4,979 | ) | |||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 61 | – | 61 | |||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 20,123 | – | 20,123 | |||||||||
| Fair value of embedded derivative liability recognized | – | 21,280 | 21,280 | |||||||||
| Fair value adjustment | (21,200 | ) | – | (21,200 | ) | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 5,635 | 373 | 6,008 | |||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | 4,558 | 21,653 | 26,211 | |||||||||
| Combined Fair Value of Convertible Debenture | ||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 116,441 | – | 116,441 | |||||||||
| Balance, April 30, 2021 | 129,384 | 81,401 | 210,785 | |||||||||
The inputs used in the Convertible Debenture pricing model are as follows:
| April 30, | April 22, | October 31, | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Risk free rate of interest | 0.30 | % | 0.31 | % | 0.26 | % | ||||||
| Expected life in years | 0.25 year | 1 year | 0.74 year | |||||||||
| Conversion exercise price | CAD$0.15 | CAD$0.12 | CAD$0.15 | |||||||||
| Underlying share price of the Company | CAD$0.12 | CAD$0.12 | CAD$0.13 | |||||||||
| Expected volatility | 69.54 | % | 74.67 | % | 82.54 | % | ||||||
| Expected dividend rate | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||
| F-17 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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13. SHARE CAPITAL
[a] Authorized capital
The authorized share capital consists of 1,000,000,000 common voting shares at par value of CAD$0.001.
[b] Common shares issued
Fiscal 2020
[i] On December 20, 2019, the Company exercised its right to call, subject to acceleration provisions, all outstanding common share purchase warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021. The expiry was amended to January 19, 2020. This expiry date was then extended to February 19, 2020. As of February 19, 2020, any unexercised warrants were extinguished. In all, 35,472,661 warrants at an average price of CAD$0.08 per share were exercised and 24,794,484 expired unexercised. A further 4,864,000 warrants were also exercised during the year at CAD$0.05 per share.
[ii] On January 17, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement consisting of 3,643,792 units at a price of CAD$0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$546,569 (USD equivalent $416,719), of which CAD$52,922 (USD equivalent $39,722) was recorded as advance share subscriptions received prior to October 31, 2019. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of CAD$0.21 per share for a period of one year. The expiration date of the common share purchase warrants was subsequently extended to August 31, 2021. These warrants were subject to an expiry acceleration provision, upon thirty days’ written notice, should the price of the Company’s common shares exceed CAD$0.30 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. The fair value of the shares was equal to the proceeds raised in the private placement and as a result, no amount was allocated as the fair value of the warrants. Finder’s fees of $41,275 were paid or accrued in connection with the placement.
[iii] On May 26, 2020, the Company issued a total of 500,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of CAD$37,000 (USD equivalent $26,401) and re-classified $19,775 from equity reserves to share capital.
[iv] On September 10, 2020, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 53,846,154 units priced at CAD$0.13 per unit to raise gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year. At October 31, 2020, the Company had received advance share subscriptions of CAD$747,392 (USD equivalent $596,872).
| F-18 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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Fiscal 2021
[v] In connection with the non-brokered private placement announced on September 10, 2020:
On November 20, 2020, the Company closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement, issuing 5,599,171 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$727,892 (USD equivalent $556,876), which had been received prior to October 31, 2020 and recorded as advance share subscriptions.
On January 15, 2021, the Company closed the second tranche of the non-brokered private placement, consisting of 7,400,214 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$962,029 (USD equivalent $755,798), of which $39,996 was recorded as advance share subscriptions received prior to October 31, 2020.
On January 29, 2021, the Company closed the third tranche of the non-brokered private placement consisting of 5,382,303 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$699,699 (USD equivalent $547,496).
On March 24, 2021, the Company closed the fourth tranche of the non-brokered private placement consisting of 6,554,172 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$852,042 (USD equivalent $678,270).
On April 27, 2021, the Company closed the fifth and final tranche of the non-brokered private placement consisting of 851,395 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$110,681 (USD equivalent $89,237).
The Company closed an aggregate 25,787,255 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$3,352,343 (USD equivalent $2,627,677). Each unit issued consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.19 for a period of one year from the date of closing of the respective financing tranche. The Company incurred aggregate share issue costs of $194,584. Proceeds from the share issuance are for general working capital use and for the buildout of the Company’s magnesium pilot plant facility.
[vi] On March 12, 2021, the Company issued a total of 100,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$5,000 (USD equivalent $4,002).
[vii] On April 26, 2021, the Company issued a total of 400,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$20,000 (USD equivalent $16,113).
| F-19 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[c] Common share purchase warrants
A summary of the changes in the Company’s common share purchase warrants during the period ended April 30, 2021 are as follows:
| Expiry Date | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Weighted Average Life (Years) | October 31, 2020 | Granted | Exercised | Exercised | April 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 31, 2021* | 0.21 | 0.34 | 3,643,791 | - | – | – | 3,643,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 20, 2021 | 0.19 | 0.56 | – | 5,599,171 | – | – | 5,599,171 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 15, 2022 | 0.19 | 0.71 | – | 7,400,214 | – | – | 7,400,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 29, 2022 | 0.19 | 0.75 | – | 5,382,303 | – | – | 5,382,303 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 21, 2022 | 0.05 | 0.81 | 1,505,200 | – | – | – | 1,505,200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 24, 2022 | 0.19 | 0.90 | – | 6,554,172 | – | – | 6,554,172 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 0.91 | 1,482,025 | – | – | – | 1,482,025 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| April 27, 2022 | 0.19 | 0.99 | – | 851,395 | – | – | 851,395 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 9, 2022 | 0.05 | 1.02 | 2,368,626 | – | – | – | 2,368,626 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 14, 2022 | 0.05 | 1.29 | 1,110,000 | – | (400,000 | ) | – | 710,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 10,109,642 | 25,787,255 | (400,000 | ) | – | 35,496,897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD$) | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.05 | $ | – | $ | 0.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
* During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company amended the expiry date of 3,643,791 warrants, extending the expiry date from January 22, 2021 to August 31, 2021, subject to acceleration if the closing price of the Company’s shares exceeds CAD$0.30 per common share for at least 10 consecutive trading days.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s common share purchase warrants during the period ended April 30, 2020 are as follows:
| Expiry Date | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Weighted Average Life (Years) | October 31, 2019 | Granted | Exercised |
Expired/ Cancelled | April 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 22, 2021 | 0.21 | – | – | 3,643,791 | – | – | 3,643,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 21, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.31 | 1,505,200 | – | – | – | 1,505,200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.41 | 3,426,025 | – | (1,944,000 | ) | – | 1,482,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 9, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.52 | 5,088,626 | – | (2,720,000 | ) | – | 2,368,626 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 14, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.79 | 1,310,000 | – | (200,000 | ) | – | 1,110,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 7, 2020* | 0.07 | 0.52 | 3,100,000 | – | (3,000,000 | ) | (100,000 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 4, 2020* | 0.08 | 0.93 | 5,016,000 | – | (3,425,000 | ) | (1,591,000 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| November 30, 2020* | 0.08 | 1.08 | 6,169,926 | – | (3,091,383 | ) | (3,078,543 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 23, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.23 | 6,388,435 | – | (3,409,160 | ) | (2,979,275 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.41 | 8,188,046 | – | (4,496,710 | ) | (3,691,336 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| May 13, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.53 | 31,404,739 | – | (18,050,408 | ) | (13,354,331 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 71,596,997 | 3,643,791 | (40,336,661 | ) | (24,794,485 | ) | 10,109,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD$) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||||
* On December 20, 2019, the Company exercised its right to call, subject to acceleration provisions, all outstanding warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021. The expiry was amended to January 19, 2020. This expiry date was then extended to February 19, 2020. Any unexercised warrants were voided and of no value after February 19, 2020.
| F-20 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[d] Stock options
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan under the rules of the TSX-V pursuant to which it is authorized to grant stock options to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants, enabling them to acquire up to 20% of the total shares outstanding of the Company. Under the stock option plan, the option exercise price of any option granted shall not be less than the discounted market price of the Company’s common shares. For the purposes of the stock option plan, the discounted market price is calculated in accordance with the policies of the TSX-V at the time of the grant of the options. Stock options granted are subject to a maximum term of 5 years. All options granted shall vest immediately, except for those options granted to persons performing investor relations activities for the Company. Pursuant to the policies of the TSX-V, shares issued upon the exercise of options are restricted from trading during the 4-month period subsequent to the exercise of options. At April 30, 2021, the number of options available to be granted was 43,221,356 (2020 – 29,703,905)
A summary of the changes in the Company’s stock options during the period ended April 30, 2021 are as follows:
| Expiry Date | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Weighted Average Life (Years) | October 31, 2020 | Granted | Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | April 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 11, 2021 | 0.05 | – | 800,000 | – | – | (800,000 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 16, 2021 | 0.05 | 0.30 | 600,000 | – | – | – | 600,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 0.91 | 1,750,000 | – | – | – | 1,750,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 26, 2022 | 0.13 | – | 500,000 | – | – | (500,000 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2022 | 0.13 | – | – | 6,150,000 | – | (6,150,000 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
| April 19, 2023 | 0.05 | 1.97 | 800,000 | – | – | – | 800,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 12, 2023 | 0.05 | 2.28 | 3,120,000 | – | (100,000 | ) | – | 3,020,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 5, 2023 | 0.05 | 2.60 | 7,000,000 | – | – | – | 7,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 22, 2024 | 0.12 | 3.06 | 7,950,000 | – | – | – | 7,950,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 4, 2024 | 0.15 | 3.52 | 700,000 | – | – | – | 700,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 25, 2024 | 0.16 | 3.58 | 900,000 | – | – | – | 900,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2025 | 0.11 | 3.91 | 300,000 | – | – | – | 300,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| April 24, 2025 | 0.12 | 3.99 | 4,000,000 | – | – | (300,000 | ) | 3,700,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 30, 2025 | 0.13 | – | – | 9,500,000 | – | (9,500,000 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 28,420,000 | 15,650,000 | (100,000 | ) | (17,250,000 | ) | 26,720,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD$) | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.09 | ||||||||||||||||||
| F-21 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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A summary of the changes in the Company’s stock options during the period ended April 30, 2020 are as follows:
| Expiry Date | Exercise Price (CAD$) | Weighted Average Life (Years) | October 31, 2019 | Granted | Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | April 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 8, 2020 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 400,000 | – | – | – | 400,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| June 3, 2020 | 0.05 | 0.09 | 550,000 | – | – | – | 550,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 11, 2021 | 0.05 | 0.79 | 1,300,000 | – | – | – | 1,300,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 16, 2021 | 0.05 | 1.29 | 1,200,000 | – | – | (300,000 | ) | 900,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 1.90 | 2,000,000 | – | – | (250,000 | ) | 1,750,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| April 19, 2023 | 0.05 | 2.97 | 800,000 | – | – | – | 800,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 12, 2023 | 0.05 | 3.28 | 3,780,000 | – | – | – | 3,780,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 5, 2023 | 0.05 | 3.60 | 9,600,000 | – | – | (300,000 | ) | 9,300,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 22, 2024 | 0.12 | 4.06 | 10,000,000 | – | – | – | 10,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 4, 2024 | 0.15 | 4.52 | - | 700,000 | – | – | 700,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 25, 2024 | 0.16 | 4.58 | - | 900,000 | – | – | 900,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2025 | 0.11 | 4.91 | 300,000 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 27, 2025 | 0.12 | 4.99 | 4,200,000 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 29,630,000 | 6,100,000 | – | (850,000 | ) | 34,880,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD$) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.13 | $ | – | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||||
During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company granted an aggregate 15,650,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants at a price of CAD$0.13 per share, of which 9,500,000 were exercisable for a period of five years and 6,150,000 were exercisable for a period of two years. These options were subsequently nullified as they exceeded the maximum allowed under the Company’s stock option plan. Subsequent to April 30, 2021, on June 11, 2021, these options were reinstated as the Company received shareholders’ approval on the amendment to the Company’s stock option plan to increase the number of common shares reserved for issuance under such plan. During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company recognized and reversed the same share-based compensation totaling $1,060,085, resulting in $nil (2020 – $591,492) expenses in relation to the grant of its stock options.
The fair value of stock options was estimated on the measurement date using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Risk free rate of interest | 0.20% – 0.39 | % | 0.43% – 1.51 | % | ||||
| Expected life of options | 2 to 5 years | 5 years | ||||||
| Exercise price of options | CAD$0.13 | CAD$0.11 – CAD$0.16 | ||||||
| Expected annualized volatility | 130.88% – 147.28 | % | 120.13% – 188.46 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend rate | Nil | Nil | ||||||
| F-22 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[e] Share-based payments reserve
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognize the fair value of share options granted to employees, including key management personnel, as part of their remuneration. When options are subsequently exercised, the fair value of such options in share-based payments reserve is credited to share capital. Warrants attached to units as part of a unit placement are assigned a $nil value.
The residual method is used to calculate the fair value of the warrant component of units issued, whereby the residual of the private placement proceeds less the fair value of the share component is assigned as the fair value of the warrants.
[f] Obligations to issue shares
During the period ended April 30, 2021, the Company issued 5,749,169 units in connection with advance share subscriptions in the amount of $596,872 received during the prior fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 in respect of a non-brokered private placement [note 13[b]]. During the same period, the company received advance share subscriptions in the amount of $45,446 in respect of a non-brokered private placement announced and closed subsequent to April 30, 2021 [note 17[a]].
14. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company classifies the components of shareholders’ equity as capital, which at April 30, 2021, was a deficiency of $2,853,250 (October 31, 2020 – $2,009,595). When managing capital, the Company’s objective is to ensure the entity continues as a going concern and advance stakeholders’ interests. Management adjusts the capital structure as necessary in order to support its business and technology development. The Company’s board of directors does not establish qualitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain future development of the business. The Company’s goal is to be a low-cost producer of green, primary magnesium metal, a strategic commodity prized for its strength and light weight. The Company looks to use a continuous silicothermic process to produce magnesium, which significantly reduces labour and energy costs relative to current methods and processes, while being environmentally friendly. The Company focuses on plant operations and magnesium production and continues to move towards the buildout of its pilot plant facility and the development of a full-scale commercial magnesium production facility. The Company is considered to be in the development stage and is dependent upon external financing to fund its activities. In order to carry out its business development activities and pay for administrative costs, the Company will spend its existing working capital and raise additional amounts as needed. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is appropriate. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the period. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
| F-23 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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15. FINANCIAL INSTRUCMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Financial instruments | Measurement Method | Associated Risk | Fair Value at April 30, 2021 ($) | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | Held-for-trading | Credit and currency | 70,365 | |||
| Amounts receivable | Amortized cost | Credit and concentration | 63,394 | |||
| Due from related parties | Amortized cost | Credit and currency | 227,752 | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | Amortized cost | Currency | 2,362,207 | |||
| Due to related parties | Amortized cost | Currency | 1,219,683 | |||
| Convertible debenture | Amortized cost | Credit and currency | 210,785 |
[a] Fair value
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The fair value of current financial instruments approximates their carrying values as long as they are short-term in nature or bear interest at market rates.
[b] Fair value hierarchy
Financial instruments that are held at fair value are categorized based on a valuation hierarchy which is determined by the valuation methodology utilized:
Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices).
Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Cash and cash equivalents are valued using a market approach based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market obtained from securities exchanges.
As at April 30, 2021, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents held by the Company was based on Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 during the period.
[c] Financial risk management
The Company’s board of directors has the overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework. The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and in response to the Company’s activities. Management regularly monitors compliance with the Company’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Company.
| F-24 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to various risks such interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity, credit, and liquidity. To manage these risks, management determines what activities must be undertaken to minimize potential exposure to risks. The objectives of the Company in managing risks are as follows:
| ● | Maintaining sound financial condition; |
| ● | Financing operations; and |
| ● | Ensuring liquidity to all operations. |
In order to satisfy these objectives, the Company has adopted the following policies:
| ● | Prepare budget documents at prevailing market rates to ensure clear corporate alignment to performance management and achievement of targets; |
| ● | Recognize and observe the extent of operating risk within the business; and |
| ● | Identify the magnitude of the impact of market risk factors on the overall risk of the business and take advantage of natural risk reductions that arise from these relationships. |
There have been no changes in risks that have arisen or how the Company manages those risks during the period ended April 30, 2021 and 2020.
[i] Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in the market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash on deposits with banks and, from time to time, on its holdings of short-term investments. As of April 30, 2021, the Company had $70,365 (October 31, 2020 − $39,571) of cash on deposits with banks. The Company had no short-term investment as at April 30, 2021 and October 31 2020. Given the level of cash and cash equivalents held by the Company, fluctuations in the market interest rates had no significant impact on its interest income during the period ended April 30, 2021 and 2020.
[ii] Foreign currency risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk on fluctuations related to cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and due from/to related parties that are denominated in US dollars. The Company has not entered into foreign exchange derivative contracts. A significant change in the currency exchange rates between the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar could have a material effect on the Company’s balance sheet, results of operations, or cash flows.
| April 30, 2021 | ||||
| $ | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 30,739 | |||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (1,088,728 | ) | ||
| Due from/to related parties | (557,535 | ) | ||
| Total | (1,615,524 | ) | ||
Based on the Company net exposures as at April 30, 2021, assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 5% appreciation or deterioration of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar would result in an increase or decrease of $212,773 in the Company’s net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
| F-25 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[iii] Commodity price risk
The value of the Company’s magnesium production business and its exploration and evaluation assets are dependent on the price of magnesium and the outlook for this mineral. Market prices for these metals historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside the Company’s control, including but not limited to, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand, industrial and retail demand, as well as certain other factors related specifically to magnesium. If magnesium prices decline for a prolonged period below the cost of production, it may not be economically feasible to continue towards production.
[iv] Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss if counterparties do not fulfill their contractual obligations and arises principally from trade receivables. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents and amounts receivable. The Company limits its exposure to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents as these financial instruments are held with major banks in Canada and the United States. Amounts receivable consist primarily of GST due from the Federal Government of Canada and other subsidy receivable. Management believes the credit risk concentration with respect to amounts receivable is remote. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
[v] Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due. The Company’s exposure to liquidity risk is dependent on its purchasing commitments and obligations and its ability to raise funds to meet commitments and sustain operations. The Company manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring its actual and forecasted working capital requirements to ensure there is capital to meet short-term and long-term obligations. As of April 30, 2021, October 31, 2020, the Company had working capital deficiency of $3,656,329 and $2,392,189, respectively. As disclosed in note 1, the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on many factors. The Company’s cash is primarily deposited in bank accounts and held by certain related parties as advances to them. The Company anticipates that its cash on hand, together with expected funds raised from private placements and on exercise of warrants and options, as well as debt financing, will provide sufficient financial resources to carry out its operations through the current fiscal year. However, additional funding will be required. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise the funds necessary to continue future operations. Liquidity risk has been assessed as high.
| F-26 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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16. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company focuses on plant operations and magnesium production and continues to move towards the buildout of its pilot plant facility and the development of a full-scale commercial magnesium production facility. The Company also operates in the exploration for and development of mineral property interests. Geographic information for the Company’s assets is as follows:
| April 30, 2021 | October 31, 2020 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Canada – property, plant and equipment | 489,380 | 79,436 | ||||||
| United States – exploration and evaluation assets | 93,453 | 93,453 | ||||||
| 582,833 | 172,889 | |||||||
| Canada – other assets | 842,107 | 533,815 | ||||||
| United States – other assets | 347 | 2,059 | ||||||
| 842,454 | 535,874 | |||||||
| Total Assets | 1,425,287 | 708,763 | ||||||
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
[a] On May 5, 2021, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement priced at CAD$0.13 per unit to raise gross proceeds of up to CAD$3,000,000. As at April 30, 2021, the Company had received advance share subscriptions of $45,446. On May 28, 2021, the Company closed the first tranche of the non-brokered private placement issuing 5,223,420 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$679,044 (USD equivalent $561,843). On June 17, 2021, the Company closed the second and final tranche of the non-brokered private placement consisting of 17,853,506 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$2,320,956 (USD equivalent $1,880,687). The Company closed at its maximum offering and issued aggregate 23,076,926 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$3,000,000 (USD equivalent $2,442,530). Each unit issued consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year from the date of closing of the respective financing tranche. Finder’s fees and commissions may be paid in connection with the offering. Proceeds from the share issuance are for general working capital use and for the completion of the Company’s planned research and development pilot plant.
[b] On June 7, 2021, the Company received final approval from the TSX-V for an agreement with Industrial Surplus Supplies Ltd. (“ISL”), pursuant to which ISL will build a prototype internally heated testing lab furnace for the testing of a magnesium production process. In consideration of the services provided, the Company issued 1,538,461 common shares at a price of CAD$0.13 per share with a total fair value of CAD$200,000 (USD equivalent $162,800).
[c] On June 10, 2021, the Company issued a total of 200,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$10,000 (USD equivalent $8,269).
| F-27 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[d] On June 15, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of $1,500,000 (the “June 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The June 2021 Convertible Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum and matures on December 10, 2022. The June 2021 Convertible Debenture is convertible into 15,000,000 units, where each unit consists of (i) one share of the Company’ common stock, (ii) one-half of one Class A common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.13 until June 10, 2026, and (iii) one-half of one Class B common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.19 until June 10, 2026 (collectively, the “Class A and B Warrants”). In addition, the conversion price for accrued interest is the greater of (i) $0.10 and (ii) the minimum conversion price permitted by the TSX-V at the time of conversion.
Under the terms of the June 10, 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement the Company entered into as part of the offering of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), the Company agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 14, 2021, covering the public resale of the shares of common stock underlying such debenture and, upon its conversion, the Class A and B Warrants issuable upon such conversion (the “Underlying Shares”), and to use its best efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective on October 13, 2021.
In addition to certain covenants contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement, the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture contain certain negative covenants by the Company, including, among others, sell or offer to sell any securities with non-fixed or floating price features, issue any common stock or common stock equivalents at a price lower than the Conversion Price herein then in effect, or issue any equity or debt instruments with anti-dilution provisions.
In the event the Company issues or sells any common stock or common stock equivalents with terms that the purchaser holding the outstanding June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Convertible Debenture Holder”) or the Class A and B Warrants reasonably believes are more favorable to such holder than the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants, then upon notice to the Company by such holder within five trading days after notice to such holder by the Company, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approval of the TSX-V and any additional required regulatory approval to amend the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants as required, as the case may be, so as to give such holder the benefit of such more favorable terms or conditions.
The conversion price of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture and the exercise price of the Class A and B Warrants are subject to proportional adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends and similar corporate events, including merger or consolidation of the Company or in a “Fundamental Transaction” as defined in the June 2021 Convertible Debenture.
The Company has granted the holders certain rights of first refusal on its future offerings for as long as the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants are outstanding.
The Company may prepay and satisfy the June 2021 Convertible Debenture so long as an event of default has not occurred, upon 20 days’ prior written notice received by the Company to the holder, by paying 125% of the amounts owed on the June 2021 Convertible Debenture, including all principal, interest and other fees. The holder of this debenture may, however, convert all or a portion of the debenture during the 20 day notice period.
| F-28 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six months Ended April 30, 2021 and 2020 Unaudited – expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[e] On June 30, 2021, the Company issued 54,901 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2,745 (USD equivalent $2,215) and 20,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$3,800 (USD equivalent $3,066).
[f] On July 16, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 4,350,000 units at a price of CAD$0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$870,000 (USD equivalent $690,860). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.30 for a period of one year from the date of closing.
[g] On July 19, 2021, the Company issued a total of 50,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$9,500 (USD equivalent $7,446).
| F-29 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019
(Expressed in US Dollars)
| F-30 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the shareholders and the board of directors of Western Magnesium Corporation
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Western Magnesium Corporation (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows, for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has not generated revenues since inception, has incurred losses in developing its business, and further losses are anticipated. The Company requires additional funds to meet its obligations and the costs of its operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in this regard are described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DMCL
DALE MATHESON CARR-HILTON LABONTE LLP
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013
Vancouver, Canada
August 4, 2021
| F-31 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets As at October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars |
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| Note | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 39,571 | 33,649 | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 4,579 | 20,079 | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | 115,109 | 79,792 | ||||||||
| 159,259 | 133,520 | |||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 5 | 79,436 | 83,150 | |||||||
| Right of use assets | 6 | 373,987 | - | |||||||
| Mineral property costs | 8 | 93,453 | 93,454 | |||||||
| Reclamation deposit | 2,628 | 2,660 | ||||||||
| Total Assets | 708,763 | 312,784 | ||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | 1,079,104 | 620,779 | ||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 90,713 | - | ||||||||
| Due to related parties | 9,10 | 843,990 | 639,492 | |||||||
| Promissory note | 11 | 60,567 | 102,014 | |||||||
| Provision for flow through share issuances | 12 | 216,924 | 219,529 | |||||||
| Lease obligations - current | 7 | 143,709 | - | |||||||
| Convertible debenture | 11 | 96,318 | - | |||||||
| Derivative liability | 11 | 20,123 | - | |||||||
| 2,551,448 | 1,581,814 | |||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||
| Lease obligations – non-current | 7 | 237,218 | - | |||||||
| Total Liabilities | 2,788,666 | 1,581,814 | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ deficit | ||||||||||
| Capital stock | ||||||||||
| Authorised: 1 billion common voting shares at par value of CAD$0.001 | ||||||||||
| Issued and paid: 323,419,527 (2019 - 278,939,075; 2018 - 200,832,658) | 13 | 21,322,022 | 18,587,118 | |||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | 13 | 4,182,037 | 3,535,553 | |||||||
| Obligations to issue shares | 13 | 596,872 | 39,722 | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 399,175 | 475,981 | ||||||||
| Deficit | (28,580,009 | ) | (23,907,404 | ) | ||||||
| Total Shareholders’ deficit | (2,079,903 | ) | (1,269,030 | ) | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | 708,763 | 312,784 | ||||||||
| Nature of operations and going concern | 1 | |||||||||
| Contingencies | 10 | |||||||||
| Commitments | 12,13,14 | |||||||||
| Subsequent events | 19 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-32 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss For the Years Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars |
|
| Notes | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||
| Bank charges | 10,764 | 7,720 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 5,6 | 86,706 | 7,727 | |||||||
| Due diligence expenses | 14 | 594,921 | 388,065 | |||||||
| Consulting and management fees | 9 | 598,574 | 509,461 | |||||||
| Exploration expenses | 15,098 | 15,065 | ||||||||
| Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (10,685 | ) | 7,778 | |||||||
| Investor relations | 237,874 | 130,290 | ||||||||
| Interest and accretion | 7,11 | 60,638 | 1,599 | |||||||
| Office and general | 294,087 | 237,195 | ||||||||
| Professional fees | 138,916 | 544,605 | ||||||||
| Salaries | 9 | 1,797,783 | 1,348,937 | |||||||
| Shareholder communications | 54,554 | 390,198 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 9,13 | 666,259 | 1,155,454 | |||||||
| Transfer agent and filing fees | 64,371 | 74,394 | ||||||||
| Travel | 104,880 | 145,809 | ||||||||
| Loss from operating activities | (4,714,740 | ) | (4,964,297 | ) | ||||||
| Other Items | ||||||||||
| Gain on sale of exploration and evaluation assets previously written off | 8 | 37,156 | - | |||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | 11 | 4,979 | - | |||||||
| Write off of equipment | 5 | - | (3,589 | ) | ||||||
| Net loss for the year | (4,672,605 | ) | (4,967,886 | ) | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) on translation of parent and subsidiary | (76,806 | ) | 3,897 | |||||||
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | (4,749,411 | ) | (4,963,989 | ) | ||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 312,450,631 | 241,051,823 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-33 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Deficit For the Years Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars |
|
| Common shares | Additional paid-in capital | Obligation to issue shares | Deficit | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Shareholders’ deficit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2018 | 200,832,658 | 15,521,922 | 2,406,971 | - | (18,939,518 | ) | 472,084 | (538,541 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private placements (Note 13) | 61,472,502 | 2,291,983 | - | - | - | - | 2,291,983 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for services (Note 13) | 150,000 | 5,668 | - | - | - | - | 5,668 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on warrants exercised (Note 13) | 15,055,344 | 837,182 | - | - | - | - | 837,182 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on options exercised (Note 13) | 1,100,000 | 69,276 | (27,723 | ) | - | - | - | 41,553 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on debt settlement (Note 13) | 328,571 | 43,647 | - | - | - | - | 43,647 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share subscriptions (Note 13) | - | - | - | 39,722 | - | - | 39,722 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share issue costs (Note 13) | - | (182,560 | ) | 851 | - | - | - | (181,709 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation (Note 13) | - | - | 1,155,454 | - | - | - | 1,155,454 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) for the year | - | - | - | - | (4,967,886 | ) | 3,897 | (4,963,989 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | 278,939,075 | 18,587,118 | 3,535,553 | 39,722 | (23,907,404 | ) | 475,981 | (1,269,030 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private placements (Note 13) | 3,643,791 | 416,719 | - | (39,722 | ) | - | - | 376,997 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on warrants exercised (Note 13) | 40,336,661 | 2,313,284 | - | - | - | - | 2,313,284 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on options exercised (Note 13) | 500,000 | 46,176 | (19,775 | ) | - | - | - | 26,401 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share subscriptions (Note 13) | - | - | - | 596,872 | - | - | 596,872 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share issue costs (Note 13) | - | (41,275 | ) | - | - | - | - | (41,275 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation (Note 13) | - | - | 666,259 | - | - | - | 666,259 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (4,672,605 | ) | (76,806 | ) | (4,749,411 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 323,419,527 | 21,322,022 | 4,182,037 | 596,872 | (28,580,009 | ) | 399,175 | (2,079,903 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-34 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Year Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars |
|
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss for the year | (4,672,605 | ) | (4,967,886 | ) | ||||
| Items not affecting cash: | ||||||||
| Accrued interest and accretion | 60,638 | 1,599 | ||||||
| Depreciation | 86,706 | 7,727 | ||||||
| Write off of equipment | - | 3,589 | ||||||
| Shares issued for services | - | 5,668 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 666,259 | 1,155,454 | ||||||
| Foreign exchange | (55,080 | ) | - | |||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | (4,979 | ) | - | |||||
| Gain on sale of exploration and evaluation assets | (37,156 | ) | - | |||||
| Changes in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 15,500 | (12,932 | ) | |||||
| Prepaid expenses | (35,317 | ) | (69,907 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 510,773 | 650,946 | ||||||
| Due to related parties | 194,727 | 34,020 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (3,270,534 | ) | (3,191,722 | ) | ||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||
| Purchase of equipment | (16,362 | ) | (89,848 | ) | ||||
| Leasehold improvement | (1,810 | ) | - | |||||
| Proceeds from sale of exploration and evaluation assets | 37,157 | - | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 18,985 | (89,848 | ) | |||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of shares, net of share issuance costs | 2,715,129 | 2,989,009 | ||||||
| Proceeds from share subscription | 557,150 | 39,722 | ||||||
| Proceeds from convertible debenture | 111,470 | - | ||||||
| Proceeds from (repayment of) promissory note | (56,478 | ) | 100,415 | |||||
| Lease payments | (69,448 | ) | - | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 3,257,823 | 3,129,146 | ||||||
| Change in cash for the year | 6,274 | (152,424 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year | 33,649 | 182,474 | ||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange on cash | (352 | ) | 3,599 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year | 39,571 | 33,649 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | ||||||||
| Cash | 39,571 | 18,340 | ||||||
| Guaranteed investment certificate | - | 15,309 | ||||||
| 39,571 | 33,649 | |||||||
| Other non-cash transactions | ||||||||
| Shares issued for conversion of debt and services | - | 49,315 | ||||||
| Fair value of exercised options | 19,775 | 27,723 | ||||||
| ROU asset addition by way of lease obligation | 435,970 | - | ||||||
| Other cash flow disclosures | ||||||||
| Interest paid | 28,199 | - | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
| F-35 |
|
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
1. Nature of Operations and Going Concern
Western Magnesium Corporation (the “Company”, or “WMC”) was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on March 24, 1966. On May 14, 2019, the Company discontinued from the jurisdiction of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and domesticated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware under the name “Western Magnesium Corporation”. WMC is a publicly traded company with its shares listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) under the symbol “WMG.V”, OTCQB market under the symbol “MLYF” and on Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “M1V”. The Company has developed proprietary magnesium production technology which utilizes a continuous silicothermic process with the aim of becoming a premier low-cost producer of green primary magnesium metal.
At October 31, 2020 the Company had working capital deficiency of $2,392,189 (2019 – $1,448,294), has not yet achieved profitable operations and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. For the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company reported a comprehensive loss of $4,749,411 (2019 – $4,963,989). As at October 31, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $28,580,009 (2019 – $23,907,404).
The Company has financed its activities and operations through equity issuances and debt financing and expects to continue to do so to the extent such instruments are issuable under terms acceptable to the Company until such time as its operations provide positive cash flows. Accordingly, the Company’s financial statements are presented on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will continue to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. Management believes that the going concern assumption is appropriate for these financial statements based on their continuing ability to raise financing through share and debt issuances. If future financing is unavailable, the Company may not be able to meet its ongoing obligations, in which case the realizable value of its assets may decline materially from current estimates. If the going concern assumption was not appropriate for these financial statements, then potentially material adjustments may be necessary to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses and the balance sheet classifications used. These factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. This contagious disease outbreak and the related adverse public health developments have adversely affected workforces, economies, and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn. The impact on the Company has not been significant but could affect the Company’s ability to raise financings in the future or restrict access to travel. Management continues to monitor the situation.
2. Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Western Magnesium Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Western Magnesium Corp., incorporated in the state of Nevada, USA and Western Magnesium Canada Corp. incorporated on May 3, 2019 in British Columbia, Canada.
a) Accounting standards
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations and continue its operations for the next year. Realization values may be substantially different from carrying values as shown and these financial statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classification of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for financial instruments that have been measured at fair value. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information.
| F-36 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
b) Functional and presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars, except where indicated and except for per share amounts. The Company’s functional currency, and that of its subsidiary Western Magnesium Canada Corp., is the Canadian dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s US subsidiary is the United States dollar (“US dollars” or “USD”). The accounts of the Company, and those of its subsidiary Western Magnesium Canada Corp., have been translated to US dollars.
c) Critical accounting estimates and judgments
Significant Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Company’s management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted for prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised.
Estimates and assumptions where there is potential risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods include the useful lives of equipment, the recoverability of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets, fair value measurements for financial instruments, the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, provisions for restoration and environmental obligations and contingent liabilities.
Significant Judgments
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgments in applying the Company’s financial statements include:
| - | the assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and whether there are events or conditions that may give rise to substantial doubt; |
| - | whether there are indicators of impairment of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets and other non-current assets; |
| - | the classification / allocation of expenditures as exploration and evaluation expenditures or operating expenses; and, |
| - | the classification of financial instruments. |
3. Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently, to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and have been applied consistently by the Company and its subsidiaries.
a) Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries as described in Note 2. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
b) Foreign currency
Items included in the financial statements of each consolidated entity are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Foreign exchanges gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the functional currency of an entity are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income.
| F-37 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
Assets and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiary with a functional currency in Canadian dollars are translated at the period end rates of exchange, and the results of its operations are translated at average rates of exchange for the period. Equity transactions have been translated using historical rates in effect on the date that each transaction occurred. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as shareholders’ equity. Additionally, foreign exchange gains and losses related to certain intercompany loans that are permanent in nature are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
c) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments that are readily convertible into cash with original maturities of three months or less.
d) Reclamation deposit
The Company maintains cash deposits, as required by regulatory bodies, as assurance for the funding of decommissioning costs. These funds are restricted to that purpose and are not available to the Company until the reclamation obligations have been fulfilled and are therefore classified as long term assets.
e) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
The cost of an item of PP&E consists of the purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use and an initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of PP&E, less their estimated residual value.
The depreciation rates and method applicable to each category of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
| Class | Rate | |
| Office furniture | 20% declining balance | |
| Computer equipment | 55% declining balance | |
| Leasehold improvements | Term of lease | |
| Pilot furnace | To be determined | |
| Right-of-use assets | Term of lease |
An item of PP&E is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on disposal of the asset, determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognized in profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income or loss.
Where an item of PP&E comprises major components with different useful lives, the components are accounted for as separate items. Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of PP&E that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures, are capitalized.
| F-38 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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f) Research and development
Expenditures on research activities taken to develop a pyro metallurgical process to extract and recover magnesium metal from dolomite are expensed as incurred. Development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred.
g) Mineral property acquisition and exploration assets
Mineral property acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred. Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of shares issued on the acquisition of mineral property claims.
Costs related to the development of mineral reserves are capitalized when it has been determined an ore body can be economically developed. The development stage begins when an ore body is determined to be economically recoverable based on proven and probable reserves and appropriate permits are in place, and ends when the production stage or exploitation of reserves begins. Major mine development expenditures are capitalized, including primary development costs such as costs of building access ways, tailings impoundment, development of water supply and infrastructure developments.
Exploration costs include those relating to activities carried out (a) in search of previously unidentified mineral deposits, or (b) at undeveloped concessions. Pre-development activities involve costs incurred in the exploration stage that may ultimately benefit production that are expensed due to the lack of evidence of economic development, which is necessary to demonstrate future recoverability of these expenses. Secondary development costs are incurred for preparation of an ore body for production in a specific ore block or work area, providing a relatively short-lived benefit only to the mine area they relate to, and not to the ore body as a whole. All exploration costs have been expensed.
Once production has commenced, capitalized costs will be depleted using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the proven and probable reserves. If mineral properties are subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be charged to the Consolidated Statements of Loss in that period.
We assess the carrying cost of our mineral properties for impairment whenever information or circumstances indicate the potential for impairment. Such evaluations compare estimated future net cash flows with our carrying costs and future obligations on an undiscounted basis. If it is determined that the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property, a write down to the estimated fair value is charged to the Consolidated Statements of Loss for the period. Where estimates of future net cash flows are not available and where other conditions suggest impairment, management assesses if the carrying value can be recovered.
For significant development projects, interest is capitalized as part of the historical cost of developing and constructing assets in accordance with ASC 835-20. Interest is capitalized until the asset is ready for service. Capitalized interest is determined by multiplying the Company’s weighted-average borrowing cost on general debt by the average amount of qualifying costs incurred. Once an asset subject to interest capitalization is completed and placed in service, the associated capitalized interest is expensed through depletion or impairment.
h) Impairment of non-financial assets
Non-financial assets are evaluated at the end of each reporting period by management for indicators that carrying value is impaired and may not be recoverable. When indicators of impairment are present, non-financial assets are tested for impairment as an individual asset, as part of an asset group or at the reporting unit (RU) level. An asset group is the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows (i.e. both cash inflows and cash outflows) that are largely independent of the net cash flows of other groups of assets. An RU is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment if certain conditions are met. Impairment tests for non-financial assets subject to depreciation or amortisation are applied to individual assets if possible. If this is not possible, then these assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level.
| F-39 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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An impairment loss is triggered for non-financial assets only if the asset’s, or asset group’s, carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount (i.e. the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted cash flows of the asset or asset group). If the carrying amount is not recoverable, then the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset (asset group) and the fair value of the asset (asset group). An impairment loss for an asset group is allocated pro rata to the non-financial assets in the asset group. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Loss and are not reversed.
i) Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.
The Company has adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes” regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The Company initially recognizes tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Application requires numerous estimates based on available information. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, and its recognized tax positions and tax benefits may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. As additional information is obtained, there may be a need to periodically adjust the recognized tax positions and tax benefits.
These periodic adjustments may have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Loss. When applicable, the Company classifies penalties and interest associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense in its consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
j) Loss per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders (numerator) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. The denominator is calculated by adjusting the shares issued at the beginning of the period by the number of shares bought back during the period, multiplied by a time-weighting factor.
Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting the earnings and number of shares for the effects of dilutive options and other dilutive potential units. The effects of anti-dilutive potential units are ignored in calculating diluted EPS. All options are considered anti-dilutive when the Company is in a loss position.
k) Share-based payments
The Company has an equity settled share purchase stock option plan that is described in Note 13. Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, and are expensed over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specific vesting conditions are satisfied. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over its respective vesting period.
The fair value of stock-based payments to non-employees is periodically re-measured until the counterparty performance is complete, and any change therein is recognized over the vesting period of the award and in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash instead of paying with or using equity based instruments. The cost of the stock-based payments to non-employees that are fully vested and non-forfeitable as at the grant date is measured and recognized at that date, unless there is a contractual term for services in which case such compensation would be amortized over the contractual term.
The Company accounts for the granting of stock options to employees using the fair value method whereby all awards to employees will be recorded at fair value on the date of the grant. The fair value of all stock options is expensed over their vesting period with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.
| F-40 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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Compensation costs for stock-based payments that do not include performance conditions are recognized on a straight-line basis. Compensation cost associated with a share-based award having a performance condition is only recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable. Share based awards with a performance condition are accrued on an award by award basis.
The share-based compensation fair value is determined using an estimated forfeiture rate. Compensation ultimately recognized is revised in subsequent periods to reflect final grant amounts. For employees and consultants who are working on specific capital projects, the share-based compensation is allocated to projects under development. For the remainder of employees and consultants, the compensation is expensed.
l) Decommissioning liabilities
The Company records a liability for the reclamation of its exploration and evaluation interests based on the best estimate of costs for site closure and reclamation activities that the Company is legally or constructively required to remediate, and the liability is recognized at the time the environmental disturbance occurs. The resulting costs are capitalized to the corresponding asset. The fair value of the provision for closure and reclamation liabilities is estimated using expected cash flows, based on engineering and environmental reports prepared by third party industry specialists, discounted at a pre-tax rate specific to the liability. The capitalized amount is amortized on the same basis as the related asset. The liability is adjusted for accretion of the discounted obligation and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. Significant judgments and estimates are involved in forming expectations of the amount and timing of future site closure and reclamation cash flows. Future restoration costs are reviewed annually and any changes in the estimate are reflected in the present value of the provision at the reporting date.
m) Share capital
The Company records proceeds from share issuances net of issuance costs. Shares issued for consideration other than cash are valued at the quoted price on the date the shares are issued.
n) Financial instruments
The Company’s classification of its financial instruments is as follows:
| Asset or Liability | Classification | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | Held-for-trading | |
| Accounts receivable | Held-for-investment | |
| Accounts payable | Amortized cost | |
| Due to related parties | Amortized cost | |
| Derivative liability | FVTPL | |
| Promissory note and convertible debenture | Amortized cost |
The fair value hierarchy under US GAAP is based on the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level I, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active prices whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and
Level 3: Assets and liabilities whose significant value drivers are unobservable by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
| F-41 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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The Company’s promissory note payable and convertible debenture to related and arms-length parties are based on Level 3 inputs in the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. The promissory note payable and convertible debenture to related parties accumulate interest at rates of 18% and 12% per annum, respectively (see Note 11).
Derivative Liabilities
The Company evaluates its financial instruments and other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for in accordance with ASC 815. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the embedded derivative is marked-to-market at each balance sheet date and recorded as a liability and the change in fair value is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Loss. Upon conversion or exercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity.
The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instruments that become subject to reclassification are reclassified at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities will be classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not settlement of the derivative instrument is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to value derivative liabilities. This model uses Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.
4. Changes in Accounting Standards
New Accounting Standards Adopted During the Year
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard require lessees to recognize all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months, on the balance sheet for the right and obligations created by those leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) as of November 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, there is no restatement of prior period financial information and any accumulated deficit at the date of initial application.
At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. In addition, the Company classifies a lease as either an operating lease or a finance lease at commencement of the lease, and the classification is not revised unless the lease is modified and that modification is not accounted for as a separate lease. Finance leases are further classified as either a sales-type lease or a direct financing lease based on certain criteria. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) the Company has classified its leases as operating leases.
The lease term includes periods covered by an option to extend if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain re-measurements of the lease liability.
The operating lease liability is initially measured as the present value of future lease payments excluding payments made at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is re-measured to reflect lease modifications and changes in the lease payments, excluding changes caused by a change in an index or rate unless the lease liability is remeasured for another reason. In addition, the lease is re-measured if there is a change in the Company’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Company changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is re-measured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.
| F-42 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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The carrying amount of an operating lease right-of-use asset is based on the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.
The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which transactions are leases on the date of initial applicationThe Company applied the definition of a lease under ASU 2016-02 Leases to contracts effective for periods on or after November 1, 2019.
The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to exclude initial direct costs such as annual operating costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application.
The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less. The lease payments associated with these leases is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
On adoption of the new standard on November 1, 2019, the Company recognized right-of-use assets of $83,549, and a lease liability of $83,549 (Notes 6 and 7).
When measuring lease liabilities for leases classified as operating leases, the Company discounted lease payments using its incremental borrowing rate at November 1, 2019 of approximately 7%.
| $ | ||||
| Operating lease commitment disclosed as of October 31, 2019 | 139,234 | |||
| Estimated variable lease payments not included in lease obligations | (51,768 | ) | ||
| Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at November 1, 2019 | (3,917 | ) | ||
| Lease obligations recognized as at November 1, 2019 | 83,549 | |||
Compensation – Share-based compensation
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2018-07”), which aligns the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments to nonemployees with that for employees, with certain exceptions. It expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based payments granted to nonemployees in exchange for goods or services used or consumed in the entity’s own operations and supersedes the guidance in ASC 505-50. The ASU retains the existing cost attribution guidance, which requires entities to recognize compensation cost for nonemployee awards in the same period and in the same manner (i.e. capitalize or expense) they would if they paid cash for the goods or services, but it moves the guidance to ASC 718. Effective November 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new standard, which did not have any material adjustments to the consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Fair Value Measurements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” which adds the disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Certain alternatives apply. Effective November 1, 2020, the Company will adopt the new standard. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have any material adjustments to the consolidated financial statements.
| F-43 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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5. Property, Plant and Equipment
| Computer equipment | Office furniture | Leasehold improvements | Pilot furnace | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2018 | 6,921 | - | - | - | 6,921 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions during the year | 22,416 | 33,263 | 5,795 | 27,631 | 89,105 | |||||||||||||||
| Write off of equipment | (6,845 | ) | - | - | - | (6,845 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Foreign curreny translation | 140 | 321 | 55 | 266 | 782 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 22,632 | 33,584 | 5,850 | 27,897 | 89,963 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions during the year | 9,852 | 5,672 | 1,810 | 838 | 18,172 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign curreny translation | (166 | ) | (340 | ) | (50 | ) | (322 | ) | (878 | ) | ||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 32,318 | 38,916 | 7,610 | 28,413 | 107,257 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2018 | 2,303 | - | - | - | 2,303 | |||||||||||||||
| Write off of equipment | (3,257 | ) | - | - | - | (3,257 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Additions during the year | 4,133 | 1,663 | 1,931 | - | 7,727 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign curreny translation | 5 | 16 | 19 | - | 40 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 3,184 | 1,679 | 1,950 | - | 6,813 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions during the year | 11,412 | 6,598 | 2,861 | - | 20,871 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign curreny translation | 81 | 49 | 7 | - | 137 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 14,677 | 8,326 | 4,818 | - | 27,821 | |||||||||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2018 | 4,618 | - | - | - | 4,618 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2019 | 19,448 | 31,905 | 3,900 | 27,897 | 83,150 | |||||||||||||||
| As at October 31, 2020 | 17,641 | 30,590 | 2,792 | 28,413 | 79,436 | |||||||||||||||
6. Right-of-Use Assets
As at October 31, 2020, the right-of-use assets are office leases for the Company’s corporate offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Nevada, USA, and its pilot plant located in Burnaby, British Columbia which terminate on March 31, 2021, May 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
| Vancouver Office | Nevada Office | Pilot Plant Premise | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2019 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Initial adoption of ASU 2016-02 (Note 4) | 60,418 | 23,131 | - | 83,549 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | 354,263 | 354,263 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | (41,708 | ) | (14,287 | ) | (9,841 | ) | (65,836 | ) | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | (1,150 | ) | (423 | ) | 3,584 | 2,011 | ||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | 17,560 | 8,421 | 348,006 | 373,987 | ||||||||||||
| F-44 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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7. Lease Liabilities
Lease liabilities are recorded as follows:
| Vancouver Office | Nevada Office | Pilot Plant Premise | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Initial recognition of lease liability (Note 4) | 60,418 | 23,131 | - | 83,549 | ||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | 354,263 | 354,263 | ||||||||||||
| Payment of lease liability | (43,627 | ) | (14,990 | ) | (10,831 | ) | (69,448 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expense on lease liability | 2,477 | 1,005 | 3,551 | 7,033 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | (1,145 | ) | 3,065 | 3,610 | 5,530 | |||||||||||
| Total | 18,123 | 12,211 | 350,593 | 380,927 | ||||||||||||
| Non-current | - | - | 237,218 | 237,218 | ||||||||||||
| Current | 18,123 | 12,211 | 113,375 | 143,709 | ||||||||||||
8. Mineral Property Costs and Exploration and Evaluation Assets
| Beaverdell Property | Silverado Property | Tami Mosi Property | Total | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2018 and 2019 | 1 | 1 | 93,452 | 93,454 | ||||||||||||
| Sale of mineral property | (1 | ) | - | - | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance, October 31, 2020 | - | 1 | 93,452 | 93,453 | ||||||||||||
a) Beaverdell Property, Greenwood Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada
The Beaverdell property is located 3 kilometers southeast of Beaverdell, British Columbia, and was owned 100% by the Company. The carrying value of the property was $1.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company sold its 100% interest in and to the mineral property for aggregate proceeds of $37,157 to be paid in two equal tranches: (i) upon signing of the sale agreement (received); and, (ii) on or before April 7, 2020 (received). As a result, the Company recognized a gain on sale of $37,156.
b) Silverado Property, Nevada, United States
The Silverado property is located in the Pinto mining district of Nevada, consists of 3 patented mining claims totaling approximately 120 hectares, and is a 100% owned by the Company. The carrying value of the property is $1.
c) Tami Mosi Property Nevada, United States
The Tami Mosi property is located approximately 8 miles southeast of Ely, Nevada, consists of 81 unpatented mining leases, is 100% owned by the Company, and is subject to a 2% net smelter royalty in favor of the originating vendors.
| F-45 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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9. Related Party Transactions
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company had eight executives, with an aggregate annualized salary of approximately $1,389,126 per year, as follows: Executive Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technical Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Vice President of Operations and Corporate Secretary.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company incurred salaries, management and consulting fees and rent payments totaling $1,785,032 (2019 - $1,507,697) to directors, officers and related companies with directors in common.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company recorded share-based payments of $300,211 (2019 - $926,558) for options granted to directors and officers of the Company.
As at October 31, 2020, the balance owing to related parties is $843,990 (2019 - $639,492) and is unsecured, non-interest bearing. A total of $767,401 has no stated terms of repayment, with the remainder of $76,588 subject to a payment schedule, as set out in Note 10 below. In addition, the Company owes a director and officer an amount $60,567 by way of a promissory note (Note 11).
10. Contingent Liabilities
[i] On September 29, 2020, James Sever filed a Notice of Civil Claim against the Company in the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the “Sever Claim”). The Sever Claim alleges that Mr. Sever had an employment and/or other similar contractual relationship with the Company, and that the Company breached such contractual relationship by way of constructive dismissal or similar conduct. The Sever Claim seeks damages in excess of $2,500,000, certain equity compensation, prejudgment garnishment, costs, interest and other non-monetary relief. On July 27, 2021, the Company filed a response to the Sever Claim, which included the following, among other things: (a) that the Company was never properly served with the Sever Claim; (b) that the Company had never had any form of employment, independent or consulting relationship or agreement with Sever; (c) that the Company had no debts, liabilities or obligations to Sever; (d) that to the extent that Sever had some form of employment, independent or consulting or similar relationship or agreement as alleged in the Sever Claim, such contract or relationship, if one existed, was never with the Company and was with some other corporate entity.
The Company intends to vigorously defend against the Sever Claim, and believes that the Sever Claim is without merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of the Sever Claim, no provision has been recognized as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
[ii] On December 30, 2020, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Frank Halliday, a former director and officer of the Company, whereby the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Halliday termination pay in the amount of CAD$102,001 (USD equivalent $76,588) via installment payments commencing in January 2021 until October 2021. At October 31, 2020, the Company had recorded a provision for the settlement amount.
[iii] On December 31, 2020, GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (“GEM”) served the Company with a Notice of Intention to Arbitrate (the “New York Arbitration Notice”) before the American Arbitration Association in New York, (the “GEM New York Arbitration”). The New York Arbitration Notice alleges the Company breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 entered into between the Company and GEM (the “GEM Agreement”), among other things, claiming damages of CAD$4.2 million (USD equivalent $3.3 million). On January 19, 2021, the Company moved to stay the GEM New York Arbitration claiming the GEM Agreement was not valid. On March 19, 2021, the Court ruled that there was an arbitration clause but it was up to the arbitrator to determine if the arbitration clause was valid. Therefore, the New York State action was closed. GEM filed an arbitration, and in June 2021, the Company filed a Statement of Answer denying the existence of any binding agreement between the Company and GEM. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and believes the allegations against the Company in the GEM New York Arbitration lack merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of this arbitration proceeding, no provision has been recognized in respect to the GEM New York Arbitration as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
| F-46 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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[iv] On February 9, 2021, GEM instituted another arbitration against the Company before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Montreal Canada (the “GEM Montreal Arbitration”) and joined GEM’s affiliate, GEM Global Yield LLC SC (“GEM Global Yield” together with GEM, the “GEM Parties”). The Statement of Claim filed by the GEM Parties alleges the Company breached a Share Subscription Agreement dated November 15, 2019 and promissory note, among other things, claiming damages of CAD$4.9 million (USD equivalent $3.85 million), in addition to costs and expenses. The Company and the GEM Parties are in the process of selecting an arbitrator in this matter, and following such appointment, the Company will file a Statement of Answer. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in the GEM Montreal Arbitration and believes the allegations lack merit. As the Company cannot predict the outcome of this arbitration proceeding, no provision has been recognized in respect to the GEM Montreal Arbitration as there is no present obligation and the probability of an outcome cannot be determined.
11. Convertible and Promissory Notes
Convertible Note
On July 27, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,124, the “Convertible Debenture”). The Convertible Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum and is due on July 27, 2021. The Convertible Debenture is convertible into common shares of the Company at the greater of CAD$0.15 per share and the market price on the date of the conversion notice. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares.
The Convertible Debenture was determined to be a hybrid financial instrument comprised of the debt host liability and an embedded derivative liability, as under the conversion feature the number of shares that will or may be issued to settle the Convertible Debenture may vary.
On issuance date of the Convertible Debenture, the fair value of the debt host liability was determined to be $87,083 and the embedded derivative liability was valued at $25,041, using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model and based on certain risks and assumptions, as set out below.
| October 31, 2020 | ||||
| $ | ||||
| Value of debt host liability | 87,083 | |||
| Accretion and interest expense | 8,751 | |||
| Foreign currency translation | 484 | |||
| Value of convertible debenture, end of year | 96,318 | |||
| Fair value of embedded derivative liability | 25,041 | |||
| Fair value adjustment | (4,979 | ) | ||
| Foreign currency translation | 61 | |||
| Fair value of derivative liability, end of year | 20,123 | |||
The inputs used to fair value the embedded derivative using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model at are as follows:
| October 31, 2020 | July 27, 2020 | |||||||
| Risk free rate of interest | 0.26 | % | 0.28 | % | ||||
| Expected life in years | 0.74 year | 1 year | ||||||
| Conversion exercise price | CAD$0.15 | CAD$0.15 | ||||||
| Underlying share price of the Company | CAD$0.13 | CAD$0.11 | ||||||
| Expected volatility | 82.54 | % | 103.43 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend rate | Nil | Nil | ||||||
The debt host liability of the Convertible Debenture will be amortized at cost, with the embedded derivative liability measured at fair value through profit and loss.
| F-47 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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Promissory Note
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company received a loan of CAD$150,000 (USD equivalent $112,895) from a related party. The loan was unsecured, bears interest at 18% and is due on demand. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the loan was increased by an additional CAD$60,000 (USD equivalent $44,588), to CAD$210,000 (USD equivalent $157,483), and is due on September 24, 2021. During fiscal 2020, the Company accrued interest of $16,655 (2019 - $1,693) and made repayments of principal and interest totaling $101,066 (2019 - $18,000). As of October 31, 2020, the outstanding balance was $60,567 (2019 - $102,014). Subsequent to October 31, 2020, the Company repaid the entire balance including interest accrued.
12. Provision for Flow Through Share Issuances
The Company has recorded a provision in the amount of $216,924 (2019 - $219,529) for tax and related obligations relating to flow through share issuances from prior years.
13. Share Capital
i) Authorized capital
The authorized share capital consists of 1,000,000,000 common voting shares at par value of CAD$0.001.
ii) Issued shares
2020:
On December 20, 2019, the Company exercised its right to call, subject to acceleration provisions, all outstanding common share purchase warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021. The expiry date was amended to January 19, 2020. This expiry date was then extended to February 19, 2020. As of February 19, 2020, any unexercised warrants were extinguished. In all, 35,472,661 warrants at an average price of CAD$0.08 were exercised and 24,794,484 expired unexercised. A further 4,864,000 warrants were also exercised during the year at CAD$0.05 per share.
On January 17, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement consisting of 3,643,791 units at a price of CAD$0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$546,569 (USD equivalent $416,719), of which CAD$52,922 (USD equivalent $39,722) was recorded as advance share subscriptions received prior to October 31, 2019. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of CAD$0.21 for a period of one year. The share purchase warrants are subject to an expiry acceleration provision, upon thirty days’ written notice, should the price of the Company’s common shares exceed CAD$0.30 for at least ten consecutive trading days. Finder’s fees of $41,275 were paid or accrued in connection with the placement.
On May 26, 2020, the Company issued a total of 500,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of CAD$37,000 (USD equivalent $26,401) and re-classified $19,775 from equity reserves to share capital.
| F-48 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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On September 10, 2020, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 53,846,154 units priced at CAD$0.13 per unit to raise gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at CAD$0.19 per share for a period of one year. At October 31, 2020, the Company had received advance share subscriptions of CAD$747,392 (USD equivalent $596,872). The non-brokered private placement was closed subsequent to October, 31, 2020 (see Note 19(a)).
2019:
On November 30, 2018, the Company closed the second tranche of non-brokered private placement, originally announced on September 14, 2018, comprised of 7,699,760 units for gross proceeds of CAD$384,988 (USD equivalent $289,443). Each unit consisted of one common share at a price of CAD$0.05 and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share for a period of two years at a price of CAD$0.08. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceed CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. The Company paid cash finder’s fees of $18,097 and issued 145,960 shares at a price of CAD$0.05 in connection with the second tranche.
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company issued a total of 150,000 shares to Lodestar Management Group, LLC. (“Lodestar”) at a price of CAD$0.05 for services provided.
On January 23, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement comprised of 6,348,435 units at a price of CAD$0.05 for gross proceeds of CAD$317,422 (USD equivalent $237,805). Each unit consisted of one common share and one share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share for a period of two years at a price of CAD$0.08. The warrants were subject to an acceleration clause whereby the Company had the right, upon provision of thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants should the closing price of the Company’s common shares exceed CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days. In connection with the closing, the Company paid cash finder’s fees totaling $5,530, issued 597,001 shares priced at CAD$0.05 and issued 40,000 broker warrants with the same terms as the financing warrants, which were fair valued at $851.
On March 29, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds up to CAD$587,523 (USD equivalent $439,664) comprising of 11,750,464 units at a price of $0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share at a price of CAD$0.05 and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share for a period of two years at a price of CAD$0.08. An acceleration clause is included with the warrants such that the Company has the right, on thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants so long as the closing trading price of the Company’s common shares on the Company’s principal trading market exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days at any time prior to the date of the Call Notice. The Company paid finders fees totaling $28,262 in cash, and issued 218,287 shares at a price of CAD$0.05 in connection to this closing.
On May 13, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD$1,735,630 (USD equivalent $1,289,053) comprised of 34,712,595 units at a price of CAD$0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share at a price of CAD$0.05 and one common share purchase warrant exercisable into one common share for a period of two years at a price of CAD$0.08. An acceleration clause is included with the warrants such that the Company has the right, on thirty days’ written notice, to require a holder to exercise the warrants so long as the closing trading price of the Company’s common shares on the Company’s principal trading market exceeds CAD$0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days at any time prior to the date of the Call Notice. The warrants will terminate on the date that is thirty days from the date of the Call Notice in the event that the holder has not exercised the warrants in accordance with the terms of the Call Notice by such date. In connection with this financing the Company paid a finder’s fees of $94,216 in cash.
On September 6, 2019, the TSX-V approved the debt settlement of CAD$57,500 (USD equivalent $43,647) to a non-arm’s length party through the issuance of 328,571 common shares at a price of CAD$0.175.
| F-49 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
During the year ended October 31, 2019, 1,100,000 options at a price of CAD$0.05 and 15,055,344 warrants at an average price of CAD$0.07 were exercised.
iii) Warrants
A summary of the changes in the Company’s share purchase warrants during the year ended October 31, 2020 follows:
| Expiry date | Exercise Price CAD$ | Weighted Average Life (years) | October 31, 2019 | Granted | Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | October 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 21, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.31 | 1,505,200 | - | - | - | 1,505,200 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.41 | 3,426,025 | - | (1,944,000 | ) | - | 1,482,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 9, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.52 | 5,088,626 | - | (2,720,000 | ) | - | 2,368,626 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 14, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.79 | 1,310,000 | - | (200,000 | ) | - | 1,110,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 22, 2021** | 0.21 | - | 3,643,791 | - | - | 3,643,791 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 7, 2020* | 0.07 | 0.52 | 3,100,000 | - | (3,000,000 | ) | (100,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 4, 2020* | 0.08 | 0.93 | 5,016,000 | - | (3,425,000 | ) | (1,591,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| November 30, 2020* | 0.08 | 1.08 | 6,169,926 | - | (3,091,383 | ) | (3,078,543 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 23, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.23 | 6,388,435 | - | (3,409,160 | ) | (2,979,275 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.41 | 8,188,046 | - | (4,496,710 | ) | (3,691,336 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| May 13, 2021* | 0.08 | 1.53 | 31,404,738 | - | (18,050,408 | ) | (13,354,330 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 71,596,996 | 3,643,791 | (40,336,661 | ) | (24,794,484 | ) | 10,109,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||||||||||||||
* On December 20, 2019, the Company exercised its right to call, subject to acceleration provisions, all outstanding warrants set to expire between May 7, 2020 and May 13, 2021. The expiry was amended to January 19, 2020. This expiry date was then extended to February 19, 2020. Any unexercised warrants were voided and of no value after February 19, 2020.
** Subsequent to October 31, 2020, the Company amended the expiry date of 3,643,791 warrants, extending the expiry date to August 31, 2021 (see Note 19 (d)).
A summary of the changes in the Company’s share purchase warrants during the year ended October 31, 2019 follows:
| Expiry date | Exercise Price | Weighted Average Life (years) | October 31, 2018 | Granted | Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | October 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 22, 2018 | 0.05 | - | 1,640,000 | - | - | (1,640,000 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| February 21, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.31 | 2,005,200 | - | (500,000 | ) | - | 1,505,200 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.41 | 4,205,000 | - | (778,975 | ) | - | 3,426,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 9, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.52 | 7,104,886 | - | (2,016,260 | ) | - | 5,088,626 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 14, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.79 | 1,470,000 | - | (160,000 | ) | - | 1,310,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 7, 2020 | 0.07 | 0.52 | 3,100,000 | - | - | - | 3,100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| October 4, 2020 | 0.08 | 0.93 | 8,216,000 | - | (3,200,000 | ) | - | 5,016,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| November 30, 2020 | 0.08 | 1.08 | - | 7,699,760 | (1,529,834 | ) | - | 6,169,926 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 31, 2021 | 0.08 | 1.23 | - | 6,388,435 | - | - | 6,388,435 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2021 | 0.08 | 1.41 | - | 11,750,464 | (3,562,418 | ) | - | 8,188,046 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 13, 2021 | 0.08 | 1.53 | - | 34,712,595 | (3,307,857 | ) | - | 31,404,738 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 27,741,086 | 60,551,254 | (15,055,344 | ) | (1,640,000 | ) | 71,596,996 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD) | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||||
| F-50 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
Assumptions used for the fair market valuation of broker’s warrants in Note 13 (ii) were as follows:
| 2019 | ||||
| Risk free rate of interest | 1.82 | % | ||
| Expected life of warrants | 2 years | |||
| Exercise price of warrants | CAD$0.08 | |||
| Expected annualized volatility | 187 | % | ||
| Expected dividend rate | Nil | |||
iv) Share-based payments
The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan under the rules of the TSX-V pursuant to which it is authorized to grant stock options to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants, enabling them to acquire up to 20% of the total shares outstanding of the Company. Under the stock option plan, the option exercise price of any option granted shall not be less than the discounted market price of the Company’s common shares. For the purposes of the stock option plan, the discounted market price is calculated in accordance with the policies of the TSX-V at the time of the grant of the options. Stock options granted are subject to a maximum term of 5 years. All options granted shall vest immediately, except for those options granted to persons performing investor relations activities for the Company. Pursuant to the policies of the TSX-V, shares issued upon the exercise of options are restricted from trading during the 4-month period subsequent to the exercise of options. At October 31, 2020, the number of options available to be granted was 36,263,905 (2019 – 26,157,815).
A summary of the changes in the Company’s stock options during the year ended October 31, 2020 follows:
| Expiry date | Exercise Price | Weighted Average Life (years) | Number Exercisable October 31, 2019 | Granted |
Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | Number Exercisable October 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| June 3, 2020 | 0.05 | - | 550,000 | - | - | (550,000 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| February 11, 2021 | 0.05 | 0.53 | 1,300,000 | - | - | (500,000 | ) | 800,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 16, 2021 | 0.05 | 1.04 | 1,200,000 | - | - | (600,000 | ) | 600,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 1.65 | 2,000,000 | - | - | (250,000 | ) | 1,750,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 26, 2022 | 0.13 | - | 500,000 | - | - | 500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 19, 2023 | 0.05 | 2.72 | 800,000 | - | - | - | 800,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 12, 2023 | 0.05 | 3.03 | 3,780,000 | - | (100,000 | ) | (560,000 | ) | 3,120,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 5, 2023 | 0.05 | 3.35 | 9,600,000 | - | - | (2,600,000 | ) | 7,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 8, 2024 | 0.08 | - | 400,000 | - | (400,000 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 22, 2024 | 0.12 | 3.81 | 10,000,000 | - | - | (2,050,000 | ) | 7,950,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| November 4, 2024 | 0.15 | 4.27 | - | 700,000 | - | - | 700,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 25, 2024 | 0.16 | 4.32 | - | 900,000 | - | - | 900,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2025 | 0.11 | 4.66 | - | 300,000 | - | - | 300,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| April 24, 2025 | 0.12 | 4.73 | - | 4,200,000 | - | (200,000 | ) | 4,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 29,630,000 | 6,600,000 | (500,000 | ) | (7,310,000 | ) | 28,420,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.09 | ||||||||||||||||||
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company recorded share-based compensation totaling $666,259 (2019 - $1,155,454) in relation to the grant of stock options, which was expensed in operations.
| F-51 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
A summary of the changes in the Company’s stock options during the year ended October 31, 2019 follows:
| Expiry date | Exercise Price CAD$ | Weighted Average Life (years) | Number Exercisable October 31, 2018 | Granted |
Exercised | Expired/ Cancelled | Number Exercisable October 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| January 9, 2019 | 0.11 | - | 5,700,000 | - | (5,700,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 24, 2019 | 0.05 | - | 300,000 | - | (300,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 29, 2019 | 0.08 | - | 800,000 | - | (800,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| June 3, 2020 | 0.05 | 0.84 | 2,250,000 | - | (200,000 | ) | (1,500,000 | ) | 550,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| February 11, 2021 | 0.05 | 1.54 | 1,600,000 | - | (300,000 | ) | - | 1,300,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 16, 2021 | 0.05 | 2.04 | 2,000,000 | - | (300,000 | ) | (500,000 | ) | 1,200,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| March 27, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.66 | 3,487,000 | - | (1,487,000 | ) | 2,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| May 1, 2022 | 0.05 | 2.75 | 1,100,000 | - | (300,000 | ) | (800,000 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| August 12, 2023 | 0.05 | 4.04 | 4,010,000 | - | - | (230,000 | ) | 3,780,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| April 19, 2023 | 0.05 | 3.72 | 1,100,000 | - | (300,000 | ) | 800,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 5, 2023 | 0.05 | 4.35 | - | 9,600,000 | - | 9,600,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 8, 2024 | 0.08 | - | 400,000 | - | - | 400,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 22, 2024 | 0.12 | 4.81 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 22,747,000 | 19,600,000 | (1,100,000 | ) | (11,617,000 | ) | 29,630,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average exercise price (CAD) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||||
The fair value of stock options was estimated on the measurement date using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value were as follows:
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Risk free rate of interest | 0.43 - 1.51 | % | 1.46% - 2.18 | % | ||||
| Expected life of options | 5 years | 5 years | ||||||
| Exercise price of options | CAD$0.11 - $0.16 | CAD$ 0.05 - $0.12 | ||||||
| Expected annualized volatility | 120.13% - 188.46 | % | 188.57% - 245.97 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend rate | Nil | Nil |
v) Share-based payments reserve
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognize the fair value of share options granted to employees, including key management personnel, as part of their remuneration, or the fair value of broker warrants granted on financings. When options or warrants are subsequently exercised, the fair value of such options or warrants in share-based payments reserve is credited to share capital. Warrants attached to units as part of a unit placement as assigned a nil value.
vi) Obligations to issue shares
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company received advance share subscriptions in the amount of $596,872 (2019 - $39,722) in respect of a non-brokered private placement announced during the year, the first tranche of which closed subsequent to October 31, 2020 (see Note 19(a)).
vii) Dilutive common shares
For the year ended October 31, 2020, potentially dilutive common shares (relating to warrants and options outstanding) totaling 38,529,642 (2019 – 101,226,996) were not included in the computation of loss per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
| F-52 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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14. Commitments
[i] On January 1, 2016, the Company signed a service agreement with Lodestar, a US corporate logistics company, which was extended on January 1, 2017 and 2018 under the same terms. Lodestar provides advisory, consulting, negotiation and other management services relating to corporate management, administrative and/or operational activities of the Company. The term of the contract is for one year and is renewable. The Company has agreed to compensate Lodestar in the amount of CAD$2,500 (USD equivalent $1,877) per month by arrangement of the issuance of shares. The number of shares issued will be based on the share price on the day of issuance that is not lower than the CAD$0.05 per share minimum requirement and will not exceed CAD$2,500 in value. The shares will be issued on the last working day of each month for a period of twelve months. The Company issued 150,000 shares at a price of CAD$0.05 during the year ended October 31, 2019. There were no shares issued to Lodestar during the year ended October 31, 2020.
[ii] The Company had a sublease agreement for office space in Canada with a lease term from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021. Monthly rent is CAD$9,345 (USD equivalent $7,017). The sublease agreement has been subsequently renewed with a lease term which expires on March 31, 2023. In addition, the Company has an office lease in the USA with a lease term from May 15, 2019 to May 31, 2021 and monthly rent of $1,293. During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a commercial pilot plant space in Canada with a lease term from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2023 at a monthly rent of CAD$20,715 (USD equivalent $15,554) (Notes 6 and 7).
[iii] During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company signed a letter of intent for the potential purchase of a former smelter site in the state of Washington, USA. The Company was granted access to the site to perform certain due diligence activities in furtherance of the proposed acquisition. The acquisition did not complete and the Company is renegotiating the letter of intent. During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company incurred $387,996 in connection with this investigation and another $14,937 during the year ended October 31, 2020.
[iv] On November 19, 2019, the Company signed a three-year capital commitment with New York-based GEM Global Yield whereby GEM Global Yield will make available $150 million for the Company to use at its discretion, subject to certain terms, in its pursuit to commercialize production of high-grade magnesium metal. The Company will pay fees equal to 2% of the facility amount, payable from proceeds of the first few draw-downs, in cash or shares and issue 33 million warrants with an exercise price of CAD$0.26 in connection with this share subscription facility. Any draw down on such funding is subject to regulatory approval. As at October 31, 2020, the Company had not received regulatory approval of this agreement and no funds had been drawn-down. Subsequent to October 31, 2020, the Company received notices from the GEM Parties of their intention to arbitrate the GEM Agreement (Notes 10[iii] and 10[iv]).
15. Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management
| Financial instruments | Measurement Method | Associated Risk | Fair Value at October 31, 2020 | |||||
| $ | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | Held-for-trading | Credit and currency | 39,571 | |||||
| Accounts payable | Amortized cost | Currency | 1,079,104 | |||||
| Due to related parties | Amortized cost | Currency | 843,990 | |||||
| Promissory note | Amortized cost | Credit and currency | 60,567 | |||||
| Convertible debenture | Amortized cost | Credit and currency | 96,318 | |||||
| Derivative liability | FVTPL | Credit and currency | 20,123 | |||||
a) Fair value
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The fair value of current financial instruments approximates their carrying values as long as they are short term in nature or bear interest at market rates.
| F-53 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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b) Fair value hierarchy
Financial instruments that are held at fair value are categorized based on a valuation hierarchy which is determined by the valuation methodology utilized:
Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices).
Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
As at October 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents held by the Company was based on Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers between the levels during the year.
The fair value of the conversion feature in the convertible note is considered a Level 3 valuation. The inputs used in determining the fair value of the embedded derivative are disclosed in Note 11.
c) Financial risk management
The Company’s board of directors has the overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework. The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and in response to the Company’s activities. Management regularly monitors compliance with the Company’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Company.
In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to various risks such interest rate, foreign exchange, credit and liquidity risks. To manage these risks, management determines what activities must be undertaken to minimize potential exposure to risks. The objectives of the Company in managing risks are as follows:
| ● | Maintaining sound financial condition: |
| ● | Financing operations; and |
| ● | Ensuring liquidity to all operations. |
In order to satisfy these objectives, the Company has adopted the following policies:
| ● | Prepare budget documents at prevailing market rates to ensure clear corporate alignment to performance management and achievement of targets; |
| ● | Recognize and observe the extent of operating risk within the business; and |
| ● | Identify the magnitude of the impact of market risk factors on the overall risk of the business and take advantage of natural risk reductions that arise from these relationships. |
There have been no changes in risks that have arisen or how the Company manages those risks during the year.
i) Interest rate risk
The Company’s interest rate risk arises primarily from the interest received on cash and cash equivalents, which is invested on a short-term basis to enable adequate liquidity for payment of operational and capital expenditures.
| F-54 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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ii) Foreign currency risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk on fluctuations related to cash and cash equivalents, reclamation deposits and accounts payable and accruals that are denominated in US dollars. As at the period end, net liabilities denominated in US dollars were nominal. Sensitivity to a plus or minus 10% change in the foreign exchange rate would affect net loss and comprehensive loss by an immaterial amount with all other variables remaining constant.
iii) Commodity price risk
The value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets are dependent on the price of magnesium and the outlook for this mineral. Market prices for these metals historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside the Company’s control, including but not limited to, levels of worldwide production, short-term changes in supply and demand, industrial and retail demand, as well as certain other factors related specifically to magnesium. If magnesium prices decline for a prolonged period below the cost of production, it may not be economically feasible to continue towards production.
iv) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss if counterparties do not fulfill their contractual obligations and arises principally from trade receivables. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents and amounts receivable. The Company limits its exposure to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents as these financial instruments are held with major Canadian and international banks. Amounts receivable consist primarily of GST due from the Federal Government of Canada. Management believes the credit risk concentration with respect to amounts receivable is remote. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
v) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due. The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining cash and cash equivalents. Liquidity requirements are managed based on expected cash flows to ensure there is capital to meet short-term and long-term obligations. As disclosed in Note 1, the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on many factors. The Company’s cash is primarily invested in bank accounts. The Company anticipates that its cash on hand, together with expected funds raised from private placements and on exercise of warrants and options, will provide sufficient financial resources to carry out its operations through the 2021 fiscal year, including the continued exploration of its mineral assets. However, additional funding will be required as the Company has a working capital deficiency at October 31, 2020. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise the funds necessary to continue future operations. Liquidity risk has been assessed as high.
16. Capital Management
The Company classifies the components of shareholders’ equity as capital, which at October 31, 2020, was a deficit of $2,079,903 (2019 – a deficit of $1,269,030). When managing capital, the Company’s objective is to ensure the entity continues as a going concern and advance stakeholders interests. Management adjusts the capital structure as necessary in order to support the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. The Board of Directors does not establish qualitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain future development of the business. The properties in which the Company currently has an interest are in the exploration stage; as such, the Company is dependent upon external financing to fund its activities. In order to carry out the planned exploration and pay for administrative costs, the Company will spend its existing working capital and raise additional amounts as needed. The Company will continue to assess new properties and seek to acquire an interest in additional properties if it feels there is sufficient geologic or economic potential and if it has adequate financial resources to do so. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is appropriate. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the period. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
| F-55 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
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17. Segmented Information
The Company operates in one segment – the exploration for and development of mineral property interests. Geographic information for the Company’s mineral property and other assets is as follows:
| October 31, 2020 | October 31, 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Mineral Properties | ||||||||
| Canada | - | 1 | ||||||
| United States | 93,453 | 93,453 | ||||||
| 93,453 | 93,454 | |||||||
| Other Assets | ||||||||
| Canada | 613,251 | 219,202 | ||||||
| United States | 2,059 | 128 | ||||||
| 615,310 | 219,330 | |||||||
| Total Assets | 708,763 | 312,784 | ||||||
18. Income Tax
Significant items resulting in the difference between the Company’s income tax rate and the federal statutory rate are as follows:
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Loss for the year | (4,672,605 | ) | (4,967,886 | ) | ||||
| Effective statutory rate | 31.21 | % | 30.48 | % | ||||
| Expected income tax recovery at statutory rate | (1,458,320 | ) | (1,514,212 | ) | ||||
| Net adjustment for deductible and non-deductible amounts | 250,196 | 714,729 | ||||||
| Foreign exchange effect | 175,597 | - | ||||||
| Valuation allowance | 1,383,721 | 799,483 | ||||||
| Deferred income tax provision (recovery) | - | - | ||||||
The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| Non-capital loss carry-forwards | 2,600,561 | 1,544,353 | ||||||
| Share issuance costs | 11,056 | - | ||||||
| Lease liability | 103,789 | - | ||||||
| Property and equipment | (123,561 | ) | - | |||||
| Valuation allowance | (2,591,845 | ) | (1,544,353 | ) | ||||
| Deferred income tax asset (liability) | - | - | ||||||
The Company has approximately $5,054,000 net operating losses in the US and $2,062,000 in Canada that, under certain circumstances, can be used to reduce the taxable income of future years. These losses expire at various dates through 2041.
| F-56 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
19. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to October 31, 2020, the Company:
| a) | closed five tranches of a non-brokered private placement announced on September 10, 2020, and issued an aggregate of 25,787,255 units priced at CAD$0.13 to raise gross proceeds of CAD$3,352,343 (USD equivalent $2,627,677). Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.19 for a period of one year from the date of closing of the respective financing tranche; |
| b) | approved the partial settlement of up to CAD$25,000 (USD equivalent $18,772) of outstanding debt owed to a supplier, subject to regulatory approval, through the issuance of common shares of the Company; |
| c) | repaid a short-term loan of CAD$25,000 (USD equivalent $19,085) received from a related party that was unsecured, with no fixed repayment date and bore no interest; |
| d) | extended the expiry date of 3,643,791 share purchase warrants priced at CAD$0.21 from January 22, 2021 to August 31, 2021, subject to acceleration if the closing price of the Company’s shares exceeds CAD$0.30 per share for at least 10 consecutive trading days; |
| e) | granted an aggregate 15,650,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants at a price of CAD$0.13 per share, of which 9,500,000 were granted for a period of five years and 6,150,000 were granted for a period of two years. In addition, an aggregate 1,600,000 stock options at an average price of CAD$0.09 per share expired unexercised; |
| f) | On March 12, 2021, the Company issued a total of 100,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 for gross proceeds of CAD$5,000 (USD equivalent $4,002). |
| g) | On April 22, 2021, the Company received advance subscription on a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of CAD$100,000 (USD equivalent $80,000). The note bears interest at 12% per annum and is due on the date that is one year following the closing date. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at the price of CAD$0.12 and will have warrants exercisable for a period of two years at CAD$0.20. Any accrued but unpaid interest will be payable on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of conversion in cash or common shares. The Company received final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange on July 15, 2021. |
| h) | On April 26, 2021, the Company issued a total of 400,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 for gross proceeds of CAD$20,000 (USD equivalent $16,113). |
| i) | On May 28, 2021, the Company closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement previously announced on May 5, 2021, issuing 5,223,420 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$679,044 (USD equivalent $561,843). On June 17, 2021, the Company closed the second and final tranche of the non-brokered private placement consisting of 17,853,506 units at a price of CAD$0.13 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$2,320,956 (USD equivalent $1,880,687). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.19 for a period of one year from the date of closing of the respective financing tranche. |
| j) | On June 7, 2021, the Company received final approval from the TSX-V for an agreement with Industrial Surplus Supplies Ltd. (“ISL”), pursuant to which ISL will build a prototype internally heated testing lab furnace for the testing of a magnesium production process. In consideration of the services provided, the Company issued 1,538,461 common shares at a price of CAD$0.13 with a total fair value of CAD$200,000 (USD equivalent $162,800). |
| F-57 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
| k) | On June 10, 2021, the Company issued a total of 200,000 common shares on the exercise of stock options at a price of CAD$0.05 for gross proceeds of CAD$10,000 (USD equivalent $8,269). |
| l) | On June 15, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of an unsecured convertible note in the principal amount of $1,500,000 (the “June 2021 Convertible Debenture”). The June 2021 Convertible Debenture bears interest at 12% per annum and matures on December 10, 2022. The June 2021 Convertible Debenture is convertible into 15,000,000 units, where each unit consists of (i) one share of the Company’ common stock, (ii) one-half of one Class A common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.13 until June 10, 2026, and (iii) one-half of one Class B common stock purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable at a price of $0.19 until June 10, 2026 (collectively, the “Class A and B Warrants”). In addition, the conversion price for accrued interest is the greater of (i) $0.10 and (ii) the minimum conversion price permitted by the TSX-V at the time of conversion. |
| Under the terms of the June 10, 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement the Company entered into as part of the offering of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), the Company agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission by August 14, 2021, covering the public resale of the shares of common stock underlying such debenture and, upon its conversion, the Class A and B Warrants issuable upon such conversion (the “Underlying Shares”), and to use its best efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective on October 13, 2021. | |
| In addition to certain covenants contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement, the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture contain certain negative covenants by the Company, including, among others, sell or offer to sell any securities with non-fixed or floating price features, issue any common stock or common stock equivalents at a price lower than the Conversion Price herein then in effect, or issue any equity or debt instruments with anti-dilution provisions. | |
| In the event the Company issues or sells any common stock or common stock equivalents with terms that the purchaser holding the outstanding June 2021 Convertible Debenture (the “Convertible Debenture Holder”) or the Class A and B Warrants reasonably believes are more favorable to such holder than the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants, then upon notice to the Company by such holder within five trading days after notice to such holder by the Company, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approval of the TSX-V and any additional required regulatory approval to amend the terms of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants as required, as the case may be, so as to give such holder the benefit of such more favorable terms or conditions. | |
| The conversion price of the June 2021 Convertible Debenture and the exercise price of the Class A and B Warrants are subject to proportional adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends and similar corporate events, including merger or consolidation of the Company or in a “Fundamental Transaction” as defined in the June 2021 Convertible Debenture. | |
| The Company has granted the holders certain rights of first refusal on its future offerings for as long as the June 2021 Convertible Debenture or the Class A and B Warrants are outstanding. | |
| The Company may prepay and satisfy the June 2021 Convertible Debenture so long as an event of default has not occurred, upon 20 days’ prior written notice received by the Company to the holder, by paying 125% of the amounts owed on the June 2021 Convertible Debenture, including all principal, interest and other fees. The holder of this debenture may, however, convert all or a portion of the debenture during the 20 day notice period. |
| F-58 |
WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2020 and 2019 Expressed in US Dollars, except where otherwise indicated and except for per share amounts |
|
| m) | On June 30, 2021, the Company issued 54,901 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.05 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$2,745 (USD equivalent $2,215) and 20,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$3,800 (USD equivalent $3,066). |
| n) | On July 16, 2021, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement and issued 4,350,000 units at a price of CAD$0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD$870,000 (USD equivalent $690,860). Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire a further common share at a price of CAD$0.30 for a period of one year from the date of closing. |
| o) | On July 19, 2021, the Company issued a total of 50,000 common shares on the exercise of common share purchase warrants at a price of CAD$0.19 per share for gross proceeds of CAD$9,500 (USD equivalent $7,446). |
| F-59 |
| * | Certain confidential information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
| + | Designates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
| 71 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| WESTERN MAGNESIUM CORPORATION | ||
| /s/ Sam Ataya | ||
| By: | Sam Ataya | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Date: August 6, 2021 | ||
| 72 |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| * | Certain confidential information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
| + | Designates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
| 73 |
