NOTENote 5 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS- Subsequent Events
On June 17, 2013,30, 2014, the Board approved a grant of Directors approved and granted10,000 options to Mr. Marchese, Mr. Pingitore and Mr. Wolfe for their servicea consultant to the Board. Each of these three members are to receive 250,000 options exercisable at $0.50 per share for a period of five years, vesting 1/36 at the end of each month of service as a director of the corporation and 225,000 options exercisable at $1.00 per share for a period of five years, vesting 1/36 at the end of each month of service as a director of the corporation.
On June 17, 2013, the Board of Directors approved and granted a total of 300,000 options to consultants.Company. The options are exercisable at $0.40$0.30 per share for a period of five years. All options vest 1/12 atimmediately. With respect to these options, the endBlack-Scholes pricing model was used to estimate the fair value of each monththe 10,000 options issued during the period to this advisor, using the assumptions of consulting services.
On Junea risk free interest rate of 1.62%, dividend yield of 0%, volatility of 282% and an expected life of 5 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement, effective May 1, 2013 (the “Consulting Agreement”), with G.W. “Mike” McDonald, our Chief Financial Officer. The Consulting Agreement provides for a monthly retaineryears. These options are being expensed immediately in the amount of $2,000 (the “Retainer”). In addition to the Retainer, we agreed to reimburse Mr. McDonald for reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. McDonald in performance of his duties under the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement is for an initial term of one year but may be extended by written agreement of us and Mr. McDonald.approximately $4,000.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Texas Rare Earth Resources Corp,” "the Corporation" “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Texas Rare Earth Resources Corp. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may also contain statistical data and estimates we obtained from industry publications and reports generated by third parties. Although we believe that the publications and reports are reliable, we have not independently verified their data.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of our properties, plans related to our business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, include, but are not limited to:
| · | the progress, potential and uncertainties of our 2012-20132013-2014 rare-earth exploration plans at our Round Top project in Hudspeth County, Texas (the “Round Top Project”); |
| · | timing for a completed feasibility study for our Round Top Project; |
| · | the success of getting the necessary permits for future drill programs and future project development; |
| · | expectations regarding our ability to raise capital and to continue our exploration plans on our properties; |
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· | plans regarding anticipated expenditures at the Round Top Project; and |
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· | plans outlined under the section heading “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Plan of Operation”. | |
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
| · | risks associated with our history of losses and need for additional financing; |
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· | risks associated with our limited operating history; |
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· | risks associated with our properties all being in the exploration stage; |
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· | risks associated with our lack of history in producing metals from our properties; |
· | risks associated with a shortage of equipment and supplies; | |
· | risks associated with our need for additional financing to develop a producing mine, if warranted; |
| · | risks associated with our exploration activities not being commercially successful; |
· | risks associated with the ownership of surface rights at our Round Top Project; |
· | risks associated with increased costs affecting our financial condition; |
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· | risks associated with a shortage of equipment and supplies adversely affecting our ability to operate; |
| · | risks associated with mining and mineral exploration being inherently dangerous; |
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· | risks associated with mineralization estimates; |
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· | risks associated with changes in mineralization estimates affecting the economic viability of our properties; |
| · | risks associated with uninsured risks; |
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· | risks associated with mineral operations being subject to market forces beyond our control; |
| · | risks associated with fluctuations in commodity prices; |
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· | risks associated with permitting, licenses and approval processes; |
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· | risks associated with the governmental and environmental regulations; |
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· | risks associated with future legislation regarding the mining industry and climate change; |
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· | risks associated with potential environmental lawsuits; |
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· | risks associated with our land reclamation requirements; |
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· | risks associated with rare earth and beryllium mining presenting potential health risks; |
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· | risks related to title in our properties;properties |
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· | risks related to competition in the mining and rare earth elements industries; |
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· | risks related to economic conditions; |
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· | risks related to our ability to manage growth; | |
| · | risks related to the potential difficulty of attracting and retaining qualified personnel; |
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· | risks related to our dependence on key personnel; |
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· | risks related to our United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”(the “SEC”) filing history; and |
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· | risks and uncertainties related to our self-reporting with the SEC; | |
· | risks related to our securities. | |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the section heading “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report.Report and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on November 26, 2013. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report by the foregoing cautionary statements.
Overview and Organizational History
We are a mining company engaged in the business of the acquisition, exploration and, if warranted, development of mineral properties. We currently hold two nineteen year leases, executed in September 2011 and November 2011, to explore and develop a 950 acre rare earths project located in Hudspeth County, Texas known as the Round Top Project and prospecting permits covering an adjacent 9,345 acres. We also own unpatented mining claims in New Mexico. Our principal focus will be on developing a metallurgical process to concentrate or otherwise extract the metals from the Round Top rhyolite, although we will continue to examine other opportunities in the region as they develop. We currently have limited operations and have not established that any of our projects or properties containcontains any provenProven or probable reservesProbable Reserves as defined under SEC Industry Guide 7. Our operations are exploratory in nature.
We currently do not have any producing properties and consequently, we have no current operating income or cash flow and have not generated any revenues. Further exploration will be required before a final evaluation as to the economic and practical feasibility of any of our properties is determined.
As announcedOn December 23, 2013, we furnished with the SEC on October 3, 2012, we intend to commission an expandeda Current Report on Form 8-K a revised version of the June 2012 Preliminary Economic AnalysisAssessment (the “PEA”) on the Round Top Project based on a 20,000 tonne per day heap leach operation using a conventional element separation plant. The mineralized material estimate was recalculated to include scaled down operations beginning at 15,000 tonnes per day,uranium, niobium, tantalum and to include other potentially valuable elements such as uraniumtin. The revised PEA assesses the potential economic viability of the simplified and thorium which are present in the rock. We believe a "scaled down” modeloperation which we believe is a much better fit with the present rare earth market. The expandedPEA was furnished to, not filed with, the SEC on Form 8-K to satisfy our “public disclosure” obligations under Regulation FD. The PEA is mentioned here for informational purposes only and is not incorporated herein by reference.
Cautionary Note to Investors: The mineral estimates in the PEA have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information in the Preliminary Economic Analysis will also model a variety of processes as we develop them during the courseAssessment contains descriptions of our ongoing metallurgical research, which is our primary focus at this time.mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Our project as described in the PEA currently does not contain any known proven or probable ore reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 reporting standards. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in the Registrant’s latest reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.
U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any defined resources in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant reserves.
In additionOur current management and Board are stockholder-centric, and receive either no cash compensation or much less than previous management. See our most recent proxy statement on Schedule 14A as filed with the SEC on December 30, 2013, for more information regarding the compensation of officers and directors. We will require definitive scientific documentation, rigorous economic studies, consideration of a wide range of alternatives and meticulous oversight of any cash outlays of stockholder funds.
Current Plan of Operations
Continued Development
The Company intends to continue to move the Round Top Project we also own title to 12 unpatented mining claims,toward a completed feasibility study. Work will include but not be limited to:
| 1. | Optimize the recoveries of the REO from the heap leach process. |
| 2. | Evaluate potential of recovery of the non-REE elements being recovered in the leach process, including uranium, beryllium, lithium and potassium. |
| 3. | As soon as practicably possible, initiate the permitting process, water development, geotechnical evaluation of plant and leach fields and evaluating infrastructural needs. |
We believe the Macho group, comprising 240 acres coveringRound Top Project offers the Old Dude Mine, located in Sierra County, New Mexico.highest rates of return from extraction and production of separated heavy REE oxides. The Old Dude Minecurrent economic model calls for the sale at a discount of a mixed concentrate of the light REE's. The sale of the light REE's as a concentrate has a production history of silver, lead, zinc and gold datingbeen proposed because revenue from the 1890s.light REE's represents a relatively small percentage of potential revenue and we desire to minimize capital costs. Should the economic outlook for these light REE's change at some time in the future we will re-evaluate the possibility of producing them as a separated product.
These considerations incorporate the twin goals of minimizing risk and improving returns. We also own another 18 unpatented mining claimsbelieve that the highest standards of environmental protection minimize risks, most importantly as lengthy environmental permit delays prevent job creation, delay royalty and fractional claims,tax revenues to the HA group, comprising 274 acres coveringbenefit of the State of Texas and delay other benefits.
No future economic analysis will be reliable unless metallurgical recovery rates and the process flow chart have been documented to rigorous standards. For this reason our greatest efforts in the past year have been and in the next year will be toward metallurgical process development. Our process design considerations involve many factors, and we will not rush any evaluation until we develop a high level of confidence that our scientists have unlocked the full values.
Exploration Potential of The Round Top Property
Although we have no plans in the next 24 months to conduct more physical exploration, we do believe, as stated in our 2010 presentations, that there are untested exploration targets present. They are:
1. Uranium-beryllium mineralization at the lower contact of the rhyolite and the underlying sedimentary rock. This class of mineralization was the target of the successful exploration program conducted in the late 1980's by Cabot Corporation and Cyprus Exploration. It appears to be structurally controlled and associated with a later phase of hydrothermal or gas phase deposition that occurred sometime after the emplacement of the rhyolite. This fluorite-beryllium replacement mineralization in what is termed the West Side Fault under the north side of Round Top was the topic of a 1988 in-house feasibility study by Cyprus Minerals to historical standards (not NI 43-101 compliant under today’s Canadian regulations, not an andesite hosted vein system similarSEC Industry Guide 7 compliant feasibility study) to produce beryllium. This zone is the location of the intact decline and lateral mine workings developed by Cyprus Minerals in 1988-89. Sampling and analysis by TRER indicates the presence of uranium mineralization occurring adjacent to and 10 mileslikely associated with these beryllium bearing structures. This "Contact Zone" mineralization is not restricted to Round Top and is present under the southwestSierra Blanca rhyolite and there is some evidence in drill holes on Little Blanca that this style of mineralization may also be present there.
2. Uranium-beryllium-rare earth and other rare metals hosted as structurally controlled fluorite replacements in the limestones at depth below the known deposits. Geologic and geochemical conditions are thought to be condusive for the emplacement of replacement type deposits within the same fault zones that hosted the known beryllium-uranium deposits at depth where favorable host limestones are present. We believe that careful compilation and analysis of existing surface geologic mapping and of the Macho District. These claims surround another historic producer,drill data may better define these targets.
We believe that using the Graphic Mine. The geologic setting atexisting data we can improve our understanding of the HA property isexploration potential of the same as the Macho. We do not intendarea without resorting to schedule any physical explorationsuch expensive techniques such as drilling or geophysics at these properties but will actively seek joint development or sale of them.drilling.
Our headquarters are located at 539 El Paso, Sierra Blanca, Texas 79851. Effective August 31, 2012, our offices at 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 365, Englewood, Colorado have been closed and our El Paso warehouse located at 11459 Pellicano Dr., El Paso, Texas was closed in June 2013. On January 1, 2013, we moved our accounting functions to our former office in Tyler, Texas under the supervision of our CFO, G. W. McDonald.
Our current management and Board is shareholder-centric, and receives either no cash compensation or much less than previous management. See our most recent proxy statement on Schedule 14A as filed with the SEC on December 28, 2012, for more information regarding the compensation of officers and directors. We will require definitive scientific documentation, rigorous economic studies, consideration of a wide range of alternatives and meticulous oversight of any cash outlays of shareholder funds.
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada in 1970 as Standard Silver Corporation. In July 2004, our Articles of Incorporation were amended and restated to increase the number of shares of common stock to 25,000,000, and in March 2007, we affected a 1-for-2 reverse stock split. In September, 2008 we amended and restated our Articles of Incorporation to allow the increase of the number of shares of common stock from 25,000,000 to 100,000,000, and to authorize an additional 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, to be issued at management’s discretion. In September 2010, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change our name from Standard Silver Corporation to Texas Rare Earth Resources Corp.
On August 24, 2012, we changed our state of incorporation from the State of Nevada to the State of Delaware (the “Reincorporation”) pursuant to a plan of conversion dated August 24, 2012. The Reincorporation was previously submitted to a vote of, and approved by, our stockholders at a special meeting of the stockholders held on April 25, 2012.
Recent Corporate Developments
The following significant corporate developments occurred during our nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and the subsequent period through the filing of this quarterly report:Quarterly Report:
Mr. Goodell’s Resignation
On September 14, 2012, we andDecember 20, 2013, Mr. Anthony Garcia mutually agreed uponPhilip Goodell informed our Board that he would not be standing for re-election to our Board at the resignationnext annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. GarciaGoodell continued to serve as a director until the next annual meeting of stockholders, held on February 19, 2014. At that time Mr. Goodell was appointed to our Senior Vice Presidentadvisory board. Mr. Goodell did not determine to not stand for re-election as a result of Project Development and Engineering effective retroactively to August 31, 2012. In connectionany disagreement with Mr. Garcia’s resignation as our Senior Vice President of Project Development, weBoard regarding its operations, policies or practices.
Advisory Agreement - Hedrick
On January 10, 2014 our Board entered into a Confidential Severance, Waiver and Release Agreementan advisory services agreement (“Hedrick Advisory Agreement”) with Mr. Garcia, dated September 14, 2012, to be retroactively effective August 31, 2012, whereby in exchange for a full general release and waiver of any obligations owed by us to Mr. Garcia, Mr. Garcia is entitled to receive: (i) continuation of his current salary of $200,000, as of the time of termination, for a period of twelve months (minus applicable withholding), paid through our payroll practices; and (2) continuation of health benefits through our payment of his COBRA premiums, if elected within the time period required by law, during the period from September 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013 (or such shorter period as Mr. Garcia is entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under the terms of our insurance policies or plans).
Effective September 26, 2012, we and Mr. Wm. Christopher Mathers, our former CFO, entered into a supplemental agreement (the “Supplemental Agreement”) to Mr. Mathers’s February 15, 2011 Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which we and Mr. Mathers agreed upon the terms and conditions of Mr. Mathers’s departure at the end of the calendar year 2012.James B. Hedrick. Pursuant to the material terms of the Supplemental Agreement, Mr. Mathers remained employed as our Chief Financial Officer until his resignation on January 1, 2013. The Employment Agreement remained in full force and effect and was unamended, except as set forth below, and Mr. Mathers continued to perform services for us in accordance with the standards set forth in the Employment Agreement through December 31, 2012.
Upon satisfaction of the terms of his employment pursuant to the standards of the Employment Agreement, pursuant to the Supplemental Agreement, we and Mr. Mathers agreed to terminate the Employment Agreement on January 1, 2013 and pay Mr. Mathers a cash severance of $240,000 under the terms of the Supplemental Agreement. By executing the SupplementalHedrick Advisory Agreement, Mr. Mathers agreed notHedrick will provide services to terminate his Employmentassist us develop and promote our Round Top project. Mr. Hedrick will be paid by the Company an annual cash fee of $5,000. The Hedrick Advisory Agreement for “Good Reason” thereunder as a result ofcan be terminated by either party upon 10 days notice. Additionally, the recent changesCompany granted the Mr. Hedrick 25,000 options to our Board. Mr. Mathers remains as a consultant to us.
The 180 calendar day grace period for the Corporation to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 under the rules of the OTCQX U.S. Premier expired on November 13, 2012. Starting on November 14, 2012, the quotations for ourpurchase shares of common stock moved fromunder the OTCQX U.S. Premier to the OTCQX U.S. for continued quotations.
On November 23, 2012, we announced that we had learned that the Texas General Land Office (the “GLO”) had filed a lawsuit against the Southwest Range & Wildlife Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) seeking a declaratory judgment that the restrictions on mining in Section 5.06(1) (no mining during hunting season), Section 5.06(2) (no mining after dark or before dawn), and Section 5.06(4) (no lights) of the grazing and agricultural lease (Surface Lease SL 20040002, known as the “West Lease”) are legally void and unenforceable in violation of the public policy of the State of Texas.
On December 12, 2012, our Board authorized, on recommendation of the Compensation Committee, that all of our issued and outstanding stock options, issued to our directors be exercisable on a cashless basis by permitting us to withhold shares of common stock with a fair market value equal to the exercise price as determined on the date of exercise.
On December 19, 2012, our Board re-priced Director Cecil Wall’s five year options to purchase up to 90,000 shares at a price of $4.70 such that all such options are nowCompany’s Stock Option Plan, exercisable at a price of $1.00$0.42 per share. The other terms and conditions of these options remain the same. On December 19, 2012, our Board also re-priced Director Anthony Marchese’s five year options to purchase up to 45,000 sharesshare of common stock at an exercise pricefor a period of $2.60, five year option to purchase up to 175,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.15, five year option to purchase up to 150,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and ten year option to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.51 per share, such that all such options are now exercisable at a price of $1.00 per share. The other terms and conditions of these options remainyears from the same.date thereof.
On December 27, 2012, we repurchased 576,923 sharesAnnual Meeting of our common stock from a private investor, representing approximately 1.58% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, at a price of $0.23 per share for an aggregate purchase amount of $132,692. Following the repurchase, we intend to cancel the entire amount of shares from treasury, resulting in us having 35,973,086 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The repurchase was made pursuant to a privately negotiated stock repurchase agreement. The per share repurchase price for the shares repurchased was determined through arms-length negotiations with the private investor. The stock repurchase agreement and the related transactions were approved by our Board. The repurchase price was paid through cash on hand from our available surplus. Other than this private transaction as described in this report, our Board has not authorized any stock repurchase program or plan, and we have no current plans to effect any open-market purchases of our common stock or other repurchases of our common stock.
On January 22, 2013, we engaged a representative to assist in locating possible strategic investment alternatives for our Round Top project from investors in Asia. We agreed to compensate the representative in relation to any non-securities related transactions as follows:
| 1. | For any transactions in which the net aggregate consideration received by us is equal to or greater than $100 million, the representative shall receive (a) one million options, issued at closing and exercisable for one year, to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation at $1.00 per share and (b) a cash fee equal to 2% of the net aggregate consideration received by us. |
| 2. | For any transactions in which the net aggregate consideration received by us is equal to or greater than $200 million, the representative shall receive (a) two million options, issued at closing and exercisable for one year, to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation at $1.00 per share and (b) a cash fee equal to 2% of the net aggregate consideration received by us. |
| 3. | For any transactions in which the net aggregate consideration received by us is less than $100 million, the representative shall receive (a) 500,000 options, issued at closing and exercisable for one year, to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation at $1.00 per share and (b) a cash fee equal to 2% of the net aggregate consideration received by us. |
Stockholders
On February 15, 2013,19, 2014, we held our annual general meeting of stockholders at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel, 2027 Airway Boulevard, El Paso, Texas 79925 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Stockholders representing 29,550,50623,104,145 shares or 80.85%62.38% of the shares of common stock authorized to vote (36,550,009)(37,036,916) were present in person or by proxy, representing a quorum for the purposes of the annual general meeting. The complete results of our annual meeting were filed on a Current Report on Form 8-K on February 25, 20132014 and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
On March 6, 2013, we entered into a lease assignment (the “Lease Assignment Agreement”) with Southwest Range & Wildlife Foundation, Inc., a Texas non-profit corporation (the “Foundation”), pursuant to which the Foundation agreed to assign to us a surface lease identified with the State of Texas as Surface Lease SL20040002 (the “West Lease”), which covers 54,990.11 acres in Hudspeth County, Texas. In exchange for the West Lease, we agreed to: (i) pay the Foundation $500,000 in cash; (ii) issue 1,063,830 of our common shares, par value $0.01 (the “Common Shares”); and (iii) make ten (10) payments to the Foundation of $45,000 each, with the first such payment due on or before June 1, 2013, and the nine (9) subsequent payments due on or before June 1 of each of the following years, such payments to be used by the Foundation to support conservation efforts within the Rio Grande Basin. The Lease AssignmentAdvisory Agreement contains standard representations, warranties and covenants. The closing of the transaction contemplated by the Lease Assignment Agreement was completed on March 8, 2013. This lease assignment has rendered the lawsuit between the Foundation and the GLO moot. See “Part II – Item 1. Legal Proceedings” below for more details.- Wingo
On March 20, 2013, we announced that testing done at19, 2014 our Board entered into an independent lab had identified Yttrofluorite asadvisory services agreement (“Wingo Advisory Services Agreement”) with Robert Vernon Wingo. Pursuant to the primary rare earth element bearing mineral in samples provided byterms of the Wingo Advisory Services Agreement, Mr. Wingo will provide services to assist us fromdevelop and promote our Round Top project. More significantly, this mineral also carries the majority of the potential high commercial value Heavy Rare Earth Elements (“HREE”). Yttrofluorite, due to its relative ease of dissolution in sulfuric acid as demonstrated in laboratory tests at the independent lab, offers a distinct, possible economic advantage over other less reactive HREE-bearing minerals.
On March 27, 2013, we announced that in-house research on the mineralogy, geochemistry, and kinetics of direct acid leaching indicated that a simple leaching process is effective in removing target heavy rare earth elements from coarse grains of Round Top project rock. We believe that these continuing studies are defining the conditions under which approximately 150 grams per liter (15%) strength sulfuric acid successfully penetrates the grains and dissolves the valuable rare earth-containing minerals that are disseminated throughout the rhyolite host rock.
On May 27, 2013, Mr. John Tumazos resigned as a director and non-executive chairman of our Board. Mr. Tumazos resigned from our Board to dedicate more of his time to his own business and personal pursuits. Mr. Tumazos has informed our Board that while he was pleased at the metallurgical progress evident in our press releases between March 20, 2013 and May 8, 2013, his resignation was due to his disagreement with certain policy decisions of our Board regarding the operations of the Corporation and his belief that now is the appropriate time to sell the Corporation to a larger concern.
The Board does not believe that Mr. Tumazos’s concerns as expressed to the Board were truly disagreements with the Board’s fundamental business strategy for us and our operations. The Board takes its obligation to increase shareholder value seriously and is actively considering all pathways available to the Corporation while also finalizing the Corporation’s current technical work to prove out alternative production methodologies from its Preliminary Economic Assessment of June 2012. The Board believes that finalizing these methodologies in a cost efficient manner while simultaneously pursuing alternative strategic arrangements, including the possibility of selling the Corporation, is the best path to maximize shareholder value. The Board has overseen a drastic reduction of the Corporation’s use of funds and remains dedicated to using the Corporation’s funds in an efficient manner best suited to maximizing the Corporation’s value. The BoardWingo will continue to consistently, actively consider and pursue all available opportunities for the Corporation and will engage qualified consultants as deemed necessary and appropriatebe paid by the BoardCompany an annual cash fee of $5,000. The Wingo Advisory Services Agreement can be terminated by either party upon 10 days notice. Additionally, the Company granted Mr. Wingo 25,000 options to effectively assistpurchase shares of common stock under the Board in evaluating and implementing its strategy, including, if deemed appropriate, selling the Corporation.
On June 4, 2013, we appointed Ms. Laura Lynch to serve asCompany’s Stock Option Plan, exercisable at a memberprice of our Board. As$0.41 per share of common stock for a period of five years from the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Ms. Lynch has not been appointed to serve on any committees of the Board.
Ms. Lynch is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Lynch is currently a Partner at the CL Ranch, a ranching/farming/mining operation in Hudspeth County. CL ranch is active in the mining and distribution of gypsum. Ms. Lynch has deep ties to the El Paso, Ft. Worth and Austin business communities and currently works as a consultant to us pursuant to a consulting agreement in which Ms. Lynch assists us in community relations and land acquisition.
Ms. Lynch is not related by blood or marriage to any of our directors or executive officers or any persons nominated by us to become directors or executive officers. Outside of her consulting agreement with us, we have not engaged in any transaction in which Ms. Lynch or a person related to Ms. Lynch had a direct or indirect material interest. To our knowledge, there is no arrangement or understanding between any of our directors, officers and Ms. Lynch pursuant to which she was selected to serve as a director of the Corporation.
On June 5, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement, effective May 1, 2013 (the “Consulting Agreement”), with G.W. “Mike” McDonald, our Chief Financial Officer. The Consulting Agreement provides for a monthly retainer in the amount of $2,000 (the “Retainer”). In addition to the Retainer, we agreed to reimburse Mr. McDonald for reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. McDonald in performance of his duties under the Consulting Agreement. The Consulting Agreement is for an initial term of one year but may be extended by written agreement of us and Mr. McDonald.thereof.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of May 31, 2013,2014, we had a working capital surplus of approximately $3 million.$744,000. We will need to raise additional funding to implement our business strategy. Our management believes that based on our current working capital, we will be able to continue operations through the end of calendar year 2014 without raising additional capital. During our fiscal year ending August 31, 2013,2014, we plan to spend over $1,500,000minimize spending for metallurgical testing and flow sheer development, additional geologic and resource modeling and compliance costs associated with state governmental agencies and appropriate staff and consulting expenses.expenses until such time we raise additional capital or secure a strategic partner. The timing of these expenditures is dependent upon a number of factors, including the availability of third party contractors.
We estimate that our cash expenditures for general and administrative expenses during fiscal year ending August 31, 20132014 will be approximately $2,200,000$1.5 million to include payroll, severance payments to ex-employees, investor relations, professional services, travel, and other expenses necessary to conduct our operations.
We have reduced our staff, closedDuring the Denver office and plan to reduce all other costs possible in order to accomplish our objectives without the necessity of raising additional capital. Our Denver lease expires onnine months ended May 31, 2014. While2014 we continue to make every effort to subleasepaid the Denver office space, we currently remain obligated forsecond installment of our surface lease paymentsin the amount of $45,000 to the landlord.Southwest Wildlife Foundation
We currently do not have sufficient funds to fully complete exploration and development work on any of our properties, which means that we will be required to raise additional capital, enter into joint venture relationships, or find alternative means to finance our properties in order to place them into commercial production, if warranted, or evaluate the possibility of selling one or more of our projects or the CorporationCompany in its entirety. Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration and, if warranted, development or production on one or more of our properties and any properties we may acquire in the future or even a loss of property interests. This includes our leases over claims covering the principal deposits on our properties, which may expire unless we expend minimum levels of expenditures over the terms of such leases. We cannot be certain that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable or acceptable to us. Our ability to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions as well as our business performance.
If we cannot attract investment capital on favorable terms, we will evaluate other potential sources of financing that may include:
(1) earlyEarly exercise of warrants by shareholders;stockholders;
(2) sales of royalties on our Macho Silver property, rare earth elements or non-rare earth elements as may be subsequently documented;
(3) sale of our Macho Silver property;
(4) JVJoint Venture or sale of the “Contact Zone” enriched in beryllium and uranium that was the earlier subject of Cyprus Minerals 1988 historical definitive feasibility study; and
(5)(3) Actively seeking joint-ventures, strategic partnerships, or off-takes regarding the Round Top Project or the outright sale of the Company. In that regard, we have engaged KLR Group, a New York City based on our experienceinvestment banking firm to assist us in operating "narrow vein" deposits, possible participation in other mining ventures as operators for or partnersan advisory capacity. The Company continues to have discussions with other investors or companies.
outside interested parties who seek a strategic relationship with the Company.
During the nine month period ended May 31, 2013, we invested approximately $10,000 for the purchase of land in the surrounding area of Round Top and $1,374,852 for a lease assignment with Southwest Range & Wildlife Foundation, Inc., a Texas non-profit corporation covering 54,990.11 acres in Hudspeth County, Texas. In exchange for the West Lease, we agreed to: (i) pay the Foundation $500,000 in cash; (ii) issue 1,063,830 of our common shares, par value $0.01 (the “Common Shares”); and (iii) make ten (10) payments to the Foundation of $45,000 each, with the first such payment due on or before June 1, 2013, and the nine (9) subsequent payments due on or before June 1 of each of the following years. We sold furniture and equipment from our Denver office a net book value totaling approximately $16,000 and recognized a loss on the disposal of these assets of approximately $12,000. We donated equipment with a net book value totaling approximately $8,500 of which approximately $7,350.00 was expensed as a charitable contribution, and $1,000 recognized as a loss on the disposal of the asset.
Results of Operations
Nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 20122013
General & Revenue
We had no operating revenues during the nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012.2013. We are not currently profitable. As a result of ongoing operating losses, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.6$28.7 million as of May 31, 2013.2014.
Operating expenses and resulting losses from Operations.
We incurred exploration costs for the nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012,2013, in the amount of approximately $837,000$304,000 and $6,878,000,$837,000, respectively. Expenditures for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and May 31, 2013 were primarily for metallurgical testing while the expenditures for the nine month period ended May 31, 2012 were primarily incurred for drilling and related geological consultinglaboratory fees atfor our Round Top Project. Also includedCosts in last year’s nine month’s expenses2013 being higher as we expended greater resources towards exploring the possibility of a heap leach mining operation at the Round Top Project, which led to the PEA published in December 2013. Expenditures in 2014 decreased as the PEA was approximately $347,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation for one of our then-executive officers. completed.
Our general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012, respectively,2013 were approximately $1,924,000 and $1,925,000, and $5,104,000.respectively. For the nine months ended May 31, 2013,2014, this amount included approximately $719,000 in stock-based compensation to directors and consultants. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $1,205,000 were primarily for payroll and related taxes and benefits, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations.
The general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2013, included approximately $292,000 in non-cash stock-based compensation to one director and our ex-chief financial officer and cash severance fees of approximately $240,000 paid to our ex-chief financial officer. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $1,393,000 were primarily for payroll and related taxes and benefits, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations.
Included in our general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 was non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1,839,000 for two of our executive officers and one employee and a one-time charge of approximately $604,000 for 400,000 options granted to four of our Directors as continuing compensation for their service on the Board. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $2,661,000 were primarily for legal, accounting & professional fees, investor relations, payroll and related taxes and benefits, occupancy costs, information technology, travel and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations.
We had losses from operations for the nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012, respectively,2013 totaling approximately $2,228,000 and $2,762,000, and $11,982,000,respectively, and net losses for the nine months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012, respectively,2013 totaling approximately $2,228,000 and $2,757,000, and $11,959,000. The decrease in both losses from operations and in net losses from 2012 to 2013 is primarily due to decreased exploration costs at our Round Top Project. respectively.
Three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 20122013
General & Revenue
We had no operating revenues during the three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012.2013. We are not currently profitable. As a result of ongoing operating losses, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.6$28.7 million as of May 31, 2013.2014.
Operating expenses and resulting losses from Operations.
We incurred exploration costs for the three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012,2013, in the amount of approximately $381,000$29,000 and $3,125,000,$380,000, respectively. Expenditures for the three months ended May 31, 2014 and May 31, 2013 were primarily for metallurgical testing while the expenditures for the three-month period ended May 31, 2012 were primarily due to drilling and related geological consultinglaboratory fees atfor our Round Top Project. Also included in last year’s three month’s expenses was approximately $116,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation for one of our then-executive officers. project.
Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012,2013 were approximately $494,000$497,000 and $1,952,000,$494,000, respectively. For the three months ended May 31, 2013,2014, this amount included approximately $124,000 in stock-based compensation to directors and consultants. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $373,000 were primarily for payroll and related taxes and benefits, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations.
The general and administrative expense for the three months ended May 31, 2013, included approximately $60,000 in non-cash stock-based compensation expense to one director. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $434,000 were primarily for payroll and related taxes and benefits, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations. Included in the three months ended May 31, 2012 were non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $615,000 for two of our executive officers and one employee. The remaining expenditures totaling approximately $1,337,000 were primarily for legal, accounting & professional fees, investor relations, payroll and related taxes and benefits, occupancy costs, information technology, travel and other general and administrative expenses necessary for our operations.
We had losses from operations for the three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 20122013 totaling approximately $874,000$526,000 and $5,076,000,$874,000, respectively, and net losses for the three months ended May 31, 20132014 and May 31, 2012 of2013 totaling approximately $534,000 and $867,000, and $5,070,000, respectively. The decrease in both losses from operations and in net losses from 2012 to 2013 is primarily due to decreased exploration costs at our Round Top Project.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Preparation of financial statements requires management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingencies. Management bases its estimates on various assumptions and historical experience, which are believed to be reasonable; however, due to the inherent nature of estimates, actual results may differ significantly due to changed conditions or assumptions. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material. Management believes that the following critical accounting estimates and judgments have a significant impact on our financial statements; Valuation of options granted to Directors, Officers and Officersconsultants using the Black-Scholes model.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a – 15(e) and Rule 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On November 23, 2012, we announced that we had learned that the Texas General Land Office (the “GLO”) had filed a lawsuit (the “Lawsuit”) against the Southwest Range & Wildlife Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) seeking a declaratory judgment that the restrictions on mining in Section 5.06(1) (no mining during hunting season), Section 5.06(2) (no mining after dark or before dawn), and Section 5.06(4) (no lights) of the grazing and agricultural lease (Surface Lease SL 20040002, known as the “West Lease”) are legally void and unenforceable in violation of the public policy of the State of Texas. State of Texas v. Southwest Range & Wildlife Foundation, Inc.; Cause No. 4273 in the 205th District Court of Hudspeth County, Texas.
One of our two mining leases with the GLO at our Round Top project (Lease M-113117, the “Mining Lease”) covers land subject to the West Lease. By letter dated March 27, 2012, the GLO had previously advised the Foundation that, effective immediately, the State of Texas declared the restrictions on mining void and unenforceable. Immediately thereafter, the GLO had provided us with an amendment to the Mining Lease, signed by the GLO on March 29, 2012, which removed all mining restrictions which are the subject of the Lawsuit. The GLO is now seeking declaratory relief to enjoin the Foundation from challenging the removal of the mining restrictions from the Mining Lease.None.
On March 6, 2013, we entered into a lease assignment with the Foundation, pursuant to which the Foundation agreed to assign to us the West Lease. In exchange for the West Lease, we agreed to: (i) pay the Foundation $500,000 in cash; (ii) issue 1,063,830 of our common shares, par value $0.01; and (iii) make ten (10) payments to the Foundation of $45,000 each, with the first such payment due on or before June 1, 2013, and the nine (9) subsequent payments due on or before June 1 of each of the following years, such payments to be used by the Foundation to support conservation efforts within the Rio Grande Basin. Future payments due on the lease assignment have been recorded as a note payable with an imputed interest rate of 5%.
The lease assignment closed on March 8, 2013. This lease assignment has rendered the lawsuit between the Foundation and the GLO moot.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 20122013 as filed with the CommissionSEC on November 15, 2012.26, 2013.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
AllExcept as provided below, all unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter were previously disclosed in our current reports on Form 8-K.
The following table describes all securities we issued during the period covered by this report without registering the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”):
Date | Description | Number (A) | Purchaser | Proceeds ($) | Consideration | Exemption (B) |
March 31, 2014 | Common Stock Purchase Options | 10,000 | Consultant | $Nil | Advisory Services | Sec. 4(a)(2) |
April 30, 2014 | Common Stock Purchase Options | 10,000 | Consultant | $Nil | Advisory Services | Sec. 4(a)(2) |
May 31, 2014 | Common Stock Purchase Options | 10,000 | Consultant | $Nil | Advisory Services | Sec. 4(a)(2) |
(A) | Common Stock Purchase Options were issued pursuant to a consulting agreement,. Options vested immediately. Each option is exercisable for a 5 year term at an exercise price of $0.30. The options were issued outside of the Company’s 2008 Stock Incentive Plan. |
(B) | With respect to sales designated by “Sec. 4(a)(2),” these shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as privately negotiated, isolated, non-recurring transactions not involving any public offer or solicitation. Each purchaser represented that such purchaser’s intention to acquire the shares for investment only and not with a view toward distribution. None of the securities were sold through an underwriter and accordingly, there were no underwriting discounts or commissions involved. |
We did not repurchase any of our securities during the quarter covered by this report.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
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, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. During the quarter ended May 31, 2013,2014, our U.S. exploration properties were not subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are attached hereto or are incorporated by reference:
Exhibit Number | Description |
10.1 | Lease Assignment Agreement, dated March 6, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2013 |
10.2 | Consulting Agreement with G.W. “Mike” McDonald dated May 1, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 10, 2013. |
31.1(1) | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) |
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension — Schema |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension — Calculations |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension — Definitions |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension — Labels |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension — Presentations |
(1) | Submitted Electronically Herewith. |
(2) | Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability. |
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.
TEXAS RARE EARTH RESOURCES CORP.
Date: July 15, 20132014
/s/ Daniel E. Gorski
Daniel E. Gorski, duly authorized officer
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer
Date: July 15, 20132014
/s/ G. Mike McDonald
G. Mike McDonald, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer