UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018
OR
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from     to

 

Commission file number: 000-55710

 

(NioCorp Logo)

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada 98-1262185
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7000 South Yosemite Street, Suite 115
Centennial, CO

80112

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

80112

(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (855) 264-6267

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

Yes   No 

 

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).

Yes   No

 

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer   Accelerated Filer  

Non-Accelerated Filer    

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller Reporting Company

Emerging Growth Company

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes☐   No

 

As of February 9,November 8, 2018, the registrant had 208,861,265221,846,266 Common Shares outstanding.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

   Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
    
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1
ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1514
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 2322
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 2322
   
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION  
    
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 2423
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS 2423
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 2423
ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 2423
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES23
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION23
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS 24
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION24
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS25
   
SIGNATURES 2625

 

 

 

PART I— FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Contents

   
  Page
   
Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 and June 30, 20172018 (unaudited) 2
   
Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended December 21,September 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 (unaudited) 3
   
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the sixthree months ended December 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 (unaudited) 4
   
Condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the sixthree months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 and the year ended June 30, 20172018 (unaudited) 5
   
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) 6 - 1413

 

 

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data) (unaudited)

    As of   As of 
 Note  

December 31,

2017

  

June 30,

2017

  Note  

September 30,
2018

 

June 30,
2018

 
ASSETS              
Current              
Cash    $80  $238      $2,011  $73 
Restricted cash 4      265 
Prepaid expenses and other     4   152       164   18 
Other current assets 5   422      4   543   474 
Total current assets     506   655       2,718   565 
Non-current                       
Deposits     36   51       36   35 
Available for sale securities at fair value     17   23       13   12 
Equipment     2   5 
Mineral interests     10,617   10,617       10,617   10,617 
Total assets    $11,178  $11,351      $13,384  $11,229 
                       
LIABILITIES                       
Current                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    $2,772  $3,146      $1,729  $1,686 
Related party loans 8   1,355   1,175   7   1,480   1,480 
Convertible debt, current portion 6   667   2,161   5      756 
Derivative liability, convertible debt     82             8 
Total current liabilities     4,876   6,482       3,209   3,930 
Convertible debt, net of current portion 6   1,609   1,896   5   5,174   4,106 
Derivative liability, convertible debt 6      82 
Total liabilities     6,485   8,460       8,383   8,036 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                       

Common stock, unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 208,861,265 and 198,776,337, respectively

 7   72,583   68,029 
Common stock, unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 220,944,160 and 213,405,372, respectively  6   78,143   74,683 
Additional paid-in capital     11,599   10,320       12,561   12,379 
Accumulated deficit     (78,625)  (74,852)      (85,080)  (83,349)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (864)  (606)      (623)  (520)
Total equity     4,693   2,891       5,001   3,193 
Total liabilities and equity    $11,178  $11,351      $13,384  $11,229 

 

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


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited)

 

    For the three months ended
December 31,
 For the six months ended
December 31,
   For the three months ended
September 30,
 
 Note  2017  2016  2017  2016  Note 2018  2017 
Operating expenses                               
Employee related costs    $751  $459  $1,399  $962      $312  $772 
Professional fees     118   279   393   612       51   275 
Exploration expenditures 9   303   2,397   1,016   4,367   8   777   713 
Other operating expenses     391   215   687   389       118   172 
Total operating expenses     1,563   3,350   3,495   6,330       1,258   1,932 
Change in financial instrument fair value 6   274   (39)  297   (335)  5   493   23 
Foreign exchange loss (gain)     36   160   (201)  193       (118)  (237)
Interest expense     91   71   175   140       99   84 
(Loss) gain on available for sale securities     (4)  5   7   (6)
(Gain) loss on available for sale securities      (1)  11 
Loss before income taxes     1,960   3,547   3,773   6,322       1,731   1,813 
Income tax benefit                         
Net loss    $1,960  $3,547  $3,773  $6,322      $1,731  $1,813 
                               
Other comprehensive loss:                               
Net loss    $1,960  $3,547  $3,773  $6,322      $1,731  $1,813 
Other comprehensive (gain) loss:                               
Reporting currency translation     (27)  (165)  258   (231)      103   285 
Total comprehensive loss    $1,933  $3,382  $4,031  $6,091      $1,834  $2,098 
                               
Loss per common share, basic    $0.01  $0.02  $0.02  $0.03 
Loss per common share, basic and diluted     $0.01  $0.01 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding     206,000,263   183,625,989   204,027,181   182,078,028       215,355,392   202,023,001 

 

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


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) (unaudited)

  For the six months
ended December 31,
 
  2017  2016 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Total loss for the period $(3,773) $(6,322)
Non-cash elements included in net loss:        
Depreciation  3   4 
Change in financial instrument fair value  297   (335)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments  7   (6)
Accretion of convertible debt  75   54 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  (197)  228 
Share-based compensation  1,113   394 
   (2,475)  (5,983)
Change in working capital items:        
Receivables  7    
Prepaid expenses  144   68 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (242)  842 
Net cash used in operating activities  (2,566)  (5,073)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Deposits  15    
Net cash used in investing activities  15    
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock  1,545   1,675 
Share issue costs  (189)    
Issuance of convertible debt  1,000     
Related party debt drawdown  180     
Other current assets  (422)    
Net cash provided by financing activities  2,114   1,675 
Exchange rate effect on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  14   (20)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash during period  (423)  (3,418)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period  503   4,412 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $80  $994 
         
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Amounts paid for interest $32  $32 
Amounts paid for income taxes        
Non-cash financing transactions        
Lind conversions  3,030   983 
Debt to equity conversion  207    

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


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ EquityCash Flows

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for Common Shares Outstanding)dollars) (unaudited)

  

 

Common Shares Outstanding

  

 

 

Common Stock

  Additional Paid-in Capital  

 

 

 

Deficit

  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  

 

 

 

Total

 
                   
Balance, June 30, 2016  180,467,990  $58,401  $8,630  $(60,222) $(615) $6,194 
                         
Exercise of warrants  3,447,137   1,675            1,675 
Exercise of options  150,000   70            70 
Fair value of broker warrants granted        20         20 
Fair value of Lind warrants granted        233         233 
Private placements - February 2017  7,364,789   3,927            3,927 
Debt conversions  7,346,421   4,103            4,103 
Share issuance costs     (181)           (181)
Fair value of stock options exercised     34   (34)         
Share-based payments        1,471         1,471 
Reporting currency presentation              9   9 
Loss for the year           (14,630)     (14,630)
Balance, June 30, 2017  198,776,337  $68,029  $10,320  $(74,852) $(606) $2,891 
Exercise of options  10,091   5            5 
Fair value of broker warrants granted        41         41 
Fair value of Lind warrants granted        127         127 
Private placements - July 2017  2,962,500   1,540            1,540 
Private placement – September 2017  415,747   207               207 
Debt conversions  6,696,590   3,030            3,030 
Share issuance costs     (230)           (230)
Fair value of stock options exercised     2   (2)         
Share-based payments        1,113         1,113 
Reporting currency presentation              (258)  (258)
Loss for the period           (3,773)     (3,773)
Balance, December 31, 2017  208,861,265  $72,583  $11,599  $(78,625) $(864) $4,693 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
 
  2018  2017 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Total loss for the period $(1,731) $(1,813)
Non-cash elements included in net loss:        
Depreciation     2 
Change in financial instrument fair value  493   23 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments  (1)  11 
Accretion of convertible debt  44   36 
Foreign exchange gain loss  (105)  (227)
Share-based compensation  41   451 
   (1,259)  (1,517)
Change in working capital items:        
Receivables     8 
Prepaid expenses  (146)  52 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  33   (322)
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,372)  (1,779)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Deposits     15 
Net cash used in investing activities     15 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock  2,412   1,545 
Share issue costs  (44)  (189)
Issuance of convertible debt  1,000   500 
Other current assets  (69)  (289)
Net cash provided by financing activities  3,299   1,567 
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents  11   11 
Change in cash and cash equivalents during period  1,938   (186)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  73   503 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,011  $317 
         
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Amounts paid for interest $16  $16 
Amounts paid for income taxes $  $ 
Non-cash financing transactions        
Lind conversions $1,077  $1,441 
Debt to equity conversion $  $207 

 

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


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for Common Shares outstanding) (unaudited)

 

  Common
Shares
Outstanding
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Deficit  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
  Total 
                   
Balance, June 30, 2017  198,776,337  $68,029  $10,320  $(74,852) $(606) $2,891 
Exercise of options  10,091   5            5 
Fair value of broker warrants granted        41         41 
Fair value of Lind Warrants granted        724         724 
Private placement – July 2017  2,962,500   1,540            1,540 
Private placement – September 2017  415,747   207            207 
Debt conversions  11,240,697   5,130            5,130 
Share issuance costs     (230)           (230)
Fair value of stock options exercised     2   (2)         
Share-based payments        1,296         1,296 
Reporting currency presentation              86   86 
Loss for the year           (8,497)     (8,497)
Balance, June 30, 2018  213,405,372  $74,683  $12,379  $(83,349) $(520) $3,193 
Exercise of options  16,203                
Fair value of Lind warrants granted        156         156 
Private placements – September 2018  4,975,158   2,412            2,412 
Debt conversions  2,547,427   1,077            1,077 
Share issuance costs     (44)           (44)
Fair value of stock options exercised     15   (15)         
Share-based payments        41         41 
Reporting currency presentation              (103)  (103)
Loss for the period           (1,731)    (1,731)
Balance, September 30, 2018  220,944,160  $78,143  $12,561  $(85,080) $(623) $5,001 

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


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unlessexcept per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

1.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

NioCorp Developments Ltd. (“NioCorp” or the “Company”) was incorporated on February 27, 1987 under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and currently operates in one reportable operating segment consisting of exploration and development of mineral deposits in North America, specifically, the Elk Creek Niobium/Scandium/Titanium property (the “Elk Creek Project”) located in southeastern Nebraska.

 

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities at their carrying values in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company currently earns no operating revenues and will require additional capital in order to advance the Elk Creek Project. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is uncertain and is dependent upon the generation of profits from mineral properties, obtaining additional financing, and maintaining continued support from its shareholders and creditors.

 

2.BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

a)Basis of Preparation and Consolidation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The accounting policies followed in preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial statements are those used by the Company as set out in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2017.2018.

 

In the opinion of Management,management, all adjustments considered necessary (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, and for all periods presented, have been included in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to appropriate SEC rules and regulations. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2017.2018. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year ending June 30, 2018,2019, or future operating periods.

 

b)Recent Accounting Standards

 

Issued and Adopted

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this ASU require, among other things, that all income tax effects of awards be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The ASU also allows for an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and it allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no material impacts on our financial statement results or disclosures.

Issued and Not Effective

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

In February 2016, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 was issued related to leases, which was further amended in September 2017 by ASU 2017-13, in January 2018 by ASU 2018-01 and in July 2018 by ASU 2018-10 and 2018-11. The new guidance modifies the classification criteria and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from most leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates adopting the new guidance effective with our fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to materially increase the Company’s assets and liabilities.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unlessexcept per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the provisions of the update to potential future acquisitions occurring after the effective date.

 

In February 2016,June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases.2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation — Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update aims to simplify the accounting for share-based payments awarded to non-employees for goods or services acquired. The standard requiresupdate specifies that a lessee recognize on the balance sheet assetsmeasurement date is the grant date and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months.that awards are required to be measured at fair value. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease have not significantly changed from the previous US GAAP. The standard isamendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within suchthose fiscal year,years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 - Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 and eliminates ‘at a minimum’ from the phrase ‘an entity shall disclose at a minimum’ to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities when considering fair value disclosures and to clarify that materiality is an appropriate consideration. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessingevaluating the impact, if any,impacts that adoption of implementing this guidance will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.statements.

 

c)Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires Managementmanagement to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to the deferred income tax asset valuations, convertible debt valuations, and share-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.

 

d)Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to fiscal 2018 presentation and these reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations or net equity as previously disclosed.

3.GOING CONCERN ISSUES

 

The Company incurred a loss of $3,773$1,731 for the sixthree months ended December 31, 2017 (2016September 30, 2018 (2017 - $6,322),$1,813) and had a working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit of $4,370$491 and $78,625,$85,080, respectively, as of December 31, 2017.September 30, 2018. These factors indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund its expenditures is dependent on Management’smanagement’s ability to secure additional financing. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future. These consolidated financial statements do not give effect to any adjustments required to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in other than the normal course of business and at amounts different from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

 

4.RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash represents amounts held in escrow to secure payment of work related to the Company’s Elk Creek Feasibility Study. Under the terms of the escrow agreement, the balance of $265 was drawn against outstanding accounts payable during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)

5.OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

Other current assets include legal and other professional fees associated with obtaining project debt financing for the Elk Creek Project. Amounts will be deferred until funding is completed, at which time the balance will become a direct deduction from the related debt liability.

 


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

6.5.CONVERTIBLE DEBT

 

  As of 
  December 31, 2017  June 30, 2017 
Convertible debt, current portion $667  $2,161 
Noncurrent:        
Convertible notes $  $592 
Convertible security  1,609   1,304 
  $1,609  $1,896 
  As of 
  September 30, 2018  June 30, 2018 
Convertible notes, current portion $  $756 
         
Convertible notes, net of current portion $800  $ 
Convertible security, noncurrent  4,374   4,106 
Convertible debt, net of current portion $5,174  $4,106 

 

Convertible Security Funding

Changes in the Lind Partners Asset Management IV, LLC (“Lind”) convertible security (the “Convertible Security”)securities balance are comprised of the following:

 

 Convertible Security  Convertible Security 
Balance, June 30, 2017 $3,465 
Balance, June 30, 2018 $4,106 
Additional debt drawdown  1,000   1,000 
Conversions, at fair value  (3,030)  (1,077)
Change in fair market value  174   345 
Balance, December 31, 2017 $1,609 
Balance, September 30, 2018 $4,374 

 

On August 10, 2017,June 27, 2018, the Company signed a definitive convertible security funding agreement (the “Subsequent Lind provided noticeAgreement”) with Lind. Pursuant to the Companyissuance of its election to advance an additional $1.0 million in funding (the “Initial Convertible Security Increase”) under thea convertible security (the ‘Initial“Subsequent Convertible Security” and, together with the previous Lind convertible security (the “Original Lind Security), the “Convertible Securities”) pursuant to its right under, a total of $1,000 was funded on July 9, 2018. The Subsequent Lind Agreement replaces the Convertible Security Funding Agreement, dated December 14, 2015, between the Company and Lind (the “Lind“Original Lind Agreement”). in respect of the remaining $1,000 funding amount available under the Original Lind Agreement and accordingly, no further funding will be provided by Lind to the Company under the Original Lind Agreement. The terms of the Subsequent Convertible Security are substantially similar to the terms governing like securities under the Original Lind Agreement. As a result, upon payment of the additional $1,000 in funding by Lind to the Company, the face value of the InitialSubsequent Convertible Security was increased byissued in the amount of $1,200 ($1,000 in additional funding plus implied interest), and the Company issued Warrantswarrants (“Warrants”) to Lind, as follows:

 

             Black Scholes pricing model inputs
Funding Date Face Value1  Warrants Issued2  Issue Price3  Warrant Expiry Date Risk-free rate  Yield  Volatility  Expected Life
August 15, 2017 $300   260,483   C$0.73  August 15, 2020  1.23%  0%  49.6% 3 years
September 28, 2017  300   283,413   C$0.66  September 28, 2020  1.23%  0%  47.7% 3 years
October 31, 2017  300   308,901   C$0.62  October 31, 2020  1.59%  0%  47.0% 3 years
December 6, 2017  300   355,132   C$0.54  December 6, 2020  1.59%  0%  48.9% 3 years
Total $1,200   1,207,929                     
                Black Scholes Pricing Model Inputs
Funding Date Face
Value1
  Warrants
Issued2
  Issue
Price3
  Warrant Expiry Date Risk-free
Rate
 Yield  Volatility  Expected
Life
July 9, 2018 $1,200   1,035,319   C$0.77  July 9, 2021 2.0%  0%  58.3% 3 years

 

1Includes implied interest.
2The value of warrantsWarrants issued totaled $127,$156, which was expensed to Change in Financial Instrument Fair Value. .
3The price to convert one warrantWarrant into one common share of the Company (“Common Share.Share”).

 

The Initial Convertible Security isSecurities are convertible into Common Shares of the Company (Common Shares”) at a conversion price equal to 85% of the volume weighted average trading price (“Volume Weighted Average Price”) of the Common Shares (in Canadian dollars) on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) for the five consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date on which Lind provides the Company with notice of its intention to convert an amount of the Initialapplicable Convertible Security from time to time. During the six-monththree-month period ended December 31, 2017, $2,425September 30, 2018, $1,000 principal amount of the InitialOriginal Convertible Security was converted into 6,696,5902,547,427 Common Shares.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

The Convertible SecuritySecurities contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of its size and nature, and includes a financial covenant defining an event of default as all present and future liabilities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, exclusive of related party loans, for an amount or amounts exceeding $2,000 and which have not been satisfied on time or within 90 days of invoice, or have become prematurely payable as a result of its default or breach. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2017.September 30, 2018.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

Convertible Notes

Changes in the Company’s outstanding convertible promissory notes (the “Convertible Notes”) balance are comprised of the following:

 

  Convertible Notes 
Balance, June 30, 2017 $592 
Accreted interest, net of interest paid  75 
Balance, December 31, 2017 $667 
  Convertible Notes 
Balance, June 30, 2018 $756 
Accreted interest, net of interest paid  44 
Balance, September 30, 2018 $800 

 

The changes in the derivative liability related to the conversion feature of the Convertible Notes are as follows:

 

  Derivative Liability 
Balance, June 30, 2017 $82 
Change in fair value of derivative liability  (—)
Balance, December 31, 2017 $82 
  Derivative Liability 
Balance, June 30, 2018 $8 
Change in fair value of derivative liability  (8)
Balance, September 30, 2018 $ 
     

Effective October 10, 2018, the due date for the Convertible Notes was extended for one year to October 14, 2019. All other terms and conditions remained unchanged.

 

7.6.COMMON STOCK

 

a)Issuances

 

On July 26, 2017,September 14, 2018, the Company closedcompleted the first tranche closing (the “First Tranche Closing”) of a brokerednon-brokered private placement (the “July 2017 Private Placement”“September 2018 Offering”) of units (the “Units”(each a “Unit”). The First Tranche Closing consisted of the Company. Under the July 2017 Private Placement,issuance of 2,917,587 Units, at a totalprice of 2,962,500 Units were issued at C$0.650.63 per Unit, for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$1,926.1,838. Each Unit issued pursuant toin connection with the July 2017 Private PlacementFirst Tranche Closing consists of one Common Share and one-half of one warrant of the Company (“Warrant”).Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.790.75 until July 26, 2021.September 14, 2020.

 

The July 2017 Private Placement was brokered by Mackie Research Capital CorporationOn September 28, 2018, the Company completed the second and final tranche closing (the “Agent”). The Company paid the Agent an aggregate cash commission of approximately C$125, equal to six and a half per cent (6.5%“Second Tranche Closing”) of the September 2018 Offering. The Second Tranche Closing consisted of the issuance of 2,057,571 Units, at a price of C$0.63 per Unit, for gross proceeds raised underof C$1,296. Each Unit issued in connection with the July 2017 Private Placement. The Company also issued to the Agent 192,562 broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”), equal to sixSecond Tranche Closing consists of one Common Share and a half per cent (6.5%)one-half of the Units sold pursuant to the July 2017 Private Placement.one Warrant. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.790.75 until July 26, 2021. The fair value of the Broker Warrants of $41 was estimated based on the Black Scholes pricing model using a risk-free interest rate of 1.32%, an expected dividend yield of 0%, a volatility of 60.3%, and an expected life of four years. Total cash issue costs including agents’ commission, legal and other fees was $189.September 28, 2020.

 

Proceeds ofNet proceeds from the July 2017 Private Placement wereSeptember 2018 Offering will be used for general working capital purposes and to continue to advance the Company’s Elk Creek Project.

On September 5, 2017,by the Company entered into a shares-for-debt agreement with Northcott Capital Limited (“Northcott”) whereby NioCorp issued 415,747 Common Shares to settle a debtfor continued development of C$253,606 owed to Northcott for past and prospective services through December 2017. Northcott manages NioCorp’s current effort to assemble a debt financing package as part of the Company’s overall Elk Creek Project financing effort.and for general corporate purposes. The shares issuedCompany paid cash commissions of C$18 in connection with the September 2018 Offering to Northcott were priced at C$0.61 per share, which represents a 10% premium over the five-day Volume Weighted Average Pricebrokers outside of the Common Shares of C$0.5571 as of the date of the agreement.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)United States.

 

b)Stock Options

 

On November 9, 2017, the Company’s shareholders voted to approve a new Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”) and the granting of incentive securities thereunder until November 9, 2020. Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may, in its discretion from time to time, grant Options and share units (in the form of RSUs and PSUs) to directors, employees and certain other service providers (as defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan) of the Company and affiliated entities selected by the Board.

  Number of Options  Weighted Average
Exercise Price (C$)
 
Balance, June 30, 2018  15,587,409  $0.65 
Issued      
Exercised  (16,203)  0.47 
Cancelled/expired  (466,297)  0.76 
Balance, September 30, 2018  15,104,909  $0.65 

 


Subject to adjustment as described in the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, together with all other security -based compensation arrangements of the Company, including with respect to Options outstanding under the Company’s 2016 Incentive Stock Option Plan, may not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time, and the Common Shares reserved for issuance upon settlement of share units shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time. The Long-Term Incentive Plan limits the maximum number of Common Shares issued to insiders (as defined under TSX rules for this purpose) within any one-year period, or issuable to insiders at any time, in the aggregate, under all security -based compensation arrangements (including the Long-Term Incentive Plan) to 10% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares. The Long-Term Incentive Plan also limits the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to any one participant under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, together with all other security -based compensation arrangements of the Company, to 5% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis). Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Options and share units granted to non-employee directors, together with all other equity awards, are limited to an annual equity award value of C$150 per non-employee director. The total value of Options issuable to a non-employee director in a one-year period is limited to C$100. Further, and subjectNioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the adjustment provisionsCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the aggregate number of Common Shares actually issuedU.S. dollars, except per share amounts or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of incentive stock options will not exceed 20,451,895 Common Shares.

The Board has the exclusive power over the granting, amendment, administration or settlement of any award.

Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:otherwise stated) (unaudited)

  Number of Options  Weighted Average Exercise Price (C$) 
Balance, June 30, 2017  16,605,000  $0.73 
Issued  3,925,000   0.47 
Exercised  (10,091)  0.62 
Cancelled/expired  (4,470,000)  0.75 
Balance, December 31, 2017  16,049,909  $0.66 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options to purchase Common Shares (“Options”) outstanding at December 31, 2017:September 30, 2018:

 

Exercise price (C$)  Expiry date Number outstanding  Aggregate Intrinsic Value (C$000s)  Number exercisable  Aggregate Intrinsic Value (C$000s) 
$0.47  November 9, 2022  3,925,000  $1,060   3,925,000  $1,060 
$0.62  January 19, 2021  5,264,909   632   5,264,909   632 
$0.76  March 6, 2022  5,650,000      2,825,000    
$0.94  April 28, 2018  400,000      400,000    
$0.94  April 28, 2019  100,000      100,000    
$0.94  July 21, 2021  710,000      532,500    
 Balance December 31, 2017  16,049,909  $1,692   13,047,409  $1,692 


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)

Exercise Price (C$)  Expiry Date Number
Outstanding
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value (C$)
  Number
Exercisable
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (C$)
 
$0.47  November 9, 2022  3,800,000  $380   3,800,000  $380 
$0.62  January 19, 2021  5,264,909      5,264,909    
$0.76  March 6, 2022  5,400,000      5,400,000    
$0.94  April 28, 2019  100,000      100,000    
$0.94  July 21, 2021  540,000      540,000    
       15,104,909  $380   15,104,909  $380 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing Common Share price of C$0.740.57 as of December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, that would have been received by the optionOption holders had all optionOption holders exercised their optionsOptions as of that date. The total number of in-the-money optionsOptions vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2017September 30, 2018, was 9,189,909.3,800,000. The total intrinsic value of optionsOptions exercised during the sixthree months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018, was nil.C$8.

 

As of December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, there was $247 ofno unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2016 Incentive Stock Option Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of approximately 0.7 years.plans.

 

c)Warrants

 

Warrant transactions are summarized as follows:

  Warrants  Weighted average exercise price (C$) 
Balance June 30, 2017  20,609,086  $0.79 
Granted  4,362,991   0. 75 
Balance, December 31, 2017  24,972,077  $ 0. 78 

  Warrants  Weighted Average Exercise Price (C$) 
Balance June 30, 2018  28,648,610  $0.77 
Granted  3,522,896   0. 76 
Balance, September 30, 2018  32,171,506  $0. 77 
         

As discussed above under Note 6,5, the Company granted 1,207,9291,035,319 Warrants to Lind in connection with the funding of the Convertible Security Increase.funding increases. As discussed above under Note 7a,6a, the Company granted 2,962,500 Warrants and 192,562 Broker2,487,577 Warrants in conjunction with the July 2017 Private Placement.September 2018 Offering.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

At December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, the Company has outstanding exercisable Warrants, as follows:

 

Number  Exercise Price (C$)  Expiry Date
 355,132   0.54  December 6, 2020
 308,901   0.62  October 31, 2020
 283,413   0.66  September 28, 2020
 3,125,000   0.72  December 22, 2018
 260,483   0.73  August 15, 2020
 9,150,285   0.75  January 19, 2019
 3,155,062   0.79  July 26, 2021
 3,860,800   0.85  February 14, 2020
 3,043,024   0.85  February 21, 2020
 539,307   0.85  February 28, 2020
 890,670   0.90  March 31, 2020
 24,972,077       
Number  Exercise
Price (C$)
  Expiry Date
 355,132   0.54  December 6, 2020
 308,901   0.62  October 31, 2020
 283,413   0.66  September 28, 2020
 541,435   0.69  February 7, 2021
 529,344   0.70  February 5, 2021
 3,125,000   0.72  December 22, 2018
 1,546,882   0.72  January 30, 2021
 1,058,872   0.72  April 5, 2021
 260,483   0.73  August 15, 2020
 9,150,285   0.75  January 19, 2019
 1,458,792   0.75  September 14, 2020
 1,028,785   0.75  September 28, 2020
 1,035,319   0.77  July 9, 2021
 3,155,062   0.79  July 26, 2021
 3,860,800   0.85  February 14, 2020
 3,043,024   0.85  February 21, 2020
 539,307   0.85  February 28, 2020
 890,670   0.90  March 31, 2020
 32,171,506       

 

8.7.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

 

The Company has a loan with Mark Smith, President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Chairman of NioCorp (the “Original Smith Loan”), that bears an interest rate of 10%, is secured by the Company’s assets pursuant to a concurrently executed general security agreement (the “General Security Agreement”), and is subject to both a 2.5% establishment fee and 2.5% prepayment fee. The principal amount outstanding under the Original Smith Loan is $1,000, and is due on June 17, 2018.


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)$1,000.

 

The Company also has a non-revolving credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility”) in the amount of $2,000 with Mr. Smith. The Credit Facility bears an interest rate of 10% and drawdowns from the Credit Facility are subject to a 2.5% establishment fee. Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility are secured by all of the Company’s assets pursuant to the General Security Agreement. The Credit Facility contains financial and non-financial covenants customary for a facility of its size and nature and is due on June 16, 2018. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Mr. Smith advanced an additional $180 to the Company under the Credit Facility. nature.

As of December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, the principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facility is $355was $480 and accounts payable and accrued liabilities included interest payable and loan establishment fees payable to Mr. Smith of $176.

On June 20, 2016, the Company announced a joint development agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (“IBC”) to investigate and develop applications for scandium-containing alloys for multiple downstream markets. In addition to his management duties at NioCorp, Mark Smith is also the Chairman of the IBC Board of Directors. Under the terms of the Development Agreement, each party bears its own costs incurred in development efforts. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017 the company supplied IBC with a small quantity of Scandium Trioxide which was used to manufacture several aluminum-scandium alloy ingots. The ingots, representing a range of scandium content, will undergo chemical analysis and other metallurgical testing to confirm the microstructure and performance of the alloys.$109.

 

9.8.Exploration Expenditures

 

 For the three months ended December 31, For the six months ended December 31,  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
 2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 
Technical studies and engineering $59  $1,551  $454  $1,988  $609  $395 
Field management and other  132   399   342   633   129 �� 210 
Metallurgical development  89   419   172   1,691   39   83 
Geologists and field staff  23   28   48   55      25 
Total $303  $2,397  $1,016  $4,367  $777  $713 

 

10.INCOME TAXES

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into lawNotes to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”), which took effect on January 1, 2018. Some notable provisionsCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of the Act include a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, 100% bonus depreciation for certain capital expenditures, and a change from a worldwide system with deferral to a territorial tax system, which includes a one-time toll charge on certain undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company does not expect any material impacts of this new legislation on its consolidated financial statements.U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

 

11.9.Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on US GAAP guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

The Company classifies financial assets and liabilities as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities depending on their nature. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized at fair value on their initial recognition.

 

Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, and financial liabilities other than those classified as held-for-trading are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method of amortization. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being recognized in income.

 


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)

Financial instruments including receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and related party loans are carried at amortized cost, which Managementmanagement believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

The following table presentstables present information about the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, and indicatesindicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates, and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the financial instrument and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the instrument:instrument.

 

 As of December 31, 2017  As of September 30, 2018 
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents $80  $80  $  $  $2,011  $2,011  $  $ 
Available-for-sale securities  17   17         13   13       
Total $97  $97  $  $  $2,024  $2,024  $  $ 
Liabilities:                                
Convertible debt $1,609  $  $  $1,609  $4,374  $  $  $4,374 
Derivative liability, convertible debt  82         82             
Total $1,691  $  $  $1,691  $4,374  $  $  $4,374 

 

 As of June 30, 2017  As of June 30, 2018 
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents $238  $238  $  $  $73  $73  $  $ 
Restricted cash  265   265       
Available-for-sale securities  23   23         12   12       
Total $526  $526  $  $  $85  $85  $  $ 
Liabilities:                                
Convertible debt $3,465  $  $  $3,465  $4,106  $  $  $4,106 
Derivative liability, convertible debt  82         82   8         8 
Total $3,547  $  $  $3,547  $4,114  $  $  $4,114 

 

The Company measures the fair market value of the Level 3 components using the Black Scholes model and discounted cash flows, as appropriate. These models take into account Management’smanagement’s best estimate of the conversion price of the stock, an estimate of the expected time to conversion, an estimate of the stock’s volatility, and the risk-free rate of return expected for an instrument with a term equal to the duration of the convertible debt.

 


NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2018

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise stated) (unaudited)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Company’s convertible debt components classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:

 

Balance, June 30, 2017 $3,547 
 Additional debt drawdown  1,000 
 Conversions to equity  (3,030)
  Realized and unrealized gains  174 
Balance, December 31, 2017 $1,691 

Balance, June 30, 2018 $4,114 
 Additional debt drawdown  1,000 
 Conversions to equity  (1,077)
  Realized and unrealized losses  337 
Balance, September 30, 2018 $4,374 

NioCorp Developments Ltd.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) (unaudited)10.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

12. Subsequent eventsSee Note 5 for disclosure regarding the extension of the due date for the Convertible Notes.

 

Pursuant to notice provided by Lind toOn October 8, 2018, the Company and IBC Advanced Alloys (“IBC”) announced the successful production of its election to advance an additional $2,500 in funding underaluminum-scandium master alloy. The master alloy was produced at the Initial Convertible Security and the Lind Agreement (the “Second Tranche Increase”), Lind funded the full $2,500 Second Tranche Increase as of February 7, 2018. Upon paymentAmes Laboratory, a U.S. government-owned, contractor-operated national laboratory of the full $2,500U.S. Department of Energy, located in funding by LindAmes Iowa. NioCorp and IBC intend to utilize the Company,master alloy from this program to further the face amountcompanies’ ongoing efforts to develop specialty scandium-containing alloys and/or prototype products for potential commercial use. The two companies are operating under a joint development agreement to investigate and develop applications for scandium-containing materials for a range of the Initial Convertible Security was increased by $3,000 ($2,500 in additional funding and $500 in implied interest amount). In connection with the funding, the Company issued Common Share purchase warrants (the ‘Second Tranche Warrants”) to Lind as follows:

Funding Date Face Value1Warrants IssuedIssue Price2Warrant Expiry Date
January 30, 2018$1,8001,546,882C$0.72January 30, 2021
February 5, 2018 600529,344C$0.70February 5, 2021
February 7, 2018 600541,435C$0.69February 7, 2021

1Includes implied interest.
2The price to convert one warrant into one Common Share.

In addition, the terms of the Lind Agreement, as amended, provide for additional funding of up to $2,000 as part of the second tranche, subject to certain conditions, for total gross proceeds to the Company of up to $4,500.downstream markets.

 

In January

On October 10, 2018, Mark Smith advanced an additional $125 in funding under the existing Credit FacilityCompany announced that it signed a commercial sales agreement with Traxys North America LLC (“Traxys”) for up to 120 tonnes of scandium trioxide over the Company. This fundingfirst 10 years of operation of the Elk Creek Project. The contract presupposes the Company securing project financing, obtaining all necessary approvals, and constructing a mine and processing facility at Elk Creek. Under the sales agreement, Traxys is obligated to purchase 12 tonnes per year of scandium trioxide for the first 10 years of the Elk Creek Project’s production, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. That annual amount represents approximately 10 percent of NioCorp’s planned annual production of Scandium. Traxys can purchase more than 12 tonnes per year from NioCorp, and the same termsagreement can be extended beyond the 10-year term, by mutual agreement. Pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, Traxys will focus its scandium sales and conditionsmarketing efforts on customers in the aerospace and sporting goods sectors, and it retains the exclusive right to sell NioCorp scandium to those sectors. In return, pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, Traxys has agreed to purchase its entire needs of scandium trioxide, scandium alloys, scandium master alloy and other scandium-based products exclusively from NioCorp, including for scandium sales to other sectors, subject to availability of adequate supplies by NioCorp and other conditions. Pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, NioCorp will work with Traxys to promote and market scandium to the aerospace, sporting goods and other industry sectors. NioCorp retains the right to make direct sales of scandium to markets outside of aerospace and sporting goods, as well as direct sales to the prior drawdowns under the Credit Facility and will be used for general corporate purposes.U.S. Government.

  


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements as of, and for the three and six months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

All currency amounts are stated inthousands of U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise.

As used in this report, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we,” “our,” the “Company,” “NioCorp,” and “us” refer to NioCorp Developments Ltd. and its subsidiaries, collectively.

 

Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and developments in the operations of the Company in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of the Company’s financial resources, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “potential,” “possible,” and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will,” “may,” “could,” or “should” (or the negative and grammatical variations of any of these terms) occur or be achieved. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect,” “is expected,” “anticipates” or “does not anticipate,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “intends,” or stating that certain actions, events, or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might,” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to the following:

 

risks related to our ability to operate as a going concern;

risks related to our requirement of significant additional capital;

risks related to our limited operating history;

risks related to changes in economic valuations of the Elk Creek Project, such as net present value calculations, changes, or disruptions in the securities markets;

risks related to our history of losses;

risks related to cost increases for our exploration and, if warranted, development projects;

risks related to feasibility study results;

risks related to the determination of the economic viability of a deposit;

risks related to mineral exploration and production activities;

risks related to our lack of mineral production from our properties;

risks related to the results of our metallurgical testing;

risks related to the price volatility of commodities;

risks related to estimates of mineral resources and reserves;

risks related to changes in mineral resource and reserve estimates;


risks related to differences in United States and Canadian reserve and resource reporting;

risks related to our exploration activities being unsuccessful;

risks related to our ability to obtain permits and licenses for production;

risks related to government and environmental regulations that may increase our costs of doing business or restrict our operations;

risks related to proposed legislation that may significantly affect the mining industry;

risks related to land reclamation requirements;

risks related to competition in the mining industry;

risks related to the difficulties of handling the disposal of mine water at our Elk Creek Project;

risks related to equipment and supply shortages;

risks related to current and future joint ventures and partnerships;

risks related to our ability to attract qualified management;

risks related to the ability to enforce judgment against certain of our Directors;

risks related to currency fluctuations;

risks related to claims on the title to our properties;

risks related to surface access on our properties;

risks related to potential future litigation;

risks related to our lack of insurance covering all our operations;

risks related to covenants contained in agreements with our secured creditors that may affect our assets;

risks related to the extent to which our level of indebtedness may impair our ability to obtain additional financing;

risks related to our status as a “passive foreign investment company” under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

risks related to the Common Shares, including price volatility, lack of dividend payments, dilution, and penny stock rules; and

risks related to our debt.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. 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 discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017,2018, as well as other factors described elsewhere in this report and the Company’s other reports filed with the SEC.Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

The Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of Managementmanagement as of the date of this report. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or Management’smanagement’s beliefs, expectations, or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not attribute undue certainty to, or place undue reliance on, forward-looking statements.

 

National Instrument 43-101 Compliance

 

Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the Elk Creek Project disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and has approved the disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q related thereto. Mr. Honan is not independent of the Company, as he is the Vice President, Business Development. For additional information on the Elk Creek Project, including information relating to exploration, data verification, the mineral resource estimates and the mineral reserve estimates, see the Revised NI 43-101 Technical Report (the “Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study”), dated December 15, 2017, which is available under NioCorp’s profile on the Canadian Securities Administrators website at www.sedar.com (“SEDAR”).www.sedar.com.

 


Company Overview

 

NioCorp is developing the Elk Creek Project, located in southeast Nebraska. The Elk Creek Project is an advanced Niobium (Nb)/Scandium (Sc)/Titanium (Ti) exploration project. Niobium is used to produce various superalloys that are extensively used in high performance aircraft and jet turbines. It also is used in High-Strength, Low-Alloy (“HSLA”) steel, a stronger steel used in automotive, bridges, structural systems, buildings, pipelines, and other applications that generally reduces the weight of those applications, which can result in environmental benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and material usage and fewer air emissions. Scandium can be combined with aluminum to make super-high-performancehigh-performance alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells, an environmentally preferred technology for high-reliability, distributed electricity generation. Titanium is a component of various superalloys and other applications that are used for aerospace applications, weapons systems, protective armor, medical implants and many others. It also is used in pigments for paper, paint, and plastics.

 

Our primary business strategy is to advance our Elk Creek Project to commercial production. We are focused on obtaining additional funds to carry out our near-term planned work programs associated with securing the project financing necessary to complete mine development and construction of the Elk Creek Project. With the recent filing of the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study (see “Elk Creek Project Update,” below), we are currently working to obtain the financing necessary to advance the Elk Creek Project to construction and operations, as well as conducting permitting and other related activities at and for the Elk Creek Project.

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 101 of the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”) as we do not have more than $1.07 billion in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of June 30, 2017,2018, this being the last day of our most recently completed fiscal year.

 

We may lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year during which (i) our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.07 billion or (ii) we issue more than $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company if at any time we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, as defined in Rule 405 under the Exchange Act. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of our first sale of Common Shares pursuant to an effective registration statement.

 

As an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act, we have elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. The election is irrevocable.

 

As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act. Such sections are described below:

 

Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company’s auditor to attest to, and report on, Management’smanagement’s assessment of its internal controls.

Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) Act, require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.

 

As long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A (a) and (b) of the Exchange Act.

 

17 


Recent Corporate Events

 

Long-termOn October 10, 2018, the Company announced that it signed a commercial sales agreement with Traxys North America LLC (“Traxys”) for up to 120 tonnes of scandium trioxide over the first 10 years of operation of the Elk Creek Project. The contract presupposes the Company securing project financing, obtaining all necessary approvals, and constructing a mine and processing facility at Elk Creek. Under the sales agreement, Traxys is obligated to purchase 12 tonnes per year of scandium trioxide for the first 10 years of the Elk Creek Project’s production, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. That annual amount represents approximately 10 percent of NioCorp’s planned annual production of Scandium. Traxys can purchase more than 12 tonnes per year from NioCorp, and the agreement can be extended beyond the 10-year term, by mutual agreement. Pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, Traxys will focus its scandium sales and marketing efforts continued duringon customers in the quarter ended December 31, 2017,aerospace and sporting goods sectors, and it retains the exclusive right to sell NioCorp scandium to those sectors. In return, pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, Traxys has agreed to purchase its entire needs of scandium trioxide, scandium alloys, scandium master alloy and other scandium-based products exclusively from NioCorp, including for scandium sales to other sectors, subject to availability of adequate supplies by NioCorp and other conditions. Pursuant to the commercial sales agreement, NioCorp will work with principal activities focused on outreachTraxys to promote and discussions with several potential sourcesmarket scandium to the aerospace, sporting goods and other industry sectors. NioCorp retains the right to make direct sales of project funding,scandium to markets outside of aerospace and sporting goods, as well as completingdirect sales to the technical due diligence review (the “technical review”)U.S. Government.

In September 2018, the Company completed the September 2018 Offering and received aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$3.13 million. In connection with the September 2018 Offering, the Company issued an aggregate total of 4,975,158 Units at a price of C$0.63 per Unit. Each Unit was comprised of one Common Share of the Company’s recently released Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study by RPM Global USA, Inc. on behalfCompany and one half of one Warrant. Each full Warrant entitles the holder to acquire a potential debt financing syndicate. The technical review is projected to be completed in the quarter ending March 31, 2018. The technical review will provide an independent analysis and opinion on the technical contentCommon Share of the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study, and will be provided to financial institutions expected to form debt and/Company at a price of C$0.75 until September 14 or equity syndicates that will help finance the Elk Creek Project.September 28, 2020.

 

Upon completion of the technical review, the following steps remain in our financing plan:

Completion of due diligence on the Elk Creek Project’s financial model;
Completion of technical and environmental due diligence;
Completion of additional independent market reviews for Sc and Nb;
Completion of legal due diligence;
Additional “road show” style presentations to potential debt and equity investors;
Negotiation and execution of specific debt and equity financing assistance, along with necessary regulatory approvals for such financings.

PursuantOn July 9, 2018, Lind funded $1,000 pursuant to notice provided by Lind to the Company of its election to advance an additional $2,500 in funding under the InitialSubsequent Convertible Security and the Lind Agreement (the “Second Tranche Increase”), Lind funded the full $2,500 Second Tranche Increase as of February 7, 2018.Security. In connection with the funding, the Company issued Common Share purchase warrants (the ‘Second Tranche Warrants”)Warrants to Lind, as follows:

 

Funding Date Face Value1Warrants IssuedIssue Price2Warrant Expiry Date
January 30, 2018$1,8001,546,882C$0.72January 30, 2021
February 5, 2018 600529,344C$0.70February 5, 2021
February 7, 2018600541,435C$0.69February 7, 2021
Funding Date Face
Value1
  Warrants
Issued
  Issue
Price2
  Warrant Expiry Date
July 9, 2018 $1,200   1,035,319   C$0.77  July 9, 2021

1    Includes implied interest.

2The price to convert one warrantWarrant into one Common Share.

In addition, the terms of the Lind Agreement, as amended, provide for additional funding of up to $2,000 as part of the second tranche, subject to certain conditions, for total gross proceeds to the Company of up to $4,500.

 

Elk Creek Project Update

 

On June 30, 2017,July 10, 2018, we announced that ongoing work on detailed underground engineering being conducted by the resultsNordmin Group of Companies (“Nordmin”) shows that the proposed waterline to the Missouri River, as contemplated in the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study, is no longer needed. Nordmin’s ongoing design engineering of the underground mine, and the related technical reportrecently updated hydrogeological findings, show that significantly less bedrock water may be encountered during mining operations than was completed and filedestimated in Canada on SEDAR on August 10, 2017 (the “August 2017 Feasibility Study”). In connection with a review by the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”), on December 15, 2017, the Company filed the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study. The Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study, which is available for download on SEDAR and on the Company’s website at www.niocorp.com, contains no changes to any previously reported numbers or forecasted economic returnsThis has allowed removal of the Elk Creek Project from those containedwaterline, proposed in the August 2017 Feasibility Study.

At the OSC’s request, the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study, provides (1) additional information infrom the new mine plan. Removing the proposed waterline will eliminate the Elk Creek Project’s need for Section 19.1.3 on404 and Section 408 federal permits from the growth forecast for global scandium markets provided by an independent scandium market expert (OnG Commodities LLC and Dr. Andrew Matheson) and relied upon byU.S. Army Corps. of Engineers (the “USACE”).

On August 27, 2018, the Company in its August 2017 Feasibility Study; (2) an analysis in Section 22.4 showing Net Present Value and Internal Rateannounced the receipt of Return sensitivitiesa new proposed design for the underground portion of the Elk Creek Project at +/- 30%by Nordmin. The new mine design confirms the technical feasibility of several innovative approaches to mining Elk Creek’s critical minerals which, if accepted by NioCorp, could further streamline the August 2017 Feasibility Study’s assumed product pricing, capital expenditures, and operating costs (vs. +/- 20% originally presented inprocess of moving the August 2017 Feasibility Study); (3) disclosure in Section 3 of the reliance on OnG Commodities LLC and Dr. Matheson; (4) the removal in Section 24 of certain disclosure regarding the Company’s relationship with Dr. Matheson; and (5) inclusion in Section 25 of certain risk factors.

The Elk Creek Project is planned as an underground mining operation using a long-hole stoping mining method and paste backfill, operating with a processing rate of 2,760 tonnes per day. Expected total production overto initial construction. In its mine design, Nordmin’s top-level recommendations to NioCorp include the 32-year mine life includes 143,824 tonnes of payable niobium, 3,237 tonnes of scandium trioxide (Sc2O3), and 359,128 tonnes of titanium dioxide (TiO2). Estimated up-front direct capital costs are $705 million, in addition to indirect costs of $189 million, pre-production capital costs of $85 million, an overall contingency of $109 million, and pre-production net revenue credit of $79 million.following:

Artificial ground freezing is technically feasible for use when the Company sinks the production and ventilation shafts for the mine. Such technology can assist in controlling the inflow of water encountered during shaft sinking operations. The technology may also improve productivity during shaft sinking operations and eliminate the need for substantial dewatering operations prior to the onset of shaft sinking.

Bedrock water encountered during mining operations can be handled without the 33-mile waterline to the Missouri River that was included in the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study.

 


NioCorp has already secured a Section 404 permit from the USACE under Nationwide Permit 12 for the Elk Creek Project. Removing plans for a waterline to the Missouri River eliminates the Elk Creek Project’s need for an additional Section 404 permit, as well as a Section 408 permit, from the USACE. The Section 408 permit would have triggered the need for an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, a process that can take months or more to complete.

We

Additionally, removing the waterline eliminates the need for the Elk Creek Project to secure a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

The mine design recommendations submitted to NioCorp by Nordmin are being reviewed and analyzed by NioCorp. If approved, they will then be integrated into the project plan and overall impacts to the economics of the Elk Creek Project can be assessed and, if material, an update to the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study will be completed.

In addition to the mine design work completed under the Nordmin Agreement, we continued to advance other Elk Creek Project-related work during the quarter. Primary activities included:

Completed the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study written report and subsequent filing on SEDAR, as noted above, as well as completion of the underlying detailed technical report volumes, which are not public documents and are not filed on SEDAR;
Completed the preliminary air monitoring activities, positioning us to complete theContinued development of an air construction permit application with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, which we expect to file in calendar 2018;2019; and

Completed step three of the nine-step Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 permitting process, with fieldwork completed in October 2017 and a subsequent submission of design information in calendar 2018;
InitiatedContinued the competitive process to identify and select engineering, procurement and construction firms for both surface and underground;development.

In addition to the underground engineering and permit application work noted above, we expect to undertake the following planned activities to advance the Elk Creek Project through to the construction phase as funds become available through the Company’s fundraising efforts:

Executed a natural gas supply agreement with Rockies Express Pipeline LLC in November 2017, and continued discussions with drilling companies, energy providers and other related businesses required for initiationAcquisition of water management and construction activities atkey land parcels currently subject to the Elk Creek Project; andCompany’s Option to Purchase agreements;

Completed a successful test productionConstruction of aluminum-scandium ingots. These ingots formnatural gas and electrical infrastructure under existing agreements to serve the basisproject site;

Initiation and completion of detailed engineering for the potential commercializationsurface project facilities;

Negotiation and completion of new aluminum-scandium alloysengineering, procurement and were produced by IBC Advanced Alloys, Inc., through our previously disclosed joint development agreement.construction agreements;

Initiation of mine groundwater control activities; and

Initiation of long-lead equipment procurement activities.

18

 

Financial and Operating Results

 

The Company continues to expense all expenditures when incurred, except for equipment, which is capitalized. The Company has no revenues from mining operations. Operating expenses incurred related primarily to performing exploration activities, as well as the activities necessary to support corporate and shareholder duties and are detailed in the following table.

       
  For the three
months ended
December 31,
  For the six
months ended
December 31,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Operating expenses:                
Employee-related costs $751  $459  $1,399  $962 
Professional fees  118   279   393   612 
Exploration expenditures  303   2,397   1,016   4,367 
Other operating expenses  391   215   687   389 
Total operating expenses  1,563   3,350   3,495   6,330 
                 
Change in financial instrument fair value  274   (39)  297   (335)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  36   160   (201)  193 
Interest expense  91   71   175   140 
Gain (loss) on available for sale securities  (4)  5   7   (6)
Income tax expense            
Net Loss $1,960  $3,547  $3,773  $6,322 

  

For the three 

months ended 

September 30, 

 
  2018  2017 
Operating expenses:        
Employee-related costs $312  $772 
Professional fees  51   275 
Exploration expenditures  777   713 
Other operating expenses  118   172 
Total operating expenses  1,258   1,932 
         
Change in financial instrument fair value  493   23 
Foreign exchange gain  (118)  (237)
Interest expense  99   84 
(Gain) loss on available for sale securities  (1)  11 
Income tax expense      
Net Loss $1,731  $1,813 

 

SixThree months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 compared to sixthree months ended December 31, 2016September 30, 2017

 

Significant items affecting operating expenses are noted below:

 

Employee related costsincreaseddecreased due to increaseddecreased share-based compensation costs reflecting the timing of optionOption issuances and the corresponding vesting periods, as well as the number of optionsOptions granted and associated fair value calculations.

 


Professional feesinclude legal and accounting services. Overall, these fees decreased, reflecting the timing of registration statements filedlegal fees associated with the SEC filings and ongoing compliance efforts.

Exploration expendituresdecreased $3.4 million, reflecting the timing of expenditures at the Elk Creek Project as discussed above under “Elk Creek Project Update.” 2017 expenditures primarily related to the final wrap-up and issuance of the August 2017 Feasibility Study and the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study and ongoing permitting and project advancement activities, while 2016 costs were primarily directed towards engineering and metallurgical bench and pilot plant test work in support of our continuing feasibility study work.

 

Other operating expensesinclude investor relations, general office expenditures, equity offering and proxy expenditures and other miscellaneous costs. These costs increaseddecreased primarily due to the timing of optionOption issuances and the corresponding vesting periods, as well asand the number of optionsOptions granted and associated fair value calculations for Board members.members, as well as the timing of financial services.

 

Other significant items impacting the change in the Company’s net loss are noted below:

 

Change in financial instrument fair valuerepresents non-cash changes in the market value of the Convertible Security,Securities, which isare carried at fair value, as well as changes in the market value of the derivative liability component of the Convertible Notes,Company’s outstanding convertible promissory notes, and the fair market value of Warrants issued underin connection with the funding of the Original Convertible Security and the Subsequent Convertible Security. The 20172018 loss includes the value of Warrants issued to Lind in connection with the funding of the Subsequent Convertible Security, Increase, while the 2016 gain primarily represents the impactas well as recognition of declining Common Share prices and trading volumesprepaid interest incurred on the underlying valuation of the Convertible Security.funding.

 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss is primarily due to changes in the United States dollar (“USD”) against the Canadian dollar (“C$”), and reflects the timing of foreign currency transactions and subsequent changes in exchange rates. The impact in 20172018 primarily relates to changing foreign currency rates as applied to the USD-denominated convertible debt instruments and related partyrelated-party debt, which are recorded on the Canadian parent company books in C$.

 

Three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to three months ended December 31, 2016

Overall, the increase in net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 is the result of primarily the same factors underlying the six-month changes, as discussed above, with respect to employee-related costs, professional fees, exploration expenditures, change in financial instrument fair value, and foreign exchange (gain) loss.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have no revenue generating operations from which we can internally generate funds. To date, our ongoing operations have been financed by the sale of our equity securities by way of private placements, convertible securities issuances, and the exercise of incentive stock options and share purchase warrants. We believe that we will be able to secure additional private placement financings in the future, although we cannot predict the size or pricing of any such financings. In addition, we may raise funds through the sale of interests in our mineral properties, although current market conditions have substantially reduced the number of potential buyers/acquirers of any such interest(s).interests.

 

As of December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, the Company had cash of $0.1$2.0 million and a working capital deficit of $4.4$0.5 million, compared to cash of $0.2$0.1 million and working capital deficit of $5.8$3.4 million on June 30, 2017.2018. This change in working capital is the result of cash inflows from financing initiatives and the continued conversion of the Original Convertible Security. These positive impacts to the working capital deficit were partially offset by year-to-date operating expenditures and the transfer of our convertible notes obligation from long term to current liabilities. As noted above under “Recent Corporate Events”, as of February 7, 2018, Lind had invested the full $2.5 million Second Tranche Increase. Subject to certain conditions, Lind may provide additional funding for up to $2 million as part of the Second Tranche funding.

 


We expect that the Company will operate at a loss for the foreseeable future. The Company’s current planned operational needs are approximately $3.1$3.8 million until June 30, 2018, net of the recent investment by Lind and assuming the Company’s exercise of its right to call an additional $1.0 million under the Lind Agreement.2019. In addition to outstanding accounts payable and short-term liabilities, our average monthly expenditures are approximately $379$430 per month where approximately $289$270 is for administrative purposes, includingcorporate overhead and estimated costs related to securing financing necessary for advancement of the Elk Creek Project. Approximately $89$160 per month is planned for expenditures relating to the advancement of Elk Creek Project.Project by NioCorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Elk Creek Resources Corp. The Company’s ability to continue operations and fund our current work plan is dependent on Management’smanagement’s ability to secure additional financing.

 

The Company anticipates that it may need to raise $4.5 million - $5.0 to 6.0 million to continue planned operations for the next twelve months focused on financing and detailed engineering efforts related to the Elk Creek Resources Project. Management is actively pursuing such additional sources of debt and equity financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future.

 

Elk Creek Propertyproperty lease commitments are $34$30 until June 30, 2018.2019. To maintain its currently held properties and fund its currently anticipated general and administrative costs and planned exploration and development activities at the Elk Creek Project for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018,2019, the Company will likely require additional financing during the current fiscal year. Should such financing not be available in that time-frame, we will be required to reduce our activities and will not be able to carry out all our presently planned activities at the Elk Creek Project.

 

Other than the Lind Second Tranche funding arrangements, discussed above under “Recent Corporate Events”, weWe currently have no further funding commitments or arrangements for additional financing at this time (other than the potential exercise of optionsOptions and Warrants) and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all. There is significant uncertainty that we will be able to secure any additional financing in the current equity or debt markets. The quantity of funds to be raised and the terms of any proposed equity or debt financing that may be undertaken will be negotiated by Managementmanagement as opportunities to raise funds arise. Managementmanagement intends to pursue funding sources of both debt and equity financing, including but not limited to the issuance of equity securities in the form of Common Shares, Warrants, subscription receipts, or any combination thereof in Unitsunits of the Company pursuant to private placements to accredited investors or pursuant to equity lines of credit or public offerings in the form of underwritten/brokered offerings, at-the-market offerings, registered direct offerings, or other forms of equity financing and public or private issuances of debt securities including secured and unsecured convertible debt instruments or secured debt project financing. Management does not currently know the terms pursuant to which such financings may be completed in the future, but any such financings will be negotiated at arms’-length.arm’s-length. Future financings involving the issuance of equity securities or derivatives thereof will likely be completed at a discount to the then-current market price of the Company’s securities and will likely be dilutive to current shareholders.

 

The audit opinion and notes that accompany our financial statements for the year ended June 30, 20172018 disclose a “going concern” qualification and disclosures to our ability to continue in business. The financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. We are an exploration stage company and we have incurred losses since our inception. We do not have sufficient cash to fund normal operations and meet debt obligations for the next 12twelve months without deferring payment on certain current liabilities and raising additional funds. We believe that the going concern condition cannot be removed with confidence until the Company has entered into a business climate where funding of its planned ongoing operating activities is secured.

 


We have no exposure to any asset-backed commercial paper. Other than cash held by our subsidiaries for their immediate operating needs in Colorado and Nebraska, all of our cash reserves are on deposit with major United States and Canadian chartered banks. We do not believe that the credit, liquidity, or market risks with respect thereto have increased as a result of the current market conditions. However, in order to achieve greater security for the preservation of our capital, we have, of necessity, been required to accept lower rates of interest, which has also lowered our potential interest income.

 


Operating Activities

 

During the sixthree months ended December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, the Company’s operating activities consumed $2.6$1.4 million of cash (2016: $5.1(2017: $1.8 million). The cash used in operating activities for 20172018 reflects the Company’s funding of losses of $3.8$1.7 million, partially offset by share-based compensation charges and other non-cash transactions. Overall, 20172018 operational outflows declined from 20162017 due to the timing of the work efforts on the August 2017 Feasibility Study and the Revised Elk Creek Feasibility Study, offset bya reduction in professional fees incurred, as well as changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Going forward, the Company’s working capital requirements are expected to increase substantially in connection the development of the Elk Creek Project.

 

Financing Activities

 

Financing inflows were $2.1$3.3 million during the sixthree months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 as compared to $1.7$1.6 million during the corresponding period in 2016,2017, primarily reflecting the timing of private placement issuances and convertible debt instrument and private placement issuances initiated during the comparative periods, as well as financing provided by NioCorp’s President, CEO and Executive Chairman, Mark Smith.periods.

 

Cash Flow Considerations

 

The Company has historically relied upon equity financings and, to a lesser degree, debt financings, to satisfy its capital requirements and will continue to depend heavily upon equity capital to finance its activities. The Company may pursue debt financing in the medium term if it is able to procure such financing on terms more favorable than available equity financing; however, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to obtain any required financing in the future on acceptable terms.

 

The Company has limited financial resources compared to its proposed expenditures, no source of operating income, and no assurance that additional funding will be available to it for current or future projects, although the Company has been successful in the past in financing its activities through the sale of equity securities.

 

The ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on the prevailing capital market conditions and its success in developing the Elk Creek Project. Any quoted market for the Common Shares may be subject to market trends generally, notwithstanding any potential success of the Company in creating revenue, cash flows, or earnings, and any depression of the trading price of the Common Shares could impact its ability to obtain equity financing on acceptable terms.

 

Historically, the Company has used net proceeds from issuances of Common Shares to provide sufficient funds to meet its near-term exploration and development plans and other contractual obligations when due. However, further development and construction of the Elk Creek Project will require substantial additional capital resources. This includes near-term funding and, ultimately, funding for Elk Creek Project construction and other costs. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above for the Company’s discussion of arrangements related to possible future financing(s).financings.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Other than as described below, thereThere have been no material changes to our contractual obligations discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations” as of June 30, 2017,2018, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. During the six-month period ended December 31, 2017, debt obligations decreased $3.0 million due to conversions under the Lind Agreement, partially offset by the $1.2 million Convertible Security Increase. There were no other substantial changes to contractual obligations.2018.

 


Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies” as of June 30, 2017,2018, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.2018.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The Company has been a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) as defined under Section 1297 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in recent years and expects to continue to be a PFIC in the future. Current and prospective United States shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs. Additional information on this matter is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017,2018, under the heading “Risks Related to the Common Shares.”

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Company’s exposure to changes in market interest rates, relates primarily to the Company’s earned interest income on cash deposits and short-term investments. The Company maintains a balance between the liquidity of cash assets and the interest rate return thereon. The carrying amount of financial assets, net of any provisions for losses, represents the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

 

Foreign currency exchange risk

 

The company incurs expenditures in both USD and C$. Canadian dollar expenditures are primarily related to metallurgical-related exploration expenses, as well as certain Common Share-related costs and corporate professional services. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact the costs of our operating activities. To reduce this risk, we maintain sufficient cash balances in C$ to fund expected near-term expenditures.

 

Commodity price risk

 

The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to the elements associated with the Elk Creek Project. A significant decrease in the global demand for these elements may have a material adverse effect on our business. The Elk Creek Project is not in production, and the Company does not currently hold any commodity derivative positions.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our Management,management, including the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our Management,management, including ourthe CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 


Our Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. The effectiveness of our or any system of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the system will be met and is subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing and evaluating controls and procedures and the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We know of no material, active, or pending legal proceedings against the Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers, or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no changes to the risk factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.2018.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). During the three-month period ended December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries and their properties or operations were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
No.
 Title
   
3.1(1) Notice of Articles dated April 5, 2016
3.2(1) Articles, as amended, effective as of January 27, 2015
10.14.1(2) Amendment #7 to LindForm of Subscription Agreement dated August 28, 2017, between the Company and Lind Asset Management IV, LLC
10.24.2(2) Amendment #8 to Lind Agreement,Warrant Indenture, dated January 23,as of September 14, 2018, between the Company and Lind Asset Management IV, LLCComputershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent
10.3(2)NioCorp Developments Ltd. Long Term Incentive Plan
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS (3) XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(3) XBRL Taxonomy Extension- Schema
101.CAL(3) XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations
101.DEF(3) XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions
101.LAB(3) XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels
101.PRE(3) XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations

  

(1)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Draft Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 377-01354) submitted to the SEC on July 26, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-55710) filed with the SEC on November 13, 2017September 18, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)Submitted Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017,2018, (ii) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Six Months ended December 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, (iii) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the SixThree Months Ended December 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, (iv) the Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the SixThree Months Ended December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 and the Year endedEnded June 30, 20172018 and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


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.

  

NIOCORP DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

(Registrant)

 

By:/s/ Mark A. Smith 
 Mark A. Smith 
 President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman 
 (Principal Executive Officer) 
   
Date: February 9,November 8, 2018 
   
By:/s/ Neal Shah 
 Neal Shah 
 Chief Financial Officer 
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
   
Date: February 9,November 8, 2018 


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