UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the quarterly period ended
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission
File Number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation of organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| The Capital Market | ||||
| The Capital Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files).
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 |
| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
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 financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
☐
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: shares of common stock outstanding as of October 10th, 2023
U.S. GOLDMINING INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 | ||
| Item 1. | Financial Statements | 3 | |
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 20 | |
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 28 | |
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 28 | |
| PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | 29 | ||
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 29 | |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 29 | |
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 29 | |
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 29 | |
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 29 | |
| Item 5. | Other Information | 29 | |
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 30 | |
| SIGNATURES | 31 | ||
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
U.S.
GOLDMINING INC.
(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited – Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Notes | August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 3 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Restricted cash | 3 | |||||||||||
| Other receivables | 4 | |||||||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deferred costs | 5 | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 6 | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of lease liabilities | 7 | |||||||||||
| Withholdings taxes payable | ||||||||||||
| Due to GoldMining | 15 | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 7 | |||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligations | 10 | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||||||
| Capital stock | ||||||||||||
| Common stock $ par value: shares authorized as at August 31, 2023 and November 30, 2022; and shares issued and outstanding as at August 31, 2023 and November 30, 2022 | 11 | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) | $ | $ | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 3 |
U.S.
GOLDMINING INC.
(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited – Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Three Months Ended August 31 | Nine Months Ended August 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration expenses | 8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion and depreciation | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| Other income (expenses) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||
| Loss per share | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | |||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 1 |
| 4 |
U.S.
GOLDMINING INC.
(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited – Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Nine Months Ended August 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss for the period | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Accretion and depreciation | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||
| Non-cash lease expenses | ||||||||
| Foreign exchange translation gain | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deferred costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other receivables | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Withholdings taxes payable | ||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||
| Construction of camp structures | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriters’ fees and issuance costs | ||||||||
| Proceeds from common shares issued for warrant exercise | ||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | ||||||||
| Advance from GoldMining | ||||||||
| Repayment of advance from GoldMining | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
| Common share issuance costs included in prepaid expenses and deferred costs | $ | $ | ||||||
| Allocation of share-based compensation expenses from GoldMining | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 5 |
U.S.
GOLDMINING INC.
(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Unaudited – Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Share Issuance | Accumulated | Total Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | Shares1 | Amount1 | Capital | Obligation | Deficit | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | 15 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation - allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation - performance based restricted shares | 11 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at February 28, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued under initial public offering | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underwriter fees and issuance costs | 11 | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued upon exercise of warrants | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued in connection with initial public offering | 11 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Underwriter fees and issuance costs | 11 | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding taxes on return of capital | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | 15 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock to be issued for consulting services | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of share-based compensation | 11 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issued upon exercise of warrants | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for consulting services | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of share-based compensation | 11 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 |
U.S.
GOLDMINING INC.
(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Unaudited – Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid- | Share Issuance | Accumulated | Total Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | Shares1 | Amount1 | In Capital | Obligation | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at November 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation - allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, at February 28, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation - allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at May 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation - allocated from GoldMining | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at August 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 1 |
| 7 |
Note 1: Business
U.S. GoldMining Inc. (formerly BRI Alaska Corp.) (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” on June 30, 2015. On September 8, 2022, the Company redomiciled from Alaska to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”.
The
Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of BRI Alaska Holdings Inc., a company organized under the laws of British Columbia (“BRI
Alaska Holdings”), until September 23, 2022, which was at such time a wholly owned subsidiary of GoldMining Inc. (“GoldMining”),
a mineral exploration and development company organized under the laws of Canada listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American.
On September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings was dissolved, and the Company became a direct majority owned subsidiary of GoldMining. On
April 24, 2023, the Company completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and its common shares and common share purchase
warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively. After the
IPO, GoldMining continued to own a controlling interest in the Company of common shares and
The Company is a mineral exploration company with a focus on the exploration and development of a project located in Alaska, USA. Our registered office is 3773 Howard Hughes Pkwy #500s Las Vegas, NV 89169 and our principal executive office address is 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating office address is 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518.
Our primary asset is the 100%-owned Whistler exploration property (the “Whistler Project” or “Project”) located in Alaska, USA. Access to the Project area is by fixed wing aircraft to a gravel airstrip located adjacent to the Whistler Project exploration camp. We have not yet determined whether the Whistler Project contains mineral reserves where extraction is both technically feasible and commercially viable and have not determined whether the Project will be mined by open-pit or underground methods.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of and for the year ended November 30, 2022. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s interim financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.
The balance sheet as of November 30, 2022 and comparative financial statements for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the quarters presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the comparative financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. These comparative financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if the Company had operated as a separate legal entity.
| 8 |
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of U.S. GoldMining Inc. and US GoldMining Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company from its incorporation on October 27, 2022. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that control ceases. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.
All inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated through the consolidation process.
Management’s Use of Estimates
The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the quarters presented. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, share-based compensation and allocation of expenses from GoldMining.
New significant accounting policies
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash that has been pledged for credit facilities which are not available for immediate disbursement.
Camp Structures
Equipment
is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment is recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful life. The estimated useful life of Camp Structures is
Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of equipment that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures are capitalized if the recognition criteria are satisfied. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the statements of operations as incurred.
Assets under construction
Assets under construction consists of expenditures incurred for the rehabilitation of existing Whistler Project camp facilities and the construction of additional facilities. Costs incurred during construction that are directly attributable to bringing an asset into working condition for its intended use are capitalized; costs that are not necessary in readying an asset for use are recognized as an expense as incurred. Assets under construction are transferred to other respective asset classes and are depreciated when they are completed and available for use.
| 9 |
Leases
The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. At contract inception, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. If determined to be or contain a lease, the lease is assessed for classification as either an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date, defined as the date on which the leased asset is made available for use by the Company, based on the economic characteristics of the lease. For each lease with a term greater than twelve months, the Company records a right-of-use asset and lease liability. A right-of-use asset represents the economic benefit conveyed to the Company by the right to use the underlying asset over the lease term. A lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company records amortization of operating right-of-use assets and accretion of lease liabilities as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date and calculated as the present value of the future lease payments in the contract using the rate implicit in the contract, when available. If an implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate measured as the rate at which the Company could borrow, on a fully collateralized basis, a commensurate loan in the same currency over a period consistent with the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets are measured as the lease liability plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, less lease incentives granted by the lessor. The lease term is measured as the noncancelable period in the contract, adjusted for any options to extend or terminate when it is reasonably certain the Company will extend the lease term via such options based on an assessment of economic factors present as of the lease commencement date. The Company elected the practical expedient to not recognize leases with a lease term of twelve months or less. The Company assesses its right-of-use assets for impairment consistent with the assessment performed for long-lived assets used in operations. If an impairment is recognized on operating lease right-of-use assets, the lease liability continues to be recognized using the same effective interest method as before the impairment and the operating lease right-of-use asset is amortized over the remaining term of the lease on a straight-line basis. The Company’s operating leases are presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, classified as noncurrent assets, and operating lease liabilities, classified as current and noncurrent liabilities based on the discounted lease payments to be made within the proceeding twelve months. Variable costs associated with a lease, such as maintenance and utilities, are not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets but rather are expensed when the events determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid have occurred.
Inventories
Inventories include materials and supplies, which are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Stock Options
The Company grants stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of our Company, including its subsidiary, is the United States dollar. US GoldMining Canada Inc., the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, maintains their accounting records in their local currency, the Canadian dollar. In accordance with ASC 830: Foreign Currency Matters, the financial statements of our subsidiary are translated into United States dollars using period-end exchange rates as to monetary assets and liabilities and average exchange rates as to revenues and expenses. Non-monetary assets are translated at their historical exchange rates. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange translations and foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than our Company’s functional currency are included in the determination of net loss in the period.
Segment Information
We have determined that we operate and report in one segment, which focuses on the exploration and development of mineral properties. Our operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) who is identified as our Chief Executive Officer. All of our non-current assets are located in Alaska, USA.
| 10 |
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
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 209-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Note 3: Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents consist of: | ||||||||
| Cash at bank | $ | $ | ||||||
| Term deposits | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| August 31, 2023 | August 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | $ |
Restricted
cash of $
Note 4: Other Receivables
Other receivables consist of the following:
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Federal corporate tax receivable | $ | $ | ||||||
| State of Alaska corporate tax receivable | ||||||||
| Interest receivable | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 5: Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs consist of the following:
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Advances(1) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred financing costs(2) | ||||||||
| Prepaid corporate development expenses(3) | ||||||||
| Prepaid insurance | ||||||||
| Other prepaid expenses | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| (1) | ||
| (2) | ||
| (3) |
| 11 |
Note 6: Property, Plant and Equipment
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Camp structures | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
During
the nine months ended August 31, 2023, the Company incurred $
Note 7: Leases
In
May 2023, US GoldMining Canada Inc. entered into a sublease agreement to lease a portion of an office premises in Vancouver, British
Columbia with a term of
Minimum future lease payments under operating leases with terms longer than one year are as follows:
| Fiscal 2023 | $ | |||
| Fiscal 2024 | ||||
| Fiscal 2025 | ||||
| Fiscal 2026 | ||||
| Fiscal 2027 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total lease payments | ||||
| Less: imputed interest | ( | ) | ||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | |||
| Current portion of lease liabilities | $ | |||
| Non-current portion of lease liabilities | $ |
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023 and 2022, total lease expenses include the following components:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
| August 31, | August 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Leases | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Short-term Leases | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Lease Expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 12 |
Note 8: Exploration Expenses
Our exploration expenses are solely related to the Whistler Project, which has a carrying value of $nil.
The following table presents costs incurred for exploration activities for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
| August 31, | August 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Consulting fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Drilling | ||||||||||||||||
| Transportation and travel | ||||||||||||||||
| Land fee, camp maintenance and other exploration expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Note 9: General and Administrative Expenses
The following table presents general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
| August 31, | August 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Management fees, salaries and benefits | ||||||||||||||||
| Filing, listing, dues and subscriptions | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023 and 2022, management fees, salaries and benefits and share-based compensation include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 15).
Note 10: Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”)
The Whistler Project’s exploration activities are subject to the State of Alaska’s laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. The Whistler Project ARO is valued under the following assumptions:
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows | $ | $ | ||||||
| Life expectancy (years) | ||||||||
| Inflation rate | % | % | ||||||
| Discount rate | % | % | ||||||
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The following table summarizes the movements of the Company’s ARO:
| August 31, 2023 | November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accretion | ||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Note 11: Capital Stock
11.1 Initial Public Offering
On
April 19, 2023, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Laurentian
Bank Securities Inc. and Sprott Capital Partners LP (collectively, the “Underwriters”) for an offering of units
of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $ per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase
warrant, and each common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire a common share at a price of $
GoldMining
acquired Units in the IPO for total consideration of $
The net proceeds from the issuance of the Units were allocated to the Company’s common shares and common share purchase warrants on a relative fair value basis. Inputs used to calculate the relative fair value of the common shares and common share purchase warrants are based on the quoted closing prices of the Company’s common shares and common share purchase warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the Closing Date of IPO. The allocation of the fair value of the Company’s common shares and common share purchase warrants is as follows:
| ($) | ||||
| Fair value of common shares | ||||
| Fair value of common share purchase warrants | ||||
| Total gross proceeds from the IPO | ||||
| Gross proceeds | ||||
| Common share issuance costs | ( | ) | ||
| Common share purchase warrant issuance costs | ( | ) | ||
| Net proceeds received | ||||
| Fair value allocation to: | ||||
| Common shares | ||||
| Common share purchase warrants | ||||
11.2 Common and Preferred Shares
On
September 22, 2022, we filed a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with
the Secretary of State of Nevada to effect a
As
a result of the
On
September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings transferred
On July 19, 2023, we issued shares of common stock to a consultant in consideration for services under a consulting agreement.
As of August 31, 2023, there were common shares issued and outstanding.
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11.3 Restricted Shares
On September 23, 2022, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “Legacy Incentive Plan”). The Legacy Incentive Plan only provides for the grant of restricted stock awards. The purpose of the Legacy Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the grant of the restricted stock awards is shares of common stock in the Company.
On September 23, 2022, we granted awards of an aggregate of shares of performance based restricted shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of common stock under the Legacy Incentive Plan to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers, directors and consultants, the terms of which were amended on May 4, 2023.
The Restricted Shares are subject to restrictions that, among other things, prohibit the transfer thereof until certain performance conditions are met. In addition, if such conditions are not met within applicable periods, the restricted shares will be deemed forfeited and surrendered by the holder thereof to us without the requirement of any further consideration. Assuming completion of the offering, these conditions are:
| (a) | ||
| (b) | ||
| (c) | ||
| (d) | ||
| (e) | ||
| (f) |
| 15 |
| (g) |
Upon satisfaction of the conditions referenced in both (f) and (g) above (regardless of whether they occur simultaneously or consecutively), all of the unvested Restricted Shares will be 100% vested and will be deemed Released Stock.
In
the event the Company files the disclosure specified in Subpart 1300 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
Regulation S-K Report with the SEC or the disclosure specified in Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for
Mineral Products, to the relevant Canadian securities regulator (the “Securities Filing”) that includes, in either disclosure,
an |
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $ and $, respectively, related to the Restricted Shares.
11.4 Share Purchase Warrants
A continuity schedule of our outstanding share purchase warrants for the nine months ended August 31, 2023, is as follows:
| Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
| Balance, November 30, 2022 | $ | |||||||
| Common share purchase warrants issued at the IPO | ||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | ||||||
| Balance, May 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | ||||||
| Balance, August 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
During
the nine months ended August 31, 2023, share purchase warrants were exercised for a total of $
11.5 Stock Options
On February 6, 2023, the Company adopted a long term incentive plan (“2023 Incentive Plan”). The purpose of the 2023 Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2023 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance awards, restricted stock awards and other cash and equity-based awards. The aggregate number of common shares issuable under the 2023 Incentive Plan in respect of awards shall not exceed % of the common shares issued and outstanding.
On May 4, 2023, the Company granted stock options at an exercise price of $per share. . The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of %, expected life of , expected dividend yield of %, estimated forfeiture rate of % and expected volatility of %. As there is limited trading history of the Company’s common shares prior to the date of grant, the expected volatility is based on the historical share price volatility of a group of comparable companies in the sector the Company operates over a period similar to the expected life of the stock options. The grant-date fair value of stock options granted was $ per share.
| 16 |
| Number of Stock Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
| Balance, November 30, 2022 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | ||||||||
| Balance, May 31, 2023 and August 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
As at August 31, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value under the provisions of ASC 718 of all outstanding stock options was $nil. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion of stock options totaled $ to be recognized over the next years.
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses of $ and $, respectively, for the stock options granted.
11.6 Lock-Up Agreements
In connection with the IPO, GoldMining and each of the Company’s directors and officers have entered into Lock-Up Agreements, pursuant to which GoldMining, the directors and officers of the Company agreed not to offer for sale, issue, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any common shares for a period of days after April 19, 2023, subject to certain limited exceptions, without the prior written consent of the Underwriters. As of August 31, 2023, there are common shares which are subject to transfer restrictions pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreements.
| Three Months Ended August 31 | Nine Months Ended August 31 | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Numerator | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss for the period | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Denominator | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||||||
The basic and diluted net loss per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.
Note 13: Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial assets at August 31, 2023 include cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. The Company’s financial liabilities include accounts payable, accrued liabilities and withholdings taxes payable. The carrying value of the Company’s financial liabilities approximates fair value due to their short term to maturity.
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Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies
The financial risks arising from the Company’s operations are credit risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. These risks arise from the normal course of operations and all transactions undertaken are to support our ability to continue as a going concern. The risks associated with these financial instruments and the policies on how we mitigate these risks are set out below. Management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk is primarily associated with our bank balances. We mitigate credit risk associated with its bank balances by holding cash with large, reputable financial institutions.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity
risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to settle or manage its obligations associated with financial liabilities. To manage
liquidity risk, the Company closely monitors its liquidity position to ensure it has adequate sources of funding to finance its projects
and operations. We had working capital as at August 31, 2023 of $
Currency Risk
We
report our financial statements in U.S. dollars. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it undertakes transactions and
holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than our functional currency. Financial instruments that impact our net loss due to
currency fluctuations include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities which are
denominated in Canadian dollars. The impact of a U.S. dollar change against Canadian dollars of 10% would have an impact of
approximately $
Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies
Payments Required to Maintain the Whistler Project
The
Company is required to make annual land payments to the Department of Natural Resources of Alaska in the amount of $
Future Commitments
On
November 27, 2020, GoldMining agreed to cause us to issue a
In
August 2015, the Company acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by
and among the Company, GoldMining, Kiska Metals Corporation (“Kiska”) and Geoinformatics Alaska Exploration Inc (“Geoinformatics”).
Pursuant to such agreement, the Company assumed an obligation on the Whistler Project pursuant to a royalty purchase agreement between
Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, LLC (“MF2”), dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a
| 18 |
In
June 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Equity Geoscience, Ltd. for the management of an exploration program for the Whistler
Project. The agreement includes an approved work order totaling $
Note 15: Related Party Transactions
During
the periods presented, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services
with other companies, including GoldMining. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an
estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, the allocated
costs from GoldMining to the Company were $
For
the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $ and $
During
the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, we incurred $
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, share-based compensation costs included $ and $, respectively (2022, $), in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based Restricted Shares granted in September 2022 (Note 11.3).
GoldMining
acquired Units in the IPO at a price of $ per Unit for a total consideration of $
Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the quarters ended August 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.
| 19 |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “U.S. GoldMining”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to U.S. GoldMining Inc., a Nevada corporation and references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars.
This management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations (the “MD&A”) is intended to assist you in better understanding and evaluating the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. You should read this MD&A in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”), as well as our audited consolidated financial statements included in our registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-269693) declared effective on April 19, 2023 (“Registration Statement”), copies of which are available at www.sec.gov.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, collectively referred to as “forward-Looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include statements that relate to our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of terminology such as “subject to”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “target”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “outlook”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “can”, the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. In particular, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| ● | anticipated tonnages and grades of the mineral resources disclosed for the Whistler Project; | |
| ● | our expectations regarding the continuity of mineral deposits; | |
| ● | our expectations regarding raising capital and developing the Whistler Project; | |
| ● | our planned exploration activities on the Whistler Project; | |
| ● | expectations regarding environmental, social or political issues that may affect the exploration or development progress; | |
| ● | our estimates regarding future revenue, expenses and needs for additional financing; and | |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel. |
These forward-looking statements are based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including that:
| ● | the timing and ability to obtain requisite operational, environmental and other licenses, permits and approvals, including extensions thereof will occur and proceed as expected; | |
| ● | current gold, silver, base metal and other commodity prices will be sustained, or will improve; | |
| ● | the proposed development of the Whistler Project will be viable operationally and economically and will proceed as expected; | |
| ● | any additional financing required by us will be available on reasonable terms or at all; and | |
| ● | the Company will not experience any material accident, labor dispute or failure of plant or equipment. |
Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking statements, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risk factors described in greater detail under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our final prospectus for the IPO filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission on April 20, 2023 (the “Final Prospectus”). Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements.
| 20 |
These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read with other cautionary statements in this document. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements contained in this document represents our expectations as of the date of this Quarterly Report (or as the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, we disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.
Business Overview
We are a United States domiciled exploration stage company and our sole project is currently the Whistler Project. The Whistler Project is a gold-copper exploration project located in the Yentna Mining District, approximately 150 km northwest of Anchorage, in Alaska.
We were incorporated on June 30, 2015 in Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” On September 8, 2022, we redomiciled to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”. We are a subsidiary of GoldMining Inc. (“GoldMining”), a company organized under the laws of Canada and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American. GoldMining is a public mineral exploration company that was incorporated in 2009 and is focused on the acquisition and development of gold assets in the Americas. Our principal executive offices are located at 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating offices are located at 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. Our website address is www.us.goldmining.com. Our common shares and common share purchase warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively.
Initial Public Offering
On April 24, 2023, in connection with the closing of our initial public offering (the “IPO”), the Company issued 2,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. In connection with the IPO, the Company incurred securities issuance costs of $970,194, of which $650,000 represented cash fees paid to the Underwriters. After the IPO, GoldMining continued to own a controlling interest in the Company of 9,622,491 common shares and 122,490 common share purchase warrants, representing approximately 79.3% of the outstanding shares of the Company. As of August 31, 2023, GoldMining owned 79.7% of the Company.
The Whistler Gold-Copper Project
After completing the IPO, the Company has disclosed that it intends to pursue planned exploration activities including core drilling. Permits have been received to commence these activities, starting with renovation of the Whistler camp in preparation for the summer 2023 exploration season.
The Company’s currently planned exploration program over the 2023 and 2024 field seasons consists of up to 10,000-meters of core drilling, surface exploration which may include soil geochemical sampling and geophysical surveying, processing and interpretation, and collection of mine planning and mineral processing information including metallurgical, geotechnical and hydrogeological data. Environmental baseline data collection, as well as heritage, archaeological and traditional land use studies, are also expected to be initiated in 2023. The Company will also engage in stakeholder consultation with respect to both the present and ongoing exploration activity and the potential future mine development of the Whistler Project.
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On August 21, 2023, the Company announced the commencement of the 2023 Phase 1 Drilling Program at its 100% owned Whistler gold-copper project. Phase 1 of the Program, comprises up to an initial 5,000 meters of the budgeted and fully funded 10,000-meter drilling program. The drill core will be logged and sampled at the existing Whistler facility and samples will be sent to the Bureau Veritas North America Ltd. laboratory in Fairbanks, AK, for processing and assaying.
Results of Operations
Until the IPO, we operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoldMining. Accordingly, the financial statements for the comparative three and nine month periods ended August 31, 2022 and our balance sheet data for the year ended November 30, 2022, included in our unaudited financial statements for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, were prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the periods presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. However, these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if our Company had operated as a separate legal entity during the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Three months ended August 31, 2023, compared to three months ended August 31, 2022
During the three months ended August 31, 2023, we recorded a net loss of $2,435,507 ($0.20 per share) compared to a net loss of $484,071 ($0.05 per share) for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
During the three months ended August 31, 2023, the Company had exploration expenses of $1,474,372, compared to $96,517 for the three months ended August 31, 2022. Exploration expenses in the three months ended August 31, 2023 included drilling, consulting fees to vendors that provided geological and environmental work, regulatory and community stakeholder engagements and other technical services, and maintenance costs.
During the three months ended August 31, 2023, drilling expenses were $516,734 compared to $nil for the three months ended August 31, 2022 as a result of the commencement of the Company’s 2023 phase 1 drilling program at its Whistler Project in the current period. During the three months ended August 31, 2023, exploration expenses included consulting fees of $467,230, compared to $79,236 for the three months ended August 31, 2022. The increase was primarily related to consulting fees for the management of the current exploration program at the Whistler Project, overhead costs for work on the renovation of the existing Whistler Project camp, and initiation of regulator, community and other stakeholder engagements. During the three months ended August 31, 2023, transportation and travel expenses were $272,288 compared to $5,918 during the three months ended August 31, 2022, which mainly related to aircraft charter costs to bring crews, equipment and to airfreight supplies in connection with the ongoing exploration program, including mobilization of drilling equipment and major consumables. During the three months ended August 31, 2023, land fee, camp maintenance and other exploration expenses were $218,120 and primarily consisted of camp costs, including equipment maintenance and rental and fuel consumption for the ongoing exploration program, compared to $11,363 for the three months ended August 31, 2022.
General and administrative expenditures were $1,145,636 for the three months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $381,449 for the three months ended August 31, 2022. During the three months ended August 31, 2023, general and administrative expenditures included professional fees of $84,297, compared to $320,534 during the three months ended August 31, 2022. The decrease in such expenses was primarily as a result of decreased legal, audit, accounting and tax services after the Company’s completion of the IPO. General and administrative expenditures also included: (i) share-based compensation expenses of $130,739, which consisted of $5,224 related to the award of restricted shares vested during the period, $78,886 related to the fair value of stock options issued by the Company to management, directors and employees of the Company, $43,920 related to share compensation for consulting services and $2,709 from GoldMining personnel allocated for their time spent on our affairs, compared to $4,783 during the three months ended August 31, 2022; (ii) management fees, salaries and benefits of $64,234, compared to $40,609 during the three months ended August 31, 2022; (iii) consulting, corporate development and investor relations expenses of $685,428, compared to $3,667 during the three months ended August 31, 2022; (iv) filing, listing, dues and subscriptions expenses of $37,183, compared to $7,829 during the three months ended August 31, 2022; (v) office administrative, rental and insurance expenses of $133,052, compared to $2,976 during the three months ended August 31, 2022; and (vi) travel, website design and hosting expenses of $10,703, compared to $1,051 during the three months ended August 31, 2022. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily the result of a higher level of activity after the Company’s completion of its IPO.
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Accretion and depreciation expenses were $10,845 during the three months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $4,866 during the three months ended August 31, 2022.
Our loss from operations was $2,630,853 for the three months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $482,832 for the three months ended August 31, 2022. The increase in operating loss was primarily the result of an increase in general and administrative expenses and exploration expenses.
Nine months ended August 31, 2023, compared to the nine months ended August 31, 2022
During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, we recorded a net loss of $5,622,175 ($0.50 per share) compared to a net loss of $832,945 ($0.09 per share) for the nine months ended August 31, 2022.
During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, the Company had exploration expenses of $1,807,651, compared to $170,282 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Exploration expenses in the nine months ended August 31, 2023 primarily consisted of drilling, consulting fees to vendors that provided geological and environmental work, permitting, regulatory and community stakeholder engagements and other technical services, and camp costs, including equipment maintenance and rental and fuel consumption for the ongoing exploration program at the Whistler Project.
During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, exploration expenses included consulting fees of $740,477 compared to $124,375 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in consulting fees for the management of the ongoing exploration program, overhead costs for work on the renovation of the existing Whistler Project camp, and commencement of regulator, community and other stakeholder engagements. During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, drilling expenses were $516,734 compared to $nil for the nine months ended August 31, 2022 which related to the commencement of the Company’s 2023 phase 1 drilling program at its Whistler Project. During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, transportation and travel expenses were $279,294 compared to $12,107 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022, which mainly related to the aircraft charters costs to bring crews, equipment and supplies for the ongoing exploration program. During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, land fee, camp maintenance and other exploration expenses were $271,146 and primarily consisted of camp costs, including equipment maintenance and rental and fuel consumption for the ongoing exploration program, as well as work related to a road access study, compared to $33,800 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022.
General and administrative expenditures were $4,060,882 for the nine months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $647,169 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, general and administrative expenditures primarily consisted of professional fees of $1,613,105, compared to $505,776 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022. The increase in such expenses was primarily as a result of increased legal, audit, accounting and tax services relating to the Company’s preparation and execution of the IPO. General and administrative expenditures also included: (i) share-based compensation expenses of $347,581, which consisted of $43,590 related to the award of restricted shares vested during the period, $189,114 related to the fair value of stock options issued by the Company to management, directors and employees of the Company, $65,700 related to share compensation for consulting services, and $49,177 from GoldMining personnel allocated for their time spent on our affairs, compared to $26,611 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022; (ii) management fees, salaries and benefits of $216,679, compared to $86,256 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022; (iii) consulting, corporate development and investor relations expenses of $1,515,054 compared to $4,717 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022. The increase was mainly for building corporate brand awareness after completion of the IPO; (iv) filing, listing, dues and subscriptions expenses of $156,820, compared to $7,829 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022; (v) office administrative, rental and insurance expenses of $188,620, compared to $9,081 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022; and (vi) travel, website design and hosting expenses of $23,023, compared to $6,899 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily the result of a higher level of activity leading up to and after the Company’s IPO.
Accretion and depreciation expenses were $21,136 during the nine months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $14,279 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022.
Our loss from operations was $5,889,669 for the nine months ended August 31, 2023, compared to $831,730 for the nine months ended August 31, 2022. The increase in operating loss was primarily the result of an increase in general and administrative expenses and exploration expenses.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
| As at August 31, 2023 | As at November 30, 2022 | |||||||
| ($) | ($) | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13,777,663 | $ | 54,508 | ||||
| Working capital (deficit) | 15,133,664 | (1,057,400 | ) | |||||
| Total assets | 16,684,033 | 229,619 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 448,813 | 1,287,019 | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 172,447 | 466,127 | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 72,416 | 26,922 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 375,382 | 225,871 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity (deficit) | 15,859,838 | (1,283,271 | ) | |||||
Prior to the completion of our IPO, capital resources consisted primarily of cash advanced and/or contributed from GoldMining. On April 24, 2023, we completed our IPO and issued 2,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit for net proceeds in an aggregate amount of approximately $19.1 million after deducting underwriting fees and offering costs. In May 2023, we repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to us by GoldMining.
As of August 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $13,777,663, compared to $54,508 as of November 30, 2022 and restricted cash of $87,015, compared to $nil as of November 30, 2022. We had other receivables of $147,331 as of August 31, 2023, compared to $68,000 as of November 30, 2022. The increase in other receivables was mainly due to interest receivable on term deposits held by us. We had inventories of $32,047 as of August 31, 2023 compared to $nil as of November 30, 2022, which included fuels held at the Whistler Project camp site. We had prepaid expenses and deferred costs of $1,538,421 as of August 31, 2023, compared to $107,111 as of November 30, 2022. The increase was primarily for $1,069,889 cash advances to a technical consulting company for management of the exploration program for the Whistler Project, $271,941 prepaid corporate development expenses, $159,756 prepaid insurance costs and $36,835 prepaid dues and subscriptions costs for activities after completion of the IPO.
As of August 31, 2023, current liabilities were $448,813, compared to $1,287,019 as of November 30, 2022. Current liabilities as of August 31, 2023 consisted of: accounts payable of $172,447, compared to $466,127 as of November 30, 2022; accrued liabilities of $72,416, compared to $26,922 as of November 30, 2022. The decreases in current liabilities were primarily related to the repayment of advances from GoldMining.
We have not generated any revenue from operations and the only sources of financing to date have been through advances from GoldMining and the IPO. Our ability to meet our obligations and finance exploration activities depends on our ability to generate cash flow through the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to private placements and short-term or long-term loans. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. This may be further complicated by the limited liquidity for our common shares, restricting access to some institutional investors. Our growth and success is dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.
As of August 31, 2023 we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Summary of Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended August 31, 2023 was $7,024,892, compared to $682,902 during the nine months ended August 31, 2022. Significant operating expenditures during the nine months ended August 31, 2023 included general and administrative expenses and exploration expenditures. The increase of net cash used in operating activities is primarily the result of increased filing, listing, legal, accounting, and investor relations expenditures for the preparation and execution of the Company’s IPO and costs associated with the Whistler Project exploration program.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended August 31, 2023 was $942,015, compared to $nil during the nine months ended August 31, 2022, which related to the renovation of existing camp structures and construction of additional facilities for the Whistler Project.
Financing Activities
During the nine months ended August 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $21,777,077, which was primarily comprised of the net proceeds of $19,056,223 from the IPO, proceeds received from warrant exercises of $3,363,203, advances from GoldMining of $1,003,142, offset by $1,680,925 for repayment of advances from GoldMining. Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended August 31, 2022 was $681,609, which was primarily from advances from GoldMining of $640,367, and expenses paid for by GoldMining on the Company’s behalf of $41,242.
Commitments Required to Keep Whistler Project in Good Standing
The Company is required to make annual land payments to the Department of Natural Resources of Alaska in the amount of $224,583 in 2023 and $230,605 thereafter, to keep the Whistler Project in good standing. Additionally, we have an annual labor requirement of $106,000 for 2023 and $135,200 thereafter, for which a cash-in-lieu payment equal to the value of the annual labor requirement August be made instead. The Company has excess labor carry forwards of $273,674 expiring in 2026, of which up to $106,000 can be applied each year to the Company’s annual labor requirements. The Company notes that the excess labor expenditures above have been made and the Whistler Project is in good standing.
Future Commitments
We acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment in August 2015 pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among us, GoldMining, Kiska Metals Corporation (“Kiska”) and Geoinformatics Alaska Exploration Inc (“Geoinformatics”). Pursuant to such agreement, we assumed an obligation on the Whistler Project pursuant to a royalty purchase agreement between Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, LLC (“MF2”), dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a 2.75% NSR royalty over all 304 claims, and, extending outside the current claims, over an area of interest defined by the maximum historical extent of claims held on the project.
In June 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Equity Geoscience, Ltd. for the management of an exploration program for the Whistler Project. The agreement includes an approved work order totaling $5,255,500, for the period of June 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 which may be paused, postponed or terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. As at August 31, 2023, the Company has paid $3,406,170 towards the approved work order.
Transactions with Related Parties
During the periods presented, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services with other companies, including GoldMining. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, the allocated costs from GoldMining to the Company were $7,583 and $84,611, respectively ($21,323 and $67,853 for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022, respectively). Out of the allocated costs, $2,709 and $49,177 for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, respectively, were noncash share-based compensation costs ($4,783 and $26,611 for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022, respectively). The allocated costs from GoldMining were treated as a capital contribution, as there is no obligation or intent regarding the repayment of such amounts by the Company.
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For the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $nil and $1,003,142, respectively ($349,960 and $640,367 for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022, respectively). In May 2023, the Company repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to the Company. The amount paid represented the full amount of the outstanding loan from GoldMining at the time.
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, we incurred $100,800 and $133,287, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022, $1,052 and $6,899, respectively, in general and administrative costs, paid to Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining, for various services, including information technology, corporate branding, sponsorships and advertising, media, website design, maintenance and hosting, provided by Blender to the Company. As at August 31, 2023, prepaid expenses and deferred costs included service fees prepaid to Blender in the amount of $269,274 (November 30, 2022: $Nil).
During the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, share-based compensation costs included $3,343 and $27,820, respectively (2022, $Nil), in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based restricted shares granted in September 2022.
GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO at a price of $10 per Unit for a total consideration of $1,224,900.
Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the quarters ended August 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.
Outstanding Securities
As of the date hereof, the Company has 12,398,709 common shares outstanding. In addition, we had stock options outstanding representing 82,500 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $10 per share, and share purchase warrants outstanding representing 1,741,292 shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $13 per share. The exercise of stock options and warrants is at the discretion of their respective holders and, accordingly, there is no assurance that any of the stock options or warrants will be exercised in the future.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the year. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
Information about judgments made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the financial statements is as follows:
Asset retirement obligation
An asset retirement obligation represents the present value of estimated future costs for the rehabilitation of our mineral property. These estimates include assumptions as to the future activities, cost of services, timing of the rehabilitation work to be performed, inflation rates, exchange rates and interest rates. The actual cost to rehabilitate a mineral property may vary from the estimated amounts because there are uncertainties in factors used to estimate the cost and potential changes in regulations or laws governing the rehabilitation of a mineral property. Management periodically reviews the rehabilitation requirements and adjusts the liability as new information becomes available and will assess the impact of new regulations and laws as they are enacted.
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Allocation of expenses from GoldMining.
For the three and nine months ended August 31, 2023, certain general administrative expenses, including employment related expenditures for services and support functions provided by GoldMining, were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us.
Allocation of carve-out expenses from GoldMining.
The balance sheet as of November 30, 2022 and comparative financial statements for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2022 have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the quarters presented. These expenses, assets, and liabilities have been allocated to the Company on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with others allocated based on relevant data criteria as follows:
| ● | General and administrative expenses- allocated all direct expenses and corporate expenses were allocated based on an estimate of time incurred to reflect the utilization of those services by the Company including: |
| ◌ | Office space, equipment and administrative services. | |
| ◌ | Employment related expenses, including share-based compensation which was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. |
| ● | Accounts payable and accrued expenses, prepaid expenses and deposits, due to GoldMining, allocated all amounts directly related to the Company. |
Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Therefore, these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
Restricted Shares
The fair value of the restricted shares is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the restricted shares vest. When restricted shares are conditional upon the achievement of a performance condition, the Company estimates the length of the expected vesting period at grant date, based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of the restricted shares is determined based on the fair value of the common shares on the grant date, adjusted for lack of marketability discount, minority shareholder discount, and other applicable factors that are generally recognized by market participants.
Stock Options
The Company grants stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
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 209-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
JOBS Act
In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.
We continue the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements under the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions, as an emerging growth company, we may rely on certain of these exemptions, including without limitation, providing an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the completion of our IPO; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
It should be noted that any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions designed to obtain reasonable (and not absolute) assurance as to its effectiveness, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently a party to any material proceedings. Regardless of outcome, such proceedings or claims can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources and other factors, and there can be no assurances that favorable outcomes will be obtained.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Final Prospectus. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. As of the date hereof, there have been no material changes in the risk factors discussed in our Final Prospectus.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Use of Proceeds from our Public Offering of Common Shares
On April 24, 2023, the Company issued 2,000,000 Units of the Company at a price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000 pursuant to the IPO. The Units were registered pursuant to the Registration Statement. H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC and BMO Capital Markets Corp. acted as joint book-running managers, and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC acted as the representative of the Underwriters.
As of August 31, 2023, the proceeds from the IPO have been used to fund exploration and development activities and community consultation, repayment of funds advanced by GoldMining and/or its subsidiaries, re-activation of the existing exploration camp at the Whistler Project and for working capital. None of these payments consisted of direct or indirect payments to our officers or directors, to persons owning 10% or more of any class of our equity securities or to any of our affiliates, other than payments in the ordinary course of business to officers for salaries and to non-employee directors as compensation for services on our board. There has been no material change in our planned use of the net proceeds from the IPO as described in our Final Prospectus.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, issued under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (the “MSHA”), as well as related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. That required information is included in Exhibit 95 filed with this report.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are included with this Quarterly Report:
| Exhibit | Description of Exhibit | |
| 31.1* |
| |
| 31.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 32.1** | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(b) and 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 95* | Mine Safety Disclosure | |
| 101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| U.S. GOLDMINING INC. | ||
| Date: October 10, 2023 | By: | /s/ Tim Smith |
| Tim Smith | ||
| President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| Date: October 10, 2023 | By: | /s/ Tyler Wong |
| Tyler Wong | ||
Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||
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