UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

  

FORM 10-Q

  

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the Quarterly Period Ended AugustMay 31, 2017

2020

OR

  

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the Transition Period from              to

Commission File Number: 1-35447

 

TRILOGY METALS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

British Columbia98-1006991

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

  

Suite 1150, 609 Granville Street

Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

V7Y 1G5
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

(604) 638-8088

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

(604) 638-8088

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common SharesTMQ

NYSE American

Toronto Stock Exchange 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNo¨

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).

YesxNo¨

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

  

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerxNon-accelerated filer ¨Non-accelerated filer¨
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
Smaller reporting
company
x
Emerging growth
company
¨

  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes¨Nox

  

As of October 4, 2017,July 7, 2020, the registrant had 105,674,303140,965,583 Common Shares, no par value, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

TRILOGY METALS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage2
Item 1.Financial Statements2
   
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION2
Item 1.Financial Statements2
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1517
 
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk2625
Item 4.Controls and Procedures26
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATIONItem 4.28Controls and Procedures26
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION27
Item 1.Legal Proceedings28 
Item 1A.1.Risk FactorsLegal Proceedings2827
 
Item 1A.Risk Factors27
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2827
 
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities28
 
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures28
 
Item 5.Other Information.28
 
Item 6.Exhibits28

ii

 

ii 

PART I -FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.Item 1.Financial Statements

 

Trilogy Metals Inc.

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

in thousands of US dollars

  

August 31, 2017

$

  

November 30, 2016

$

 
Assets        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents  10,205   7,340 
Accounts receivable  341   47 
Deposits and prepaid amounts  864   724 
Current investments (note 3)  4,571   7,538 
   15,981   15,649 
         
Investments (note 3)  81   297 
Plant and equipment  399   215 
Mineral properties and development costs (note 4)  30,587   30,586 
   47,048   46,747 
Liabilities        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 5)  4,759   593 
   4,759   593 
         
Mineral properties purchase option (note 4)  10,000   - 
   14,759   593 
Shareholders’ equity        
Share capital (note 6)– unlimited common shares authorized, no par value; Issued –105,667,125 (2016 – 105,286,469)  136,494   136,357 
Warrants (note 6(d))  2,163   2,163 
Contributed surplus  124   124 
Contributed surplus – options (note 6(a, b))  18,392   18,134 
Contributed surplus – units (note 6(c))  1,258   1,140 
Deficit  (126,142)  (111,764)
   32,289   46,154 
   47,048   46,747 

  

May 31, 2020

$

  

November 30, 2019

$

 
Assets        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents  12,343   19,174 
Accounts receivable (note 3)  699   264 
Deposits and prepaid amounts  473   719 
   13,515   20,157 
         
Equity method investment (note 4)  175,261   - 
Plant and equipment (note 5)  239   715 
Mineral properties and development costs (note 6)  -   30,631 
Rent deposit (note 8 (a))  -   114 
Right of use asset (note 8 (a))  529   - 
   189,544   51,617 
Liabilities        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 7)  539   2,354 
Current portion of lease liability  139   - 
   678   2,354 
         
Long-term portion of lease liability (note 8 (b))  460   - 
Mineral properties purchase option  -   31,000 
   1,138   33,354 
Shareholders’ equity        

Share capital (note 9) – unlimited common shares authorized, no par value Issued -140,922,886 (2019 – 140,427,761) 

  178,650   177,971 
Contributed surplus  122   122 
Contributed surplus – options (note 9(a))  22,661   21,123 
Contributed surplus – units (note 9(b))  1,508   1,759 
Deficit  (14,535)  (182,712)
   188,406   18,263 
   189,544   51,617 

 

Commitments and contingencies(notes 4, 5 and 8)note 11)

  

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

 

/s/ Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse,Tony Giardini, President, CEO and Director /s/ Kalidas Madhavpeddi, Director

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors


 

Trilogy Metals Inc.

Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss Income (Loss)

and Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss)

(unaudited)

 

in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts

  For the three months ended  For the six months ended 
  

May 31, 2020

$

  

May 31, 2019

$

  

May 31, 2020

 $

  

May 31, 2019

$

 
Expenses            
Amortization  16   38   58   75 
Feasibility study  742   -   742   - 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  (16)  5   7   (29)
General and administrative  433   436   1,084   928 
Investor relations  101   175   227   292 
Mineral properties expense (note 6(a))  -   2,906   1,545   4,441 
Professional fees  198   153   866   244 
Salaries  226   282   450   563 
Salaries – stock-based compensation  770   664   1,966   2,603 
Total expenses  2,470   4,659   6,945   9,117 
Other items                
Gain on derecognition of assets contributed to joint venture (note 4(a))  -   -   (175,770)  - 
Share of loss on equity investment (note 4(b))  561   -   739   - 
Interest and other income  (29)  (150)  (91)  (272)
Comprehensive (loss) earnings for the period  (3,002)  (4,509)  168,177   (8,845)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share  (0.02)  (0.04)  1.20   (0.07)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share  (0.02)  (0.04)  1.13   (0.07)
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding  140,785,082   132,095,920   140,701,337   132,007,414 
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding  140,785,082   132,095,920   148,705,482   132,007,414 

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)


Trilogy Metals Inc.

  For the three months ended  For the nine months ended 
  

August 31, 2017

$

  

August 31, 2016

$

  

August 31, 2017

$

  

August 31, 2016

$

 
Expenses                
Amortization  27   17   66   59 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  (592)  3   (542)  8 
General and administrative  273   311   1,050   1,030 
Investor relations  107   30   263   80 
Mineral properties expense (note 4(d))  8,471   3,077   10,407   4,067 
Professional fees  86   84   404   430 
Salaries  218   250   683   719 
Salaries – stock-based compensation  104   146   603   544 
Total expenses  8,694   3,918   12,934   6,937 
Other items                
Unrealized loss on held for trading investments  83   -   1,252   - 
Loss on sale of investments  230   -   230   - 
Loss on disposal of equipment  8   -   8   - 
Interest and other income  (23)  (16)  (46)  (52)
Loss from continuing operations for the period  8,992   3,902   14,378   6,885 
                 
Loss from discontinued operations  -   353   -   712 
Loss from discontinued operations for the period  -   353   -   712 

Loss and comprehensive loss for the period 

  8,992   4,255   14,378   7,597 
                 
Basic and diluted loss per common share $0.09  $0.04  $0.14  $0.07 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  105,581,406   105,213,320   105,524,598   105,046,854 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

in thousands of US dollars, except share amounts

  Number of shares outstanding  Share capital
$
  Warrants   $  Contributed surplus
$
  Contributed surplus – options
$
  Contributed surplus – units
$
  Deficit
$
  Total shareholders’ equity
$
 
Balance – November 30, 2018  131,585,612   164,069   2,253   122   19,076   1,489   (154,807)  32,202 
Exercise of options  44,230   28   -   -   (28)  -   -   - 
Restricted Share Units  412,501   424   -   -   -   (424)  -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   1,586   353   -   1,939 
Loss for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   (4,336)  (4,336)
Balance – February 28, 2019  132,042,343   164,521   2,253   122   20,634   1,418   (159,143)  29,805 
Exercise of options  101,064   53   -   -   (53)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   355   309   -   664 
Loss for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   (4,509)  (4,509)
Balance – May 31, 2019  132,143,407   164,574   2,253   122   20,936   1,727   (163,652)  25,960 
                                 
Balance – November 30, 2019  140,427,761   177,971   -   122   21,123   1,759   (182,712)  18,263 
Exercise of options  19,514   6   -   -   (6)  -   -   - 
Restricted Share Units  212,501   330   -   -   -   (330)  -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   1,155   41   -   1,196 
Earnings for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   171,179   171,179 
Balance – February 29, 2020  140,659,776   178,307   -   122   22,272   1,470   (11,533)  190,638 
Exercise of options  63,110   31   -   -   (31)  -   -   - 
Restricted Share Units  200,000   312   -   -   -   (312)  -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   420   350   -   770 
Earnings for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   (3,002)  (3,002)
Balance – May 31, 2020  140,922,886   178,650   -   122   22,661   1,508   (14,535)  188,406 

  

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

 


Trilogy Metals Inc.

Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ EquityCash Flows

(unaudited)

 

in thousands of US dollars except share amounts

  

Number of
shares
outstanding

  

Share
capital

$

  

Warrants

$

  

Contributed
surplus

$

  

Contributed
surplus –
options

$

  

Contributed
surplus –
units

$

  

Deficit

$

  

Total
shareholders’
equity

$

 
Balance – November 30, 2015  104,796,421   136,040   2,163   124   17,841   1,164   (106,902)  50,430 
Restricted Share Units  108,399   34   -   -   -   (63)  -   (29)
Deferred Share Units  218,795   218   -   -   -   (218)  -   - 
Exercise of options  143,889   56   -   -   (56)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   326   218   -   544 
Loss for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   (7,597)  (7,597)
Balance – August 31, 2016  105,267,504   136,348   2,163   124   18,111   1,101   (114,499)  43,348 
                                 
Balance – November 30, 2016  105,286,469   136,357   2,163   124   18,134   1,140   (111,764)  46,154 
Exercise of options  171,458   54   -   -   (54)  -   -   - 
Restricted Share Units  209,198   83   -   -   -   (173)  -   (90)
Stock-based compensation  -   -   -   -   312   291   -   603 
Loss for the period  -   -   -   -   -   -   (14,378)  (14,378)
Balance – August 31, 2017  105,667,125   136,494   2,163   124   18,392   1,258   (126,142)  32,289 
  For the six months ended 
  

May 31, 2020

$

  

May 31, 2019

$

 
Cash flows used in operating activities        
Earnings (loss) for the period  168,177   (8,845)
Items not affecting cash        
Amortization  58   75 
Right of use asset amortization  86   - 
Loss on working capital written-off upon joint venture formation  18   - 
Gain on derecognition of assets (note 4(a))  (175,770)  - 
Loss on equity investment in Ambler Metals LLC. (note 4(b))  739   - 
Unrealized foreign exchange loss  11   8 
Stock-based compensation  1,966   2,603 
Operating lease payments  (97)  - 
Net change in non-cash working capital        
Increase in accounts receivable  (435)  (148)
Decrease (increase) in deposits and prepaid amounts  246   (894)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (1,815)  (176)
   (6,816)  (7,377)
Cash flows from investing activities        
Mineral properties funding  -   10,200 
   -   10,200 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  (6,816)  2,823 
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents  (15)  (8)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period  19,174   22,991 
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period  12,343   25,806 

  

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)

 

Trilogy Metals Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

in thousands of US dollars

  For nine months ended 
  

August 31, 2017

$

  

August 31, 2016

$

 
Cash flows used in operating activities        
Loss for the period  (14,378)  (7,597)
Items not affecting cash        
Amortization  66   154 
Loss on disposal of equipment  8   - 
Loss on sale of held for trading investments  172   - 
Unrealized loss on held for trading investments  1,252   - 
Unrealized foreign exchange gain  (472)  - 
Stock-based compensation  603   514 
Net change in non-cash working capital        
Increase in accounts receivable  (294)  (23)
(Increase)/decrease in deposits and prepaid amounts  (140)  132 
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities  4,116   104 
   (9,067)  (6,716)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities        
Settlement of Restricted Share Units  (90)  - 
   (90)  - 
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities        
Acquisition of plant & equipment  (209)  (121)
Mineral properties funding (note 4)  10,000   - 
Proceeds from the sale of investments, net of fees  2,180   - 
   11,971   (121)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  2,814   (6,837)
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents  51   - 
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period  7,340   16,139 
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period  10,205   9,302 
Less cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations – end of period  -   (75)
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations – end of period  10,205   9,227 

(See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements)


 

Trilogy Metals Inc.

Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

  

11)Nature of operations

 

Trilogy Metals Inc., formerly NovaCopper Inc., (“Trilogy”, or the “Company”, or “we”) was incorporated in British Columbia under theBusiness Corporations Act (BC) on April 27, 2011. The Company changed its name from NovaCopper Inc. to Trilogy Metals Inc. on September 1, 2016 to better reflect its diversified metals resource base. The Company is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties, through our equity investee (see note 4), with a focus on the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP”), including the Arctic and Bornite Projects located in Northwest Alaska in the United States of America (“US”).

  

22)Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of presentation

  

Basis of presentation

These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of Trilogy and its wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary, NovaCopper US Inc., doing business as Trilogy Metals US (“Trilogy (dba “Trilogy Metals US”). These consolidated financial statements included the accounts of Sunward Resources Ltd. (“Sunward”), Sunward Investments Ltd. (“Sunward Investments”) and Sunward Resources Limited (“Sunward BVI”) for the period June 19, 2015 to September 1, 2016, inclusive. Sunward BVI has registered a branch, Sunward Resources Sucursal Colombia, to do business in Colombia. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

On June 19, 2015, For variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where Trilogy is not the primary beneficiary, we completeduse the acquisitionequity method of Sunward, which held 100% ownership in the Titiribi gold-copper exploration project in Colombia through Sunward Investments. Sunward was converted to Sunward Resources Unlimited Liability Company on June 19, 2015 and wound-up on February 29, 2016. On September 1, 2016, we completed the sale of Sunward Investments and the Titiribi project.The Company classified the operations of Sunward Investments as discontinued operations, retrospectively.accounting.

  

All figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise noted. References to CDN$CAD$ refer to amounts in Canadian dollars.

  

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for the fair presentation of ourthe Company’s financial position as of AugustMay 31, 2017,2020 and our results of operations for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 and our cash flows for the ninesix months ended AugustMay 31, 20172020 and 2016.May 31, 2019. The results of operations for the three and ninesix months ended AugustMay 31, 20172020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2017.2020.

  

As these interim consolidated financial statements do not contain all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements, these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 20162019, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 3, 2017.13, 2020.

  

These interim consolidated financial statements were approved by the Company’s Audit Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors for issue on October 4, 2017.July 7, 2020.

 


Accounting standards adopted

  

Leases

Recent accounting pronouncements

i.Statement of cash flows

In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows (“ASU 2016-18”). This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has analyzed the impact of the update and determined that the clarification will not affect the Company’s presentation on its statement of cash flows. The Company early adopted the standard in the second quarter of 2017. As there was no impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows, there were no changes as a result of adopting the standard.

ii.Leases

  

In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting requirements for accounting for, presentation of, and classification of leases (“ASU 2016-02”). This will result which, together with subsequent amendments, is included in most leases being capitalizedASC 842, Leases. ASC 842 became effective for the Company as a right of use asset with a related liability onDecember 1, 2019.

The Company adopted ASC 842 using the modified retrospective transition method by applying the transition provision and recording our balance sheets. The requirementscumulative adjustment to opening deficit at the beginning of the new standard are effective for annual reporting periodsperiod of adoption on December 1, 2019, rather than at the beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, which for us isof the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. We expect the adoption will have an impact as we expect to capitalize leases, specifically our office leases that are not currently recognized on the balance sheet and arecomparative period presented. Therefore, in the processcomparative periods, we continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, including its disclosure requirements. We elected to apply all of analyzing the quantitative impact of this guidance on our results of operations and financial position.transition practical expedients available, including:

  

iii.·Stock-based compensationthe package of three practical expedients to (1) not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) not reassess initial direct costs for any existing lease;

·the hindsight practical expedient to use hindsight when determining lease term and assessing impairment of right-of-use assets, if any; and

·the easements practical expedient to continue applying our current policy for accounting for any land easements expired before or existing as of December 1, 2019.

  

In March 2016,addition, we elected to apply the FASB issuedshort-term lease recognition exemption and elected to apply the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all applicable leases on transition. The adoption of this new guidance simplifyingstandard resulted in the recognition of right of use assets and lease liabilities of $786,000 as at December 1, 2019.

New accounting policy

Investment in affiliates

Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for stock-based compensation transactions, including income tax consequences, classificationunder the equity method and include the Company’s investment in the Ambler Metals project. We identified Ambler Metals LLC as a VIE as the entity is dependent on funding from its owners. All funding, ownership, voting rights and power to exercise control is shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the owners of awards asthe VIE. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is its investment in Ambler Metals LLC.

Ambler Metals LLC is a non-publicly traded equity investee holding exploration and development projects. The Company reviews and evaluates its investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment when events or liabilities, forfeitures,changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Events that could indicate impairment of an investment in affiliates include a significant decrease in long-term expected commodity prices, a significant increase in expected operating or capital costs, unfavorable exploration results or technical studies, a significant decrease in reserves, a loss of significant mineral claims or a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. Asset impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset. If the underlying assets are not recoverable, an impairment loss is measured and classificationrecorded based on the statement of cash flows (“ASU 2016-09”). This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has analyzeddifference between the impactcarrying amount of the updateinvestee and its estimated fair value which may be determined thatusing a discounted cash flow model.


3)Accounts receivable

in thousands of dollars

  

May 31, 2020
$
 

 

November 30, 2019
$
 

 
GST input tax credits  31   42 
Recoverable payments  -   222 
Ambler Metals LLC  668   - 
Accounts receivable  699   264 

The balance due from Ambler Metals LLC (see note 4 below) consists of services rendered by Trilogy and reimbursements for invoices paid by Trilogy on behalf of Ambler Metals LLC per a service agreement. The balance was paid in full by Ambler Metals LLC subsequent to the simplification applied to accounting for forfeitures will affect the results of operations and financial position as it will alter the timing of recognition of forfeitures. The Company is currently considering its policy choice. The remaining changes in the update do not have an effect on the Company’s accounting for stock-based compensation.quarter end.

  

iv.4)Business combinationsEquity method investment

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to assist in determining if a set of assets and activities being acquired or sold is a business (“ASU 2017-01”). It also provided a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present, which at a minimum, must be present to be considered a business. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted in most circumstances. It expects there could be an impact to how the Company accounts for assets acquired in the future.

3Investments

On September 1, 2016, Trilogy completed the sale to GoldMining Inc. (“GMI”), formerly Brazil Resources Inc., a public company listed on the TSX-Venture exchange, of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Sunward Investments for consideration of 5,000,000 common shares of GMI valued at $7.8 million and 1,000,000 warrants, with each warrant exercisable into one common share of GMI for a period of two years at an exercise price of CDN$3.50, valued at $0.3 million, for total consideration of $8.1 million. Of the common shares received, 2,500,000 common shares were saleable immediately with the remaining 2,500,000 common shares saleable six months following the close. Sunward Investments, through a subsidiary, owns 100% of the Titiribi gold-copper exploration project.

The common shares and warrants received have been designated as held-for-trading financial assets, with the classification as current investments and long-term investments, respectively.

in thousands of dollars

  

August 31, 2017

$

  

November 30, 2016

$

 
       
Current investments  4,571   7,538 
Long-term investments  81   297 
Investments  4,652   7,835 

The fair value of the common shares is determined based on the closing price at each period end. The fair value of the BRI warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model at each period end.

During the nine months ended August 31, 2017, the Company sold 1,519,000 common shares of GMI during the period for proceeds of $2.2 million and realized a loss on sale of $0.2 million. For the nine months ended August 31, 2017, the Company recorded an unrealized loss on the common shares and warrants of GMI of $1.3 million.

4Mineral properties and development costs

in thousands of dollars

  

November 30, 2016

$

  

Acquisition costs

$

  

August 31, 2017

$

 
Alaska, USA            
Ambler (a)  26,586   1   26,587 
Bornite (b)  4,000   -   4,000 
   30,586   1   30,587 

in thousands of dollars

  

November 30, 2015

$

  

Acquisition costs

$

  

November 30, 2016

$

 
Alaska, USA            
Ambler (a)  26,586   -   26,586 
Bornite (b)  4,000   -   4,000 
   30,586   -   30,586 

  

(a)Formation of Ambler Metals LLC

 

On JanuaryFebruary 11, 2010, NovaGold Resources Inc.2020, the Company completed the formation of a 50/50 joint venture named Ambler Metals LLC with South32 Limited (“NovaGold”South32”), through Alaska Gold Company (“AGC”), at the time a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 100%. As part of the formation of the joint venture, Trilogy contributed all its assets associated with the UKMP, including the Arctic and Bornite Projects, while South32 contributed US$145 million, resulting in each party’s subsidiaries directly owning a 50% interest in Ambler lands in Northwest Alaska, which contains the copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Arctic ProjectMetals LLC.

Ambler Metals LLC is an independently operated company jointly controlled by Trilogy and other mineralized targets within the volcanogenic massive sulfide belt,South32 through a seriesfour-member board, of cash and share payments. Totalwhich two members are currently appointed by Trilogy based on its 50% equity interest. All significant decisions related to the UKMP require the approval of both companies. We determined that Ambler Metals LLC is a VIE because it is expected to need additional funding from its owners for its significant activities. However, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Ambler Metals LLC as the power to direct its activities, through its board, is shared under the Ambler Metals LLC limited liability company agreement. As we have significant influence over Ambler Metals LLC through our representation on its board, we use the equity method of accounting for our investment in Ambler Metals LLC. Our investment in Ambler Metals LLC was initially measured at its fair value of $176 million upon recognition. Our maximum exposure to loss in this entity is limited to the consideration was $26.6 million.carrying amount of our investment in Ambler Metals LLC, which totaled $176 million, as well as $668 thousand of amounts receivable per a service agreement. The vendor retained a 1% net smelter return royalty thatfollowing table summarizes the ownergain on recognition of the property can purchase at any time for a one-time payment of $10.0 million.UKMP assets upon transfer to the Ambler Metals LLC joint venture on February 11, 2020.


 

The Ambler lands were acquired on October 17, 2011 by Trilogy Metals US through a purchase and sale agreement with AGC. On October 24, 2011, NovaGold transferred its ownership    in thousands of Trilogy Metals US to the Company, then a wholly owned subsidiary of NovaGold, which was subsequently spun-out to NovaGold shareholders and publicly listed on April 30, 2012 (“NovaGold Arrangement”).dollars  

$
Fair value ascribed to Ambler Metals LLC interest176,000
Less: carrying value of contributed /eliminated assets
Mineral properties(30,587)
Property, plant and equipment(618)
Elimination of Fairbanks warehouse right of use asset(93)
Elimination of prepaid State of Alaska mining claim fees(303)
Add:
Demobilization costs of drills278
Cancellation of Fairbanks warehouse lease liability93
Fair value of mineral properties purchase option31,000
Gain on derecognition175,770

 

(b)BorniteCarrying value of equity method investment

 

On October 19, 2011,During the six-month period ended May 31, 2020, Trilogy Metals  US acquired the exclusive right to explore and the non-exclusive right to access and enterrecognized, based on the Bornite lands, and lands deeded to NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (“NANA”) through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, located adjacent to the Ambler lands in Northwest Alaska. As consideration, Trilogy Metals  US paid $4 million to acquire the right to explore and develop the combined Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects through an Exploration Agreement and Option to Lease with NANA. Upon a decision to proceed with construction of a mine on the lands, NANA maintains the right to purchase between a 16%-25%its 50% ownership interest in Ambler Metals LLC, an equity loss equivalent to its pro rata share of Ambler Metals LLC’s comprehensive loss of $1.48 million for the mine or retain a 15% net proceeds royalty whichperiod between February 11, 2020 (date of joint venture formation) to May 31, 2020. The carrying value of Trilogy’s 50% investment in Ambler Metals LLC as at May 31, 2020 is payable after Trilogy Metals  US has recovered certain historical costs, including capital and cost of capital. Should NANA elect to purchase an ownership interest, consideration will be payable equal to all historical costs incurredsummarized on the properties at the elected percentage purchased less $40 million, not to be less than zero. The parties would form a joint venture and be responsible for all future costs, including capital costs of the mine based on their pro-rata share.

following table.

 

NANA would also be granted a net smelter return royalty  in thousands of between 1% and 2.5% upon the execution of a mining lease or a surface use agreement, the amount of which is determined by the classification of land from which production originates.dollars  

8$
February 11, 2020, fair value ascribed to Ambler Metals LLC interest176,000
Share of loss on equity investment for the six-month period ended May 31, 2020(739)
May 31, 2020, equity method investment175,261 

 

(c)Option AgreementThe following table summarizes Ambler Metals LLC’s Balance Sheet as at May 31, 2020.

 

On April 10, 2017, Trilogy and Trilogy Metals US entered into an Option Agreement to Form a Joint Venture with South32 Group Operations Pty Ltd. (“South32”) on the UKMP (“Option Agreement”). Trilogy Metals US has granted South32 the right to form a 50/50 joint venture to hold allin thousands of Trilogy Metals US’ Alaskan assets. Upon exercise of the option, Trilogy Metals US will transfer its Alaskan assets, including the UKMP, and South32 will contribute a minimum of $150 million to a newly formed limited liability company (“JV LLC”), plus any amounts Trilogy Metals US spends at the Arctic Project over the next three years to a maximum of $5 million per year (the “Subscription Price”), less an amount of the initial funding contributed by South32.dollars  

To maintain the option in good standing, South32 is required to fund a minimum of $10 million per year for up to a three year period, which funds will be used to execute a mutually agreed upon program at the UKMP. The funds provided by South32 may only be expended based on the approved program. Provided that all the exploration data and information has been made available to South32 by no later than December 31 of each year, South32 must decide by the end of January of the following year whether: (i) to fund a further tranche of a minimum of $10 million, or (ii) to withdraw and not provide any further annual funding. If the election to fund a further tranche is not made in January, South32 has until the end of March to exercise the option to form the JV LLC and make the subscription payment.

The Company received $10.0 million for the first payment following the approval of the year 1 program and budget in April 2017. As at August 31, 2017, the Company held $2.7 million in a segregated bank account for spending on the approved year 1 program at Bornite. The Company is responsible for the disbursement of these funds in accordance with the approved program and budget and accordingly has not classified the funds as restricted cash.

As the initial option payments are credited against the future subscription price upon exercise, the Company has accounted for the payment received as deferred consideration. At such time as the option is exercised, the initial payments received to that date will be recognized as part of the consideration received for the Company’s contribution of the UKMP into the JV LLC. If South 32 withdraws from the Option Agreement, the consideration will be recognized in the statement of loss at that time.

The option to form the JV LLC is recognized as a financial instrument at inception of the arrangement with an initial fair value of $nil. This option is required to be re-measured at fair value at each reporting date with any changes in fair value recorded in loss for the period.

May 31, 2020

$

Current assets: Cash, deposits and prepaid expenses86,490
Non - current assets: Property, equipment and mineral properties31,359
Loan receivable from South3257,876
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(917)
Non - current liabilities: Lease obligation(79)
Net assets174,729

 

(d)The following table summarizes Ambler Metals LLC’s comprehensive loss from the formation of the joint venture on February 11, 2020 to the end of the reporting period on May 31, 2020.


in thousands of dollars

February 11 – May 31, 2020

$

Amortization50
Mineral properties expense1,080
General and administrative expense904
Interest income(557)
Comprehensive loss1,477

5)Plant and equipment

in thousands of dollars

  May 31, 2020 
    Cost
   $
  

Accumulated

 amortization

$

  

Assets

derecognized

note 4(a)

$

  

  Net

     $

 
British Columbia, Canada                
Furniture and equipment  63   (36)  -   27 
Leasehold improvements  253   (43)  -   210 
Computer hardware and software  115   (113)  -   2 
Alaska, USA                
Machinery, and equipment  3,667   (3,049)  (618)  - 
Vehicles  348   (348)  -   - 
Computer hardware and software  4   (4)  -   - 
   4,450   (3,593)  (618)  239 

in thousands of dollars

  November 30, 2019 
  

Cost

$

  

Accumulated

amortization

$

  

Net

  $

 
British Columbia, Canada            
Furniture and equipment  63   (29)  34 
Leasehold improvements  53   (17)  36 
Computer hardware and software  115   (112)  3 
Alaska, USA            
Machinery, and equipment  3,667   (3,026)  641 
Vehicles  348   (348)  - 
Computer hardware and software  4   (3)  1 
   4,250   (3,535)  715 


6)Mineral properties and development costs

in thousands of dollars

  November 30, 2019
  $
  Acquisition costs reimbursable
from Ambler
Metals LLC
  Assets
derecognized
note 4(a)
  $
  May 31, 2020
  $
 
Alaska, USA                
Ambler (a)  26,631   (44)  (26,587)  - 
Bornite (b)  4,000   -   (4,000)  - 
   30,631   (44)  (30,587)  - 

in thousands of dollars

  

November 30, 2018

 $

  

Acquisition costs

  $

  

November 30, 2019

 $

 
Alaska, USA            
Ambler (a)  26,587   44   26,631 
Bornite (b)  4,000   -   4,000 
   30,587   44   30,631 

(a)Mineral properties expense

 

The following table summarizes mineral properties expense for the noted periods and includes expenditures funded by South32.periods.

In thousands of dollars

  

Three months
ended August
31, 2017

$

  

Three months
ended August
31, 2016

$

  

Nine months
ended August
31, 2017

$

  

Nine months
ended August
31, 2016

$

 
Alaska, USA                
Community  67   63   201   184 
Drilling  3,194   712   3,284   712 
Engineering  1,085   191   1,508   410 
Environmental  122   212   181   235 
Geochemistry and geophysics  146   28   151   41 
Land and permitting  215   113   667   322 
Other income  (26)  (34)  (26)  (34)
Project support  2,307   1,030   2,641   1,136 
Wages and benefits  1,361   762   1,800   1,061 
Mineral property expense  8,471   3,077   10,407   4,067 

  

Three months ended

  May 31, 2020

$

  

Three months ended

May 31, 2019

$

  

Six months ended

May 31, 2020

  $

  

Six months ended

May 31, 2019

  $

 
Alaska, USA                
Community  -   146   137   264 
Drilling  -   173   -   173 
Engineering  -   303   723   624 
Environmental  -   136   99   271 
Geochemistry and geophysics  -   593   12   758 
Land and permitting  -   174   134   360 
Project support  -   778   249   1,004 
Other income  -   -   -   (1)
Wages and benefits  -   603   191   988 
   -   2,906   1,545   4,441 

 

Mineral property expenses consist of direct drilling, personnel, community, resource reporting and other exploration expenses as outlined above, as well as indirect project support expenses such as fixed wing charters, helicopter support, fuel, and other camp operation costs. CumulativeNo additional mineral properties expense in Alaska fromexpenses were incurred during the initial earn-in agreementthree-month period ended May 31, 2020, as on February 11, 2020, upon the property in 2004formation of the joint venture with South 32, all mineral properties previously held by the Company were contributed to August 31, 2017Ambler Metals LLC. The Company continues to fund the Arctic Project feasibility study, costs for which were $0.7 million since the formation of the joint venture on February 11, 2020. The table above is $73.4 million and cumulative acquisition costs are $30.6 million totaling $104.0 million spent to date.for comparison purposes for the respective periods.

 

5(b)Derecognition

As part of the formation of the joint venture with South32 on February 11, 2020, Trilogy contributed all its assets associated with the UKMP, including the Arctic and Bornite projects. As a result, $0.62 million of machinery and equipment as well as $30.6 million of mineral properties related to the UKMP were derecognized in Trilogy on February 11, 2020.


7)Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

in thousands of dollars

  

August 31, 2017

$

  

November 30, 2016

$

 
Trade accounts payable  2,179   160 
Accrued liabilities  2,494   281 
Accrued salaries and vacation  86   152 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  4,759   593 

  

May 31, 2020

$

  

November 30, 2019

$

 
Trade accounts payable  232   902 
Accrued liabilities  214   721 
Accrued salaries and vacation  93   731 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  539   2,354 

 

68)Leases

(a)Right-of-use asset

in thousands of dollars

$
ASC 842 transition as at December 1, 2019681
Amortization(86)
Lease accretion27
Derecognition of Fairbanks warehouse lease(93)
529

The pre-transition rent deposit of $114 thousand was transferred to the Right-of-use asset upon adoption of ASC 842 on December 1, 2019 and is included in the opening balance of $681 thousand.

(b)Lease liabilities

The Company’s lease arrangements primarily consist of an operating lease for our office space ending in June 2024. There are no extension options.

Total lease expense recorded within general and administrative expenses was comprised of the following components:

in thousands of dollars

Six months ended

May 31, 2020

$

Operating lease costs86
Variable lease costs64
Total lease expense150

Variable lease costs consist primarily of the Company’s portion of operating costs associated with the office space lease as the Company elected to apply the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components.

As of May 31, 2020, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 4.1 years and the weighted-average discount rate is 8%. Significant judgment was used in the determination of the incremental borrowing rate which included estimating the Company’s credit rating.

Supplemental cash and non-cash information relating to our leases during the six months ended May 31, 2020 are as follows:

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $96,842.

No cash was paid upon termination of a lease for office and warehouse space and reassignment to Ambler Metals LLC that resulted in the derecognition of the right-of-use asset of $92,974 and the operating lease liability of $93,006.


Future minimum payments relating to the lease recognized in our balance sheet as of May 31, 2020 are as follows:

in thousands of dollars

Fiscal year 

May 31, 2020
$

 
2020  90 
2021  184 
2022  173 
2023  211 
2024  116 
Total undiscounted lease payments  774 
Effect of discounting  (175)
Present value of lease payments recognized as lease liability  599 

9)Share capital

 

Authorized:

unlimited common shares, no par value

 

in thousands of dollars, except share amounts

 Number of shares  

Ascribed value

$

  

Number of shares

 

  Ascribed value
  $
 
November 30, 2015  104,796,421   136,040 
November 30, 2018  131,585,612   164,069 
Exercise of options  162,854   65   1,725,776   1,123 
Restricted Share Units  108,399   34   412,501   424 
Deferred Share Units  218,795   218   182,132   189 
November 30, 2016  105,286,469   136,357 
Exercise of warrants  6,521,740   12,166 
November 30, 2019  140,427,761   177,971 
Exercise of options  171,458   54   82,624   38 
Restricted Share Units  209,198   83   412,501   642 
August 31, 2017, issued and outstanding  105,667,125   136,494 
May 31, 2020, issued and outstanding  140,922,886   178,651 

 

On April 30, 2012, under the NovaGold Arrangement, Trilogy committed to issue common shares once vested, to satisfy holders of NovaGold deferred share units (“NovaGold DSUs”) on record as of the close of business April 27, 2012. When vested, Trilogy committed to deliver one common share to the holder for every six shares of NovaGold the holder is entitled to receive, rounded down to the nearest whole number. As of AugustMay 31, 2017, 20,6852020, 11,927 NovaGold DSUs remainremained outstanding representing a right to receive 3,4471,988 common shares in Trilogy, which will settle upon certain directors retiring from NovaGold’s board.

 

(a)Stock options

 

During the nine month period ended AugustMay 31, 2017, 1,695,0002020, the Company granted 2,325,000 options (August 31, 2016(20191,785,0002,527,500 options) at a weighted-average exercise price of CDN$0.72 (August 31, 2016CAD$2.93 (2019CDN$0.44) were grantedCAD$2.96) to employees, consultants and directors exercisable for a period of five years with various vesting terms between nil and two years.from immediate vesting to vesting over a two-year period. The weighted-average fair value attributable to options granted in the period was $0.22 per option.$0.96 (2019 - $1.08).

 

For the nine month period ended AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, Trilogy recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $0.31$1.58 million (August 31, 2016– $0.33(2019 – $1.94 million) for options granted to directors, employees and service providers, net of estimated forfeitures.

 

The fair value of the stock options recognized in the period has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

10 

Assumptions used in the pricing model for the period are as provided below.

 

  AugustMay 31, 20172020 
Risk-free interest rates  0.891.50%
Exercise price  CDN$0.72CAD$3.07 
Expected life  3.0 years 
Expected volatility  74.363.3%
Expected dividends  Nil 

 

As of AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, there were 1,405,8431,453,338 non-vested options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.48;$2.15; the non-vested stock option expense not yet recognized was $0.1$0.71 million. This expense is expected to be recognized over the next two years.

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option plan and changes during the nine month period ended May 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

 August 31, 2017     May 31, 2020 
 

 

 

Number of options

 

Weighted average
exercise price

$

  Number of options  Weighted average
exercise price
 $
 
Balance – beginning of period  6,049,433   0.50 
Balance – beginning of the period  9,205,600   1.05 
Granted  1,695,000   0.57   2,325,000   2.13 
Exercised  (362,477)  0.40   (151,667)  0.56 
Forfeited  (169,329)  0.50   (260,000)  2.15 
Balance – end of period  7,212,627   0.56   11,118,933   1.25 

 

The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at AugustMay 31, 2017.2020.

 

 Outstanding  Exercisable  Unvested  Outstanding  Exercisable  Unvested 
Range of price Number of
outstanding
options
  Weighted
average
years to
expiry
  

Weighted
average
exercise
price

$

  Number of
exercisable
options
  

Weighted
average
exercise
price

$

  Number of
unvested
options
   Number of
outstanding options
  Weighted
average years
to expiry
  

Weighted
average
exercise price

$

  Number of
exercisable
options
  

Weighted
average
exercise price

$

  Number of
unvested options
 
$0.35 to $0.50  4,267,627   2.95   0.41   3,588,457   0.42   679,170 
$0.32 to $0.50   3,901,433   0.81   0.40   3,901,433   0.81   - 
$0.51 to $1.00  2,890,000   3.30   0.75   2,163,327   0.81   726,673    1,845,000   2.48   0.73   1,845,000   2.48   - 
$1.01 to $1.47  55,000   0.67   1.59   55,000   1.59   - 
$1.01 to $1.50   225,000   2.87   1.29   175,000   2.83   50,000 
$1.51 to $2.00   915,000   4.41   1.72   898,333   4.43   16,667 
$2.01 to $2.54   4,232,500   4.03   2.17   2,895,829   3.92   1,336,671 
  7,212,627   3.07   0.56   5,806,784   0.58   1,405,843    11,118,933   2.65   1.25   9,715,595   2.43   1,403,338 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of vested share options (the market value less the exercise price) at AugustMay 31, 20172020 was $2.8$8.3 million (August 31, 2016(2019 - $0.49$17.6 million) and the aggregate intrinsic value of exercised options for the ninethree months ended AugustMay 31, 20172020 was $0.15$0.18 million (August 31, 2016(2019 - $0.09$0.30 million).

  

(b)NovaGold Arrangement Options

Under the NovaGold Arrangement, holders of NovaGold stock options received one option in Trilogy for every six options held in NovaGold (“NovaGold Arrangement Options”). All NovaGold Arrangement Options remaining expired during the nine months ended August 31, 2017.

11 

A summary of the NovaGold Arrangement Options and changes during the nine month period ended is as follows:

  August 31, 2017 
  

 

 

Number of options

  

Weighted average
exercise price

$

 
Balance – beginning of period  312,195   4.26 
Expired  (312,195)  4.26 
Balance – end of period  -   - 

(c)Restricted Share Units and Deferred Share Units

  

The Company has a Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) and a Non-Executive Director Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”) to provide long-term incentives to employees, officers and directors. TheAwards under the RSU Plan and DSU Plan may be settled in cash and/or Common Sharescommon shares of the Company at the Company’s election with each RSUrestricted share unit (“RSU”) and DSUdeferred share unit (“DSU”) entitling the holder to receive one common share of the Company or equivalent value. All units are accounted for as equity-settled awards.


 

A summary of the Company’s unit plans and changes during the nine month period ended AugustMay 31, 20172020 is as follows:

  

 Number of RSUs  Number of DSUs  Number of RSUs Number of DSUs 
Balance – beginning of period  400,001   925,390 
Balance – beginning of the period  212,501   1,137,488 
Granted  600,000   98,554   200,000   44,903 
Vested/paid  (399,999)  -   (412,501)  - 
Balance – end of period  600,002   1,023,944   -   1,182,391 

  

For the nine monthsperiod ended AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, Trilogy recognized a stock-based compensation charge of $0.29$0.39 million (August 31, 2016- $0.22(2019- $0.66 million), net of estimated forfeitures.

 

On December 15, 2016, 600,000The 200,000 RSUs granted and fully vested during the period were settled on April 16, 2020 through the issuance of 200,000 common shares. The 225,000 RSUs granted to officers vesting one third immediately, one thirdfor the annual incentive payout for the 2018 fiscal year vested half on the grant date and half on the first anniversary of the grant date, and one thirddate. RSUs vesting in December 2019 were settled on the second anniversary. On December 23, 2016, 399,999 RSUs vested and were settled17, 2019 through the issuance of 209,198 shares and a cash payment of $90,000 to cover tax withholdings.212,501 common shares.

 

(d)10)Share Purchase Warrants

A summary of the Company’s warrants and changes during the nine months ended August 31, 2017 is as follows:

  

 

Number of
Warrants

  

Weighted
average years to
expiry

  

Weighted
average exercise
price

$

 
Balance – beginning of period  6,521,740   2.35   1.60 
Balance – end of period  6,521,740   1.85   1.60 

7Financial instruments

 

The Company is exposed to a variety of risks arising from financial instruments. These risks and management’s objectives, policies and procedures for managing these risks are disclosed as follows.

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, investments, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. The Company’s financial instruments initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company’s investments are held for trading and are marked-to-market at each period end with changes in fair value recorded to the statement of loss. The South32 purchase option is a derivative financial liability measured at fair value with changes in value recorded to the statement of loss.

  

12 

Financial risk management

Financial risk management

 

The Company’s activities expose themit to certain financial risks, including currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest risk and price risk.

 

(a)Currency risk

 

Currency risk is the risk of a fluctuation in financial asset and liability settlement amounts due to a change in foreign exchange rates. The Company operates in the United States and Canada. The Company’s exposure to currency risk at AugustMay 31, 20172020 is limited to the Canadian dollar balances consisting of cash of CDN$2,596,000,87,000, accounts receivable of CDN$421,000, deposit amounts of CDN$116,000, investments of CDN$5,833,00042,000 and accounts payable of CDN$859,000.347,000. Based on a 10% change in the US-Canadian exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain constant, the Company’s net loss would change by approximately $647,000.

$16,000.

  

(b)Credit risk

  

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company holds cash and cash equivalents with Canadian Chartered financial institutions. The Company’s accounts receivable consistconsists of GSTCanadian Goods and Services Tax receivable from the Federal Government of Canada and other receivables for recoverable expenses. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is equal to the balance of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable as recorded in the financial statements.

  

(c)Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulties raising funds to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company is in the exploration stage and does not have cash inflows from operations; therefore, the Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure and financial leverage. Management does expect to monetize its investments held over the next year to assist in meeting its operational requirements. Future financings are anticipated through the sale of investments, equity financing, the exercise of mineral properties option, debt financing, convertible debt, or other means.


 

Contractually obligated cash flow requirements as at AugustMay 31, 20172020 are as follows.follows:

  

in thousands of dollars

  

Total

$

  

< 1 Year

$

  

1–2 Years

$

  

2–5 Years

$

  

Thereafter

$

 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  4,759   4,759   -   -   - 
Office lease (note 8)  1,349   44   178   580   547 
   6,108   4,803   178   580   547 

On February 21, 2017, the Company entered into a lease for office space effective July 1, 2017 for a period of seven years with a total commitment of $1.3 million.

  

Total

$

  

<1 Year

 $

  

1–2 Years

$

  

2–5 Years

$

  

Thereafter

$

 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  539   539   -   -   - 
   539   539   -   -   - 

  

(d)Interest rate risk

  

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk with respect to interest earned on cash and cash equivalents. Based on balances as at AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a change in net loss of $0.1 million, assuming all other variables remain constant.

 

As we are currently in the exploration phase none of our financial instruments are exposed to commodity price risk; however, our ability to obtain long-term financing and its economic viability could be affected by commodity price volatility.

13 

11)Fair value accounting

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity)

The levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:

in thousands of dollars

  

August 31, 2017

$

  

November 30, 2016

$

 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Current investments – shares  4,571   -   -   7,538   -   - 
Investments – warrants  -   -   81   -   -   297 
South32 purchase option  -   -   -   -   -   - 

The Company’s investments consist of shares and warrants in a publicly-held mining company. The share investments are recorded as current investments and are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified as a Level 1 financial instrument. The warrants are valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model and are considered a Level 3 financial instrument because the valuation models have significant unobservable inputs.

The South32 purchase option received is recorded at fair value. As the inputs to valuing the purchase option are significant to the measurement of the option and are unobservable, it is considered a Level 3 financial instrument.

8CommitmentsCommitment

 

The Company has commitments inwith respect ofto an office leaseslease requiring future minimum lease payments as follows:

summarized in thousands of dollarsnote 8(b) above.

  

August 31, 2017

$

 
2017  44 
2018  178 
2019 

184

 
2020  193 
2021  203 
2022-2024  547 
Total  1,349 

14 

 

12)Subsequent event

Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, on June 1, 2020, the newly appointed CEO was granted a one-time stock option grant, per his employment agreement, of 1.6 million stock options vesting equally in thirds on the grant date, the first anniversary of the grant date, and the second anniversary of the grant date. In addition to this grant, the new CEO was also granted 170,000 stock options in lieu of salary for the June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 employment period. These options fully vest on September 30, 2020.


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Trilogy Metals Inc.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

(expressed in US dollars)

 

Cautionary notes

 

Forward-looking statements

Forward-looking statements

  

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Canadianother applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding outlook,the Company’s work programs and budgets; perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, the Company and Ambler Metals LLC’s funding requirements, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, statements relating to anticipated activity with respect to theregarding Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project, including the Company’sMetals’ plans and expectations relating to its Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, the adequacysufficiency of the funds paid by South32 under the Option Agreement including pursuant to the exercise of the option$145 million subscription price to fund the UKMP (as defined below) through to feasibility and the permitting of the first mine,mine; impact of COVID-19 on the exercise of the option by South32,2020 field season; market prices for precious and base metals,metals; the timing of the feasibility study on the Arctic project; timing of the issuance of the Record of Decision by the BLM and the issuance of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit from the United States Army Corp. of Engineers, or other statements that are not statements of fact. 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. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

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, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, as well as on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:incorrect, including about:

·assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, and of the geology, grade, and continuity of the Company’s mineral deposits;
·our ability to achieve production at any of the Company’s mineral exploration and development properties;Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects;

·the accuracy of our mineral resource and reserve estimates;

·the results, costs and timing of future exploration drilling and engineering;

·timing and receipt of approvals, consents and permits under applicable legislation;

·the adequacy of our financial resources;

·the receipt of third party contractual, regulatory and governmental approvals for the exploration, development, construction and production of our properties;

·our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable;

·assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained;
·estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;
·estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying the Company’s resource and reserve estimates;
·continued good relationships with South32 Limited (“South32”), our joint venture partner, as well as local communities and other stakeholders;

·our expectations regarding demand forthere being no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether relating to labor, supply, power damage to equipment skilled labour and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties;or other matter;

·expected trends and specific assumptions regarding the merit of litigation;metal prices and currency exchange rates;

·that our activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks.the potential impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); and

·prices for and availability of fuel, electricity, parts and equipment and other key supplies remaining consistent with current levels.

We have also assumed that no significant events will occur outside of our normal course of business. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. We believe that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date of this MD&A. However, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.


Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

·risks related to the inability to define proven and probable reserves;

·risks related to our ability to finance the development of our mineral properties through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise;
·none of the Company’s mineral properties are in production or are under development;

15 

  

·uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our resource estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs;
·risks related to lack of infrastructure including but not limited to the risk whether or not the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project (“AMDIAP”) will receive the requisite permits and, if it does, whether Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will build the AMDIAP;
·uncertainty as to whether there will ever be production at the Company’s mineral exploration and development properties;
·uncertainty as to estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;

·risks related to our ability to commence production and generate material revenues or obtain adequate financing for our planned exploration and development activities;

·risks related to future saleslack of infrastructure including but not limited to the risk whether or issuances of equity securities decreasingnot the value of existing Trilogy common shares, diluting voting powerAmbler Mining District Industrial Access Project, or AMDIAP, will receive the requisite permits and, reducing future earnings per share;if it does, whether the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will build the AMDIAP;

·risks related to market events and general economic conditions;
·uncertainty related to inferred mineral resources;
·uncertainty related to the economic projections contained herein derived from the Preliminary Economic Assessment titled “Preliminary Economic Assessment Report on the Arctic Project, Ambler Mining District, Northwest Alaska” dated effective September 12, 2013;
·risks related to inclement weather which may delay or hinder exploration activities at itsour mineral properties;

·risks related to our dependence on a third party for the development of our projects;

·commodity price fluctuations;

·our history of losses and expectation of future losses;

·uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade,assumptions underlying our resource estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and continuity of our mineral deposits;operating and capital costs;

·uncertainty related to inferred mineral resources;

·mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in development, construction or production;

·the risk that permitsrisks related to market events and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate mines at our mineral properties will not be available on a timely basis or at all;general economic conditions;

·commodity price fluctuations;risks related to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19);

·risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;

·risks related to governmental regulation and permits, including environmental regulation, including the risk that more stringent requirements or standards may be adopted or applied due to circumstances unrelated to the Company and outside of itsour control;

·the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate mines at our mineral properties will not be available on a timely basis or at all;

·risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto;

·uncertainty related to title to our mineral properties;

·our historyrisks related to the acquisition and integration of losses and expectation of future losses;operations or projects;

·risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties, and related cost increases;

·our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel;

·risks related to conflicts of interests of some of our directors;directors and officers;

·risks related to potential future litigation;

·risks related to the voting power of our major shareholders and the impact that a sale by such shareholders may have on our share price;

·risks related to global climate change;

·risks related to adverse publicity from non-governmental organizations;

·uncertainty as to the volatility in the price of the Company’s shares;
·the Company’s expectation of not paying cash dividends;
·adverse federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders should the Company be a passive foreign investment company;
·uncertainty as to our ability to maintain the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting as per the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and

·increased regulatory compliance costs, associated with rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”), Canadian Securities Administrators, the NYSE American, the TSX,Toronto Stock Exchange, and the Financial Accounting Standards Boards, and more specifically, our efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.Act;

16 ·uncertainty as to the volatility in the price of the Company’s common shares;

  

·the Company’s expectation of not paying cash dividends; and

·adverse federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders should the Company be a passive foreign investment company.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in Trilogy’s Form 10-K dated February 2, 2017,13, 2020, filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC, and other information released by Trilogy and filed with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Cautionary note to United States investors

Reserve and resource estimates

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and reserve estimates included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC, and resource and reserve information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserves”. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. The SEC’s disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” or “inferred mineral resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by U.S. standards in documents 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. U.S. investors should also understand that an “inferred mineral resource” has a lower level of confidence than an “indicated mineral resource” and must not be converted to a mineral “reserve”. It is reasonably expected that the majority of “inferred mineral resources” could be upgraded to “indicated mineral resources” with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimated “inferred mineral resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. 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 standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported by the Company in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

General

  

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Trilogy Metals Inc. (“Trilogy”, “Trilogy Metals”, “the Company” or “we”) is dated October 4, 2017July 7, 2020 and provides an analysis of our unaudited interim financial results for the quarter ended AugustMay 31, 20172020 compared to the quarter ended AugustMay 31, 2016.

2019.

  

The following information should be read in conjunction with our AugustMay 31, 20172020 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes which were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The MD&A should also be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended November 30, 2016.2019. A summary of the U.S. GAAP accounting policies areis outlined in note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements and note 2 of the interim consolidated financial statements. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. References to “Canadian dollars” and “C$” and “CDN$” are to the currency of Canada and references to “U.S. dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States.

  

17 

Andrew W. West, P.Geo., an employee and Exploration Manager, for Trilogy, is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“(“NI 43-101”), and has approved the scientific and technical information in this MD&A.

  

Trilogy’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the NYSE-AmericanNYSE American Stock Exchange (“NYSE American”) under the symbol “TMQ”. Additional information related to Trilogy, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com and on EDGAR atwww.sec.gov.

  

Description of business

  

We are a base metals exploration company focused on exploringthe exploration and developingdevelopment of mineral properties, through our mineral holdingsequity investee, in the Ambler mining district located in Alaska, U.S.A. We conduct our operations through a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary, NovaCopper US Inc. which is doing business as Trilogy Metals US.US (“Trilogy Metals US”). Our Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, (“UKMP” or “UKMP Projects”), were contributed into a 50/50 joint venture named Ambler Metals LLC (“Ambler Metals”) between Trilogy and South32 on February 11, 2020 (see below). The projects contributed to Ambler Metals consist of: i) the 100% owned Ambler lands which host the Arctic copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Projectproject (the “Arctic Project”); and ii) the Bornite lands being explored under a collaborative long-term agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. (“NANA”), a regional Alaska Native Corporation, which host the Bornite carbonate-hosted copper Projectproject (the “Bornite Project”) and related assets.

Project Activities

Deferral of the 2020 Summer Exploration Programs at the UKMP

Through Ambler Metals, we and our joint venture partner, South32 Limited (“South32”) have decided not to proceed with the 2020 exploration program after assessing the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) environment. Ambler Metals gave due consideration to the merits of carrying out an abridged work program at the UKMP. However, given the continued uncertainty resulting from COVID-19, ongoing safety concerns (despite added safety protocols including physical distancing, protective equipment and testing)and the fact that, due to COVID-19, the planned field season had already been delayed to the point at which any field season would provide limited critical path benefits, the decision has been made not to proceed with a 2020 field season. The safety of our employees, contractors and the communities where we work is paramount. We are disappointed as we know delay affects everyone involved, including our partner NANA and our NANA shareholder hires. 

2020 Operating Budget for the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects

In a press release dated February 26, 2020, the Company announced that Ambler Metals had approved a 2020 program budget of $22.8 million for the advancement of the UKMP. The budget is 100% funded by Ambler Metals. The 2020 program budget includes 10,000 meters of drilling at the Arctic Project, 2,500 meters of drilling within the Ambler Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (“VMS”) Belt and geological mapping and geochemical soil sampling at the Bornite Project. However, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the drilling programs have been deferred, see “Deferral of the 2020 Summer Exploration Programs at the UKMP” above and “Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)” below. Project activities during the second quarter consisted of non-drilling, off-site analytical activities focused on updating drilling data, composite sample collection and updates to geological models.


Arctic Project

Activities at the Arctic Project during the second quarter focused mainly on updating the 2020 Arctic resource and metallurgical drill program for resource definition and variability testing and planning for the next stages of engineering studies to advance the project towards permitting and development. Work on the feasibility study for the Arctic project continued during the second quarter, with an expected completion date early in the third quarter of 2020.

Bornite Project

The Bornite geological model was updated during the second quarter incorporating the 2019 drill program results. Additional sample collection from Bornite drill core was completed during the quarter for age determinations on certain mineral species. Five additional composite samples from the potential underground resource area were collected and metallurgical work was started during the quarter.

Regional Exploration Project

Regional project activities during the second quarter consisted mainly of updating the Sunshine prospect geologic model incorporating the 2019 drill results. In addition, metallurgical work began on five composite samples from the Sunshine prospect. Test work is ongoing and will continue through the third quarter. The Company also continued its review of historical exploration data collected for the Ambler Mining District.

Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With respect to the outbreak of COVID-19, Trilogy recognizes that the situation is extremely fluid and is monitoring the State of Alaska Health Department and Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommendations and restrictions on travel. These recommendations and restrictions have significantly impacted our ability to conduct the planned work programs during the fiscal 2020 field season. Our highest priority is the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors and community members. As a result, we and our joint venture partner, through Ambler Metals, have determined it prudent to defer the planned exploration drilling activities at the UKMP for this season.

Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project (AMDIAP)

In a press release dated March 27, 2020, the Company announced the release of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM).The final step in the permitting process for the AMDIAP is the issuance of the Record of Decision by the BLM, which is expected to be issued in July 2020.

  

Project activitiesCorporate developments

  

The focus of this third fiscal quarter has been working to advance our projects. With a combined 2017 budget of $17.1 million for the Bornite and Arctic Projects, this quarter was busy at our remote project sites in northwest Alaska.

Annual General Meeting

Bornite Project

  

The Annual General Meeting of shareholders was held on May 28, 2020. At the Annual General Meeting, all directors nominated by the Company and standing for election were elected by shareholders of the Company, with each director receiving no less than 99.75% of the votes cast.

We are currently executing

Appointment of New President and CEO

Tony Giardini was appointed as President and CEO of the Company effective June 1, 2020. Mr. Giardini has been a $10 milliondirector of the Company since 2012 and will continue to be an executive director. Mr. Giardini has extensive experience as an executive officer and key leadership team member with his previous roles as President of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (“Ivanhoe”), a base metals development and exploration programcompany, and as Chief Financial Officer at the Bornite Project, funded byKinross Gold Corporation, a senior gold producer. Mr. Giardini has extensive experience with joint ventures and large capital projects, including Ivanhoe’s three large development assets, Platreef, Kipushi and Kamoa-Kakula.


Joint Venture

Option agreement

On April 10, 2017, Trilogy and Trilogy Metals US entered into an Option Agreement to form a Joint Venture with South32 Group Operations Pty Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32, Limited (ASX/JSE/LSE: S32), (“South32”) under an Option Agreementwhich agreement was later assigned by South32 Operations to its affiliate, South32 USA Exploration Inc. on the UKMP entered into on April 10, 2017 (“Option Agreement”). The focus of this year’s program is to target high-grade copper mineralization north and east of the previously identified resources which were last drilled by us in 2013 and to define the edges of the mineralized system. This year’s exploration at Bornite was approved by a joint Trilogy-South32 Technical Committee.

Under the terms of the Option Agreement, as amended, Trilogy Metals US granted South32 the right to form a 50/50 joint venture to hold all of the Company’s Alaskan assets currently held directly by Trilogy Metals US. Upon exercise of theUS’ Alaskan assets. South32 exercised its option Trilogy Metals US will transfer its Alaskan assets, including the UKMP, and South32 will contribute a minimum of $150 million, subject to certain adjustments, to a newly formed and jointly held, limited liability company.on December 19, 2019.

 

To maintainFormation of joint venture

On February 11, 2020, Trilogy completed the optionformation of the 50/50 joint venture with South32. Trilogy contributed all its assets associated with the 172,675-hectare UKMP, including the Arctic and Bornite Projects, while South32 contributed a subscription price of US$145 million (the “Subscription Price”), resulting in good standing, South32 is required to fundeach party owning a minimum of $10 million per year for up to a three year period, which funds50% interest in Ambler Metals. The Subscription Price will be used to execute a mutually agreed upon program at the UKMP. South32 may exercise its option at any time over the next three years to enter into the 50/50 joint venture. Provided that all the exploration data and information has been made available to South32 by no later than December 31 of each year, South32 must decide by the end of January of the following year whether: (i) to fund a further tranche of a minimum of $10 million, or (ii) to withdraw and not provide any further annual funding. If the election to fund a further tranche is not made in January, South32 has until the end of March to exercise the option to form the LLC and make the subscription payment.

18 

This year’s exploration program at Bornite is one of the larger programs in the history of drilling at the Bornite Project. With an approved budget of $10 million, we will be drilling approximately 9,000 meters at Bornite this field season to test the extension of the mineralization from the drill holes from our 2013 drill campaign along with a ground gravity survey, continuation of hydrology data collection and initiating metallurgy and acid based accounting for Bornite.

Drilling at the Bornite Project began in early June and is expected to be finished in early October with results released throughout the fall. We completed 6,037 meters by August 31, 2017 and released our first results on September 18, 2017 from the first three holes comprising 3,083 meters.

Arctic Project

In early June 2017, we announced the engagement of Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. to prepare the Arctic Project PFS technical report anticipated to be complete in Q1 2018. The Company has also engaged Amec Foster Wheeler to complete mine planning and SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. to complete tailings and waste design, hydrology and environmental studies.

The summer field program for the Arctic Project PFS was conducted in July with the completion of 257 meters of geotechnical drilling and 26 test pits completed to determine site facility locations and mine design. We also completed geophysical ground surveys to evaluate ground conditions. We continued our environmental baseline program through the summer of 2017 which includes baseline data collection on aquatic and avian resources, ongoing water quality, hydrology and meteorology. The water quality program was expanded in 2017 to include additional sample locations and increased sample frequency.

The results from this summer’s field program are currently being compiled and analyzed by the PFS consultants. The timing of the field program will provide the information required for completion of the PFS anticipated to be in Q1 2018.

We also completed 455 meters of infill drilling at Arctic in late August collecting core to provide two tonnes of material for an ore-sorting study to be initiated in Q4 2017.

Outlook

Our 2017 program has a total budget of $17.1 million with $7.1 million to be expended during the fiscal year to advance the Arctic Project to pre-feasibility and $10.0 million for theBornite Projects, along with exploration program at the Bornite Project. The Arctic Project PFS will be supported by information collected during the 2015 - 2017 field seasons. The completion of our 2017 field program has completed a staged three-year site investigation program where the first two years focused almost exclusively on collecting data in and around the proposed Arctic open-pit, and the third year focused on infrastructure and mine design. The Arctic Project PFS is anticipated to be completed in Q1 2018.

The exploration program at the Bornite Project is an opportunity to potentially expand the size of the Bornite deposit by drilling the extensions of mineralization last drilled by the Company in 2013. Approximately 9,000 meters will be drilled at Bornite which drilling will be focused entirely on testing the size and depth of the extension of the known deposit. Drilling at the Bornite Project commenced in early June and will continue through to early October with drill results anticipated to be released through the fall. Initial drill results were released on September 18, 2017 on the first three drill holes.

Property review

Our principal assets, the UKMP Projects, are located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska. Ourdistrict. With Ambler Metals being well funded, with access to $145 million, Trilogy does not expect to fund programs and budgets to advance the UKMP Projects comprise approximately 355,385 acres (143,819 hectares) consistinguntil the Subscription Price is spent by Ambler Metals. To assist Ambler Metals during the initial set up phase, Trilogy is paying all of Ambler Metals’ invoices and being reimbursed pursuant to a services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) until the back office is fully transitioned to a new team employed by Ambler Metals, which will be no longer than the end of the Ambler and Bornite lands.

19 

Arctic Projectyear.

 

The Ambler lands, which host a number of deposits, including the high-grade copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver Arctic Project, and other mineralized targets within a 100 kilometer long volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) belt, are ownedMetals is an independently operated company controlled by Trilogy and South32 through a four-member board of which two members are currently appointed by Trilogy based on its 50% equity interest. All significant decisions related to the UKMP require the approval of both companies. We determined that Ambler Metals US.is a variable interest entity, or VIE, because it is expected to need additional funding from its owners for its significant activities. However, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Ambler Metals as the power to direct its activities, through its board, is shared under the limited liability company agreement. As we have significant influence over Ambler Metals through our representation on its board, we use the equity method of accounting for our investment in Ambler Metals. Our investment in Ambler Metals was initially measured at its fair value of $176 million upon recognition. Our maximum exposure to loss in this entity is limited to the carrying amount of our investment in Ambler Metals, which totaled $175 million as well as $0.7 million of amounts receivable per a Service Agreement between Trilogy and Ambler Metals. The Ambler lands are located in Northwestern Alaska and consist of 114,500 acres (46,337 hectares) of Federal patented mining claims and State of Alaska mining claims, within which VMS mineralizationamounts receivable as at May 31, 2020 has been found.

subsequently collected.

 

We have recordedDuring the three-month period ended May 31, 2020, Ambler lands asMetals loaned $57.5 million back to South32 and retained $87.5 million. The loan has a mineral property7-year maturity date, but Ambler Metals will begin to draw down on the loan with acquisition costs capitalizedcash calls to South32 to fund its 50% share of the 2021 budget to advance development studies, resource drilling and regional exploration costs expensedprograms. The loan is secured by South32’s membership interest in accordance with our accounting policies.

Bornite Project

On October 19, 2011,Ambler Metals and guaranteed by South32 International Investment Holdings Pty Ltd. Trilogy Metals UScurrently estimates that the Subscription Price, which includes the funds to be repaid under the loan, will fund the UKMP through feasibility and NANA signed a collaborative agreementthe permitting of the first mine to explore and developbe developed in the Ambler mining district. UnderOnce the Exploration Agreement and Option to Lease (the “NANA Agreement”), we acquired, in exchange for, among other things, a $4.0 million cash payment to NANA, the exclusive right to explore the Bornite property and lands deeded to NANA through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (“ANCSA”), located adjacent to the Arctic Project, and the non-exclusive right to access and entry onto NANA’s lands. The agreement establishes a framework for any future development of either the Bornite Project or the Arctic Project. Both projects are included as part of a larger area of interest set forth in the NANA Agreement. The agreement with NANA created a total land package incorporating our Ambler lands with the adjacent Bornite and ANCSA lands with a total area of approximately 355,385 acres (143,819 hectares).

Upon the decision to proceed with development of a mine within the area of interest, NANA maintains the right to purchase an ownership interest in the mine equal to between 16%-25% or retain a 15% net proceeds royalty which is payable after we have recovered certain historical costs, including capital and cost of capital. Should NANA elect to purchase an ownership interest in the mine, consideration will be payable based on the elected percentage purchased and all the costs incurred on the properties less $40.0 million, not to be less than zero. The parties would form a joint venture and be responsible for all future costs incurred in connection with the mine, including capital costsfull amount of the mine, based on each party’s pro-rata share.

NANA would also be granted a net smelter return royalty between 1% and 2.5% uponSubscription Price payment of $145 million is expended, the execution of a mining lease or a surface use agreement, the amount of which is determinedparties will contribute funding pro rata, as contemplated by the particular area of land fromoperating agreement which production originates.

We have accounted for the Bornite property as a mineral property with acquisition costs capitalized and exploration costs expensed in accordance with our accounting policies.

governs Ambler Metals.

20 


 

Summary of results

in thousands of dollars,

except for per share amounts

 Three months ended  Nine months ended 
Three months endedThree months ended Six months ended 
Selected expenses 

August 31,
2017

$

  

August 31,
2016

$

  

August 31,
2017

$

  

August 31,
2016

$

  May 31, 2020
$
 May 31, 2019
$
 May 31, 2020
$
 May 31, 2019
$
 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  (592)  3   (542)  8 
General and administrative  273   311   1,050   1,030   433   436   1,084   928 
Mineral properties expense  8,471   3,077   10,407   4,067   -   2,906   1,545   4,441 
Feasibility study  742   -   742   - 
Professional fees  86   84   404   430   198   153   866   244 
Salaries  218   250   683   719   226   282   450   563 
Salaries – stock-based compensation  104   146   603   544   770   664   1,966   2,603 
Unrealized loss on held for trading investments  83   -   1,252   - 
Loss from continuing operations for the period  8,992   3,902   14,378   6,885 
Loss from discontinued operations for the period  -   353   -   712 
Loss and comprehensive loss for the period  8,992   4,255   14,378   7,597 
Basic and diluted loss per common share $0.09  $0.04  $0.14  $0.07 
Investor relations  101   175   227   292 
Gain on derecognition of assets contributed to joint venture  -   -   (175,770)  - 
Equity in investee  561   -   739   - 
Comprehensive earnings (loss) for the period  (3,002)  (4,509)  168,177   (8,845)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ($0.02) ($0.04) $1.20  ($0.07)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share ($0.02) ($0.04) $1.13  ($0.07)

 

For the three months ended AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, Trilogy reported a net loss of $9.0$3.0 million (or $0.09$0.02 basic and diluted loss per common share) compared to. For the comparable period in 2019, we reported a net loss of $4.3$4.5 million for the corresponding period in 2016 (or $0.04 basic and diluted loss per common share). This variance of $4.7 million was

The decrease in comprehensive loss is primarily due to the sizeelimination of mineral properties expense as these expenditures became the responsibility of Ambler Metals subsequent to the formation of the field programs atjoint venture with South32 on February 11, 2020. For the UKMP in 2017 as well as the timing of the program. An increase of $5.4three-month period ended May 31, 2019, Trilogy spent $2.9 million in mineral property expenses incurred during the three months ended August 31, 2017 compared to the three months ended August 31, 2016 accountedproperties expense, mostly consisting of internal engineering studies for the increase in its entirety. The 2017 program consists of a $10.0 million exploration program at the Bornite Project, funded by South32, and a $7.1 million program towards completing a pre-feasibility study atArctic Projects, meteorological and air quality studies for the Arctic Project expected to be completed in Q1 2018. Comparably, in 2016,and costs associated with preparing the camp for the field program consisted of a drill program at Arctic to prepare the project for pre-feasibility work. The field programseason.

Other variances in 2017 began in late May and continued through the third quarter. In 2016, the field program consisted of a 45-day program that wrapped up in late July. The increase in the mineral property expenses is duerelation to the size and varietycomparative three-month period ended May 31, 2020 consists of the programs being undertaken. The increase was offset by slight decreases in general and administrative, salaries and stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended August 31, 2017 comparedfollowing: i) feasibility study expenses of $0.7 million were related to the three months ended August 31, 2016.

Trilogy recognized a gainArctic Project, and include costs incurred subsequent to the formation of Ambler Metals on foreign exchange during the three months ended August 31, 2017February 11, 2020, for which there are no prior year comparatives; ii) share of loss in equity investment in Ambler Metals of $0.6 million, due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar in the current fiscal year. We were holding a higher average volume of cash and cash equivalents in Canadian dollars during the third quarter of 2017 mainly due to the sale of investmentsamounts for which consist of shares in Gold Mining Inc. (“GMI”). The investments are also denominated in Canadian dollars and benefited from the appreciation of the Canadian dollar in the third quarter. We acquired the investments on September 1, 2016 as consideration for the sale of Sunward Investments Limited (“Sunward”) and its Titiribi gold-copper exploration project in Colombia. As such, a comparable foreign currency movement diddo not exist in the thirdcomparable second quarter of 2016. There was also a loss from discontinued operations2019; iii) an increase of $0.4$0.1 million for the three months ended August 31, 2016 which relates to the sale of Sunward. There is no comparable amount in the current fiscal year as the sale was completed on September 1, 2016. Other minor differences noted for the comparable periods were i) a small decrease in general and administrative expenses; ii) a small decrease in salaries due to lower level of staff in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 2016; and iii) a small decrease in stock-based compensation primarily due to option and restricted share unit (“RSU”) awards that were granted and fully vested during the quarter; and iv) a decrease of $0.07 million in investor relations as marketing events scheduled during the quarter were postponed due to the timingimpact of the amortization of expense.COVID-19.

 

The basic and diluted loss per common share of $0.09 for the three months ended August 31, 2017 increased from the basic and diluted loss per common share of $0.04 for the three months ended August 31, 2016 due to the increased loss as described above.

21 

For the nine monthssix- month period ended AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, Trilogy reported comprehensive earnings of $168 million (or $1.20 basic and $1.13 diluted earnings per common share). For the comparable period in 2019, we reported a netcomprehensive loss of $14.4$8.8 million (or $0.14 basic and diluted loss per common share) compared to a net loss of $7.6 million for the corresponding period in 2016 (or $0.07 basic and diluted loss per common share). The increasedifferences for the six-month period ended May 31, 2020, when compared to the same period in net loss is2019, are primarily due to an increase inthe gain of $176 million recognized from the contribution of mineral property expenseassets to the joint venture with South32 upon formation of $6.3the Ambler Metals on February 11, 2020. This gain was offset by a $0.7 million from $4.1 millionloss reflecting the Company’s 50% equity share of Ambler Metals operating loss for the nine monthssix-month period ended AugustMay 31, 2016 to $10.4 million for the nine months ended August 31, 2017. Similarly to the variance in the three-month periods, the field program being executed in 2017 is significantly larger and more varied than the field program completed in 2016. The variance is also due to an unrealized loss on investments on the GMI securities of $1.3 million classified as held for trading for which changes in the fair value of the investments are recorded through the statement of loss. There are no comparable amounts for the nine months ended August 31, 2016 as the Company acquired the investments in September 2016.

Trilogy recognized a gain on foreign exchange during the nine months ended August 31, 2017 of $0.5 million due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar in the current quarter as well as the volume of funds held in Canadian dollars.2020. There is no comparable amount in 2016 due to the timingsecond quarter of acquiring the GMI investments. Additionally, there was a loss from discontinued operations of $0.7 million for the nine months ended August 31, 2016 from the operations of Sunward for which there is no comparable amount in 2017. 2019.

Other minor differencesvariances noted for the comparable periods werecomparative six-month period ended May 31, 2020 consist of the following: i) a smallan increase in general and administrative expenses;expenses of $0.2 million, primarily due to executive recruiting fees; ii) a small decreasean elimination of $2.9 million in mineral properties expense as all mineral property assets were contributed to Ambler Metals upon formation of the joint venture on February 11, 2020; iii) an increase of $0.6 million in professional fees dueprimarily attributed to the implementation of new lease accounting standards, legal fees related to the formation of the joint venture and consulting fees for the former CEO Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse who remained as a consultant to Trilogy through to February 29, 2020; iv) the inclusion of $0.1 million in salaries in stock based compensation for the interim CEO; and iv) a decrease of $0.6 million in stock-based compensation driven primarily by a combination of a 200,000 unit reduction in the number of stock options granted as well as a lower share price contributing to a lower level of corporate activity compared to 2016, iii) a small decrease in salaries due to lower level of staff infair value for stock options, RSUs and deferred share units (“DSU”) granted during the third quarter of 2017 compared to 2016; and iv) a small increase in stock-based compensation due to increasing Black-Scholes valuations from an increased share price.

The basic and diluted loss per common share of $0.14 for the nine monthssix-month period ended AugustMay 31, 2017 increased from the basic and diluted loss per common share of $0.07 for the nine months ended August 31, 2016 due to the increased loss as described above.2020.


 

Selected financial data

 

Quarterly information

in thousands of dollars,

except per share amounts

  Q3 2017  Q2 2017  Q1 2017  Q4 2016  Q3 2016  Q2 2016  Q1 2016  Q4 2015 
  

08/31/17

$

  

05/31/17

$

  

02/28/17

$

  

11/30/16

$

  

08/31/16

$

  

05/31/16

$

  

02/29/16

$

  

11/30/15

$

 
Interest and other income  23   12   11   10   16   18   18   12 
Mineral property expenses  8,471   1,297   639   970   3,077   458   532   779 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations for the period  -   -   -   4,561   (352)  (187)  (172)  (200)
Earnings (loss) for the period  (8,992)  (2,390)  (2,996)  2,736   (4,255)  (1,648)  (1,695)  (2,090)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic and diluted  (0.09)  (0.02)  (0.03)  0.03   (0.04)  (0.02) (0.02)  (0.02)

  Q2 2020  Q1 2020  Q4 2019  Q3 2019  Q2 2019  Q1 2019  Q4 2018  Q3 2018 
  05/31/20
$
  02/28/20
$
  11/30/19
$
  08/31/19
$
  05/31/19
$
  02/28/19
$
  11/30/18
$
  08/31/18
$
 
Interest and other income  29   62   91   137   150   122   117   135 
Mineral property expenses  -   1,545   3,819   10,951   2,906   1,535   3,833   9,051 
Share of loss on equity investment  561   178   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Earnings (loss) for the period  (3,002)  171,179   (6,525)  (12,535)  (4,509)  (4,336)  (5,319)  (9,920)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic  (0.02)  1.22   (0.05)  (0.09)  (0.04)  (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.08)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted  (0.02)  1.16   (0.05)  (0.09)  (0.04)  (0.03)  (0.04)  (0.08)

 

Factors that can cause fluctuations in our quarterly results include the length of the exploration field season at the properties, the type of program conducted, stock option vesting, and issuance of shares. Other factors that have caused fluctuations in the quarterly results that would not be expected to re-occur include the acquisition and disposition of Sunwardassets and financing activities.

 

Our netFor the three-month period ended May 31, 2020, we reported a comprehensive loss of $3.0 million, which consists of $2.4 million in operating expenses and $0.6 million for Trilogy’s 50% share of Ambler Metals’ operating loss, from the formation of the joint venture on February 11, 2020, to May 31, 2020. There is no prior period comparative for the pro rata share of Ambler Metals operating loss as the joint venture formation was completed during fiscal 2020. When compared to the three-month period ended May 31, 2019, the current period operating expenses was $2.1 million lower. The decrease is primarily due to the elimination of $2.9 million of mineral properties expense for which there are no comparable expenses in the current period, offset by $0.7 million in feasibility study costs in the current period.

For the first quarter of 2020, we reported comprehensive earnings of $171 million which consisted of a gain of $176 million arising from the derecognition of our Alaskan mineral properties upon contribution to the joint venture with South32, offset by Trilogy’s 50% share of Ambler Metals’ operating loss for the period from February 11, 2020 to February 29, 2020 and total expenses of $4.5 million for the period. There are no prior period comparatives for the gain on contribution of Alaskan assets or the pro rata share of Ambler Metals’ operating loss. The expense of $4.4 million incurred for the first quarter of 2020 was slightly higher than the loss of $4.3 million for the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to higher professional fees, general and administrative expense, share of loss on equity investment offset by a lower stock-based compensation cost.

The loss of $6.5 million for the fourth quarter ended November 30, 2019 is higher when compared to the net loss of 2015 of $2.1$5.3 million consists of $0.8 million in mineral property expenses incurred for assay costs and engineering studies conducted in the fall as well asfourth quarter ended November 30, 2018. The primary drivers for the difference were $0.7 million higher stock-based compensation, $0.6 million higher professional fees and $0.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses, all offset by $0.2 million in discontinued operation costs from Sunward.decreased salaries and benefits in the fourth quarter 2019.

 

Our loss for the first quarter ended February 29, 2016 is comparable to typical first quarter losses in that it consists mainly of mineral property expenses relating to engineering studies completed in advance of the 2016 field program. The loss is increased slightly due to costs related to operating Sunward of $0.2 million when compared to periods when Trilogy did not own Sunward. During the second quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.5 million in mineral property expenses due to the field season starting up in the last month of the second quarter and $0.2 million in discontinued operations relating to Sunward. During the third quarter of 2016, we incurred mineral property expenses of $3.1 million as we completed our drilling program. As a result, ournet loss for the third quarter ended August 31, 2016 is2019 of $12.5 million was significantly higher compared to previousversus the comparative loss of $9.9 million for the same quarter losses and consistent with the spending in the third quarter of 2015. We recognized earnings for the fourth quarter of 2016 of $2.7prior year. The $2.6 million due to the gain on the sale of Sunward. Adjusted for the discontinued operations, the fourth quarter periods are substantially comparable.

22 

Our loss for the first quarter ended February 28, 2017 of $3.0 millionincrease is significantly increased compared to prior quarterly periodsprimarily due to an unrealized loss on held for trading investments of $1.2 million. The investments are classified as held for trading and changesincrease in the fair value of the investments are recorded through the statement of loss. Our loss for the second quarter ended May 31, 2017 of $2.4 million is significantly increased from the comparable period due to a significant increase is the size of our field program resulting in increased mineral property expenses of $1.3 million. Similarly, our loss for the third quarter ended August 31, 2017 of $9.0 million is significantly increased from the comparable loss of $4.3 million in the third quarter ended August 31, 2016properties expenditures due to the size of the 20172019 field program which is more than doubleincluded the 2016 field program.new regional exploration program which did not exist in the comparative period.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

At AugustMay 31, 2017,2020, we had $10.2$12.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. We expended $9.1 million on operating activities during the nine months ended August 31, 2017 compared with $6.7 million for operating activities for the same period in 2016. The majority of cash spent on operating activities during all periods was expended on mineral property expenses. Other operating expenses consisted of cash spent on generalequivalents and administrative costs, salaries, professional fees and investor relations. At August 31, 2017, the Company had working capital available of $11.2 million. As at August 31, 2017, the Company continues to manage its cash expenditures and management believes that the working capital available$12.8 million, which is sufficient to meet its operational requirementsfund our ongoing operations for at least the next year. Management does expect12 months. The projects are fully funded by Ambler Metals and we do not anticipate needing to monetize its current investments by selling sharesfund our 50% share of GMI infuture expenditures to advance the next six months to assist in meeting its operational requirements. Future financings are anticipated through the sale of investments, equity financing, the exercise of mineral properties option, convertible debt, or other means.

During the nine months ended August 31, 2017, we received $10.0projects until Ambler Metals’ $145 million in funding from South32 for the exploration program at the Bornite Project which is categorized as an investing activity as the funds are being utilized on the UKMP. The Company is responsible for the disbursement of these funds in accordance with the approved program and budget and accordingly has not classified the funds as restricted cash. Funds are transferred to operating accounts on a monthly basis in accordance with the approved budget and working capital needs. As at August 31, 2017, the Company held $2.7 million in a segregated bank account for spending on the approved year 1 program at the Bornite Project.spent.

During the nine months ended August 31, 2017, we generated $2.2 million in proceeds from the sale of investments. The proceeds were used for general operating activities. There was no comparable amount from investing activities in 2016 as we acquired the investments in September 2016. Subsequent to quarter-end, we have generated approximately an additional C$1.0 million in proceeds from the sale of investments.

During the nine months ended August 31, 2017, $0.1 million was used in financing activities to pay statutory employee withholding taxes on Restricted Share Units that vested. There were no comparable amounts from financing activities in 2016.


Contractual obligations

 

ContractuallyContractual obligated undiscounted cash flow requirements as at AugustMay 31, 20172020 are as follows.

 

inIn thousands of dollars

  

Total

$

  

< 1 Year

$

  

1–2 Years

$

  

2–5 Years

$

  

Thereafter

$

 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  4,759   4,759   -   -   - 
Office lease  1,349   44   178   580   547 
   6,108   4,803   178   580   547 

 

On February 21, 2017, the Company entered into a lease for office space effective July 1, 2017 for a period of seven years with a total commitment of $1.3 million.

 

23 
  Total
$
  <1 Year
$
  1–2 Years
$
 2–5 Years  
$
 Thereafter
$
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  539   539   -   -   - 
Office lease  774   181   379   214   - 
   1,313   720   379   214   - 

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company has lease commitments for office spaces with a remaining total commitment of $1.3 million.

 

Outstanding share data

 

At October 4, 2017,July 7, 2020, we had 105,674,303140,965,583 common shares issued and outstanding. At October 4, 2017,July 7, 2020, we had outstanding, 6,521,740 warrants with an exercise price of $1.60 each, 7,197,50012,848,538 stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.56, 1,041,232$1.37 as well as 1,204,170 DSUs 600,002 RSUs, and 20,68511,927 NovaGold DSUs for which the holder is entitled to receive one common share for every six NovaGold shares received. For additional information on NovaGold Arrangement Options and NovaGold DSUs, please refer to note 6 in our August 31, 2017 interim consolidated financial statements. Upon exercise of all of the forgoingforegoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue an aggregate of 15,363,92114,054,695 common shares.

 

New accounting pronouncements

 

Certain recent accounting pronouncements have been included under note 2 in our AugustMay 31, 20172020 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements

 

Critical accounting estimates

 

The most critical accounting estimates upon which our financial status depends are those requiring estimates of the recoverability of our capitalized mineral properties, impairment of long-lived assets, equity method investment, income taxes and valuation of stock-based compensation.

 

Mineral properties and development costs

 

All direct costs related to the acquisition of mineral property interests are capitalized. The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a complicated and uncertain process. We haveThe Company has taken steps, in accordance with industry standards, to verify the title to mineral properties in which it has an interest. Although we havethe Company has made efforts to ensure that legal title to its mining assets is properly recorded, there can be no assurance that such title will be secured indefinitely.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

Management assesses the possibility of impairment in the carrying value of its long-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Significant judgments are made in assessing the possibility of impairment. Management considers several factors in considering if an indicator of impairment has occurred, including but not limited to, indications of value from external sources, significant changes in the legal, business or regulatory environment, and adverse changes in the use orof physical condition of the asset. These factors are subjective and require consideration at each period end. If an indicator of impairment is determined to exist, management calculates the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows relating to the asset or asset group using estimated future prices, mineral resources, and operating, capital and reclamation costs. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, which is usually determined using discounted future cash flows. Management’s estimates of mineral prices, mineral resources, foreign exchange rates, production levels and operating capital and reclamation costs are subject to risk and uncertainties that may affect the determination of the recoverability of the long-lived asset.


Income taxes

We must make estimates and judgments in determining the provision for income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties. We are subject to income tax law in the United States and Canada. The evaluation of tax liabilities involving uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. The evaluation of an uncertain tax position requires significant judgment, and a change in such recognition would result in an additional charge to the income tax expense and liability.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Compensation expense for options granted to employees, directors and certain service providers is determined based on estimated fair values of the options at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account, as of the grant date, the fair market value of the shares, expected volatility, expected life, expected forfeiture rate, expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option. The use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires input estimation of the expected life of the option, volatility, and forfeiture rate which can have a significant impact on the valuation model, and resulting expense recorded.

 

24 

Investment in affiliates

 

Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for under the equity method and include the Company’s investment in Ambler Metals. We identified Ambler Metals as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) as the entity is dependent on funding from its owners. All funding, ownership, voting rights and power to exercise control is shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the owners of the VIE. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is its investment in Ambler Metals.

Ambler Metals is a non-publicly traded equity investee holding exploration and development projects. The Company reviews and evaluates its investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Events that could indicate impairment of an investment in affiliates include a significant decrease in long-term expected copper price, a significant increase in expected operating or capital costs, unfavorable exploration results or technical studies, a significant decrease in reserves, a loss of significant mineral claims or a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. Asset impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the asset. If the underlying assets are not recoverable, an impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between the carrying amount of the investee and its estimated fair value which may be determined using a discounted cash flow model.

 

Additional information

 

Additional information regarding the Company, including our annual report on Form 10-K, is available on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com and EDGAR atwww.sec.govand on our website atwww.trilogymetals.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference.

25 

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, investments, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair value of the financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. Our financial instruments initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Our investments are held for trading and are marked-to-market at each period end with changes in fair value recorded to the statement of loss. The South32 purchase option is a derivative financial liability measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded to the statement of loss.

 


(a)(e)Currency risk

 

Currency risk is the risk of a fluctuation in financial asset and liability settlement amounts due to a change in foreign exchange rates. We operateThe Company operates in the United States and Canada. OurThe Company’s exposure to currency risk at AugustMay 31, 20172020 is limited to the Canadian dollar balances consisting of cash of CDN$2,596,000,87,000, accounts receivable of CDN$421,000, deposit amounts of CDN$116,000, investments of CDN$5,833,00042,000 and accounts payable of CDN$859,000.347,000. Based on a 10% change in the US-Canadian exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain constant, ourthe Company’s net loss would change by approximately $647,000.

$16,000.

 

(b)(f)Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. We hold cash and cash equivalents with Canadian Chartered financial institutions. Our accounts receivable consistconsists of GSTCanadian Goods and Services Tax receivable from the Federal Government of Canada and other receivables for recoverable expenses. Our exposure to credit risk is equal to the balance of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable as recorded in the financial statements.

 

(c)(g)Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulties raising funds to meet our financial obligations as they fall due. We are in the exploration stage and do not have cash inflows from operations; therefore, we manage liquidity risk through the management of the capital structure and financial leverage. Future financings may be obtained through debt financing, equity financing, sales of investments, convertible debt, exercise of options, or other means. Continued operations are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. Our contractually obligated cash flow is disclosed under the section titled “Contractual obligations.Obligations. Please see further discussion of our liquidity under “Liquidity and capital resources”

 

(d)(h)Interest rate risk

 

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk with respect to interest earned on cash and cash equivalents. Based on balances as at August 31, 2017,May 31,2020, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a change in net loss of $0.1 million, assuming all other variables remain constant.

 

As we are currently in the exploration phase none of our financial instruments are exposed to commodity price risk; however, our ability to obtain long-term financing and its economic viability could be affected by commodity price volatility.volatility

 

Item 4.Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosureDisclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of August 31, 2017. On the basis of this review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure

Disclosure controls and procedures are effectivedesigned to ensure that the information we are required to disclosebe disclosed in reports that we filefiled or submitsubmitted by the Company under the Exchange ActU.S. and Canadian securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in thethose rules, including providing reasonable assurance that material information is gathered and forms of the SEC andreported to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to oursenior management, including our President andthe Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allowpermit timely decisions regarding requiredpublic disclosure. Management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules of Canadian Securities Administration, as of May 31, 2020. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

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Internal control over financial reporting

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’sManagement is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (asas defined in RulesRule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated by the SEC underof the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.Act and National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuer’s Annual and Interim filings. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

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Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

Except for the implementation of certain internal controls over the formation of the Ambler Metals joint venture, there have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2020 which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. We continue to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting on an ongoing basis to identify improvements. In connection with the formation of the Ambler Metals joint venture in February 2020, we modified our internal control over financial reporting to reflect the impact of the formation of the joint venture, which modifications were finalized prior to the filing of the Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2020.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of its business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Trilogy and its future business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties due to the nature of its business and the present stage of exploration of its mineral properties. Certainproperties and the formation of the joint venture. Except as set forth below, certain of these risks and uncertainties are under the heading “Risk Factors” under Trilogy’s Form 10-K dated February 2, 2017,13, 2020 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.trilogymetals.com.

The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) may affect our operations.

The Company faces risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks of communicable diseases, which could significantly disrupt its operations and may materially and adversely affect its business and financial conditions.

The Company’s business could be adversely impacted by the effects of the coronavirus or other epidemics. In December 2019, a novel strain of the coronavirus emerged in China and the virus has now spread to several other countries, including Canada and the U.S., and infections have been reported globally. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts the Company’s business, including exploration and development activities at Ambler Metals and the market for its securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak and the actions taken to contain or treat the coronavirus outbreak. In particular, the continued spread of the coronavirus and travel and other restrictions established to curb the spread of the coronavirus, could materially and adversely impact the Company’s business including without limitation, the planned exploration programs at Ambler Metals during the 2020 field season, employee health, workforce productivity, increased insurance premiums, limitations on travel, the availability of industry experts and personnel, the timing to process drill and other metallurgical testing, and other factors that will depend on future developments beyond the Company’s control, which may have a material and adverse effect on the its business, financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no assurance that the Company's personnel will not be impacted by these pandemic diseases and ultimately see its workforce productivity reduced or incur increased medical costs or insurance premiums as a result of these health risks.

In addition, a significant outbreak of coronavirus could result in a widespread global health crisis that could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could have an adverse effect on the demand for precious metals and our future prospects.

 

Item 2.Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None

 


Item 3.Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

These disclosures are not applicable to us.

 

Item 5.Item 5.Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6.Item 6.ExhibitsExhibits

Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: October 5, 2017TRILOGY METALS INC.
By:/s/ Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse 
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

 

By:/s/ Elaine M. Sanders  
Exhibit No. Elaine M. Sanders  Description
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.Description

3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, of NovaCopper Inc., dated April 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 40-F as filed on March 1, 2012, File No. 001-35447)https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543418/000106299312000734/exhibit99-2.htm

3.2 Articles of NovaCopperTrilogy Metals Inc., effective April 27, 2011, as altered March 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 40-F as filed on April 19, 2012, File No. 001-35447)https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543418/000106299312000734/exhibit99-3.htm

3.3 Notice of Articles and Certificate of Change of Name, dated September 1, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K dated September 8, 2016) https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543418/000127956916004324/ex31.htm

   
31.110.1 Employment Agreement between Trilogy Metals Inc. and Tony Giardini dated April 20, 2020 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543418/000127956920000577/ex101.htm


10.2Amendment Agreement between Trilogy Metals Inc. and James Gowans dated April 9, 2020 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543418/000110465920045204/tm2015554d1_ex10-1.htm
31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
   
31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) 
   
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
   
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
   
101 Interactive Data Files
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


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.

Date: July 8, 2020TRILOGY METALS INC.
   
By:   /s/ Tony Giardini
Tony Giardini
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

By:    /s/ Elaine M. Sanders
Elaine M. Sanders
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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