UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

OR

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

 

For the quarterly period endedJune 30, 2021

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. 001-39278

 

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Colorado

 

84-1285791

(State or other jurisdiction of

 incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

 Identification No.

 

4251 Kipling St. Suite 390, Wheat Ridge, CO

 

80033

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(303) 534-1030

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of

Each Class

 

Trading

Symbol

 

Name of Each Exchange on

Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

 

XPL

 

NYSE American

 

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

Yes   ☒

 

NO   ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its 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, 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  ☒

Smaller reporting company

Non-accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Emerging Growth Company

 

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

YES   ☐

 

NO   ☒

 

There were 58,443,76664,768,873 shares of $0.01 par value common stock outstanding as of AugustMay 4, 2021.2022.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

PARTItem- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial Statements

3

Item 2  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

13

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

20

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

20

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1

Financial Statements

3

Item 2

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 15

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

24

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

24

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A

Risk Factors

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5

Other Information

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6

Exhibits

21

25

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

22

26

 

 

 
2

Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

Assets

Assets

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$405

 

$605

 

 

$345

 

$462

 

Short-term investments

 

5,248

 

5,798

 

 

6,614

 

5,087

 

Investments in marketable equity securities, at fair value

 

1,281

 

1,620

 

 

1,413

 

1,307

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

21

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

317

 

 

 

303

 

Total current assets

 

6,955

 

8,049

 

 

8,689

 

7,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral properties

 

16,002

 

15,628

 

 

16,316

 

16,306

 

Other assets

 

 

192

 

 

 

124

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

154

 

Total assets

 

$23,149

 

 

$23,801

 

 

$25,141

 

 

$23,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$438

 

$157

 

 

$230

 

$239

 

Paycheck protection loan

 

0

 

10

 

Kinross call option

 

1

 

0

 

Operating lease liability

 

 

35

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

37

 

 

 

37

 

Total current liabilities

 

474

 

174

 

 

267

 

276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation – Lik

 

125

 

125

 

 

125

 

125

 

Operating lease liability

 

 

56

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

35

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

181

 

125

 

 

150

 

160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares (none issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)

 

0

 

0

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares (58,443,766 and 58,108,366 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)

 

584

 

581

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares (none issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021)

 

0

 

0

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares (64,760,123 and 62,036,399 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021)

 

648

 

620

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

70,699

 

70,514

 

 

74,550

 

72,523

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(48,789)

 

 

(47,593)

 

 

(50,474)

 

 

(49,960)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

22,494

 

 

 

23,502

 

 

 

24,724

 

 

 

23,183

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$23,149

 

 

$23,801

 

 

$25,141

 

 

$23,619

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
3

Table of Contents

 

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands of U.S, dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Three months ended
June 30

 

 

Six months ended
June 30

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Costs, expenses and other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expense

 

$237

 

 

$44

 

 

$384

 

 

$157

 

Depreciation

 

 

7

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

13

 

General and administrative

 

 

256

 

 

 

254

 

 

 

536

 

 

 

590

 

Total costs, expenses and other

 

 

500

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

932

 

 

 

760

 

Other (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income (net)

 

 

4

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

108

 

Other income

 

 

0

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

44

 

(Loss) gain on derivative instruments

 

 

(30)

 

 

5

 

 

 

(33)

 

 

(20)

Gain on sale of marketable equity securities

 

 

6

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

25

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable equity securities

 

 

(148)

 

 

484

 

 

 

(270)

 

 

251

 

Total other (loss) income

 

 

(168)

 

 

560

 

 

 

(264)

 

 

408

 

Net (loss) income

 

$(668)

 

$255

 

 

$(1,196)

 

$(352)

(Loss) income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$(0.01)

 

$0.00

 

 

$(0.02)

 

$(0.01)

Diluted

 

$(0.01)

 

$0.00

 

 

$(0.02)

 

$(0.01)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

58,431

 

 

 

58,116

 

 

 

58,342

 

 

 

58,123

 

Diluted

 

 

58,431

 

 

 

58,249

 

 

 

58,342

 

 

 

58,123

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Three months ended

March 31

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Costs, expenses and other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expense

 

$226

 

 

$147

 

Depreciation

 

 

8

 

 

 

5

 

General and administrative

 

 

387

 

 

 

280

 

Total costs, expenses and other

 

 

621

 

 

 

432

 

Other (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income

 

 

27

 

 

 

31

 

Other income

 

 

0

 

 

 

10

 

Loss on derivative instruments

 

 

(1)

 

 

(3)

(Loss) gain on sale of marketable equity securities

 

 

(81)

 

 

13

 

Unrealized loss on short-term investments

 

 

(51)

 

 

(25)

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable equity securities

 

 

213

 

 

 

(122)

Total other loss

 

 

107

 

 

 

(96)

Net loss

 

$(514)

 

$(528)

Loss per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$(0.01)

 

$(0.01)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

62,728

 

 

 

58,254

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
4

Table of Contents

 

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

Six months ended
June 30,

 

 

Three months ended

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$(1,196)

 

$(352)

 

$(514)

 

$(528)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

12

 

13

 

 

8

 

5

 

Amortization of right of use lease asset

 

20

 

20

 

 

10

 

10

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable equity securities

 

270

 

(251)

Unrealized (gain) loss of marketable equity securities

 

(213)

 

122

 

Unrealized loss on short-term investments

 

51

 

25

 

Employee stock option expense

 

72

 

215

 

 

13

 

28

 

Gain on sale of marketable equity securities

 

(19)

 

(25)

Other income

 

(10)

 

(44)

Loss (gain) on sale of marketable equity securities

 

81

 

(13)

Loss on derivative instruments

 

33

 

20

 

 

1

 

3

 

Other income PPP loan forgiveness

 

0

 

(10)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

61

 

8

 

 

(14)

 

2

 

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

 

 

27

 

 

 

(125)

 

 

(20)

 

 

(26)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(730)

 

 

(521)

 

 

(597)

 

 

(382)

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of short-term investments, net

 

493

 

162

 

Purchase of mineral property

 

(201)

 

0

 

Purchase of other assets - net

 

(39)

 

0

 

(Purchase) sale of short-term investments, net

 

(1,578)

 

938

 

Cash from sale of marketable equity securities

 

88

 

76

 

 

26

 

78

 

Sale (purchase) of derivative instruments – net

 

 

8

 

 

 

14

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

 

349

 

 

 

252

 

Purchase of mineral properties

 

 

(10)

 

 

0

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(1,562)

 

 

1,016

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock – net of acquisition costs

 

98

 

0

 

Stock options exercised for cash

 

83

 

0

 

Paycheck Protection Loan

 

0

 

70

 

Purchase of common stock for cancellation

 

 

0

 

 

 

(4)

Issuance of common stock, net

 

2,023

 

98

 

Stock options exercised

 

 

19

 

 

 

67

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

181

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

2,042

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(200)

 

(203)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(117)

 

799

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

605

 

 

 

574

 

 

 

462

 

 

 

605

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$405

 

 

$371

 

 

$345

 

 

$1,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued mineral property acquisition costs included in accounts payable

 

$173

 

$-

 

Accrued common stock acquisition costs included in accounts payable

 

$65

 

$0

 

Acquisition of right to use asset

 

$99

 

$0

 

Conversion of SilverStream note to marketable equity securities

 

$0

 

$294

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
5

Table of Contents

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. Business and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Business and company formation

 

Solitario Zinc Corp. (“Solitario,” or the “Company”) is an exploration stage company as defined by rules issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Solitario was incorporated in the state of Colorado on November 15, 1984 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown Resources Corporation (“Crown”("Crown").  In July 1994, Solitario became a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) through its initial public offering.  Solitario has been actively involved in mineral exploration since 1993.  Solitario’s primary business is to acquire exploration mineral properties or royalties and/or discover economic deposits on its mineral properties and advance these deposits, either on its own or through joint ventures, up to the development stage.  At that point, or sometime prior to that point, Solitario would likely attempt to sell its mineral properties, pursue their development either on its own or through a joint venture with a partner that has expertise in mining operations, or create a royalty with a third party that continues to advance the property.  Solitario is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of precious metal, zinc and other base metal exploration mineral properties.  In addition to focusing on its mineral exploration properties and the evaluation of mineral properties for acquisition, Solitario also evaluates potential strategic transactions for the acquisition of new precious and base metal properties and assets with exploration potential or business combinations that Solitario determines to be favorable to Solitario.

 

Solitario has recorded revenue in the past from the sale of mineral properties, including (i) the sale of certain mineral royalty properties to SilverStream SEZC, a private Cayman Island royalty and streaming company (“SilverStream”) for Cdn$600,000 in January 2019 (the “Royalty Sale”), (ii) the sale of its interest in the royalty on its Yanacocha property in June of 2019 and (iii) joint venture property payments.royalties.  Revenues and / or proceeds from the sale or joint venture of properties or assets, although significant when they occur, have not been a consistent annual source of cash and would only occur in the future, if at all, on an infrequent basis.

 

Solitario currently considers its carried interest in the Florida Canyon project in Peru, its interest in the Lik project in Alaska, and its recently acquired Golden Crest project in South Dakota to be its core mineral property assets.  Nexa Resources, Ltd. (“Nexa”), Solitario’s joint venture partner, is expected to continuecontinuing the exploration and furtherance of the Florida Canyon project and Solitario is monitoring progress at Florida Canyon.  Solitario is working with its 50% joint venture partner in the Lik deposit, Teck American Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited (both companies are referred to as “Teck”), to further the exploration and evaluate potential development plans for the Lik project.  Solitario is conducting mineral exploration on its Golden Crest project on its own.

 

As of June 30, 2021, Solitario has significant balances ofanticipates using its cash and short-term investments, that Solitario anticipates using, in part, to fund costs and activities intended to further the exploration of the Florida Canyon.Canyon, Lik and Golden Crest projects, and to potentially acquire additional mineral property assets.  The fluctuations in precious metal and other commodity prices contribute to a challenging environment for mineral exploration and development, which has created opportunities as well as challenges for the potential acquisition of early-stage and advanced mineral exploration projects or other related assets at potentially attractive terms.

 

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Solitario for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 are unaudited and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”).  They do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements, but in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation.  Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results which may be achieved in the future or for the full year ending December 31, 2021.2022.

 

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto which are included in Solitario’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.  The accounting policies set forth in those annual financial statements are the same as the accounting policies utilized in the preparation of these financial statements, except as modified for appropriate interim financial statement presentation.

6

Table of Contents

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

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

6

Table of Contents

 

Solitario’s business still could be adversely impacted by the effects of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) or other epidemics or pandemics.  Solitario has recommended all of its employees and contractors follow government guidelines for health and safety policies for employees and contractors, including encouraging tele-commuting and working from home where possible.  Solitario has evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations and taken pro-active steps to address the impacts on its operations, including at times reducing certain costs, in response to the economic uncertainty associated with potential risks from COVID-19.  These prior cost reductions included implementing salary reductions and evaluating and reducing certain planned 2021 exploration programs through its joint venture partners at the COVID-19 pandemic.Florida Canyon and Lik exploration projects.  Also, SolitarioSolitairo has evaluated the potential impacts on its ability to access future traditional funding sources on the same or reasonably similar terms as in past periods.  Solitario will continue to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations, financial condition and liquidity.  However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts Solitario’s business, including our exploration and other activities and the market for our securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of theany new outbreak and the actions taken to contain or treat the coronavirus outbreak.COVID-19 pandemic.  

Financial reporting

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Solitario and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are expressed in US dollars.

 

Cash equivalents

 

Cash equivalents include investments in highly liquid money-market securities with original maturities of three months or less when purchased.  As of June 30, 2021, $365,000March 31, 2022, $309,000 of Solitario’s cash and cash equivalents are held in brokerage accounts and foreign banks, which are not covered under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) rules for the United States.

 

Short-term investments

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, Solitario has $4,145,000$6,015,000 of its current assets in United States Treasury Securities (“USTS”) with maturities of 15 days to 1319 months.  In addition, at June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, Solitario has fivethree bank certificates of deposits (“CDs”CD’s”) with face values between $250,000$100,000 and $100,000$250,000 recorded at their total fair value of $1,103,000.$599,000.  The CDsCD’s have maturities of one month to tennine months.  The USTS and CDsCD’s are recorded at their fair value, based upon quoted market prices.  The USTS are not covered under the FDIC insurance rules for United States deposits.  Solitario’s USTS and CDsCD’s are highly liquid and may be sold in their entirety at any time at their quoted market price and are classified as a current asset.

Financial statement classification

                Solitario separately shows its classification of changes in the fair value of its short-term investment in USTS and CD’s as unrealized gain or loss on short-term investments in the statement of operations rather than a portion of interest and dividend income (net).  During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 the non-cash decrease in the fair value of its short-term investments, due primarily to changes in interest rates on held securities, was $51,000 and $25,000, respectively.  The 2021 income statement and cash flows have been reclassified for comparability to the 2022 presentation.  Total other income (expense) and net cash used in operations in 2021 was not impacted by the reclassification.

 

Earnings per share

 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and 2020.

2021.  Potentially dilutive shares related to outstanding common stock options of 5,440,000 and 5,437,650, respectively, for 5,513,000 Solitario common sharesthe three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share forbecause the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 because their effects were anti-dilutive.     Potentially dilutive shares related to outstanding common stock options for 5,698,000 Solitario common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 because their effects were anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive shares related to stock options for 1,475,000 Solitario common shares, with exercise prices of between $0.20 and $0.28 per share, were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2020 to the extent they were exercisable.

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements2. Mineral Properties

The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC. The SEC Modernization Rules were adopted by Solitario on January 1, 2021. Under the SEC Modernization Rules, consistent with global standards as embodied by the Committee for Reserves International Reporting Standards (“CRIRSCO”), Solitario will be required to disclose specified information concerning mineral resources that have been identified on one or more of its mineral properties in its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2021. Consistent with CRIRSCO standards the SEC Modernization Rules have added definitions to recognize “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources.” The adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules is not applicable to 2021 interim financial statements and did not have a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures as of June 30, 2021 or for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effects adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules will have on its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 
7

Table of Contents

 

2. Mineral Property

The following table details Solitario’s investment in Mineral Property:Properties:

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Exploration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lik project (Alaska – US)

 

$15,611

 

$15,611

 

 

$15,611

 

$15,611

 

Golden Crest (South Dakota – US)

 

374

 

0

 

 

 

705

 

 

 

695

 

Gold Coin (Arizona – US)

 

 

17

 

 

 

17

 

Total exploration mineral property

 

$16,002

 

 

$15,628

 

Total exploration mineral properties

 

$16,316

 

 

$16,306

 

 

All exploration costs on our exploration properties, none of which have proven and probable reserves, including any additional costs incurred for subsequent lease payments or exploration activities related to our projects, are expensed as incurred.

 

Golden Crest

On May 27, 2021 Solitario entered into a lease agreement (the “Golden Crest Agreement”) whereby Solitario acquired exclusive exploration rights in certain claims (the “GC Claims”) in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The GC claims are part of Solitario’s Golden Crest project. Terms of the Golden Crest Agreement include scheduled payments to the underlying owner of $65,000 paid upon signing and an obligation to pay the underlying owner $60,000 at the first anniversary date. Solitario recorded an initial acquisition cost of $125,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 related to these required payments. In addition, Solitario has agreed to pay, at its option, the underlying owner annual payments totaling $340,000 over a five-year period and annual payments of $150,000 thereafter, which will be expensed as paid. Solitario has agreed to pay the underlying owner an additional success fee of $1.00 per ounce in the event Solitario files a 43-101 qualified resource of up to 1.5 million ounces or a maximum of $1,500,000. Solitario has agreed to escalating work commitments, at Solitario’s option, on the GC Claims totaling $3,000,000 during the first five years, with the first year totaling $200,000. The term of the Golden Crest Agreement is for twenty years and is automatically extended as long as Solitario is performing any exploration, development or mining activities on the GC Claims. The underlying owner will retain a 2.0% Net Smelter Return royalty. Solitario will have the option, but not the obligation, to reduce the Net Smelter Return royalty to 1.0% by paying the owner $1,000,000.

In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, Solitario staked additional mineral claims, including some claims included in the area of interest of the GC claims and claims not related to the GC claims (the “SRC Claims”), as part of the Golden Crest project. Solitario incurred costs for staking, filing fees, legal and other costs totaling $249,000 capitalized as initial acquisition costs related to the SRC Claims and the GC Claims.

Lik

Teck and Solitario have agreed to an exploration program for 2021 on our jointly-funded Lik project, which includes up to three exploration holes to test the continuity and potential expansion of the current Lik deposit. The total planned exploration is approximately $1.24 million of which Solitario will be responsible for 50% or approximately $622,000.

8

Table of Contents

Royalty sale

As part of the Royalty Sale to SilverStream in 2019, Solitario received Cdn$250,000 in cash and a convertible note from SilverStream in the principal amount of Cdn$350,000 (the “SilverStream Note”). The SilverStream Note, as amended, was due on June 30, 2020, accrued 8% per annum simple interest, payable on a quarterly basis, and was convertible into common shares of SilverStream, at the discretion of SilverStream, by providing Solitario a notice of conversion. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 Solitario recorded interest income of $2,000 and $7,000, respectively, from the SilverStream Note.

On May 19, 2020, SilverStream completed an initial public offering, including changing its name to Vox Royalty Corp. (“Vox”), and, in accordance with the terms of the SilverStream Note, issued Solitario 137,255 shares of common stock of Vox in full satisfaction of obligations owed under the SilverStream Note. Solitario recorded its initial investment in the Vox common shares at the initial public offering price, or a total of Cdn$412,000 or $294,000. Solitario recorded other income of $44,000 for the gain on the conversion of the SilverStream Note during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

Exploration expense

 

The following items comprised exploration expense:

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended
June 30,

 

Six months ended
June 30,

 

 

Three months ended

 March 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Geologic and field expenses

 

$213

 

$23

 

$338

 

$113

 

 

$194

 

$125

 

Administrative

 

 

24

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

22

 

Total exploration costs

 

$237

 

 

$44

 

 

$384

 

 

$157

 

 

$226

 

 

$147

 

 

Asset Retirement Obligation

 

In connection with the acquisition of its interest in the Lik project in 2017, Solitario recorded an asset retirement obligation of $125,000 for Solitario’s estimated reclamation cost of the existing disturbance at the Lik project.  This disturbance consists of an exploration camp including certain drill sites and access roads at the camp.  The estimate was based upon estimated cash costs for reclamation as determined by the permitting bond required by the State of Alaska, for which Solitario has purchased a reclamation bond insurance policy in the event Solitario or its 50% partner, Teck, do not complete required reclamation.

 

Solitario has not applied a discount rate to the recorded asset retirement obligation as the estimated time frame for reclamation is not currently known, as reclamation is not expected to occur until the end of the Lik project life, which would follow future development and operations, the start of which cannot be estimated or assured at this time.  Additionally, no depreciation will be recorded on the related asset for the asset retirement obligation until the Lik project goes into operation, which cannot be assured.

 

3. Marketable Equity Securities

 

Solitario's investments in marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based upon quoted prices of the securities owned.  The cost of marketable equity securities sold is determined by the specific identification method.  Changes in market value are recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, Solitario recorded an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $148,000 and $270,000, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario recorded an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $484,000 and $251,000, respectively.

 

At June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 20202021 Solitario owns the following marketable equity securities:

 

 

June 30, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

March 31 2022

 

December 31 2021

 

 

shares

 

 

Fair value

(000’s)

 

 

shares

 

 

Fair value

(000’s)

 

 

shares

 

 

Fair value

(000’s)

 

 

Shares

 

 

Fair value

(000’s)

 

Kinross Gold Corp

 

100,000

 

$635

 

100,000

 

$734

 

 

100,000

 

$588

 

100,000

 

$581

 

Vendetta Mining Corp.

 

10,540,000

 

383

 

11,550,000

 

544

 

 

8,500,000

 

442

 

9,000,000

 

356

 

Vox Royalty Corp.

 

134,055

 

263

 

137,255

 

323

 

 

134,055

 

383

 

134,055

 

370

 

TNR Gold Corp.

 

-

 

 

0

 

 

430,000

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

$1,281

 

 

 

 

$1,620

 

 

 

 

$1,413

 

 

 

 

$1,307

 

 

 
98

Table of Contents

 

The following tables summarize Solitario’s marketable equity securities and adjustments to fair value:

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 

 

March 31,

2022

 

 

December 31,

2021

 

Marketable equity securities at cost

 

$2,031

 

$2,099

 

 

$1,597

 

$1,704

 

Cumulative unrealized loss on marketable equity securities

 

 

(750)

 

 

(479)

 

 

(184)

 

 

(397)

Marketable equity securities at fair value

 

$1,281

 

 

$1,620

 

 

$1,413

 

 

$1,307

 

 

The following table represents changes in marketable equity securities:securities during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended

June 30,

 

Six months ended

June 30,

 

 

Three months ended

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Cost of marketable equity securities sold

 

$4

 

$0

 

$69

 

$51

 

 

$107

 

$65

 

Realized gain on marketable equity securities sold

 

 

6

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

25

 

Realized (loss) gain on marketable equity securities sold

 

 

(81)

 

 

13

 

Proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities sold

 

(10)

 

0

 

(88)

 

(76)

 

(26)

 

(78)

Net (loss) gain on marketable equity securities

 

(142)

 

484

 

(251)

 

276

 

Additions to marketable equity securities

 

 

0

 

 

 

294

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

294

 

Net gain (loss) on marketable equity securities

 

 

132

 

 

 

(109)

Change in marketable equity securities at fair value

 

$(152)

 

$778

 

 

$(339)

 

$494

 

 

$106

 

 

$(187)

 

The following table represents the realized and unrealized gain (loss) gain on marketable equity securities:

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended

June 30,

 

 

Six months ended

June 30,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities

 

$(148)

 

$484

 

 

$(270)

 

$251

 

Realized gain on marketable equity securities sold

 

 

6

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

25

 

Net (loss) gain on marketable securities

 

$(142)

 

$484

 

 

$(251)

 

$276

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended

March 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

$213

 

 

$(122)

Realized (loss) gain on marketable equity securities sold

 

 

(81)

 

 

13

 

Net gain (loss) on marketable securities

 

$132

 

 

$(109)

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, Solitario sold 143,000500,000 shares of TNR GoldVendetta Mining Corp. (“Vendetta”) common stock for proceeds of $10,000$26,000 and recorded a gainloss on sale of $6,000.$81,000 on the date of sale. During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021, Solitario sold (i) 1,010,000 shares of Vendetta Mining Corp. (“Vendetta) common stock for proceeds of $51,000 and recorded a loss on sale of $2,000; (ii) 430,000287,000 shares of TNR Gold Corp. common stock for proceeds of $28,000$18,000 and recorded a gain on sale of $19,000$13,000 and (iii) 3,200 shares of Vox Royalty Corp. (“Vox”) for proceeds of $9,000 and recorded a gain on sale of $2,000.

Solitario sold 2,000,000 shares of Vendetta common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2020 for proceeds of $76,000 and recorded a gain on sale of $25,000 on the date of sale. Solitario did not sell any marketable equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2020.

On May 19, 2020, Solitario received 137,255 shares of Vox upon conversion of the SilverStream Note, discussed above, valued at $294,000.

10

Table of Contents

 

4. Leases

 

Solitario accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC 842. Solitario leases one facility, its Wheat Ridge, Colorado office (the “WR Lease”), that has a term of more than one year. Solitario has no other material operating lease costs. During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021, Solitario entered into a new lease for the same facility under the WR Lease (both the prior lease and new lease are referred to as the “WR Lease”) and recorded a net increase in the related asset and liability of $99,000. The WR Lease is classified as an operating lease and has a term of 2819 months at June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, with no renewal option. At June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, the right-of-use office lease asset for the WR Lease is classified as other long-term assets and the related liability as current and long-term operating lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The amortization of right of use lease asset expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those payments are incurred. During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, Solitario recognized $10,000 and $20,000,$10,000, respectively, of non-cash amortization of right of use lease asset expense for the WR Lease included in general and administrative expense. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario recognized $10,000March 31, 2022 and $20,000, respectively, of non-cash amortization of right of use lease asset expense for the WR Lease included in general and administrative expense. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, cash lease payments of $10,000 and $17,000, respectively, were made on the WR Lease. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, cash lease payments of $11,000 and $21,000,$7,000, respectively, were made on the WR Lease. These cash payments, less $1,000 of imputed interest for each period, reduced the related liability on the WR Lease. The discount rate within the WR Lease is not determinable and Solitario has applied a discount rate of 5% based upon Solitario’s estimate of its cost of capital.

 

The maturities of Solitario’s lease liability for its WR Lease are as follows at June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:

 

Future lease payments (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

 

 

21

 

2022

 

 

39

 

2023

 

 

36

 

Total lease payments

 

 

96

 

Less amount of payments representing interest

 

 

(5)

Present value of lease payments

 

$91

 

9

Table of Contents

Future lease payments (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022

 

 

29

 

2023

 

 

36

 

Total lease payments

 

 

65

 

Less the portion of lease payments representing interest

 

 

(3)

Present value of lease payments

 

$62

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating lease was as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and 2020:2021:

 

(in thousands)

 

Three months ended

June 30,

 

Six months ended

June 30,

 

 

Three months ended

 March 31,

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash outflows from the WR Lease payments

 

$10

 

$11

 

$17

 

$21

 

Operating cash outflows from WR Lease payments

 

$11

 

$7

 

Non-cash amounts related to the WR lease

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leased assets recorded in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 

$0

 

$0

 

$99

 

$0

 

Leased assets recorded in exchange for new operating lease liabilities -net

 

$0

 

$99

 

 

5. Other Assets

 

The following items comprised other assets:

 

(in thousands)

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Furniture and fixtures, net of accumulated depreciation

 

$71

 

 

$34

 

Lik project equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 

 

20

 

 

 

30

 

Office lease asset

 

 

88

 

 

 

7

 

Vendetta warrants

 

 

9

 

 

 

49

 

Exploration bonds and other assets

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Total other

 

$192

 

 

$124

 

11

Table of Contents

6. Derivative Instruments

(in thousands)

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Furniture and fixtures, net of accumulated depreciation

 

$64

 

 

$65

 

Lik project equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 

 

5

 

 

 

10

 

Office lease asset

 

 

61

 

 

 

72

 

Vendetta warrants

 

 

2

 

 

 

3

 

Exploration bonds and other assets

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Total other 

 

$136

 

 

$154

 

 

Vendetta Warrants

 

On July 31, 2019, Solitario purchased 3,450,000 Vendetta units for a total of $233,000. Each Vendetta unit consisted of one share of Vendetta common stock and one Vendetta warrant (the “Vendetta Warrants”). Each Vendetta Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of Vendetta common stock for a purchase price of Cdn$0.13 per share for a period of three years. On the purchase date Solitario recorded marketable equity securities of $165,000 for the Vendetta shares acquired and $68,000 for the Vendetta Warrants based upon an allocation of the purchase price of the Vendetta units, determined bybased upon (i) the fair value of the Vendetta common shares received, based upon the quoted market price for Vendetta common shares and (ii) the fair value of Vendetta Warrants based upon a Black Scholes model. During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, Solitario charged loss on derivative instruments of $37,000$1,000 and $40,000,$3,000, respectively, for the change in the fair value of the Vendetta Warrants based on a Black Scholes model. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario recorded a gain on derivative instruments of $20,000 and $13,000, respectively, for the change in the fair value of the Vendetta Warrants based onupon a Black Scholes model.

 

Covered call options

From time-to-time Solitario has sold covered call options against its holdings of shares of common stock of Kinross Gold Corporation (“Kinross”) included in marketable equity securities. The business purpose of selling covered calls is to provide additional income on a limited portion of shares of Kinross that Solitario may sell in the near term, which is generally defined as less than one year and any changes in the fair value of its covered calls are recognized in the statement of operations in the period of the change. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, Solitario sold covered calls against its holdings of Kinross for cash proceeds of $8,000 and recorded a gain on derivative instruments related to those covered calls of $7,000. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario sold covered calls against its holdings of Kinross for cash proceeds of $43,000 and $78,000, respectively, and repurchased certain of its covered calls prior to expiration for $64,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2021, Solitario has a remaining liability related to outstanding Kinross call options which expire in August 2021 of $1,000. During the three months ended June 30, 2020 Solitario recorded a loss on derivative instruments related to its Kinross calls of $15,000 and $33,000, respectively.

7. PPP Loan

On April 20, 2020, Solitario received a loan in the amount of $70,000 (the “PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to help fund Company payroll, rent and utilities obligations. The PPP Loan had a two-year term and bore interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum. The Paycheck Protection Program provided that the PPP Loan may be partially or wholly forgiven if the funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act. The Small Business Administration retains the right to review the eligibility requirements of Solitario for PPP Loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the remaining balance of the PPP Loan of $10,000 was forgiven and Solitario recorded $10,000 of other income related to the forgiveness of the PPP Loan during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Solitario has no remaining balance due for the PPP Loan as of June 30, 2021.

8.6. Fair Value

 

Solitario accounts for its financial instruments under ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.820. For certain of Solitario’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents and payables, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. Solitario’s short-term investments in USTS, CD’s, and marketable equity securities are carried at their estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. During the three months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022 there were no reclassifications in financial assets or liabilities between Level 1, 2 or 3 categories.

 

The following is a listing of Solitario’s financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy as of June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:

(in thousands)

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$5,248

 

 

$0

 

 

$0

 

 

$5,248

 

Marketable equity securities

 

$1,281

 

 

$0

 

 

$0

 

 

$1,281

 

Vendetta Warrants

 

$0

 

 

$9

 

 

$0

 

 

$9

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kinross call options

 

$1

 

 

$0

 

 

$0

 

 

$1

 

 

 
1210

Table of Contents

(in thousands)

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$6,614

 

 

$0

 

 

$0

 

 

$6,614

 

Marketable equity securities

 

$1,413

 

 

$0

 

 

$0

 

 

$1,413

 

Vendetta Warrants

 

$0

 

 

$2

 

 

$0

 

 

$2

 

 

The following is a listing of Solitario’s financial assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy as of December 31, 2020:2021:

 

(in thousands)

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

$5,798

 

$0

 

$0

 

$5,798

 

 

$5,087

 

$0

 

$0

 

$5,087

 

Marketable equity securities

 

$1,620

 

$0

 

$0

 

$1,620

 

 

$1,307

 

$0

 

$0

 

$1,307

 

Vendetta Warrants

 

$0

 

$49

 

$0

 

$49

 

 

$0

 

$3

 

$0

 

$3

 

 

9.7. Income Taxes

 

Solitario accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 Accounting for Income Taxes.740.  Under ASC 740, income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to certain income and expenses recognized in different periods for financial and income tax reporting purposes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.  Deferred taxes are also recognized for operating losses and tax credits that are available to offset future taxable income and income taxes, respectively.  A valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

At both June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, a valuation allowance has been recorded, which fully offsets Solitario’s net deferred tax assets, because it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize some portion or all of its deferred tax assets.  The Company continually assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets can be realized prior to their expiration.

 

During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, Solitario recorded no deferred tax expense.

 

10.8. Commitments and contingencies

 

Solitario has recorded an asset retirement obligation of $125,000 related to its Lik project in Alaska.  See Note 2, “Mineral Properties,” above.

 

Solitario leases office space under a non-cancelable operating lease for the Wheat Ridge, Colorado officeWR Lease which provides for future total minimum rent payments as of June 30, 2021 of $96,000$65,000 through October of 2023.

 

11.9. Employee Stock Compensation Plans

 

On June 18, 2013, Solitario’s shareholders approved the 2013 Solitario Exploration & Royalty Corp. Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan as amended (the “2013 Plan”).  Under the terms of the 2013 Plan, as amended, a total of 5,750,000 shares of Solitario common stock arewere reserved for awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants.  Awards granted under the 2013 Plan may take the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and restricted stock units.  The terms and conditions of the awards are pursuant to the 2013 Plan and are granted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) or a committee appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

11

Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2020,2021 there were options outstanding that are exercisable to acquire 5,440,000 and 5,513,000, and 5,558,000respectively, shares respectively, of Solitario common stock, with exercise prices between $0.20 and $0.77 per share.  All of the options have a five-year term and vest 25% on the date of grant and 25% on each of the next three anniversary dates. Solitario amortizes grant date fair value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, Solitario granted 140,000 options with an average exercise price of $0.68 per share, a five-year term and adid not grant date fair value of $58,000 based upon a Black-Scholes model, with a 76% volatility and a 0.9% risk-free interest rate. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario granted 1,325,000 options with an exercise price of $0.20 per share, a five-year term and a grant date fair value of $145,000 based upon a Black-Scholes model, with a 66% volatility and a 0.4% risk-free interest rate.any options.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, options for 64,750 and 185,00073,000 shares respectively, were exercised with an average exercise price of $0.25 and $0.45$0.26 per share respectively, for proceeds of $16,000 and $83,000, respectively. There were no exercises of options under the 2013 Plan during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.$19,000.  During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021, options for 120,350 shares were exercised with an average exercise price of $0.56 per share for proceeds of $67,000.  During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, Solitario recorded stock option compensation expense of $44,000$13,000 and $72,000, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario recorded stock option compensation expense of $130,000 and $215,000,$28,000, respectively.  At June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, the total unrecognized stock option compensation cost related to non-vested options was $132,000is $67,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2218 months.

 

13

Table of Contents

12.10. Shareholders’ Equity

 

Shareholders’ Equity for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:

 

(in thousands, except Share amounts)

 

Common

 

Common

 

Additional

 

 

Total

 

(in thousands, except

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share amounts)

 

Common

 

Common

 

Additional

 

 

Total

 

 

Stock

 

Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Shareholders’

 

 

Stock

 

Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Shareholders’

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Deficit

 

 

Equity

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Deficit

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

58,108,366

 

581

 

$70,514

 

$(47,593)

 

$23,502

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

 

62,036,399

 

$620

 

$72,523

 

$(49,960)

 

$23,183

 

Stock option expense

 

-

 

-

 

72

 

0

 

72

 

 

-

 

0

 

13

 

0

 

13

 

Issuance of shares – ATM, net

 

150,400

 

2

 

31

 

0

 

33

 

 

2,650,724

 

27

 

1,996

 

-

 

2,023

 

Issuance of shares - option exercises

 

185,000

 

1

 

82

 

0

 

83

 

 

73,000

 

1

 

18

 

0

 

19

 

Net loss

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,196)

 

 

(1,196)

 

 

-

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

(514)

 

 

(514)

Balance at June 30, 2021

 

 

58,443,766

 

 

$584

 

 

$70,699

 

 

$(48,789)

 

$22,494

 

Balance at March 31, 2022

 

 

64,760,123

 

 

$648

 

 

$74,550

 

 

$(50,474)

 

$24,724

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021:

(in thousands, except Share amounts)

 

Common

 

 

Common

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Stock

 

 

Paid-in

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Deficit

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

58,133,066

 

 

 

581

 

 

$70,204

 

 

$(46,654)

 

$24,131

 

Stock option expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

215

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

215

 

Purchase of shares for cancellation

 

 

(21,100)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(4)

 

 

0

 

 

 

(4)

Net loss

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(352)

 

 

(352)

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

 

58,111,966

 

 

$581

 

 

$70,415

 

 

$(47,006)

 

$23,990

 

(in thousands, except

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share amounts)

 

Common

 

 

Common

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Stock

 

 

Paid-in

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Deficit

 

 

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

 

58,108,366

 

 

 

581

 

 

$70,514

 

 

$(47,593)

 

$23,502

 

Stock option expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

28

 

Issuance of shares – ATM, net

 

 

150,400

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

96

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

98

 

Issuance of shares - option exercises

 

 

120,350

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

67

 

Net loss

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

(528)

 

 

(528)

Balance at March 31, 2021

 

 

58,379,116

 

 

$584

 

 

$70,704

 

 

$(48,121)

 

$23,167

 

 

At the Market Offering Agreement

 

On February 2, 2021, Solitario entered into an at-the-market offering agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with H. C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”), under which Solitario may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of Solitario’s common stock through Wainwright as sales manager in an at-the-market offering under a prospectus supplement for aggregate sales proceeds of up to $9.0 million (the “ATM Program”).  The common stock will beis distributed at the market prices prevailing at the time of sale. As a result, prices of the common stock sold under the ATM Program may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution. The ATM Agreement provides that Wainwright is entitled to compensation for its services at a commission rate of 3.0% of the gross sales price per share of common stock sold.  

During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022, Solitario sold an aggregate of 2,650,724 shares of common stock under the ATM Agreement at an average price of $0.79 per share for net proceeds of $2,023,000 after commissions and sale expenses.  During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Solitario sold an aggregate of 150,400 shares of common stock under the ATM Agreement at an average price of $1.21 per share for net proceeds of $177,000 after commissions and sale expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Solitario recorded $144,000$79,000 as a charge to additional paid-in-capital for one-time expenses related to entering into the ATM Agreement.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, Solitario sold an aggregate of 150,400 shares of common stock under the ATM Program at an average price of $1.21 per share for net proceeds of $177,000 after commissions and sale expenses.

Share Repurchase Program

 

On October 28, 2015, theSolitario’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that authorized Solitario to purchase up to two million shares of its outstanding common stock.  During 2020, the Board of Directors extended the expiration date of the share repurchase program through December 31, 2021. Solitario did not purchase any shares under the share repurchase plan during the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Solitario purchased 4,400 and 21,100 shares of Solitario common stock, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000 and $4,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2021,  Solitario has purchased a total of 994,000 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $467,000 under the share repurchase program since its inception.  The share repurchase plan expired on December 31, 2021, and no additional shares will be purchased under the plan in the future.

 

 
1412

Table of Contents

 

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the consolidated financial statements of Solitario for the years ended December 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in Solitario’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.  Solitario's financial condition and results of operations are not necessarily indicative of what may be expected in future periods.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references to dollars are to U.S. dollars.

 

(a) Business Overview and Summary

 

We are an exploration stage company as defined by rules issued by the SEC, with a focus on the acquisition of precious and base metal properties with exploration potential and the development or purchase of royalty interests.  Currently our primary focus is the acquisition and exploration of zinc-relatedprecious metal, zinc and precious metalsother base metal exploration mineral properties.  However, we continue to evaluate other mineral properties for acquisition, and weWe hold a portfolio of mineral exploration properties and assets for future sale, joint venture or on which to create a royalty prior to the establishment of proven and probable reserves.  Although our mineral properties may be developed in the future by us, through a joint venture or by a third party, we have never developed a mineral property.  In addition to focusing on our current mineral exploration properties, we also from time to time evaluate potential strategic transactions for the acquisition of new precious and base metal properties and assets with exploration potential.

In analyzing our activities, the most significant aspect of our business relates to results of our exploration and potential development activities and those of our joint venture partners on a property-by-property basis.  When our exploration or potential development activities, including drilling, sampling and geologic testing, indicate a project may not be economically feasible or contain sufficient geologic or economic potential we may impair or completely write-off the property.

 

Our current geographic focus for the evaluation of potential mineral property assets is in North and South America; however, we have conducted property evaluations for potential acquisition in other parts of the world.  At June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we consider our carried interest in the Florida Canyon project in Peru, our interest in the Lik project in Alaska, and our newly acquired Golden Crest project in South Dakota to be our core mineral property assets. In addition, at June 30, 2021, we have an interest in one exploration property in Arizona.  We are conducting exploration activities in Peru and the United States both on our own and through joint ventures operated by our partners in Peru and the United States, respectively.  We also conduct potential acquisition evaluations in other countries located in South and North America.

 

We have recorded revenue in the past from the sale of mineral properties, including from the Royalty Sale in January 2019 and the sale in June 2018 of our interest in the royalty on the Yanacocha property. Revenueshowever, revenues and / or proceeds from the sale or joint venture of properties or assets, although generally significant when they have occurred in the past, have not been a consistent source of revenue and would only occur in the future, if at all, on an infrequent basis.  We have reduced our exposure to the costs of our exploration activities in the past through the use of joint ventures.  Although we anticipate that the use of joint venture funding for some of our exploration activities will continue for the foreseeable future, we can provide no assurance that these or other sources of capital will be available in sufficient amounts to meet our needs, if at all.

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we have balances of cash and short-term investments that we anticipate using, in part, to (i) fund costs and activities intended to further the exploration of our Lik project, (ii) fund costs and activities intended to further the exploration at our Florida Canyon project, (iii) fund costs and activities intended to further our Golden Crest project; (iv) conduct reconnaissance exploration and (v) potentially acquire additional mineral property assets.  The fluctuations in precious metal and other commodity prices contribute to a challenging environment for mineral exploration and development, which has created opportunities as well as challenges for the potential acquisition of advanced mineral exploration projects or other related assets at potentially attractive terms.

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we do not expect the effects of the COVID-19 pandemicor other pandemics to have a material effect on Solitario’s planned activities related to the exploration of its Lik, Florida Canyon orand Golden Crest projects.  However, going forward for the remainder of 2022, we will continue to monitor planned activities for the full year 20212022 at ourGolden Crest, Florida Canyon Lik and Golden Crest projects.Lik.  The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemicor other pandemics impacts our business, including our exploration and other activities and the market for our securities, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.  Please see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

 

 
1513

Table of Contents

 

(c) (b) Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the three monthsquarter ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 to the three monthsquarter ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021.

 

We had a net loss of $668,000$514,000 or $0.01 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to a net incomeloss of $255,000$528,000 or $0.00$0.01 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  As explained in more detail below, the primary reasons for ourthe decrease in the net loss in the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to net incomethe loss in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was the recording of an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $213,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2022 compared to an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $122,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.  Partially offsetting this decrease in the net loss were (i) an increase in exploration expense to $237,000 in$226,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to exploration expense of $44,000$147,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020;March 31, 2021; (ii) an increase in general and administrative expensecosts to $256,000 in$387,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to general and administrative expensecosts of $254,000$280,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020;March 31, 2021; (iii) other income of $44,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020 resulting from the conversion of the SilverStream Note, with no similar item during the three months ended June 30, 2021; (iv) an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $148,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $484,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020; (v) a reduction in interest income to $4,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to interest income of $27,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020; and (vi) a loss on derivative instrumentsMarch 31, 2022 compared to interest income of $30,000$31,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared toMarch 31, 2021; (iv) a gain of $5,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Partially offsetting the above items was the recognition of a gain of $6,000loss on the sale of marketable equity securities of $81,000 during the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 compared to a gain on the sale of marketable equity securities of $13,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021; (v) an unrealized loss on short-term investments of $51,000 recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to an unrealized loss on short-term investments of $25,000 recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and (vi) other income of $10,000 from the forgiveness and cancellation of the Paycheck Protection Program loan during the three months ended March 31, 2021, with no similar item duringin the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2022.  Each of the major components of these items is discussed in more detail below.

 

Our net exploration expense increased to $237,000$226,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to exploration expense of $44,000$147,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021.  The increase was primarily as a result of (i) our exploration effortsan increase in expenses at the newly acquiredour Golden Crest project which resulted in $113,000 of direct exploration expendituresto $127,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 with no similar expenseexpenditure during 2021; (ii) a slight increase in the three months ended June 30, 2020; (ii) exploration costs of $82,000 at our Lik project in Alaska to $4,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 incurred by our joint venture partner TeckMarch 31, 2022 compared to a net credit of $43,000 from a one-time non-cash credit to our accrued expenses at our Lik project of $52,000$1,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020, resulting from the billing of 2019 exploration expenditures from our joint venture partner Teck reflecting that Teck did not spend the entirety of the budgeted expenditures at the Lik project during 2019, which we had accrued;March 31, 2021; and (iii) expenditures of $14,000 at our Florida Canyon projectan increase reconnaissance exploration expenses to $95,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to $4,000 spent at Florida Canyonreconnaissance exploration expenses of $87,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  These increases in explorationincreased expenditures were partially offset by a decrease in our reconnaissance exploration activities primarily(i) $50,000 related to the evaluation of mineral properties and / or entities for potential acquisition or other strategic transactions to $28,000our Florida Canyon project in Peru, where we substantially completed a 43-101 resource update during the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 compared to $83,000no Florida Canyon project costs during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2022 and (ii) we performed certain initial exploration evaluation expenses of $9,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 at our former Gold Coin project in Arizona compared to no Gold Coin costs during the three months ended March 31, 2022 as we dropped the project during 2021;  Our exploration expenditures are normally lower during the first quarter of our fiscal year as a result of weather limitations.  During the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 we had threetwo contract geologists workingat our Golden Crest project along with two full-time staff and several part-time employees at our Golden Crest project.  Our Denver personnel spent a portionmajority of their time on reconnaissance exploration activities described above and related matters.  We have budgetedOur 2022 total exploration and development budget is approximately $1,642,000 for$2,350,000, which reflects a significant increase in the full-yearanticipated activities at the Golden Crest project as well as a proposed exploration expenditure for 2021, which includes approximately $622,000 for Solitario’s share of a jointand drilling program with Teck at Lik.  The proposed 2022 budget does not reflect any costs for drilling the LikGolden Crest project withor any exploration costs for projects or assets we may acquire during 2022.  Our planned exploration activities in 2022 may be modified, as necessary for any drilling programs we may undertake at Golden Crest or projects we may acquire.  Changes may occur to our planed 2022 exploration expenditures related to any number of factors including COVID-19 adjustments and delays, potential acquisition of new properties, joint venture funding, commodity prices and changes in the bulkdeployment of those expenditures planned for the third and fourth quarter of 2021.our capital. We expect our full-year exploration expenditures for 20212022 to be above the exploration expenditures for full-year 2020.2021.

 

Exploration expense (in thousands) by project for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of the following:

 

 

Three months ended

June 30,

 

Six months ended

June 30,

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

Project Name

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Golden Crest

 

$127

 

$-

 

Florida Canyon

 

$14

 

$4

 

$64

 

$6

 

 

-

 

50

 

Lik

 

82

 

(43)

 

83

 

(38)

 

4

 

1

 

Golden Crest

 

113

 

-

 

113

 

-

 

Gold Coin

 

-

 

-

 

9

 

-

 

 

-

 

9

 

Reconnaissance

 

 

28

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

115

 

 

 

189

 

 

 

95

 

 

 

87

 

Total exploration expense

 

$237

 

 

$44

 

 

$384

 

 

$157

 

 

$226

 

 

$147

 

 

 
1614

Table of Contents

 

General and administrative costs, excluding stock option compensation costs, discussed below, were $210,000$374,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to $124,000$252,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  The major components of our general and administrativethese costs were related to (i) salaries and benefit expense of $68,000$119,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to salary and benefit costs of $61,000$58,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020; (ii) legal and accounting expendituresMarch 31, 2021, primarily due to a bonus of $42,000 in$15,000 paid to our each of our three officers during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $12,000 inMarch 31, 2022 with no similar bonus during the three months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021; (ii) legal and professional expenditures of $132,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $68,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021, with the increase primarily as a result of certain ongoingrelated to increased costs for accounting services, including work performed on our SK-1300 mineral reserve reports and increased legal fees related to our 2021 ATM Program;Golden Crest project during the three months ended March 31, 2022; (iii) office rent and expenses of $24,000$20,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, compared to $13,000$20,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020;March 31, 2021; and (iv) travel and shareholder relation costs of $76,000$103,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to $38,000$106,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  We anticipate the full-year general and administrative costs will be higher for 20212022 compared to 2020.2021 primarily due to increased activity at both our Golden Crest and Lik projects.  

 

We recorded $44,000$13,000 of stock option compensation expense for the amortization of unvested grant date fair value with a credit to additional paid-in-capital during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to $130,000$28,000 of stock option compensation expense during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  The lower costs in 2022 related to the grant date fair value of certain option grants which became fully vested during 2021 and were no longer being amortized during 2022.  These non-cash charges for the amortization of grant date fair values are related to the expense for vesting onof stock options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and 2020. The primary reason for the decrease in 2021 was the grant of 1,325,000 options on April 2, 2020 with a grant date fair value of $145,000 compared to grants of options during the three months ended June 30, 2021 with grant date fair values of $58,000. The options vest 25% on the date of grant and we recognized $14,000 of grant date fair value for these options on the date of grant during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $36,000 for the options granted during the three months ended June 30, 2020. In addition, certain options previously granted became fully vested during 2020, which reduced the amortization of grant date fair value expense during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period of 2020.2021.  See Note 11,9, “Employee Stock Compensation Plans,” above, for additional information on our stock option expense.

We recorded a non-cash unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $148,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $484,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020. The non-cash unrealized loss during the three months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily related to (i) a decrease in the value of our holdings of 100,000 shares of Kinross common stock, which decreased to a fair value of $635,000 at June 30, 2021 from a fair value of $667,000 at March 31, 2021 or an decrease of $32,000 based on quoted market prices; and (ii) a decrease in the value of our 10,540,000 shares of Vendetta common stock, which decreased from a fair value of $503,000 at March 31, 2021 to a fair value of $383,000 at June 30, 2021 or a decrease of $120,000, based on quoted market prices. The unrealized gain during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily related to (i) an increase in the value of our holdings of 100,000 shares of Kinross common stock, which increased to a fair value of $722,000 at June 30, 2020 from a fair value of $398,000 at March 31, 2020 or an increase of $324,000 based on quoted market prices; and (ii) an increase in the value of our 12,450,000 shares of Vendetta common stock, which increased from a fair value of $350,000 at March 31, 2020 to a fair value of $457,000 at June 30, 2020 or an increase of $107,000, based on quoted market prices.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we sold 143,000500,000 shares of our holdings of VoxVendetta common stock for proceeds of $10,000$26,000 and recorded a loss on sale of marketable equity securities of $81,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we sold various shares of our of marketable equity securities for proceeds of $78,000 and recorded a gain on sale of marketable equity securities of $6,000, with no similar sales during the three months ended June 30, 2020.$13,000.  See Note 3 “Marketable Equity Securities” above to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the sale of Vendetta common stock.

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recorded a non-cash loss on derivative instruments of $30,000, primarily related to a reduction in the valueMarketable Equity Securities.  We may sell additional shares of our holdings of Vendetta Warrants which weremarketable equity securities during the remainder of 2022; however, we do not expect sales of marketable equity securities to be a significant source of cash for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We recorded at a fair value of $9,000 at June 30, 2021, based upon a Black-Scholes model, compared to a fair value of $46,000 at March 31, 2021 or a non-cash loss of $37,000, which was partially offset by aan unrealized gain on derivative instrumentsmarketable equity securities of $7,000$213,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 relatedMarch 31, 2022 compared to certain Kinross covered calls. Duringan unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $122,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded a non-cashMarch 31, 2021. The gain on derivative instruments of $5,000during the three months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily related to an increase in the value of our holdings, after the sales of marketable equity securities discussed above in Note 3 “Marketable Equity Securities” to the condensed consolidated financial statements, of (i) 100,000 shares of Kinross Gold Corp. (“Kinross”) common stock, which increased from a fair value of $581,000 at December 31, 2021 to a fair value of $588,000 at March 31, 2022; (ii) 134,055 shares of Vox common stock, which increased from a fair value of $370,000 at December 31, 2021 to a fair value of $383,000 at March 31, 2022; (iii) 8,500,000 shares of Vendetta Warrants.common stock, which increased from a fair value of $356,000 at December 31, 2021 to a fair value of $442,000 at March 31, 2022; and the transfer of $81,000 of realized loss on the sale of 500,000 shares of Vendetta common stock, discussed above, the combination of which accounted for the bulk of the unrealized loss on marketable equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2022. 

 

We recorded interest income of $4,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to interest income of $27,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2022 compared to interest income of $31,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.  This reduction was primarily due to a decrease in the interest earned on our short-term investments in USTS as a result of (i) a decrease in the total amount of outstanding short-term investments during the bulk of the time during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020;March 31, 2021.  We did add $1,578,000, net, to our USTS holdings near the end of the three months ended March 31, 2022, which did not result in any significant interest income during 2022.  We anticipate our interest income will decrease in 2022 compared to 2021 as a result of the use of our short-term investments and (ii)our cash balances for ordinary overhead, operational costs, and the average interest ratesexploration, evaluation and or acquisition of mineral properties discussed above.  See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for further discussion of our cash and cash equivalent balances.

15

Table of Contents

We recorded a non-cash unrealized loss on our existing short-term investments was lowerof $51,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to the average interest rates receivedan unrealized loss on our short-term investments of $25,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021 primarily due to an increase in market interest rates on USTS, which reduces the quoted fair value of our existing USTS and to a lesser degree our CD’s.  These changes in interest rates are related to many factors that are not related to our business and do not affect the yield-to-maturity quoted for our investments in USTS or CD’s at the time we acquire these short term investments, to the extent we hold the investments to maturity.  

 

We regularly perform evaluations of our mineral property assets to assess the recoverability of our investments in these assets.  All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances change which indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable utilizing guidelines based upon future net cash flows from the asset as well as our estimates of the geological potential of an early-stage mineral property and its related value for future sale, joint venture or development by us or others.  During the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, we recorded no property impairments.

 

17

Table of Contents

At March 31, 2022 and 2021, our net operating loss carry-forwards exceed our built-in gains on marketable equity securities resulting in a net tax asset position for which we provide a valuation allowance for all net deferred tax assets. We recorded no income tax expense or benefit during the three months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 or 2020 as we provide a valuation allowance for the tax benefit arising out of our net operating losses for all periods presented.2021.  As a result of our administrative expenses and exploration activities, we anticipate we will not have currently payable income taxes during 2021.2022.  In addition to the valuation allowance discussed above, we provide a valuation allowance for our foreign net operating losses, which are primarily related to our exploration activities in Peru.  We anticipate we will continue to provide a valuation allowance for these net operating losses until we are in a net tax liability position with regardsregard to those countries where we operate or until it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize those net operating losses in the future.

 

Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2021 to the six months ended June 30, 2020

We had a net loss of $1,196,000 or $0.02 per basic and diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to a net loss of $352,000 or $0.01 per basic and diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2020. As explained in more detail below, the primary reasons for the increase in our net loss were (i) an increase in exploration expense to $384,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to exploration expense of $157,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020; (ii) an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $270,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $251,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020; (iii) a decrease in other income to $10,000 from the forgiveness of our PPP loan during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to other income of $44,000 from the conversion of the SilverStream Note, discussed above, during the six months ended June 30, 2020; (iv) a decrease in interest income to $10,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to interest income of $108,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020; and (v) the recording of a realized gain of $19,000 from the sale of marketable equity securities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared with a realized gain of $25,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020. These causes of the increase in our net loss during the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020 were partially offset by a reduction in general and administrative costs to $536,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to general and administrative costs of $590,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. The significant changes for these items are discussed in more detail below.

Our net exploration expense increased to $384,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $157,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. The primary reasons for the increase were(i) the exploration activity at our Golden Crest project of $113,000 and our Gold Coin project in Arizona of $9,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 with no similar expenditures during the six months ended June 30, 2020; (ii) exploration expenditures at our Lik project in Alaska of $83,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, where our joint venture partner, Teck, began work on a planned $1.24 million exploration program for 2021, compared to a net credit of $38,000 at Lik from a credit of $52,000, discussed above, recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2021; and $64,000 in exploration expenditures at our Florida Canyon project during the six months ended June 30, 2021, where we are preparing an analysis of the Florida Canyon deposit for future drilling or expansion, compared to expenditures of $6,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. These increases in exploration expense were partially offset by a reduction in our reconnaissance exploration activity to $115,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $189,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

General and administrative costs, excluding stock option compensation costs discussed below, were $463,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $375,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. The major components of the costs were (i) salary and benefit expense during the six months ended June 30, 2021 of $136,000 compared to salary and benefit expense of $144,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020, with these decreases as a result of personnel and salary reductions; (ii) legal and accounting expenditures of $101,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $23,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020; (iii) office and other costs of $44,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $60,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020; and (iv) travel and shareholder relation costs of $182,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $148,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

18

Table of Contents

During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, Solitario recorded $73,000 and $215,000, respectively, of stock option expense for the amortization of unvested grant date fair value with a credit to additional paid-in capital. The decrease during the six months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily related to the stock option expense for the options granted on April 2, 2020, discussed above, compared to the lower grant date fair value of stock options granted in the six months ended June 30, 2021 as well as certain previously granted options becoming fully vested during 2020 which reduced the stock option amortization expense during the first six months of 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020.

We recorded an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $270,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $251,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020. The non-cash unrealized loss during the six months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily related to (i) a decrease in the value of our holdings of 10,540,000 shares of Vendetta common stock which decreased in fair value to $383,000 at June 30, 2021 compared to a fair value of $496,000 at December 31, 2020, based on quoted market prices; and (ii) a decrease in the fair value of our holdings of 100,000 shares of Kinross common stock to a fair value of $635,000 compared to a fair value of $734,000 at December 31, 2020, based on quoted market prices. The non-cash unrealized gain during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily related to an increase in the value of our holdings of 100,000 shares of Kinross common stock which increased to a fair value of $722,000 at June 30, 2020 compared to a fair value of $474,000 at December 31, 2019 based on quoted market prices. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in the value of our holdings of 12,450,000 shares of Vendetta common stock, which decreased from a fair value of $479,000 at December 31, 2019 to a fair value of $457,000 at June 30, 2020, based on quoted market prices. We may reduce our holdings of marketable equity securities depending on cash needs and market conditions, which may reduce the volatility of the changes in unrealized gains and losses in marketable equity securities during the remainder of 2021.

Our interest income on short-term investments decreased to $10,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to interest income of $108,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily as a result of (i) the effects of reduced interest rates , which increased the quoted market price of our outstanding USTS holdings during the six months ended June 30, 2020, with the increase in value recorded as interest income, with the opposite effect in 2021, as slightly rising interest rates, reduced the quoted price of our USTS during the six months ended June 30 2021; (ii) the reduced interest rate earned on our holdings of USTS and CDs during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020; and (iii) our lower balance of holdings of short-term investments reducing the interest earned during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020; We anticipate as we utilize our short-term investments to provide funds for exploration and general and administrative expenses our interest income will be reduced during the remainder of 2021 compared to 2020.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we sold (i) 1,010,000 shares of Vendetta common stock for proceeds of $51,000 and recorded a loss on sale of $2,000; (ii) 430,000 shares of TNR Gold Corp. common stock for proceeds of $28,000 and recorded a gain on sale of $19,000 and (iii) 3,200 shares of Vox common stock for proceeds of $9,000 and recorded a gain on sale of $2,000. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we sold 2,000,000 shares of our holdings of Vendetta common stock for proceeds of $76,000 and recorded a gain on sale of marketable equity securities of $25,000. See Note 3 “Marketable Equity Securities” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the sale of marketable equity securities.

(d)(c) Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash

As of March 31, 2022, we had $345,000 in cash.  We intend to utilize a portion of this cash and a portion of our short-term investments, discussed below, to fund our ordinary overhead, operational costs, exploration activities and for the potential acquisition of additional mineral properties and other assets over the next several years.  

Short-term Investments

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we have $5,653,000had $6,614,000 in cash and short-term investments.  As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we have $4,145,000had $6,015,000 of our current assets in USTS with maturities of 15 days to 3019 months.  In addition, as of March 31, 2022 we have $1,103,000 of current assets in six CDshad three CD’s with face values between $100,000 and $250,000, and maturities between one and ten months.recorded at their total fair value of $599,000.  The USTS and CDsCD’s are recorded at their fair value, based upon quoted market prices.  We anticipate we will roll over that portion of our short-term investments not used for exploration expenditures, operating costs or mineral property acquisitions as they become due during the remainder of 2021. We intend to utilize a portion of our cash and short-term investments in our exploration activities and the potential acquisition of mineral assets over the next several years.2022.  

19

Table of Contents

 

Investment in Marketable Equity Securities

 

Our marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, which is based upon market quotes of the underlying securities.  At June 30, 2021March 31, 2022, we own 10,540,000owned (i) 8,500,000 shares of Vendetta common stock with a fair value of $442,000; (ii) 100,000 shares of Kinross common stock with a fair value of $588,000; and (iii) 134,055 shares of Vox common stock. At June 30, 2021, the Vendetta sharesstock with a fair value of $383,000.  All of our marketable equity securities are recordedcarried at their fair values based upon quoted market value of $383,000, the Kinross shares are recorded at their fair value of $635,000; and the Vox shares are recorded at their fair value of $263,000.prices.  During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021 we sold 1,010,000 sharescertain portions of Vendetta common stock, 430,000 sharesour marketable equity securities for proceeds of TNR Gold Corp. common stock$26,000 and 3,200 shares$78,000, respectively and realized a (loss) gain on sale of Vox common stock, as discussed above. See Note 3 “Marketable Equity Securities” in the condensed consolidated financial statements.marketable equity securities of ($81,000) and $13,000, respectively.  We anticipate we may sell some additional holdings of our marketable equity securities during the remainder of 20212022 depending onupon cash needs and market conditions.

 

Working Capital

 

16

Table of Contents

We had working capital of $6,481,000$8,422,000 at June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to working capital of $7,875,000$6,883,000 as of December 31, 2020.2021.  Our working capital at June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 consists primarily of our cash and cash equivalents, our investment in USTS and CDs, discussed above,CD’s, our investment in marketable equity securities of $1,281,000,$1,413,000, and other current assets of $21,000,$317,000, less our accounts payable of $438,000$230,000 and other current liabilities of $36,000.$37,000.  As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we believe our cash balances along with our short-term investments and marketable equity securities are adequate to fund our expected expenditures over the next year.

 

The nature of the mineral exploration business requires significant sources of capital to fund exploration, development and operation of mining projects.  We will need additional capital if we decide to develop or operate any of our current exploration projects or any projects or assets we may acquire. We anticipate we would finance any such development through the use of our cash reserves, short-term investments, joint ventures, issuance of debt or equity, or the sale of our interests in other exploration projects or assets.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

As of both June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 20202021 there were options outstanding to acquire 5,440,000 and 5,513,000, and 5,558,000respectively, shares respectively, of Solitario common stock.  The outstanding options have exercise prices between $0.77$0.20 per share and $0.20$0.77 per share.  During the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, options for 185,00073,000 shares were exercised with an average exercise price of $0.45$0.26 per share for proceeds of $83,000. There were no exercises of options during$19,000.  During the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021. WeMarch 31, 2021, options for 120,350 shares were exercised with an average exercise price of $0.56 per share for proceeds of $67,000.  Options for 2,360,000 shares of Solitario Common Stock, with an exercise price of $0.77 per share, expire in August 2022.  Unless the quoted market price of a share of our common stock exceeds $0.77 per share prior to the exercise date of these shares, we do not anticipate the exercise of options towill be a significant source of cash flow during the remainder of 2021.2022.

 

At the Market Offering Agreement

 

On February 2, 2021, weSolitario entered into the ATM Agreement with Wainwright, under which weSolitario may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of ourSolitario’s common stock through Wainwright as sales manager in an at-the-market offering under a prospectus supplement for aggregate sales proceeds of up to $9.0 million.  During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022, Solitario sold an aggregate of 2,650,724 shares of common stock under the ATM Agreement at an average price of $0.79 per share for net proceeds after commissions and expenses of approximately $2,023,000.  During the three months ended March 31, 2021, weSolitario sold an aggregate of 150,400 shares of common stock under the ATM ProgramAgreement at an average price of $1.21 per share of common stock for net proceeds after commissions and expenses of approximately $177,000.  During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2021, Solitario recorded $144,000$79,000 as a charge to additional paid-in-capital for one-time expenses related to entering into the ATM Agreement.

 

Share Repurchase Program

On October 28, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that authorized us to purchase up to two million shares of our outstanding common stock. During 2020, our Board of Directors extended the term of the share repurchase program until December 31, 2021. All shares purchased to date have been cancelled and reduced the number of shares of outstanding common stock. The amount and timing of any shares purchased has been determined by our management and the purchases were effected in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions based upon market conditions and other factors, including price, regulatory requirements and capital availability and in compliance with applicable state and federal securities laws. The repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares of common stock by the Company, and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. No purchases have been made outside of the United States, including on the TSX. Payments for shares of common stock repurchased under the program have been funded using the Company’s working capital. As of June 30, 2021, Solitario has purchased a total of 990,400 shares for an aggregate purchase price of $466,000 under the share repurchase program since its inception and these shares are no longer included in our issued and outstanding shares. We did not purchase and shares under the share repurchase plan during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Subject to any legal restrictions and our available financial resources, we anticipate we will continue to purchase a limited number of shares under the share repurchase plan during 2021 as determined by management.

20

Table of Contents

(e) (d) Cash Flows

 

Net cash used in operations during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 increased to $730,000$597,000 compared to $521,000$382,000 of net cash used in operations for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 primarily as a result of (i) a decrease in interest income during the six months ended June 30, 2021 to $10,000 compared to interest income of $108,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020, (ii) an increase in exploration expense to $384,000$226,000 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to exploration expense of $157,000$147,000 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020 and (iii)March 31, 2021 (ii) an increase in non-stock option general and administrative expense to $463,000$374,000 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to $375,000$252,000 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, discussed above. Partially offsetting these increases in theabove (iii) a use of cash were (i) a decrease in prepaid expenses of $61,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to a decrease in prepaid expenses of $8,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020, and (ii) $27,000$20,000 for the provision of cash from an increasereduction of accounts payable and other liabilities during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 compared to thea use of cash from a decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities of $125,000$26,000 during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021; (iv) a decrease in interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2022 to $27,000 compared to interest income of $31,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021; and (v) a use of cash of $14,000 for an increase in prepaid and other current assets during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to a provision of cash from a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.  Based upon projected expenditures in our 20212022 budget, we anticipate continued use of funds from operations through the remainder of 2021,2022, primarily for exploration related to our LikGolden Crest and Golden CrestLik projects and reconnaissance exploration.  See “Results of Operations” discussed above for further explanation of some of these variances.

 

17

Table of Contents

During the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we provided $349,000used $1,562,000 in cash from investing activities compared to $252,000$1,016,000 of cash provided from investing activities during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  The primary sourcesuse of the cash provided relatedduring the three months ended March 31, 2022 was for the net purchase of $1,578,000 in short-term investments from the proceeds of our sales of our common stock under our ATM program compared to the net proceeds fromsale of $938,000 of short-term investment sales and purchases of $494,000 and $162,000, respectively,investments during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 we acquired the Golden Crest project, discussed above in Note 2, “Mineral Property” for $374,000, of which $173,000 were accrued costs in accounts payable at June 30, 2021 and we acquired other assets of $39,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, with no similar items in the six months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.  In addition, during the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021 and 2020 we sold marketable equity securities for proceeds of $88,000$26,000 and $76,000,$78,000, respectively as discussed above in Note 3, “Marketable Equity Securities.”Securities” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.  We may sell additional marketable equity securities during the remainder of 2021,2022, as discussed above. However,above, however, we do not anticipate the sale of marketable equity securities will be a significant source of cash during the remainder of 2021.2022.  We will continue to liquidate a portion of our short-term investments as needed to fund our operations and our potential mineral property acquisitions during the remainder of 2021.2022.  Any potential mineral property acquisition or strategic corporate investment during the remainder of 2021, discussed above under “Business Overview and Summary,”2022 could involve a significant change in our cash provided or used for investing activities, depending on the structure of any potential transaction.

 

During the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022, and 2021 we recordedreceived net proceedscash of $33,000$2,023,000 and $98,000, respectively, from the issuance of common stock pursuant tounder the ATM Program, discussed above in Note 11, “Shareholders’ Equity.” However,Program.  In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 we have accrued costs included in accounts payable of $65,000 as of June 30, 2021, which will reduce the net cash proceeds of $98,000 received as of June 30, 2021 to $33,000 when paid subsequent to June 30, 2021. We received $83,000$19,000 and $67,000, respectively, from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options, discussed above in Note 11,9, “Employee Stock Compensation Plans,” with no comparable amount duringPlans” to the six months ended June 30, 2021. Duringcondensed consolidated financial statements.  

(e) Mineral Resources

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES

MineralReserves and Resources

We are subject to the six months ended June 30, 2020reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and applicable Canadian securities laws, and as a result we received $70,000report our mineral resources according to two different standards. U.S. reporting requirements, are governed by Item 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”), as issued by the SEC. Canadian reporting requirements for disclosure of mineral properties are governed by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), as adopted from the PPP Loandefinitions provided by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and we used $4,000 forPetroleum. Both sets of reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the purchase of our common stock, with no comparable amounts duringdisclosures being reported, but the six months ended June 30, 2021, as discussed above under “Share Repurchase Program” in “Liquiditystandards generally embody slightly different approaches and Capital Resources.”definitions.

 

21

In our public filings in the U.S. and Canada and in certain other announcements not filed with the SEC, we disclose measured, indicated and inferred resources, each as defined in S-K 1300. The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involve greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into S-K 1300-compliant reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources, and therefore it cannot be assumed that all or any part of inferred resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically.

Table of Contents

 

(f) Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 20202021 we hadhave no off-balance sheet obligations.

 

(g) Development Activities, Exploration Activities, Environmental Compliance and Contractual Obligations

 

We are not involved in any development activities, nor do we have any contractual obligations related to any potential development activities as of June 30, 2021.March 31, 2022.  As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, there have been no changes to our contractual obligations for exploration activities, environmental compliance or other contractual obligations from those disclosed in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

18

Table of Contents

 

(h) Discontinued Projects

 

We did not record any mineral property write-downs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and 2020.2021.       

 

(i) Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations andSee Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, describes the2021 for a discussion of our significant accounting policies.  

Solitario’s valuation of mineral properties is a critical accounting estimate. We review and evaluate our mineral properties for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Significant negative industry or economic trends, adverse social or political developments, geologic results, geo-technical difficulties, or other disruptions to our business are a few examples of events that we monitor, as they could indicate that the carrying value of the mineral properties may not be recoverable. In such cases, a recoverability test may be necessary to determine if an impairment charge is required.  There has been no change to our assumptions, estimates and policies used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Actual results in these areas could differ from management’s estimates.or calculations during the three months ended March 31, 2022.

 

(j) Related Party Transactions

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we have no related party transactions or balances.

 

(k) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements under Recent Accounting Pronouncements” above for a discussion of our significant accounting policies.

 

22

Table of Contents

(l)(k) Forward Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, business prospects, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, capital expenditures, and exploration and development efforts. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described herein and under the heading “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" included in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. These forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements with respect to, among other things:

 

 

·

Our estimates of the value and recovery of our short-term investments;

 

·

Our estimates of the value and recovery of our mineral resources.

·

Our estimates of future exploration, development, general and administrative and other costs;

 

·

Our ability to realize a return on our investment in the Lik and Golden Crest projects;

 

·

Our ability to successfully identify, and execute on transactions to acquire new mineral exploration properties and other related assets;

 

·

Our estimates of fair value of our investment in shares of Vendetta, Vox and Kinross;

 

·

Our expectations regarding development and exploration of our properties including those subject to joint venture and shareholder agreements;

 

·

The impact of political and regulatory developments;

 

·

Our future financial condition or results of operations and our future revenues and expenses;

 

·

Our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations; and

 

·

Risks related to pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic.outbreak of COVID-19.

 

 
2319

Table of Contents

 

Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Smaller Reporting Companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the 1934 Act, as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer). Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2021.March 31, 2022.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the 1934 Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the 1934 Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 
2420

Table of Contents

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, there were no material changes to the Risk Factors associated with our business disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

 

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

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The Exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.

 

 
2521

Table of Contents

 

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.

 

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

SOLITARIO ZINC CORP.

Date AugustMay 4, 20212022

By:

/s/ James R. Maronick

Date

James R. Maronick

 

 

James R. Maronick

Chief Financial Officer

  

 
2622

Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

31.13.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Solitario Exploration & Royalty Corp., as Amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Solitario’s Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2010)

3.1.1

Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of Solitario Zinc Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Solitario’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2017)

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws of Solitario Zinc Corp.  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Solitario’s Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2021)

4.1

Form of Common Stock Certificate of Solitario Zinc Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Solitario’s Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2017)

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.231.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

101101*

 

The following materials from the  Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021financial statements, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL):XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and 2020;2021; and (iv) Notes to the Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)Statements, tagged as blocks of text.  

 

*

This document is not being “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 of the Exchange Act.Filed herewith

 

 
2723