UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM10-Q

Commission file number:001-34246 

LITHIUM & BORON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

60 East Ren-Min Road
Dachaidan

(Da Qaidam Administrative Committee)
XaiXi, QinghaiProvince817000

(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by checkmark 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 last 90 days. YES ☒  NO ☐ 

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). YES ☒  NO ☐ 

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,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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 ☐  NO ☒

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

As of November 8, 2021,May 18, 2022, there were 185,986,370 shares of common stock outstanding. 

Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc.

Table of Contents

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our projected revenues, expenses, gross profit and income, mix of revenue, demand for our products, the benefits and potential applications for our products, the need for additional capital, our ability to obtain and successfully perform additional new contract awards and the related funding and profitability of such awards, the competitive nature of our business and markets and product qualification requirements of our customers. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by us. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “believes,” “seeks,” “hopes,” “estimates,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “with a view to” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to the following:

●        our goals and strategies;

●        our expansion plans;

●        our future business development, financial conditions and results of operations;

●        our expectations regarding demand for our products;

●        our expectations regarding keeping and strengthening our relationships with key customers;

●        our ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances;

●        our ability to protect our intellectual property rights effectively and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others;

●        our ability to attract and retain quality employees;

●        our ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances;

●        competition in our industry in China;

●        general economic and business conditions in the regions in which we sell our products;

●        relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry; and

●        market acceptance of our products.

Additionally, this report contains statistical data we obtained from various publicly available government publications and industry-specific third party reports. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. The changing nature of our customers’ industries results in uncertainties in any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our markets. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data is later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.

Unless otherwise indicated, information in this report concerning economic conditions and our industry is based on information from independent industry analysts and publications, as well as our estimates. Except where otherwise noted, our estimates are derived from publicly available information released by third party sources, as well as data from our internal research, and are based on such data and our knowledge of our industry, which we believe to be reasonable. None of the market data from independent industry publications cited in this report was prepared on our or our affiliates’ behalf.

Additional information on the various risks and uncertainties potentially affecting our operating results are discussed in this report and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or available upon written request to our corporate secretary at: 60 East Ren-Min Road, Da-Chai Dan Town, Xai Xi County, Qing Hai Province 8100000. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

As used in this report, “LBTI,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and similar terms refer to Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Our functional currency is the US Dollar, or USD, while the functional currency of our subsidiaries in China are denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, or RMB, the national currency of the People’s Republic of China, which we refer to as the PRC or China, and the functional currency of our subsidiary in Germany is denominated in Euros, or EUR. The functional currencies of our foreign operations are translated into USD for balance sheet accounts using the current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using the average exchange rate during the fiscal year. See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements included herein.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

LITHIUM & BORON TECHNOLOGY, INC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)MARCH 31, 2022 AND DECEMBER31,2020 2021

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Lithium & Boron Technology, Inc., (the “Company” or “Lithium Tech”), formerly known as SmartHeat, Inc. (“SmartHeat”), was incorporated August 4, 2006, in the State of Nevada. The Company currently produces boric acid in the PRC and plans to expand its manufacturing facilities through a joint venture (“JV”) to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually for the electric vehicle battery market in China, subject to funding.

On December 31, 2018 (the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into and closed a Share Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, as amended on January 24, 2019 (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with Mid-Heaven Sincerity International Resources Investment Co., Ltd (Mid-heaven BVI) and its shareholders Mao Zhang, Jian Zhang, and Ying Zhao, constituting all the shareholders of Mid-heaven BVI (the “Mid-heaven Shareholders”). Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, the shareholders of Mid-Heaven BVI delivered all issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Mid-Heaven BVI to the Company, for 106,001,971 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Mid-heaven BVI, through 2 subsidiaries, Qinghai Mid-Heaven Sincerity Technology Co., Ltd (“Sincerity”) and Qinghai Mid-Heaven Sincerity Salt-Lake R&D Co., Ltd (“Salt-Lake”) owns 100% of Qing Hai Mid-Heaven Boron & Lithium Technology Company, Ltd. (“Technology”). On November 4, 2021, Mr. Jimin Zhang purchased a total of 106,001,971 shares of common stock of the Company at a purchase price of $.001 per share (80,625,099 shares from Mao Zhang, 22,165,012 shares from Jian Zhang, and 3,211,860 shares from Ying Zhao). After giving effect to the purchases, Mr. Jimin Zhang now holds, directly or indirectly, a total of 152,769,779 shares of Common Stock which represents approximately 82% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock.

The main operating entity, Technology was incorporated December 18, 2018. The business of Technology was carved out of the business of Qinghai Zhongtian Boron & Lithium Mining Co., Ltd (“Qinghai Mining”) on December 20, 2018. Qinghai Mining was founded March 6, 2001, and manufacturesformerly manufactured and wholesalessold boric acid and related compounds for industrial and consumer use. Technology obtains its raw material brine exclusively from Qinghai Mining has stopped the mining of boron rock and currently processeswill only provide brine to Technology. In order to maintain the normal operation of the Company, in July 2021, Technology Company entered a processing contract to provide boric acid commissioned processing service for a processing fee of RMB 2,000 ($308) per ton with borax provided by the customer. On August 31, 2021, two parties signed the supplement agreement, the final settlement price increased to RMB 2450 ($375) per ton due to increased costs. In September 2021, Technology Company entered a new agreement with the same customer, where Technology Company would no longer provide the processing service but only provided boric acid manufacturing facility, equipment, auxiliary equipment, necessary utilities, and workers to the customer for them to produce the boric acid by crushingthemselves. The customer was required to pay RMB 400,000 ($63,000) per month for facility usage fee to the Company, or RMB 500,000 ($78,700) per month if the customer wants to use the Company’s low-grade abandoned slag. In April 2022, Technology, together with Qinghai Mining entered a new Contact Cooperation Agreement with a contractor (or lessee) for leasing out manufacturing facility, equipment, auxiliary equipment and processing orenecessary utilities for a term of five years from third party suppliers.April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2027, monthly leasing fee of RMB 500,000 ($78,700); of which, RMB 200,000 ($31,500) pays to Technology, previously purchased ore fromand RMB 300,000 ($47,200) pays to Qinghai Mining; however,Mining. Technology recently shifted suppliersowns the equipment and machinery, Qinghai Mining owns the land and plant and will provide the silicic acid and slag to third parties in order to fulfill what management believes will be a short-term reliance on ore for the production of boric acid. contractor at no additional charge.

Management of Technology expects that it will source all material that will be used for both boric acid and lithium carbonate production from Qinghai Mining once the brine processing process receives approval and permits from the relevant governmental authorities,authorities. Technology and Qinghai Mining submitted an application to the Company expected to receiveEnvironment Protection Department in January of 2022 and is currently under the approvalreview. Technology expects a response in the endsecond quarter of 2021.2022, and will supply additional data if there are further comments on the application.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported, and the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to constitute a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” This contagious disease outbreak, which continues to spread to additional countries, and disrupts supply chains and affecting production and sales across a range of industries as a result of quarantines, facility closures, and travel and logistics restrictions in connection with the outbreak. The COVID-19 outbreak impacted the Company’s operations for the first quarter of 2020. However, as a result of PRC government’s effort on disease control, most cities in China were reopened in April 2020, the outbreak in China is under the control; and the Company’s production and sales started back to normal since April 2020. Since April 2020 to date,January 2022, there were some new COVID-19 cases discovered in a few provinces of China, however, the number of new cases are not significant due to PRC government’s strict control, andcontrol. Since February 2022 to date, COVID-19 case increased in many cities of China; however, there are only a few new cases in Qinghai Province which we do not expect impact the Company but has noted the impact of COVID-19 in this report where applicable.Company’s operations.

On March 27, 2020, Technology entered into an Investment Cooperation Agreement, Memorandum of Cooperation and Licensing Agreement with Xi'an Jinzang Membrane Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xi’an Jinzang”) to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium carbonate annually, subject to funding. On April 15, 2020, the parties formed a joint Venture (“JV”) Zhonglixinmo Technology Co., Ltd (“Qinghai Zhongli” or JV) to process brine supplied by Technology. Technology owns 51% of the JV and Xi’ Jinzang owns the remaining 49%. The JV cooperation agreement calls for a capital contribution of RMB 140 million ($19,746,000), to be paid in three phases according to the project construction progress: RMB 36 million ($5,077,000) to be paid within 10 days from the date of registration and establishment of the JV, RMB 72 million ($10,155,000) to be paid before July 31, 2020, and RMB 32 million ($4,513,000) to be paid before October 31, 2020. The JV’s shareholders are required to contribute capital in accordance with their respective shareholding ratio. Each party made an initial capital contribution of RMB 5 million ($0.71 million) in April 2020. As of the date of this report, the parties have not made all capital contributions on the dates due, pending financing by the Company as theand obtaining required licenses and approvals. The capital contribution amountcontributions and timing can be adjusted anytime upon boththe parties’ mutual consent. During the construction and operation of the project, all parties agree to raise construction funds by means of bank loans self-owned funds, etc. ifand self-funding in the funds areevent additional equity financing is not raised in time, the term of capital contribution can be extended upon agreement of all parties. 

In orderavailable. On May 9, 20222, JV changed its name to maintain the normal operation of the Company; in July 2021,Qinghai Zhongli Technology Company entered a processing contract to provide boric acid commissioned processing service at processing fee of RMB 2,000 ($308) per ton with boron provided by the customer. On August 31, 2021, two parties signed the supplement agreement, the final settlement price was RMB 2450 ($375) per ton. In September 2021, Technology Company entered a new agreement with the same customer, where the Company provide the boric acid manufacturing facility, equipment, auxiliary equipment, necessary utilities, and workers for the customer to produce the boric acid by themselves. The customer was required to pay RMB 400,000 ($61,680) per month for a facility usage fee to the Company, or RMB 500,000 ($77,090) per month if the customer wants to use the Company’s low-grade abandoned slag.Co., Ltd.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements (“CFS”) were prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

As reflected in the accompanying CFS, the Company had net loss before noncontrolling interest of $3.17$0.26 million and $0.28$0.13 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively; the Company had net loss of $3.35 million and $88,035 for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively; the net loss to the Company stopped producewas $0.25 million and selling boron acid starting from September$0.12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, due to  decreased mine production resulting from rectifying the mines in the area by the authority for environment protection, which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.respectively.

Because the CompanyAfter Technology ceased obtainingsourcing ore for the production of boric acid from its affiliate, the CompanyQinghai Mining , Technology leased out the boric acid manufacturing facility, equipment and auxiliary equipment for a monthly fee in order to provide interim cash flow and maintain revenues from boric acid operations. operations (see Note 1 above).

The Company plans to produce lithium carbonate that can be sold for the electric vehicle battery use and is currently at test production stage. The Company expects to generate additional revenues and cash flow once it receives government approval of the official production process which is expected by late fourth quarter 2021 or early firstsecond quarter 2022. Management also intends to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offerings, by obtaining loans from banks or form other sources of debt or equity capital. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds on reasonable terms and conditions, there can be no assurances to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenue and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.

The CFS do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

Basis of Presentation

The CFS were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).

The interim consolidated financial information as of September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020March 31, 2022 was prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, which are normally included in CFS prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP were not included. The interim consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the CFS and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2021, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021.March 31, 2022.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include all significant normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020,March 31, 2022, as applicable, were made.

Principles of Consolidation

For the nine and three months ended September 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, the accompanying CFS include the accounts of the Company’s US parent, and Mid-heaven BVI and its subsidiaries, Sincerity, Salt-Lake, Technology and Qinghai Zhongli, which are collectively referred to as the “Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation. Mid-heaven BVI, Sincerity and Salt-Lake had no operations as of today.

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates, required by management, include the recoverability of long-lived assets, allowance for doubtful accounts and the reserve for obsolete and slow-moving inventories. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Equivalents

Cash includes cash on hand, demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as of the purchase date of such investments.

Accounts Receivable, net

The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses on accounts receivable. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. Based on historical collection activity, the Company had allowance of $19,891$20,321 and $19,770$20,233 at September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, respectively.

Advances to Suppliers, net

The Company makes advances to certain vendors to purchase raw material, tools and equipment for production. The advances are interest-free and unsecured. As of September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, the Company had gross advance to suppliers of $102,443$55,564 and $245,058$18,668 respectively, and the Company had allowance for advances to suppliers of $2,763$2,823 and $2,747,$2,810 , respectively.

Inventories, net

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined on a weighted-average basis. Management compares the cost of inventories with the net realizable value and an allowance is made to write down inventories to market value, if lower.

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major additions, repairs and betterments that significantly extend original useful lives or improve productivity are capitalized and depreciated over the period benefited. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method with a 3% - 10% salvage value and estimated lives as follows:

Depreciation of plant, property and equipment attributable to manufacturing is capitalized as part of inventories, and expensed to cost of sales when inventories are sold.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, which include tangible assets, such as property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, but at least annually.

Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. Fair value generally is determined using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. Based on its review, the Company believes that, as of September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, there was no significant impairments of its long-lived assets.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

Deferred Income

Deferred income consists primarily of government grants and subsidies for supporting the Company’s technology innovation and transformation of boric acid, lithium and magnesium sulfate projects. The Company uses most of the subsidies to purchase machinery and equipment. Deferred income is amortized to revenue (other income) over the life of the assets for which the grant and subsidy was used. Subsidies for declared project fund require government inspection to ensure proper use of the funds for the designated project.

UnearnedRevenue

The Company records payments received from customers in advance of their orders as unearned revenue. These orders normally are delivered (usually within one month) based upon contract terms and customer demand.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five-step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation.

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs typically upon receipts of the goods by customers. Sales and purchases are recorded net of VAT collected and paid as the Company acts as an agent for the government. VAT taxes are not affected by the income tax holiday. The Company also providestemporarily provided boric acid commissioned processing service with boron material provided by the customer; the Company recognizes revenue when the final products are picked up by the customer at the Company’s warehouse, where the control transfers to the customer.

Starting from September 2021, Technology stopped processing service and leased out its boric acid manufacturing facility, equipment and auxiliary equipment to a customer.  The facility leasing revenue is recorded on monthly basis.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales consists primarily of material costs and direct labor and manufacturing overhead attributable to the production of the products. Write-down of inventory to lower of cost or net realizable value is also recorded in cost of sales.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development (“R&D”) costs are expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses. These costs primarily consist of cost of materials used, salaries paid for the Company’s development department and fees paid to third parties. R&D costs for the nine and three months ended September 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021 were $4,631 and 2020 were immaterial.$0, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation awards to employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which requires that share-based payment transactions with employees be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period.

The Company accounts for share-based compensation awards to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and FASB ASC Subtopic 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees”. Share-based compensation associated with the issuance of equity instruments to non-employees is measured at the fair value(“FV”) of the equity instrument issued or committed to be issued, as this is more reliable than the FV of the services received. The FV is measured at the date that the commitment for performance by the counterparty has been reached or the counterparty’s performance is complete.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-07, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees. An entity should apply the requirements of FASB ASC 718 to non-employee awards except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the attribution of cost. The amendments specify that FASB ASC 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor's own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have an impact on the Company’s CFS.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates, applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 740, which prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FASB ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods, and income tax disclosures.

Under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, when tax returns are filed, it is likely that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits is classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations. At September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, the Company did not take any uncertain positions that would necessitate recording a tax related liability.

Noncontrolling Interests

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation,” governing the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests (“NCIs”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCI (previously referred to as minority interests) be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially-owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to non-controlling interests even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance.

The net income (loss) attributed to NCI was separately designated in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Losses attributable to NCI in a subsidiary may exceed a NCIs interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to NCI is attributed to those interests. NCIs shall continue to be attributed their share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCIs balance.

On April 15, 2020, Technology and Xi’an Jinzang formed a JV, Qinghai Zhongli, to process brine supplied by Technology. Technology owns 51% of the JV and Xi’an Jinzang owns the remaining 49%. During the nine and three months ended September 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had loss of $58,417$7,989 and $18,497$9,933 attributable to the NCI. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company had loss of $8,554 and $5,809 attributable to the NCI. 

Concentration of Credit Risk

Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within China. Balances at financial institutions and state-owned banks within the PRC are covered by insurance up to RMB 500,000 ($77,000) per bank. Any balance over RMB 500,000 ($77,000) per PRC bank will not be covered. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Certain other financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers’ financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.

The operations of the Company are primarily in China. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in China, as well as by the general state of the PRC economy.

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted EPS are based on the assumption that all dilutive convertible shares and stock options were converted or exercised. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options and warrants are assumed to have been exercised at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The accounts of the US parent company are maintained in USD. The functional currency of the Company’s China subsidiaries is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (“RMB”). The accounts of the China subsidiaries were translated into USD in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” According to FASB ASC Topic 830, all assets and liabilities were translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, stockholders’ equity was translated at the historical rates and statement of operations items were translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.”

Statement of Cash Flows

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts shown on the statement of cash flows may not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding asset and liability on the balance sheet.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, notes receivable, accrued liabilities and accounts payable, carrying amounts approximate their FV due to their short maturities. FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the FV of financial instruments held by the Company. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for current liabilities each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their FV because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and the current market rate of interest.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines FV, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of FV measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for FV measures. The three levels are defined as follow:

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement: Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 instruments in the FV hierarchy.

As of September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, the Company did not identify any assets and liabilities that are required to be presented on the balance sheet at FV.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the discount rate for the lease at the commencement date. As the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable for the operating lease, the Company generally uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU assets”) assets represent the Company’s right to control the use of an identified asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are generally recognized based on the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance to combine the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for operating leases, and will keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

ROU assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. ROU assets from operating and finance leases are subject to the impairment guidance in ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, as ROU assets are long-lived nonfinancial assets.

ROU assets are tested for impairment individually or as part of an asset group if the cash flows related to the ROU asset are not independent from the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An asset group is the unit of accounting for long-lived assets to be held and used, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.

Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities (current and non-current), on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not have any leases as of September 30,March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Related Parties

Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal with if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all significant related party transactions.

Segment Reporting

FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. Management determined the Company’s current operations constitute a single reportable segment in accordance with ASC 280. The Company currently operates in 1 business and industry segment: manufacture and sale of boric acid. The Company plans to expand its manufacturing facilities through a newly formed JV with Qinghai Zhongli in which the Company owns 51% to produce lithium carbonate for the electric vehicle battery market in China. Qinghai Zhongli is currently constructing the production workshop but has no production yet.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its CFS.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its FV, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis. As a smaller reporting company, the standard will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its CFS.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply the elections as applicable as changes in the market occur.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470- 20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. This ASU (1) simplifies the accounting for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the existing guidance in ASC 470-20, Debt: Debt with Conversion and Other Options, that requires entities to account for beneficial conversion features and cash conversion features in equity, separately from the host convertible debt or preferred stock; (2) revises the scope exception from derivative accounting in ASC 815-40 for freestanding financial instruments and embedded features that are both indexed to the issuer’s own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity, by removing certain criteria required for equity classification; and (3) revises the guidance in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, to require entities to calculate diluted earnings per share (EPS) for convertible instruments by using the if-converted method. In addition, entities must presume share settlement for purposes of calculating diluted EPS when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares. For SEC filers, excluding smaller reporting companies, ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption and cannot adopt the guidance in an interim reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2020-06 may have on its CFS.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future CFS.

3. INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories at September 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, respectively, were as follows: