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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL 2002 ENDED 8/31/2002
AMENDMENT NO.2
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to __________
SEC File Number: 000-29610
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
65 Queen Street West, Suite 810, P.O. Box 67, Toronto ,Ontario, Canada M5H 2M5
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares, without par value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report. 16,825,108
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 12 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 ninety days. Yes ___ Noxxx
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17xxx Item 18 ___
Page 1 of 71
Index to Exhibits on Page 53
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL 2002 ENDED 8/31/2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mining Glossary 3
Introduction 6
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors 7
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 7
Item 3. Key Information 7
Item 4. Information on the Company 14
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 25
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 28
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 36
Item 8. Financial Information 38
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 38
Item 10. Additional Information 41
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 50
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities 51
PART II
Item 13. Default, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 50
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of
Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 50
Item 15. Controls and Procedures 51
Item 16. Reserved 51
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 51
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 51
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 51
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 51
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements 52
Item 18. Financial Statements 52
Item 19. Exhibits 53
Mining Glossary
Au: Gold
Breccia”
Rock composed of sharp-angled fragments embedded in a fine-grained matrix.
Deposit:
A mineralized body which has been physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or development expenditures. Such a deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body or as containing reserves of ore, unless final legal, technical, and economic factors are resolved.
g/t; g Au/t: Grams per metric tonne; grams gold per metric tonne.
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Garimpos:
The term used in Brazil to describe artesanal mine workings done by garimpeiros(free miners)
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Geological resources:
Mineralized material which in total does not constitute ore, but which may contain one or more zones of ore. Geological resources are categorized as inferred, indicated and measured according to the degree of certainty with which their grade and tonnage are known. A geological resource is sometimes referred to as a "mineral resource".
Hectare:
A unit of area in the metric system equal to 100 ares, or 10,000 square meters, and the equivalent of 2.471 acres in British Imperial and U.S. cCustomary measure.
Indicated resource:
That material for which tonnage and grade are computed partly from specific measurements, samples or production data and partly from projection for a reasonable distance on geological evidence and for which the sites available for inspection, measurement and sampling are too widely or otherwise inappropriately spaced to outline the material completely or to establish its grade throughout.
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Induced polarization:
This is a type of geophysical survey. Electric current injected into the ground causes some materials especially sulphides to become polarized. This phenomenon is called induced polarization and the physical property that is measured is called chargeability.
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Inferred resource:
That material for which quantitative estimates are based largely on broad knowledge of the geological character of the deposit and for which there are few, if any, samples or measurements and for which the estimates are based on an assumed continuity or repetition for which there are reasonable geological indications, which indications may include comparison with deposits of similar type and bodies that are completely concealed may be included if there is specific evidence of their presence.
JMC Jacobina Mineração e Comércio SA:
The Brazilian company that holds the claims for the Jacobina project.
Measured resource:
That material for which tonnage and grade are computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops or trenches or underground workings or drill holes and for which the grade is computed from the results of adequate sampling, and for which the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are so spaced and the geological character so well defined that the size, shape and mineral content are established and for which the computed tonnage and grade are judged to be accurate within stated limits.
Micon International Limited:
A geological consulting company that has reviewed information on the project.
Net profits royalty:
A phrase used to describe a royalty payment made by a producer of metals based on a percentage of revenue from production, less deduction of the costs of commercial production, including exploration, capital and operating costs.
Net smelter return royalty:
A phrase used to describe a royalty payment made by a producer of metals based on gross metal production from the property, less deduction of certain limited costs including smelting, refining, transportation and insurance costs.
ore: A natural aggregate of one or more minerals which, at a specified time and place, may be mined and sold at a profit or from which some part may be profitably separated.
ounces/oz: Troy ounces.
oz/ton: Troy ounces per short ton.
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Paleoplacer:
Refers to a gold deposit in ancient sediments that is thought to have formed by erosional processes similar to those which formed modern placer gold deposits.
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Probable ore reserves:
That part of an indicated resource for which economic viability has been demonstrated at a confidence level which would justify a commitment to major expenditures.
Proven ore reserves:
That portion of a measured resource for which technical and economic factors have been established at a high confidence level. The term is generally restricted to that part of a reserve which is being developed or mined or for which there is a detailed mining plan.
Quartz:
The commonest mineral, silicon dioxide, occurring in crystals and grains. The chief component of sand.
Stratigraphy:
The arrangement of rock strata, especially as to geographic position and chronological order of sequence.
ton: Short ton (2,000 pounds).
tonne: Metric tonne (1,000 kilograms).
INTRODUCTION
Desert Sun Mining Corp. was continued on 3/20/2003 under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is now organized under the laws of Canada. In this Annual Report, the “Company”, "we", "our", and "us", refer to Desert Sun Mining Corp. and its subsidiaries collectively (unless the context otherwise requires). Summary discussions of documents referred to in this Annual Report may not be complete, and we refer you to the actual documents for more complete information. Our principal corporate offices are located at 65 Queen Street West, Suite 810, P.O. Box 67, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2M5; our telephone number is 416-861-0341.
BUSINESS OF DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Desert Sun Mining Corp. (the “Company") is a mineral company engaged directly and indirectly through subsidiaries, in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company's primary property is the Jacobina Mine Property located in the state of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil. The Company completed a formal bankable/economic/legal feasibility study in August 2003.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars (“CDN$” or “$”). The Government of Canada permits a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian Dollar against the U.S. Dollar (US$).
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements, principally in ITEM #4, “Information on the Company” and ITEM #5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects". We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting our business. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, among other things, the factors discussed in this Annual Report under ITEM #3, “Key Information, Risk Factors" and factors described in documents that we may furnish from time to time to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The words "believe", "may", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking information, events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report might not occur. Our actual results and performance could differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION.
3.A.1. Selected Financial Data
3.A.2. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data of the Company for Fiscal 2002/2001/2000 ended August 31st was derived from the financial statements of the Company that have been audited by DeVisser Gray, independent Chartered Accountants, as indicated in their audit reports, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected financial data of the Company for Fiscal 1999/1998 ended August 31st was derived from the financial statements of the Company that were audited by Staley, Okada, Chandler & Scott, independent Chartered Accountants; these financial statements are not included herein.
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in the Annual Report.
The Company has not declared any dividends since incorporation and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain all available funds for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
Table No. 3 is derived from the financial statements of the Company, which have been prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Canadian/USA Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). All material numerical differences between Canadian GAAP and US GAAP, as applicable to the Company, are described in footnotes to the financial statements.
Table No. 3
Selected Financial Data
(CDN$ in 000, except per share data)
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______________________________________________________________________________
Year Year Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
8/31/2002 8/31/2001 8/31/2000 8/31/1999 8/31/1998
CANADIAN GAAP
Sales Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Loss From Operations ($125) ($39) ($69) ($904) ($312)
Loss for the Period ($125) ($39) ($69) ($904) ($312)
Basic Loss per Share ($0.01) ($0.00) ($0.01) ($0.07) ($0.02)
Dividends Per Share $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Wtg. Avg. Shares (000) 15780 13801 13003 13013 12731
Period-end Shares O/S 16825 15536 12992 13013 13004
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Working Capital $1760 ($175) ($134) ($286) ($46)
Mineral Properties $35 $23 $11 0 $650
Long-Term Debt, etc. 0 0 0 0 0
Capital Stock 7133 6938 $6693 $6693 6688
Shareholders’ Equity 1796 (145) (115) (283) 616
Total Assets 1812 32 31 16 757
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US GAAP
Net Loss ($138) ($51) ($80)
Loss per Share ($0.01) ($0.00) ($0.01)
Wtg. Avg. Shares (000) 15234 13255 12456
Mineral Properties $0 $0
Shareholders’ Equity $1784 ($177)
Total Assets $1800 $19
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(1) Cumulative Net Loss since incorporation through 8/31/2002 under US GAAP
was ($10,396,412).
(2) a) Under SEC interpretation of US GAAP, all costs related to exploration-
stage properties are expensed in the period incurred.
b) Under US GAAP, contingently cancelable common shares are excluded from
the calculation of weighted average number of shares.
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______________________________________________________________________________
3.A.3. Exchange Rates
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CDN$). The Government of Canada permits a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian Dollar against the U.S. Dollar (US$).
Table No. 4 sets forth the exchange rates for the Canadian Dollar at the end of six most recent fiscal years ended August 31st, the average rates for the period, and the range of high and low rates for the period. The data for each month during the most recent six months is also provided.
For purposes of this table, the rate of exchange means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The table sets forth the number of Canadian Dollars required under that formula to buy one U.S. Dollar. The average rate means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period.
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Table No. 4
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
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______________________________________________________________________________
Average High Low Close
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December 2003 1.34 1.29 1.29
November 2003 1.34 1.30 1.30
October 2003 1.35 1.30 1.35
September 2003 1.39 1.35 1.35
August 2003 1.41 1.38 1.39
July 2003 1.41 1.34 1.41
June 2003 1.38 1.33 1.36
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Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/2003 1.45 1.60 1.33 1.39
Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/2002 1.57 1.61 1.51 1.56
Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/2001 1.53 1.58 1.47 1.55
Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/2000 1.47 1.51 1.44 1.47
Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/1999 1.51 1.56 1.45 1.50
Fiscal Year Ended 8/31/1998 1.45 1.57 1.37 1.57
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3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
3.C. Reasons For The Offer And Use Of Proceeds
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
3.D. Risk Factors
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Company is Incorporated in Canada, Which has Different Laws
The articles/by-laws and the laws of Canada are different from those typical in the United States. The typical rights of investors in Canadian companies differ modestly from those in the United States; refer to the relevant sections which are discussed in Section 9.A.5 and Section 10.B of this Annual Report. Such differences may cause investors legal difficulties.
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Dependence Upon Key Management Employees
While engaged in the business of exploiting mineral properties, the nature of the Company’s business, its ability to continue its exploration of potential exploration projects, and to develop a competitive edge in the marketplace, depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and maintain qualified key management personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense and the Company may not be able to attract and retain such personnel. The Company’s growth will depend on the efforts of its Senior Management, including its President, Stan Bharti, its V.P. of Exploration, William Pearson, its V.P. of Business Development, Mark Brennan, its V.P. of Operation, Kurt Menchen, and its CFO, Stephen Woodhead. Loss of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has no key-man life insurance; however, there are written consulti ng agreements with the following: Gerald McCarvill, Stan Bharti, William Pearson, Kurt Menchen and Stephen Woodhead.
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Management and Directors Are Associated with Other Resource Companies
Certain of the Directors and Senior Management of the Company (specifically, Stan Bharti, Peter Bojtos, Kam Gill, Gerald P. McCarvill, William Pearson, Kenneth Taylor and Stephen Woodhead) are also Directors and/or Senior Management and/or significant shareholders of other companies, including those also involved in natural resources; refer to ITEM 6.A. for resumes. As the Company is engaged in the business of exploiting mineral properties, such associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. Law requires the directors of the Company to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and to disclose any interest that they may have in any project or opportunity of the Company. If a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board of Directors, any Director in a conflict must disclose his interest and abstain from v oting on such matter. In determining whether or not the Company will participate in any project or opportunity, the Directors will primarily consider the degree of risk to which the Company may be exposed and its financial position at the time. If not properly resolved, the Company could be placed at a disadvantage when considering which properties to acquire/explore and if/how to explore existing properties.
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Control by Principal Stockholders, Officers and Directors Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Stockholders
The Company’s Senior Management, Directors and greater-than-five-percent stockholders (and their affiliates), acting together, have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to the Company’s stockholders for approval (including the election and removal of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets) and to control the Company’s management and affairs. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company, impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving the Company or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company, which in turn could materially adversely affect the market price of the Company’s stock.
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Dilution Through Employee/Director/Consultant Options
Because the success of the Company is highly dependent upon its respective employees, the Company has granted to some or all of its key employees, Directors and consultants options to purchase common shares as non-cash incentives. To the extent that significant numbers of such options may be granted and exercised, the interests of the other stockholders of the Company may be diluted causing possible loss of investment value.
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Stock Market Price and Volume Volatility
The market for the common shares of the Company may be highly volatile for reasons both related to the performance of the Company or events pertaining to the industry (i.e., price fluctuation/high production costs/accidents) as well as factors unrelated to the Company or its industry. The market price of metals is highly speculative and volatile. Instability in metal prices may affect the interest in mining properties and the development of production from such properties and may adversely affect the Company’s ability to raise capital to explore existing or new mineral properties. The Company’s common shares can be expected to be subject to volatility in both price and volume arising from market expectations. Stockholders of the Company may be unable to sell significant quantities of common shares in the public trading markets without a significant reductio n in the price of the common shares.
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Need for Additional Financing to Finish Property Exploration/Development
The Company is engaged in the business of exploiting mineral properties. Because the Company needs external funds to finance such exploitation, the Company’s common shares can be expected to be subject to volatility resulting from purely stockmarket forces over which the Company will have no control. The Company believes it has sufficient funds to undertake its planned operations and exploration projects during Fiscal 2004. If these exploration programs are successful, additional financing will be required to continue exploration and/or to develop the mineral properties identified and to place them into commercial production, currently estimated at $30 million. The exploitation of the Company’s mineral properties is, therefore, dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain financing through the joint venturing of projects, debt financing, equity finan cing or other means. Failure to obtain such financing may result in delay or indefinite postponement of work on the Company’s mineral properties, as well as the possible loss of such properties. Such delays, aforementioned stock volatility, and possible inability to proceed with planned operations could cause loss of investment value.
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History of Losses
The Company has a history of losses: ($125,421), ($38,569), and ($68,822) in Fiscal Year 2002/2001/2000. Despite recent capital infusions, the Company will require significant additional funding to meet its business objectives. Capital will need to be available to help maintain and to expand work on the Company’s principal exploration property. The Company may not be able to obtain additional financing on reasonable terms, or at all. If equity financing is required, as expected, then such financings could result in significant dilution to existing shareholders. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient financing, the Company might have to dramatically slow exploration efforts and/or lose control of its projects. The Company has historically obtained the preponderance of its financing through the issuance of equity. There is no limit to the number of authorized common shares, and the Company has no current plans to obtain financing through means other than equity financing and/or loans. Such losses and the resulting need for external financings could result in losses of investment value.
Broker-Dealers May Be Discouraged From Effecting Transactions In Our Common Shares Because They Are Penny Stocks And Are Subject To The Penny Stock Rules.
Rules 15g-1 through 15g-9 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, impose sales practice and disclosure requirements on NASD broker-dealers who make a market in "a penny stock". A penny stock generally includes any non-NASDAQ equity security that has a market price of less than US$5.00 per share. Our shares are quoted on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the price of our common shares ranged from CDN$0.77 (low) to CDN$2.15 (high) during the period from 1/1/2003 to 12/31/2003. The closing price of our shares on 10/22/2003 was CDN$1.72. The additional sales practice and disclosure requirements imposed upon broker-dealers may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our shares, which could severely limit the market liquidity of the shares and impede the sale of our shares in the secondary market.
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Under the penny stock regulations, a broker-dealer selling penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or "accredited investor" (generally, an individual with net worth in excess of US$1,000,000 or an annual income exceeding US$200,000, or US$300,000 together with his or her spouse) must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and must receive the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to sale, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt.
In addition, the penny stock regulations require the broker-dealer to deliver, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the US Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the penny stock market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. A broker-dealer is also required to disclose commissions payable to the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, a broker-dealer is required to send monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect to the penny stock held in a customer's account and information with respect to the limited market in penny stocks.
U.S. Investors May Not Be Able to Enforce Their Civil Liabilities Against Us or Our Directors, Controlling Persons and Officers
It may be difficult to bring and enforce suits against the Company. The Company is a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada under theCanada Business Corporations Act. A majority of the Company's directors must be residents of Canada, and all or substantial portions of their assets are located outside of the United States, predominately in Canada. As a result, it may be difficult for U.S. holders of our common shares to effect service of process on these persons within the United States or to realize in the United States upon judgments rendered against them. In addition, a shareholder should not assume that the courts of Canada (i) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or other laws of the United States, or (ii) would en force, in original actions, liabilities against us or such persons predicated upon the U.S. federal securities laws or other laws of the United States.
However, U.S. laws would generally be enforced by a Canadian court provided that those laws are not contrary to Canadian public policy, are not foreign penal laws or laws that deal with taxation or the taking of property by a foreign government and provided that they are in compliance with applicable Canadian legislation regarding the limitation of actions. Also, a Canadian court would generally recognize a judgment obtained in a U.S. Court except, for example:
a) where the U.S. court where the judgment was rendered had no jurisdiction according to applicable Canadian law;
b) the judgment was subject to ordinary remedy (appeal, judicial review and any other judicial proceeding which renders the judgment not final, conclusive or enforceable under the laws of the applicable state) or not final, conclusive or enforceable under the laws of the applicable state;
c) the judgment was obtained by fraud or in any manner contrary to natural justice or rendered in contravention of fundamental principles of procedure;
d) a dispute between the same parties, based on the same subject matter has given rise to a judgment rendered in a Canadian court or has been decided in a third country and the judgment meets the necessary conditions for recognition in a Canadian court;
e) the outcome of the judgment of the U.S. court was inconsistent with Canadian public policy;
f) the judgment enforces obligations arising from foreign penal laws or laws that deal with taxation or the taking of property by a foreign government; or
g) there has not been compliance with applicable Canadian law dealing with the limitation of actions.
As a "foreign private issuer”, the Company is exempt from the Section 14 proxy rules and Section 16 of the 1934 Securities Act
The submission of proxy and annual meeting of shareholder information (prepared to Canadian standards) on Form 6-K may result is shareholders having less complete and timely data. The exemption from Section 16 rules regarding sales of common shares by insiders may result in shareholders having less data.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A. History and Development of the Company
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Introduction
Desert Sun Mining Corp. and its subsidiaries hereinafter also are referred to as the "Company". The Company was incorporated in May 1980. In May 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with William Multi-Tech Inc. and on January 2003, William changed its name to Valencia Ventures Inc. (“Valencia”). The agreement is to earn a 51% interest in Valencia’s wholly owned subsidiary, Jacobina Mineracao e Comercio. To earn the 51% interest, the Company is required to spend US$2,000,000 exploring the Jacobina property prior to 12/31/2004. In September 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 49% interest in the Jacobina Property for CDN$5 million in cash or stock, 90 days after earning its initial 51% interest. The Company has now fulfilled all of its obligations to Valencia and has acquired a 100% interest in Jaco bina Mineracao e Comercio - refer to ITEM #4.B. for additional information.
The Company’s executive office is located at:
65 Queen Street, Suite 810, P.O. Box 67
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2M5
Telephone: (416) 861-0341
Facsimile: (416) 861-8165.
Website:www.desertsunmining.com
Email: kgill@desertsunmining.com
The contact person is: Kam Gill, Corporate Secretary
The Company's fiscal year ends August 31st.
The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Toronto under the symbol “DSM”. The Company’s common shares were listed on the Berlin Stock Exchange under trading symbol “DRT”, on 6/9/2003.
The Company has an unlimited number of common shares without par value authorized. At 8/31/2003 and 8/31/2002, respectively, there were 32,868,484 and 16,825,108 common shares issued and outstanding.
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars (CDN$).
Incorporation and Name Changes
On 5/21/1980, the Company was originally incorporated under the name Fredonia Oil & Gas Ltd. under the laws of British Columbia by registration of its Memorandum and Articles with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. On 8/20/1984, the Company changed its name to Consolidated Fredonia Oil & Gas Ltd. On 2/20/1986, the Company changed its name to Sun River Gold Corp. and adopted new Articles by filing a special resolution with the Registrar of Companies for British Columbia. On 3/11/1991, the Company changed its name to Yellow Point Mining Corp. On 8/26/1994, the Company changed its name to Desert Sun Mining Corp. Desert Sun Mining Corp. was continued on 3/20/2003 under theCanada Business Corporations Act and is now organized under the laws of Canada. The name changes were effected in an attempt to better identify the Company’s c urrent operations.
On 3/20/2003, the Company filed Articles of Continuance pursuant to section 187 of theCanada Business Corporation’s Act(“CBCA”) to continue the company from British Columbia under the provisions of the CBCA. Also on 3/20/2003, Desert Sun amended its Articles to increase its authorized share capital to an unlimited number of common shares without par value. </r>
The following sets forth the names of the subsidiaries of the Company, their respective jurisdictions of incorporation and the Company’s current voting and equity interest therein:
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.; Canada
a. Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; inactive
Desert Sun de Mexico S.R. L. de C.V; Mexico
b. Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
DSM Participacoes Ltd.; Brazil
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Financings
The Company has financed it operations through funds raised in loans, public/private placements of common shares, shares issued for property, shares issued in debt settlements, and shares issued upon exercise of stock options and share purchase warrants. The funds raised were used for the capital expenditures described below and for working capital purposed.
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Date Nature of Share Issuance Number of Shares Capital Raised
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Fiscal 1999 Warrants Exercised 5,000 Common Shares $1,150
5/18/2000 Private Placement 2,500,000 Special Warrants $262,500
Fiscal 2002 Options Exercised 789,290 Common Shares $94,715
5/21/2002 Private Placement 500,000 Units $100,000
9/02/2002 Private Placement 5,000,000 Special Warrants $2,000,000
11/30/2002 Options Exercised 114,290 Common Shares $13,714
1/31/2003 Warrants Exercised 120,000 Common Shares $60,000
2/28/2003 Private Placement 4,701,065 Units $4,701,065
7/08/2003 Warrants Exercised 65,000 Common Shares $18,200
7/09/2003 Warrants Exercised 300,000 Common Shares $84,000
7/09/2003 Options Exercised 100,000 Common Shares $40,000
7/09/2003 Options Exercised 650,000 Common Shares $182,000
7/15/2003 Warrants Exercised 25,000 Common Shares $7,000
7/15/2003 Options Exercised 37,500 Common Shares $14,250
7/29/2003 Options Exercised 10,000 Common Shares $3,800
7/31/2003 Options Exercised 50,000 Common Shares $19,000
8/21/2003 Warrants Exercised 300,000 Common Shares $150,000
8/29/2003 Warrants Exercised 25,000 Common Shares $31,250
7/22/2003 Private Placement 4,545,455 Units $5,000,000
9/10/2003 Private Placement 8,115,000 Common Shares $11,198,700
Capital Expenditures
Fiscal 1998: $353,880 for mineral property exploration
$3,700 for mineral property acquisition
$2,260 for security deposit
$355,320 for investing activities
Fiscal 1999: $92,080 for mineral property exploration
$2,315 for security deposit
$89,765 for investing activities
Fiscal 2000: $10,685 for mineral property exploration
Fiscal 2001: $4,204 for mineral property exploration
Fiscal 2002: $35,836 for mineral property exploration
FY2003-to-5/31/2003: $1,470,893 for mineral property exploration
$100,000 for mineral property acquisition
$22,928 for capital assets
$1,593,821 for investing activities
4.B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
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Description and Growth of Jacobina Property
In January 2002, the Company entered into a letter of intent with Valencia Ventures Inc. (formerly William Multi-Tech Inc. and previous to that William Resources Inc.) (“Valencia”) whereby Valencia agreed to option its Jacobina paleoplacer gold property in Brazil to the Company. In May 2002, the Company entered into a revised agreement with Valencia, whereby Valencia granted to the Company the option to earn a 51% interest in Valencia’s wholly owned subsidiary, Jacobina Mineracao e Comercio S.A., which owns the mineral rights, mines and a 4,000 tonne per day plant. In September 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 49% interest in the Jacobina Property for CDN$5 million in cash or stock, 90 days after earning its initial 51% interest.
The Company’s Jacobina gold property has a known body of commercial grade ore, which until 1998 included a producing mine. In 1998 the mine was shut down due to high production costs and low gold prices. The Company’s exploration efforts are an attempt to justify re-opening the mine and initiating production; hopefully by early 2005.
With increased gold prices and a significantly devalued Brazilian currency, the Company believes that this mine can now be reopened and operated on a profitable basis. Since that time, the Company’s management has acquired the necessary financing to undertake an exploration and development program on the property.
To fund acquisition and exploration, the Company has completed several private placements of equity since Fiscal 2002, issuing approximately 24 million common shares and raising approximately $23 million.
In September 2002, the Company commenced Phase I exploration; Phase I comprised 12 holes, totalled 2,247 meters, cost approximately US$500,000, and was completed in early Calendar 2003.
Desert Sun chose the targets for the Phase I drilling on the following basis:
a. evidence of significant gold mineralization in limited previous drilling
and/or garimpos;
b. targets with potential for higher grade gold mineralization (greater than
five grams of gold per tonne) over mineable widths (greater than four
metres);
c. targets with potential for open pittable resources (greater than 1.5 grams
of gold per tonne);
d. targets where wide spaced drilling has the potential to outline
substantial extensions to known mineralization or indicate major new zones
of mineralization; and
e. areas where, if sufficient resources can be outlined, future mining either
by open pit or underground could be carried out with little difficulty.
Because of the abundance of targets which met the criteria listed above and the limited drill budget available, the holes drilled in Phase I were selected by William Pearson based on their potential to be “impact holes”. An impact hole is a target where a positive drill result would indicate significant potential to outline substantive additional mineral resources.
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The Phase I exploration program was successful and met its objective of demonstrating the high potential for outlining additional mineral resources at Jacobina. Highlights of the program include:
a. significant gold values returned in all six major target areas tested;
b. major extension of João Belo mine mineralized stratigraphy;
c. major open pit exploration target area identified at Morro do Vento;
d. indication of substantial areas of potentially bulk-mineable/open-pittable
zones in Intermediate Reefs;
e. an extensive hydrothermal gold mineralization overprint identified over a
100-kilometre strike length; and
f. greatly increased understanding of geology and controls on mineralization
at Jacobina.
The Phase I results, combined with the previous data and drilling at the mines, indicate a continuous mineralized zone up to 10 kilometers long of low grade, potentially open-pittable material within 50-60 meters of surface, which is ideal for bulk open pit mining. Although the current drill program consists of shallow holes of less than 100 meters true depth, past drilling and data from this belt indicates the mineralization extends to a depth of at least 500 meters.
Phase II Exploration Program commenced in March 2003 and included 29-drill holes covering approximately 8,000 meters of NQ diamond drilling, induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveys, and continuation of the regional exploration program. The budget for the program is US$1.5 million. Upon completion, the Company will have earned a 51% interest in the Jacobina property and trigger its option to acquire the remaining 49%.
The first stage in the Phase II program was to delineate an open pittable mineral resource in the Intermediate reefs at Serra do Córrego that could be incorporated into the feasibility study as a starter pit for the existing mill in order to expedite production. Subsequent drilling focused on testing more extensive potential open pittable targets in the same stratigraphy at Morro do Vento and Joao Belo Sul.
The first three holes were drilled into the Morro do Vento target zone, located 1.5 kilometers south of the existing Jacobina processing plant. These first holes focused on the Intermediate reef package. This stratigraphic package consists of quartz pebble conglomerate layers interbedded with quartzite that averages about 70 meters in width and extends along strike for two kilometers. The results of the Company’s induced polarization geophysical survey at Morro do Vento indicate that the mineralized horizon likely extends over 400 meters down dip into the valley.
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The Company is awaiting final results of the rest of the Phase II program, which is ongoing and expected to be completed by early 2005.
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In August 2003, the Company’s Feasibility Study Report on the Jacobina Mine Project was completed by SNC-Lavalin Engineers & Constructors (SNC).
Development Approach. The Company’s current plans, which are the subject of this Feasibility Study, comprise the expansion, refurbishment and re-commissioning of the existing plant to process 4,200 ton/day or 1,512,000 ton/year, with mill feed being sourced from the Joao Belo, Basal Reef (Itapicuru) and Serra do Córrego mining areas. Joao Belo and Basal Reef were previously mined whereas the Serra do Córrego is a new planned mining area outlined by the current exploration program.
The Feasibility Study contemplates dewatering and further development of the past-producing Joao Belo Mine to produce 3,000 ton/day; development and dewatering of the Basal Reef deposit for mining at a rate of 800 ton/day; and development and mining of the recently defined Serra do Córrego deposit that is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the plant with production to be 400 ton/day.
Mineral Resources. The Feasibility Study considered the total measured andindicated mineral resources of 14,802,000 tonnes at 2.86 gram gold/ton containing 1,362,300 ounces of gold.
Mineral Reserves. The Feasibility Study estimated the proven and probable mineral reserves based on a cut-off grade of 1.3 gram gold/ton to be 10,746,000 tonnes at 2.20 gram gold/ton containing 758,600 ounces of gold.
Mining and Processing. The Feasibility Study concluded that the nominal target of 4,200 ton/day is attainable given the number, size of the deposits, mine layout and the time allowed for pre-production development. Mining will be by sub-level open stoping methods. Productivity rates have been generated from first principles. It was estimated that approximately 8,860 meters of development advance would be required prior to production re-commencing. The average grade of ore delivered to the mill over the life of the mine has been estimated to be 2.20 gram/ton at a sustained rate of 1.512 Mt following pre-production development. The currently defined mineral reserves permit a seven-year mine life.
The Feasibility Study anticipated a design criteria and mass balances of the process plant for a throughput of 190 t/h to meet planned production requirements. As a result of metallurgical tests on drill core from Serra do Córrego, the Feasibility Study concluded that a leach time of 24 hours will increase the recovery rate to 96.5% as compared to the historic rate of 92.3%.
Major improvements to the plant which will employ a conventional carbon-in-pulp recovery circuit include:
a. Additional leach tanks will be added and the leach time increased from 16
hours to 24 hours;
b. Modern instrumentation and automation will be implemented for better
process control; and
c. New tailings pumping system to be added to handle increased throughput.
Environmental. Although SNC comments that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is not specifically required by Brazilian regulation to restart a previous operating mining project, the Company commissioned a review of the environmental regulatory framework, a compilation of historic environmental data, a review of the proposed design for the Jacobina restart, the providing of a preliminary assessment of potential impacts and solicited suggested measures that could be incorporated into the design of the facility to minimize the significance of potential impacts and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards. The Feasibility Study has concluded that:
a. Risk of significant environmental contamination from effluent discharges
and emissions is low;
b. Risk of TMF failure or environmental contamination is low;
c. Environmental permitting and approvals can be obtained in a timely manner;
d. Risk of contamination following closure is low.
Economics The capital cost is estimated by the Feasibility Study to be US$33,857,000 million, excluding sustaining capital and mine closure costs. Net of revenue from pre-production, the capital cost is $30,668,000. The average operating cost has been estimated to be US$12.89/ton milled over the duration of the seven-year project. The Company commissioned a preliminary study to examine the economics associated with the extension of the life of the mine by an additional eleven years.
Implementation Major milestones for the re-development plan for the Jacobina mine are summarized below: <r>
a. Approval to proceed with engineering: September 2003
b. Commence Joao Belo mine dewatering: January 2004
c. Commence pre-production mine development: March 2004
d. Commence process procurement activity: December 2004
e. Commence pre-start milling: September 2004
f. Commence commissioning for full production: November 2004
g. Milling at full production: January 2005
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Historical Evolution of the Company: Fiscal 1999-Fiscal 2003<r>
The Company actively examined exploration opportunities during Fiscal 1999, whereafter the Company negotiated a letter of intent dated 5/30/2000 whereby it was granted the sole and exclusive right and option to earn up to an 80% interest in the Tubutama Borate Project in the Alter Mining Agency, Sonora, Mexico (which agreement was subsequently terminated). Under the terms of the agreement, to acquire a 60% interest the Company was required to make total cash payments of US$50,000 (US$5,000 paid), pay costs relating to the project since 6/30/1999 up to a maximum of US$5,000 (US$4,187 paid), issue 120,000 shares (44,000 issued) and incur $250,000 in exploration expenditures. The Company could earn a further 20% interest by preparing a positive feasibility report on the project. Upon the interest of the Company being determined under the earn-in, the parties would form a joint vent ure for the further development and operation of the project. </r>
During Fiscal 2000, the Company continued its efforts relating to the acquisition and finalization of agreements pertaining to the Tubutama Borate Project. The Company also completed the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Desert Sun de Mexico SRL. The Company terminated its involvement in the Tubutama Borate Project in Fiscal 2002 following receipt of notice that it was in default under the agreement governing such project and incurred a one-time, non-cash, write-off of costs totaling $23,249.
During Fiscal 2001, the Company performed no fieldwork and thus incurred limited expenditures.
In January 2002, the Company entered into a letter of intent to acquire the Jacobina gold property in Brazil. In May 2002 the Company entered into a revised agreement whereby the Company was granted the option to earn a 51% interest in Valencias wholly owned subsidiary, Jacobina Mineracao e Comercio S.A., which owns the Jacobina gold property. In September 2002, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire the remaining 49% interest in the Jacobina gold property.
The Company is involved in a business that depends, for the most part, on the price of gold bullion, which affects the economics of the Company’s properties and can have an impact of the Company’s ability to raise capital through equity and/or debt financing. The price of gold bullion began trading above US$300 per ounce and hit US$380 (in February 2003) for the first time since late 1996. It is beyond the Company’s control to predict this trend in the future.
The Company’s primary objective is to explore and, if warranted, to develop existing properties. Its secondary objective is to locate, evaluate and acquire other properties and to finance their exploration and development either through equity financing, by way of joint venture, option agreements or a combination thereof. Identification of a commercial grade ore body and the ability of the Company to realize the costs it has incurred on a property is dependent upon the Company being able to identify the ore body, to finance its exploration costs and to resolve any environmental, regulatory or other constraints which may hinder the successful development of the property, or be able to realize the costs incurred on a subsequent disposition of the property.
Plan Of Operations
Source of Funds for Fiscal 2003/2004
The Company’s primary source of funds since incorporation has been through the issuance of common shares and Special Warrants. Currently the Company does not have operating revenues, and the Company does not anticipate generating any operating revenue until the Jacobina project resumes production. During the Nine Months Ended 5/31/2003: the Company issued 114,290 common shares for gross proceeds of $13,714 from the exercise of stock options; 120,000 common shares for gross proceeds of $60,000 from the conversion of 120,000 warrants, where one whole warrants was exercisable into common shares at $0.50 per share until 8/28/2004; the Company completed a private placement of 4.7 million common shares and an attached one-half warrant for gross proceeds of $4.7 million; and 5,000,000 common shares were issued from the conversion of 5 million special warrants issued in earlier per iods.
The Company had a working capital balance of $1,760,482 at 8/31/2002 and $3,603,024 at 5/31/2003. The Company had $1,735,139 in cash and cash equivalents at 8/31/2002 and $3,565,282 at 5/31/2003. Since 5/31/2003, the Company has raised $16 million in additional equity offerings. The Company has had discussions with third parties about additional equity offerings and/or loans; but the talks as of 9/23/2003 were preliminary.
Use of Funds for Fiscal 2003/2004
During Fiscal 2003 and Fiscal 2004, respectively, the Company estimates that it might expend $2 million and $2.5 million on general/administrative expenses. During Fiscal 2003 and Fiscal 2004, respectively, the Company estimates that it might expend $2.4 million and $9.7 million on property acquisition/exploration expenses. These estimates are contingent upon many factors, including the whether the Company is successful in acquiring the remaining 49% interest in the Jacobina property.
Anticipated Changes to Facilities/Employees
The Company anticipates it will earn its initial 51% interest in the Jacobina property in late 2003 or early 2004 upon the completion of the phase II exploration program. The Company will continue to focus its efforts on the exploration of the Jacobina property. The Company has no plans to add any additional personnel. Management anticipates that any property exploration efforts will be carried out by outside contractors.
United States vs. Foreign Sales/Assets
The Company generated no sales revenue during the last three years
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At 8/31/2002 and 8/31/2001:
$ 35,836 ( 2%) and $ nil of the assets were located in Brazil;
$ nil and $23,249 (73%) of the assets were located in Mexico; and
$1,776,452 (98%) and $ 8,698 (27%) were located in Canada.
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Material Effects of Government Regulations
The current and anticipated future operations of the Company, including further exploration and/or production activities require permits from Brazilian governmental authorities as opposed to various Canadian Federal and Provincial governmental authorities. Such operations are subject to various laws governing land use, the protection of the environment, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, well safety and other matters. Unfavorable amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of resource exploration companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a materially adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in capital expenditures which could result in a cessation of operations by the Company. The Company has had no material costs related to compliance and/or permits in recent years, and anticipates no material costs in the next year.
Seasonality
Dependency upon Patents/Licenses/Contracts/Processes
Sources/Availability of Raw Materials
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
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4.C. Organization Structure
The Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries: Desert Sun de Mexico S.R.L. de C.V. incorporated in Mexico (inactive); and DSM Participacoes Ltd., incorporated in Brazil.
4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s executive offices are located in shared, rented premises of approximately 2,031 sq. ft. at 65 Queen Street West, Suite 810, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2M5. The Company began occupying these facilities in 7/1/2002. Monthly rent is $6,979; the current term expiring on 6/30/2005.
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Jacobina Property
The Jacobina property is located in the state of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, approximately 340km northwest of the city of Salvador. Salvador, the state capital of Bahia, has a population of 2.5 million.
Property Description
The property is comprised of 5,996.32 hectares of mining concessions, 63,734.19 hectares of granted exploration concessions and 33,722.39 hectares of filed exploration claims. The Jacobina property forms a contiguous elongated rectangle extending 120 kilometers in a north-south direction, and varying from 2.5-4km in width. This shape is a reflection of the underlying geology with the gold-mineralized host rocks trending along the property’s north-south axis.
Location and Access
Salvador, located 340km southeast from the property, is a key commercial center in Brazil and is serviced by an international airport with numerous daily flights, as well as by a large port facility. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and, until about two centuries ago, was the capital. Access to the property from Salvador is via paved secondary highway up to the town of Jacobina, and by a well-maintained gravel road from the town to the mine site. Travel times are typically 4-5 hours, from the mine to Salvador and less than 30 minutes from the mine to Jacobina.
The town was founded in 1722 and is a regional agricultural center with a reported population varying between 52,000 and 95,000, depending on the source of data. It provides all the accommodation, shopping and social amenities necessary for the mine’s labor force. Electrical, telephone and Internet service is available in Jacobina.
The Jacobina project is located in a region of sub-tropical, semi-arid climate with generally flat to low rolling hills. Average annual precipitation is 84cm with the May-October periods being somewhat drier than the rest of the year. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. July is the coldest month with average daytime highs of 26 degrees Celsius and nightly lows of 17 degrees Celsius. February is the warmest month with average daily highs of 32 degrees Celsius and nightly lows of 20 degrees Celsius.
The Jacobina mine itself is located within the heart of the Serra do Jacobina mountain chain, a local exception to the regional topography. The mountains exist due to resistant weathering of the quartzite and quartz pebble conglomerate of the Serra do Corrego Formation from which they are formed and which have been thrust faulted to surface at this location. The mountains have resulted in a local microclimate of highly variable but somewhat greater rainfall amounts than the surrounding region.
Figure No. 1
Jacobina Property
Location Map
The Jacobina property forms a contiguous elongated rectangle extending 120 kilometers in a north south direction, and varying from 2.5 to 4km in width. This shape is a reflection of the underlying geology with the gold-mineralized host rocks trending along the property's north south axis.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion for the fiscal years ended 8/31/2002, 8/31/2001, and 8/31/2000 should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto.
Overview
During Fiscal 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with Valencia Ventures Inc. in terms of which it is currently spending US$2 million to earn an initial 51% interest and the operator-ship of the Jacobina Mine Property. The Company has also entered into an option agreement with Valencia that gives the Company the right to acquire the remaining 49% of the Jacobina Mine Property, in exchange for a payment of $5 million in cash and/or stock within 90 days of completing the US$2 million expenditure to secure the initial 51% interest.
With the price of precious metals rising since November 2001, management has accelerated its activities regarding the Jacobina Mine Property. Management instructed SNC-Lavalin, Dynatec Corporation and Micon International to expand the scope of a pre-feasibility study at the Company’s Jacobina mine to a feasibility study. Completion of the feasibility study in August 2003, has meant that the Company is in a position to make a production decision and to start mine re-development and construction by early next year.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2002 Ended 8/31/2002 vs. Fiscal 2001/Fiscal 2000
The Company was relatively inactive during Fiscal 2002/2001/2000 until May 2002 when the Company signed its first Jacobina Mine Property option agreement. There was no operating revenue during these periods. Expenses were $225,620, $66,587, and $85,227, for Fiscal 2002/2001/2000, respectively. The increase in expenses occurred primarily in the fourth quarter as the Company’s activities and management were reconstructed, and the Jacobina property option acquired.
For the year ended 8/31/2002, the Company invested $35,836 in mineral properties, all of it relating to the Jacobina property. The Company write-off its investment in mineral properties relating to the Tubutama Borate project in Mexico, incurring a non-cash charge of $23,249 during the year.
Net (Loss) was ($125,421), ($38,569), and ($68,822) for Fiscal 2002/2001/2000, respectively. Net Loss per Share was ($0.01), ($0.00), and ($0.01) for the Fiscal 2002/2001/2000, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During Fiscal 2002, 789,290 stock options were exercised, raising $94,715.
In May 2002, the Company completed a private placement of 500,000 units at $0.20 per unit, each unit consisted of one common share and a warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional share at $0.25 until 4/17/2003 and at $0.28 until 4/17/2004.
In August 2002, the Company issued five million Special Warrants through private placement for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Each Special Warrant was convertible, for no additional consideration, into one common share of the Company and $0.60 of a non-transferable common share purchase warrant which entitled the holder of each full purchase warrant to acquire one additional common share of the Company of $0.50 prior to 8/3/2004. In September 2002, the Special Warrants were converted to common shares.
In September 2002, 120,000 warrants were exercised, raising $60,000.
In November 2002, 114,290 stock options were exercised, raising $13,714.
In February 2003, the Company completed a private placement of 4,701,065 units at $1.00 per unit, raising $4.7 million; each unit consisted of one common share and half a warrant, with one full warrant can be exercised at $1.25 per share until 8/28/2004.
In July 2003, the Company raised $368,250 from the exercise of stock options and share purchase warrants.
In July 2003, the Company completed a private placement of 4,545,455 units at $1.10 per unit, raising approximately $5 million.
In August 2003, the Company raised $150,000 from the exercise of share purchase warrants.
In September 2003, the Company completed a private placement of 8,115,000 common shares at $1.38 per share, raising approximately $11.2 million.
Management believes it has sufficient capital to fund planned operations during Fiscal 2004.
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For the above private placements the Company relied on an exemption from Securities Act registration under Regulation S and Section 4.2.
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Fiscal 2002 Ended 8/31/2002 and Fiscal 2001
The Company had working capital of $1,760,482 on 8/31/2002.
The Company had working capital of ($175,096) on 8/31/2001.
The Company had working capital of ($133,922) on 8/31/2000.
Cash Used by Fiscal 2002 Operating Activities totaled ($296,208) including the ($125,421) Net Loss; significant adjustments included ($100,199) in debt forgiveness related to old liabilities from prior business for which no claim was being made, $23,249 write-off of mineral property, and ($100,233) in net changes in non-cash working capital items. Cash Used in Fiscal 2002 Investing Activities was ($35,836) on the Jacobina Mine Property. Cash Provided by Fiscal 2002 Financing Activities was $2,067,190, primarily from the issuance of 5,000,000 Special Warrants.
Cash Used by Fiscal 2001 Operating Activities totaled ($4,967) including the ($38,569) Net Loss; significant adjustments included ($28,018) in debt forgiveness related to old liabilities from prior business for which no claim was being made and $60,021 in net changes in non-cash working capital items. Cash Used in Fiscal 2001 Investing Activities was ($4,204). Cash Provided by Fiscal 2001 Financing Activities was $nil.
As the Company had not begun production on any of its properties, the Company does not have any cash flow from operations. The Company receives cash for use in operations from issuing common shares and sales of selected assets
5.E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
5.F. Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
Critical Accounting Policies
Management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The significant US GAAP versus Canadian GAAP accounting policies that are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating reported financial results include the expensing of mineral property acquisition/exploration costs until a property has demonstrated proven reserves and production is anticipated.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, AND EMPLOYEES
6.A. Directors and Senior Management
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Table No. 6
Directors and Senior Management
December 15, 2003
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Date of
First
Election or
Name Position Age Appointment
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Stan Bharti (2) President/Director 51 February 2002
Peter Bojtos (1) Director 54 June 2002
Kam Gill (3) Corporate Secretary 34 July 2002
Kurt Menchen (4) VP of Operations 53 February 2003
Gerald P. McCarvill (1) (5) Chairman/Director 57 July 2002
Nancy McInerney-Lancombe (1) Director 50 July 2003
Dr. William Pearson (6) VP of Exploration/Director 51 June 2002
Kenneth Taylor (1) Director 69 September 2002
Stephen Woodhead (7) Chief Financial Officer 37 May 2003
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(1) Member of Audit Committee.
(2) He spends about 70% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(3) She spends about 50% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(4) He spends about 75% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(5) He spends about 100% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(6) He spends about 60% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(7) He spends about 80% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
(8) He spends about 50% of his time on the affairs of the Company.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Stan Bharti, President and Director of the Company, M. Sc., DIC, P. Eng., C. Eng., brings 25 years experience in the mining, financial and public markets. Mr. Bharti obtained his first degree in Mining Engineering from Moscow, USSR in 1974 and a Master's from the University of London (Royal School of Mines) in 1976. He was also awarded the Diploma for Imperial College (DIC) in 1976. From 1994 to August 2002, he was Senior Management and a Director of Valencia Ventures Inc.; since August 2002, he has remained a Director of this Toronto Stock Exchange listed public company involved with gold production. Since October 2002, he has been a Director of Castillian Resources, a natural resource exploration company. Since January 2003, he has been a Director of Admiral Bay Resource Inc., a natural resource exploration company.
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Peter Bojtos, Director of the Company, graduated from the University of Leicester, England following which he worked at mines in West Africa, the United States and Canada. Peter Bojtos is a Professional Engineer with over 28 years of worldwide experience in the mining industry. Mr. Bojtos is involved with the following public companies:
Director = Vaaldiam Resources Ltd. from April 1994 to present;
VP/Director = Fischer-Watt Gold Inc. from April 1996 to present;
Director = Link Mineral Ventures Ltd. from May 1996 to present;
Director = Sahelian Goldfields Inc. from September 1996 to present;
Director = Birim Goldfields Inc. from January 2000 to present;
Director = Queenstake Resources Ltd. from June 2000 to present;
Director = LMX Resources Ltd from February 2002 to present;
Director = Kalimantan Gold Corporation Limited from June 2002 to present;
Director = Tournigan Gold Corp. from September 2002 to present; and
Director = GMD Resource Corp. from January 2003 to present.
Director = US Gold from January 200 to present.
Kam Gill,Corporate Secretary of the Company, has over 14 years experience in the financial and mining industries. Since 2000, she has been responsible for investor relations with William Resources Inc., a company involved with international mining. From 1990 to 2000, she was a financial advisor with Canada Trust, a company involved with banking.
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Kurt Menchen,Vice-President of Operations of the Company, is a mining engineer with over 25 years experience in the development and operations of gold and diamond mines. He graduated in 1975 from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and helped explore and develop the Jacobina Prospect for Anglo American in 1976 – 1977. In 1978 and 1979, he was seconded to Anglo’s diamond operations in Angola where he acted as Mine Superintendent and Planning Officer. Mr. Menchen returned to Brazil in 1980 to join the Anglo American team as General Manager to open up the Jacobina Mine, initially as a 25000 TPM operation. He participated in the expansion to 75000 TPM of the plant and mine (both underground and open pit). In 1995 he left Anglo to pursue other business interests in Brazil. In 1998, he joined William Resources (now Valencia Ventu res Inc.) as Mine Manager on the same property and later in 1998 acted as General Manager until the mine closed, at which time he supervised the mine closure as well as the ongoing care and maintenance. In July 2001, he joined DSM as Exploration Manager in Brazil.
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Gerald P. McCarvill, Chairman and Director of the Company, has over twenty years experience in finance and management. From 1992 to 1997, he was Director/President/C.E.O. of Repadre Capital Corporation, a TSX Venture Exchange traded mining royalty company. From 1996 to 2002, he was Chief Executive Officer/President/C.E.O. of McCarvill Corporation, a diversified financial services company. From 1997 to 2002, he was a director of RTO Enterprises Inc, a TSX Venture Exchange traded public company involved in home entertainment products/appliances/household furniture in Canada.
Nancy McInerney-Lacombe, Director of the Company, has more than 30 years of domestic and international experience in the financial sector. Her career has spanned three key areas of the sector including: banking, banking regulation and financial sector restructuring in the developing world. From 1996 to 2000, she was with Royal Bank of Canada, her last position being Senior Vice President, Product Management; from 1989 to 1994 she was with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and held the position of Director from 1992 to 1994. From 1994 to 1996, she was Financial Sector Specialist for the World Bank. From 2002 to 2003, she was a consultant to the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago. In addition, her educational background includes an MBA from The University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivy School of Business (1980).
Dr. William Pearson, Vice-President of Exploration and Director of the Company, is an Economic Geologist with over 29 years experience in the mining industry. He received a B.Sc. in Geology Honors in 1974 from UBC and M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degrees in 1977 and 1980 respectively, from Queen’s University. From 1990 to 1996, he was the founder and President of Pearson, Hofman & Associates Ltd. From 1996 to 1999, he was Vice-President, Exploration for William Resources Ltd. From 2000 to 2002, he was President and Interim Executive Director of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.
Kenneth D. Taylor, Director of the Company, spent 25 years as a Canadian Diplomat, including Ambassador to Iran 1977 to 1980 and Consul General (New York 1981 to 1984. From 1984 to 1986, he was Senior Vice President of Nabisco Brands/RJY Nabisco. From 1986 to 1989, he was Senior Vice President of RJR Nabisco. Since 1990, he has been Chairman of Taylor Ryan Incorporated, an international consulting firm based in New York. Mr. Taylor will conclude a six year term as Chancellor of Victoria University in the Univeristy of Toronto this spring.
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Stephen Woodhead, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, is a senior financial executive with over a decade of experience in the natural resource and public finance sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Cape Town, South Africa and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Previously, he worked for the Department of Finance in South Africa and as the corporate financial manager for Trans Hex Group Limited, a South African diamond producer listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Mr. Woodhead relocated from Cape Town to Toronto in 1997 to establish and manage the Canadian corporate headquarters of their public (Toronto Stock Exchange) exploration subsidiary, Trans Hex International Ltd. He is presently the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for Tsodilo Resources Limited (formerly Trans Hex International), an int ernational diamond exploration company since June 2002 and Chief Financial Officer and director for Admiral Bay Resources Inc. since May 2003.
The Directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next Annual General Meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Articles/By-Laws of the Company.
The Senior Management serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Despite the Company’s Senior Management spending material portions of their time on businesses other than the Company, the Company believes that they devote sufficient time to the Company to properly carry out their duties.
No Director and/or Senior Management had been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator or of any court or competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he is a Director and/or Senior Management, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct/practice/employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or of theft or of any felony.
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Stan Bharti was a director of Galaxy Online, Inc. from December 1999 to August 2001, a Toronto Venture Exchange listed public company. In his capacity as director, he was served with three separate lawsuits in Indiana: #1 = served on 4/9/2003 in the Adams Superior Court by three claimants in Indiana seeking damages of $340,000 collectively; #2 = served on 3/26/2003 in the Hamilton Circuit Court by Charles D. Reed seeking damages of $1,200,000; and #3 = served on 3/31/2003 in the Hendricks Circuit Court by Paul A. Reinken seeking damages of $1,200,000). The lawsuits claim that Galaxy Online, Inc. violated Indiana securities laws when Galaxy purchased companies from the plaintiffs and paid them with common shares. Mr. Bharti believes that he has done nothing wrong to justify these lawsuits. Currently the lawsuits are progressing through the Canadian legal system and ar e being defended vigorously.
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There are no family relationships between any two or more Directors or Senior Management. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a Director or member of senior management.
6.B. Compensation
Written Consulting Agreements:
Stan Bharti, Mark Brennan, Kurt Menchen, Gerald McCarvill, William Pearson, and Stephen Woodhead are compensated pursuant to written agreements. Refer to Exhibits for additional details.
Cash Compensation
Total compensation accrued and/or paid (directly and/or indirectly) to all Directors/Senior Management during Fiscal 2002 ended 8/31/2002 was $20,000, paid to Stan Bharti, President; also, 650,000 stock options were granted to Mr. Bharti during Fiscal 2002. In addition, Thomas Tough, President until 2/28/2002, exercised 64,290 stock options, with a net market value of $7,115.
Director Compensation. The Company has no formal plan for compensating its Directors for their service in their capacity as Directors. Directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may award special remuneration to any Director undertaking any special services on behalf of the Company other than services ordinarily required of a Director. Other than indicated below no Director received any compensation for his services as a Director, including committee participation and/or special assignments.
Stock Options. The Company may grant stock options to Directors, Senior Management and employees. 2,162,664 stock options were granted or exercised during Fiscal 2002. Refer to ITEM #6.E., "Share Ownership" and Table No. 8 for information about stock options outstanding.
Change of Control Remuneration. The Company had no plans or arrangements in respect of remuneration received or that may be received by Executive Officers of the Company in Fiscal 2002 to compensate such officers in the event of termination of employment (as a result of resignation, retirement, change of control) or a change of responsibilities following a change of control, where the value of such compensation exceeds US$60,000 per Senior Management.
Other Compensation. No Senior Management/Director received “other compensation” in excess of the lesser of US$25,000 or 10% of such officer's cash compensation, and all Senior Management/Directors as a group did not receive other compensation which exceeded US$25,000 times the number of persons in the group or 10% of the compensation.
Bonus/Profit Sharing/Non-Cash Compensation. Except for the stock option program discussed in ITEM #6.E., the Company has no material bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to the Company's Directors or Senior Management.
Pension/Retirement Benefits. No funds were set aside or accrued by the Company during Fiscal 2002 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for Directors or Senior Management.
6.C. Board Practices
6.C.1. Terms of Office. Refer to ITEM 6.A.1.
6.C.2. Directors’ Service Contracts. --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
6.C.3. Board of Director Committees.
The Company has an Audit Committee, which recommends to the Board of Directors the engagement of the independent auditors of the Company and reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the Company’s audits, the Company’s internal accounting controls, and the professional services furnished by the independent auditors to the Company. The current members of the Audit Committee are: Peter Bojtos, Nancy McInerney-Lacombe, and Kenneth Taylor. The Audit Committee met once times during Fiscal 2003 and did not meet during Fiscal 2002.
Effective 7/2/2003, the Company created three additional committees: Corporate Governance Committee; Nominating Committee; and Compensation Committee. The members of the corporate governance committee are Peter Bojtos, Nancy McInerney-Lacombe, and Kenneth Taylor. The members of the nominating committee are Gerald McCarvill, Peter Bojtos and Kenneth Taylor. The members of the compensation committee are Kenneth Taylor, Gerald McCarvill and Nancy McInerney-Lacombe. A committee of independent persons advises the board of Desert Sun; the members of the advisory committee are William Clarke, Richard Garnett, Charles Thorman, and David Williamson.
6.D. Employees
As of 8/31/2003, the Company had zero employees only independent contractors; including the Senior Management.
6.E. Share Ownership
Table No. 7 lists, as of 8/31/2003, Directors and Senior Management who beneficially own the Company's voting securities, consisting solely of common shares, and the amount of the Company's voting securities owned by the Directors and Senior Management as a group. Table No. 7 also includes data on The Prudent Bear Fund, the only other persons/companies where the Company is aware that a shareholder has 5% or greater beneficial interest in the Company’s securities. Refer to Table No. 8 for additional information.
Table No. 7
Shareholdings of Directors and Senior Management
Shareholdings of 5% Shareholders
______________________________________________________________________________
Title Amount and Nature Percent
of of Beneficial of
Class Name of Beneficial Owner Ownership Class #
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common The Prudent Bear Fund (1) 3,850,000 11.3%
Common Stan Bharti (2) 2,106,666 6.3%
Common Gerald McCarvill (3) 1,534,333 4.6%
Common Peter Bojtos (4) 296,666 0.9%
Common William Pearson (5) 273,333 0.8%
Common Kurt Menchen (6) 173,333 0.5%
Common Nancy McInerney-Lacombe (7) 100,000 0.3%
Common Stephen Woodhead (7) 100,000 0.3%
Common Kam Gill (8) 93,333 0.3%
Common Kenneth Taylor (9) 43,333 0.1%
Common Mark Brennan (10) 21,000 <0.1%
Total Directors/Management/5% Holders 8,491,997 25.5%
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(1) 1,350,000 represent share purchase warrants.
(2) 700,000 controlled by Mr. Bharti’s family.
346,666 represent currently exercisable stock options.
300,000 represent currently exercisable warrants.
(3) 623,333 represent currently exercisable stock options.
125,000 represent currently exercisable warrants.
(4) 186,666 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(5) 273,333 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(6) 173,333 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(7) 100,000 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(8) 83,333 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(9) 43,333 represent currently exercisable stock options.
(10) 21,000 shares held indirectly by Linear Capital Corporation.
# Based on 32,868,484 shares outstanding as of 8/31/2003.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Stock Options. The terms of incentive options grantable by the Company are done in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and the Ontario Securities Commission, including the number of common shares under option, the exercise price and expiry date of such options, and any amendments thereto. The Company adopted a formal written stock option plan (the ”Plan”) on 2/12/2003.
The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate management, staff and consultants by providing them with the opportunity, through share options, to acquire a propriety interest in the Company and benefit from its growth.
The options are non-assignable and may be granted for a term not exceeding five years. Other material aspects of the Plan are described below:
a. a total of 4,000,000 shares may be reserved for issue under the Plan;
b. options granted under the Plan will terminate 90 days following the termination of an optionee's employment or the optionee ceasing to be a director or consultant and 30 days if the optionee is an investor relations employee, unless the directors of the Company otherwise determine;
c. options granted under the Plan will terminate one year following the death of an optionee;
d. the total number of shares which may be reserved for issuance to any one individual under the Plan shall not exceed 5% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares and the total number of shares which may be reserved for issuance to related persons (being directors and officers of the Corporation, and their associates) under the Plan shall not exceed 10% of the total number of issued and outstanding common shares; and
e. options will be granted at prices determined by the board of directors on the basis of the market price, where "market price" shall mean the prior trading day closing price of the shares of the Company on any stock exchange on which the shares are listed or last trading price on the prior trading day on any dealing network where the shares trade, and where there is no such closing price or trade on the prior trading day “market price” shall mean the average of the most recent bid and ask of the shares of the Company on any stock exchange on which which the shares of the Company.
The names and titles of the Directors/Executive Officers of the Company to whom outstanding stock options have been granted and the number of common shares subject to such options are set forth in Table No. 8 as of 8/31/2003, as well as the number of options granted to Directors and independent contractors.
Table No. 8
Stock Options Outstanding
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Number of CDN$
Common Exer. Grant Expir’n
Name Shares Price Date Date
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Gerry McCarvill 450,000 $0.38 7/11/2002 7/11/2007
173,333 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Mark Brennan 132,000 $0.40 8/16/2002 2/04/2007
132,000 $0.60 8/16/2002 2/04/2007
132,000 $0.80 8/16/2002 2/04/2007
Stan Bharti 346,666 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
William Pearson 100,000 $0.38 7/11/2002 7/11/2007
173,333 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Peter Bojtos 100,000 $0.38 7/11/2002 7/11/2007
86,666 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Kurt Menchen 173,333 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Nancy E. McInernery 100,000 $1.00 7/02/2003 7/02/2008
Stephen Woodhead 100,000 $1.00 4/23/2003 4/23/2008
Kam Gill 40,000 $0.38 7/11/2002 7/11/2007
43,333 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Kenneth Taylor 43,333 $1.00 2/04/2003 2/04/2008
Total Officers/Directors 2,325,997
Total Other 707,500
Total 3,033,497
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. Major Shareholders.
7.A.1.a. Holdings By Major Shareholders.
Refer to ITEM #6.E, and Table No. 7 and Table No.8.
7.A.1.b. Significant Changes in Major Shareholders’ Holdings.
The participation in private placements of equity by the Company, the exercise of stock options/share purchase warrants, and sales by the individuals has lead over the last several years to some significant changes in the holdings of major shareholders. Table No. 7 reflects the major shareholders’ direct/indirect holdings of common shares at 8/31/2003. All three of the current 5% or greater shareholders acquired their holdings during Calendar 2002 or later.
7.A.1.c. Different Voting Rights. The Company’s major shareholders do not have different voting rights.
7.A.2. Canadian Share Ownership.
On 8/31/2003, the Company’s shareholders’ list showed 32,868,484 common shares outstanding and 478 registered shareholders. 123 registered shareholders were resident in Canada holding 28,460,501 common shares; 351 registered shareholders were resident in the United States holding 4,327,966 common shares; and four registered shareholders were resident in three other countries holding 80,017 common shares.
The Company has researched the indirect holding by depository institutions and other financial institutions; based on this research and other research into the indirect holdings of other institutions, the Company believes that it has approximately 1000 beneficial owners of its common shares.
7.A.3. Control of Company. The Company is a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by U.S. residents, Canadian residents and other foreign residents. The Company is not controlled by any foreign government or other person(s) except as described in ITEM #4.A., “History and Growth of the Company”, and ITEM #6.E., “Share Ownership”.
7.A.4. Change of Control of Company Arrangements. No Disclosure Necessary
7.B. Related Party Transactions
Shared Office
Desert Sun Mining Corp. rents its offices under its own name and shares the facilities with other private and public companies: Forbes & Manhattan, Inc., Valencia Ventures Inc., Crowflight Minerals Inc., and Admiral Bay Resources Inc.
Indirect Payments to Stan Bharti, President/Director
Pursuant to an administrative services agreement, effective June 2002, entered into between the Company and Forbes and Manhattan Inc. ("FMI"), a corporation controlled by Mr. Stan Bharti, fees in the amount of $22,500 were paid during the Fiscal 2002, in respect of office and other administrative services performed by FMI for the Company.
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Indirect Payments to Former Officers/Directors
At 8/31/2001, the Company owed Thomas Tough, its President until February 2002, and a private company that he controls $50,457 (2000 - $21,288) for management fees, expense reimbursements and loans made to the Company; the debt was subsequently repaid. The former President was paid or credited with $18,000 in management fees in Fiscal 2001 and $15,000 in Fiscal 2000.
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At 8/31/2001, the Company owed a public company related by a common director (BPI Industries Inc.) Nil (2000 - $23,870) for rent and other expense reimbursements. During Fiscal 2001, the Company reached a settlement with this public company whereby the other company agreed to forgive $26,018 in debt owing to it by the Company for rent and other expenses, in consideration for the Company agreeing to not pursue certain other amounts owed to it by the related public company. The Company had written these other advances off in a previous fiscal year, and accordingly recognized a gain on debt forgiveness of $26,018 in the Fiscal 2001 in connection with this balance.
At 8/31/2001, the Company owed Lucky Janda (a former director) and a private company that he controls $11,627 (2000 - $11,679) for loans and expense reimbursements.
7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
The Company's financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars (CDN$) and are prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the application of which, in the case of the Company, conforms in all material respects for the periods presented with United States GAAP, except as discussed in footnotes to the financial statements.
The financial statements as required under ITEM #17 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit reports of DeVisser Gray, independent Chartered Accountants, are included herein immediately preceding the financial statements.
Audited Financial Statements:
Fiscal 2002/2001/2000 Ended August 31st
8.A.7. Legal/Arbitration Proceedings
The Directors and the management of the Company do not know of any material, active or pending, legal proceedings against them; nor is the Company involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation.
The Directors and the management of the Company know of no active or pending proceedings against anyone that might materially adversely affect an interest of the Company.
8.B. Significant Changes
No undisclosed significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements, and/or since the date of the most recent interim financial statements.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A. Common Share Trading Information
The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, under the symbol "DSM". The initial public offering was effective on the TSX Venture Exchange in 8/26/1994 under a former name, "Fredonia Oil & Gas Ltd.", where it traded until 7/23/2003. As of 6/9/2003, the Company’s common shares were listed on the Berlin Stock Exchange; the trading symbol for the common shares is DRT; trading activity has been limited with the closing price on 9/23/2003 equal to euro$1.00.
Table No. 9 lists the volume of trading and high, low and closing sales prices on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX Venture Exchange prior to 7/23/2003 and the Canadian Venture Exchange prior to 8/2/2002 and the Vancouver Stock Exchange prior to November 1999) for actual trades of common shares of the Company for the last six months, last nine fiscal quarters, and last six fiscal years.
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Table No. 9
Toronto Stock Exchange
Common Shares Trading Activity
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
- Sales -
Period Canadian Dollars
Ended Volume High Low Closing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly
12/31/2003 5,062,044 $2.00 $1.48 $1.72
11/30/2003 10,109,957 $2.19 $1.67 $2.00
10/31/2003 7,386,980 $1.75 $1.40 $1.74
9/30/2003 5,406,200 $1.79 $1.46 $1.56
8/31/2003 2,830,200 $1.64 $1.25 $1.64
7/31/2003 5,042,500 $1.37 $0.98 $1.34
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Quarterly
11/30/2003 22,903,137 $2.19 $1.40 $2.00
8/31/2003 9,705,584 $1.64 $0.83 $1.64
5/31/2003 4,327,847 $0.97 $0.77 $0.82
2/28/2003 14,185,566 $1.14 $0.48 $0.91
11/30/2002 5,182,620 $0.61 $0.37 $0.54
8/31/2002 2,532,858 $0.54 $0.26 $0.37
5/31/2002 1,004,504 $0.60 $0.21 $0.52
2/28/2001 601,520 $0.46 $0.13 $0.38
11/30/2001 48,000 $0.18 $0.11 $0.15
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Yearly
8/31/2003 33,401,617 $1.64 $0.37 $1.64
8/31/2002 4,186,882 $0.60 $0.11 $0.37
8/31/2001 106,564 $0.25 $0.11 $0.12
8/31/2000 590,361 $0.29 $0.08 $0.15
8/31/1999 1,059,516 $0.45 $0.10 $0.25
8/31/1998 1,372,582 $0.90 $0.17 $0.17
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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9.A.5. Common Share Description
Registrar/Common Shares Outstanding/Shareholders
The Company's common shares are issued in registered form and the following information is taken from the records of Equity Transfer Services Inc. (located at 120 Adelaide Street, Suite 420, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4C3, Canada), the registrar and transfer agent for the common shares.
Common Share Description
All of the authorized common shares of the Company are of the same class and, once issued, rank equally as to dividends, voting powers, and participation in assets. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be acted upon by the shareholders. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefore.
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to receive pro rata the assets of Company, if any, remaining after payments of all debts and liabilities. No shares have been issued subject to call or assessment. There are no pre-emptive or conversion rights and no provisions for redemption or purchase for cancellation, surrender, or sinking or purchase funds.
Provisions as to the modification, amendment or variation of such shareholder rights or provisions are contained in the Canada Business Corporations Act . Unless theCanada Business Corporations Actor the Company's Articles or Memorandum otherwise provide, any action to be taken by a resolution of the members may be taken by an ordinary resolution or by a vote of a majority or more of the shares represented at the shareholders' meeting.
There are no restrictions on the repurchase or redemption of common shares of the Company while there is any arrearage in the payment of dividends or sinking fund installments.
Stock Options
Refer to ITEM 6.E. and Table No. 8 for additional information.
Share Purchase Warrants
Table No. 10 lists, as of 8/31/2003, share purchase warrants outstanding, the date the share purchase warrants were issued, the exercise price, and the expiration date of the share purchase warrants. . As of 8/31/2003, the Company was aware of 76 holders of its 7,629,171 share purchase warrants, 51of whom were resident in Canada and 16 in the United States. These warrants were issued in conjunction with private placements and are non-transferable.
Table No. 10
Share Purchase Warrants Outstanding
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Number of Number of
Share Share Expiration
Purchase Purchase Date of
Effective Warrants Warrants Share
Date of Originally Still Purchase
Issuance Issued Outstanding Year #1 Year #2 Warrants
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5/17/2002 500,000 110,000 $0.25 $0.28 5/17/2004
8/03/2002 3,000,000 2,580,000 $0.50 8/03/2004
2/18/2003 2,350,533 2,325,533 $1.25 8/18/2004
7/23/2003 2,272,728 2,272,728 $1.35 7/23/2005
7/23/2003 227,273 227,273 $1.10 7/23/2005
7/23/2003 113,637 113,637 $1.35 7/23/2005
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9.A.6. Differing Rights
9.A.7.a. Subscription Warrants/Right
9.A.7.b. Convertible Securities/Warrants
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
9.C. Stock Exchanges Identified
The common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Toronto, Ontario.
The common shares trade on the Berlin Stock Exchange, in Berlin, Germany.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A. Share Capital
10.A.1. Authorized/Issued Capital. As of 8/31/2002, 8/31/2001, and 8/31/2000, there were authorized an unlimited number of common shares without par value. At these dates, there were 16,825,108, 15,535,818, and 12,991,818 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively.
During the last five years, less than 10% of the capital has been “paid for” with assets other than cash.
10.A.2. Shares Not Representing Capital.
10.A.3. Shares Held By Company.
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
10.A.4. Stock Options/Share Purchase Warrants
10.A.5. Stock Options/Share Purchase Warrants
--- Refer to Table No. 8 and Table No. 10. ---
10.A.6. History of Share Capital
The Company has financed its operations through funds raised in public/private placements of common shares and Special Warrants; and shares issued upon conversion of Special Warrants.
______________________________________________________________________________
Number of Capital
Date Nature of Share Issuance Shares Raised
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 2000: Mineral Property acquisition 44,000 Shares $8,360
Special Warrants 2,500,000 Shares $262,500
Fiscal 2002: Private Placement 500,000 Shares $100,000
Exercise of Stock Options 789,290 Shares $94,715
Fiscal 2003: Special Warrants 5,000,000 Warrants $1,872,475
Exercise of Stock Options 961,790 Shares $272,764
Private Placement 4,701,065 Shares $4,701,065
Exercise of Warrants 835,000 Shares $350,450
Private Placement 4,545,455 Units $5,000,000
Fiscal 2004-to-date: Private Placement 8,115,000 Shares $11,198,700
______________________________________________________________________________
10.A.7. Resolutions/Authorizations/Approvals
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Objects and Purposes
The Articles of Incorporation place no restrictions upon the type of business that the Company may engage in.
10.B.2. Directors
Disclosure of Interest of Directors/Officers, Section 15 the Articles
A Director who is, in any way, directly or indirectly interested in an existing or proposed contract or transaction with the Company or who holds any office or possessed any property, directly or indirectly, where a duty or interest might be created to conflict with his duty or interest as a Director, shall declare the nature and extent of his interest in the contract or transaction or of the conflict or potential conflict with his duty and interest as a Director in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
A Director shall not vote in respect of the approval of any contract or transaction with the Company in which he is interested and if he shall do so his vote shall not be counted, but he shall be counted in the quorum present at the meeting at which the vote is taken. This and the above mentioned shall not be applied in circumstances where a Director is, under the provisions of The Act, deemed not to be interested in a proposed contract or transaction.
A Director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company (other than the office of auditor of the Company) in conjunction with his office of Director for a period and on terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) as the Directors may determine and no Director or intended Director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the Company either with regard to his tenure of any other office or place of profit or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and, subject to compliance with the provisions of The Act, no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a Director is in any way interested shall be liable to be voided by reason thereof.
Remuneration and Expenses of Directors, Section 12.2 and 15 the Articles
Subject to the articles or any unanimous shareholder agreement, the directors shall be paid such remuneration for their services as the Board may from time to time determine. The remuneration may be in addition to any salary or other remuneration paid to any Officer or employee of the Company as such who is also a Director. The directors shall also be entitled to be reimbursed for traveling and other expenses properly incurred by them in and about the business of the Company and if any Director shall perform any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the Directors are outside the ordinary duties of a Director or shall otherwise be specifically occupied in or about the Company’s business, he may be paid a remuneration to be fixed by the Board, or, at the option of the Director, by the Company in general meeting, and the remuneration may be eith er in addition to, or in substitution for any other remuneration that he may be entitled to receive. The Directors on behalf of the Company, unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any Director who had held any salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to his spouse or dependents and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any gratuity, pension or allowance. Nothing herein contained shall preclude any director from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving remuneration therefore.
Borrowing Power, Section 8 of the Articles
Without limiting the borrowing powers of the Company as set forth in the Act, but subject to the articles and any unanimous shareholders agreement, the Board may from time to time on behalf of the Company, without authorization of the shareholders:
a) borrow money upon the credit of the Company;
b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge bonds, debentures, notes or other similar obligations or guarantee of such an obligation of a body corporate, whether secured or unsecured;
c) to the extent permitted by the Act, give directly or indirectly financial assistance to any person by means of a loan, a guarantee on behalf of the Company to secure performance of any present or future indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any person, or otherwise; and
d) charge, mortgage, hypothecate, pledge, or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, property of the Company, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertakings, to secure any such bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee or any other present or future indebtedness, liability or obligation of the Company.
Nothing in this section limits or restricts the borrowing of money by the Company on bills of exchange or promissory notes made, drawn, accepted or endorsed by or on behalf of the Company.
Director Retirement
Neither the Company’s memorandum/ articles/by-laws nor Canadian law requires retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement.
Director Stock Ownership
Neither the Company’s memorandum/ articles/by-laws nor Canadian law requires share ownership by directors.
10.B.3. Rights, Preferences, Restrictions of Common Shares
Dividends, Section 7.1-7.3 of the By-Laws
Subject to the Act and subject to it being established that the Company is or will be able to discharge its liabilities when due and that the realizable value of its assets will not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and of its stated capital, the Directors may declare and pay dividends to the shareholders according to their respective rights and interests in the Company. The Directors shall not be compelled to make any distribution of the profits of the Company; thus they may create a reserve fund for the payment of dividends or set aside such profits in whole or in part in order to keep them as a reserve fund of any kind. Such dividends may be paid in specie, in property or by the issue of fully paid-up securities of the Company.
Unless the holder otherwise indicates, a dividend payable in specie shall be paid by check to the order of the registered holder of the securities of the class in respect of which a dividend has been declared and shall be delivered or mailed by prepaid ordinary mail to such registered holder to or at the address appearing at that time in the registers of the Company. In the case of joint holders, unless such joint holders otherwise direct, the check shall be made payable to the order of all of such joint holders and be delivered or mailed to them to or at the address of one (1) of them appearing at that time in the registers of the Company. The mailings of such checks as aforesaid, unless the same is not paid upon due presentation, shall satisfy all claims and discharge the Company of its liability for the dividend to the extent of the amount of the check. In the event of non-receipt of the dividend check by the person to whim it was delivered or mailed as aforesaid, the Company shall issue to such person a replacement check for the same amount on such terms as determined by the directors.
The Directors, in their discretion, may apply, in whole or in part, any amount of dividend declared payable to a shareholder to set off any debt owned by the shareholder to the Company.
Voting Rights, Section 8.4-8.7 of the By-Laws
Subject to the provisions of the Act, at any meeting of the shareholders, every question shall be decided by a show of hands unless a ballot thereon is required by the chairperson of the meeting or is demanded by any shareholder entitled to vote and present, or deemed to be present, in person or by proxy. Upon a show of hands, every person who is entitled to vote shall have one vote. Before or after a show of hands has been taken, upon any question, the chairperson may require, or any shareholder entitled to vote and present, or deemed to be present, in person or by proxy, may demand a ballot thereon. Unless a ballot thereon is demanded, a declaration by the chairperson of the meeting that the vote upon the question has been carried or carried by a particular majority or not carried and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting isprima facie evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in respect of the question. A demand for a ballot may be withdrawn at any time prior to the taking of the ballot.
If a ballot is required, a ballot upon the question shall be taken in such a manner, as the chairperson of the meeting shall direct. Upon a ballot, each shareholder who is present, or represented by proxy is entitled, in respect of the shares which the shareholder is entitled to vote at the meeting upon the question, to that number of votes provided by the Act or the Articles in respect of those shares.
At any meeting of shareholders, every question shall, unless otherwise required by the Articles and Bylaws, be determined by a majority of the votes cast on the question. In the case of an equality of votes at any meeting of shareholders either on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairperson of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
Neither the Company’s memorandum/articles/by-laws nor Canadian law permit: staggered terms for Directors; cumulative voting; shareholder approval of corporate matter by written consent; the adoption of various “poison pill” measures precluding shareholders from realizing a potential premium over the market value of their shares.
Rights to Share in Profits
Rights in event of liquidation
Redemption Provisions
Sinking Fund Provisions
Liability to Further Capital Calls
Discriminatory Rights Against Significant Shareholders
The Company’s articles/by-laws do not address these issues. Accordingly, Canadian law and any exchange upon which the common shares trade govern the shareholders’ rights regarding these issues.
10.B.4. Modification of Rights of Shareholders
Provisions as to the modification, amendment or variation of such shareholder rights or provisions are contained in theCanada Business Corporations Act. Unless theCanada Business Corporations Act or the Company's Articles or Memorandum otherwise provide, any action to be taken by a resolution of the members may be taken by an ordinary resolution or by a vote of a majority or more of the shares represented at the shareholders' meeting.
10.B.5. Annual Meetings, Special Meetings, Section 9 of the Articles
Subject to Article 9.2 and to The Act, the first annual general meeting shall be held within 15 months from the date of incorporation and the following annual general meetings shall be held once in every calendar year at a time, not being more that 13 months after the holding of the last preceding annual general meeting, and at a place as the Directors shall appoint. In default of the meeting being held, the meeting shall be called by any two members in the same manner as nearly as possible as that in which meetings are to be called by the Directors to determine, for the purpose of considering the financial statements and reports required by the Act to be placed before the annual meeting, electing directors, appointing auditors (unless the Company dispenses with such appointment in accordance with the Act) and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought befor e the meeting.
Meetings of the Board shall be held from time to time at such time and at such place as the Board, the chairperson of the board, the president or any two Directors may determine.
The Directors may, whenever they think fit, convene a general meeting. A general meeting, if requisitioned in accordance with The Act, shall be convened by the Directors or, if not convened by the Directors, may be convened by the requisitionists as provided in The Act.
Not less than 21 days’ notice of any general meeting specifying the time and place of meeting and in case of special business, the general nature of that business shall be given in the manner mentioned in Article 22, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution whether previous notice has been given or not, to any person as may by law or under these Articles or other regulation of the Company be entitled to receive the notice from the Company. But the accidental omission to give notice of any meeting to, or the non-receipt of any notice, by any person shall not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.
Persons entitled to notice of a general meeting may waive or reduce the period of notice convening the meeting, by unanimous consent in writing, and may give such waiver before, during or after the meeting.
Shareholder meetings are called in accordance with the rules of theCanada Business Corporation Act by approval of the Board of Directors determining the time, date, and place of such meetings, which must be held in Canada. The quorum for a meeting or continuance thereof is one member, or one proxy holder representing members, holding not less than one-twentieth of issued shares entitled to be voted that meeting. If there is only one member of the Company, the quorum is one person present and being, or representing by proxy, such member.
10.B.6. Limitations on Rights to Own Shares
The Company is unaware of any limitations on the rights to own securities, including those of non-resident or foreign shareholders.
10.B.7. Change of Control of Company
There are no provisions of the Company’s articles of association, charter or bylaws that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company.
10.B.8. Disclosure of Share Ownership
Although not expressly enumerated in the Articles/By-Laws, pursuant to Canadian regulations, any shareholder who owns more than 10% of the Company’s common shares must disclose shareholder ownership.
10.C. Material Contracts --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
10.D. Exchange Controls
Canada has no system of exchange controls. There are no Canadian restrictions on the repatriation of capital or earnings of a Canadian public company to non-resident investors. There are no laws in Canada or exchange restrictions affecting the remittance of dividends, profits, interest, royalties and other payments to non-resident holders of the Company's securities, except as discussed in ITEM 10, ”Taxation" below.
There are no limitations under the laws of Canada or in the organizing documents of the Company on the right of foreigners to hold or vote securities of the Company, except that the Investment Canada Act may require review and approval by the Minister of Industry (Canada) of certain acquisitions of "control" of the Company by a "non-Canadian". The threshold for acquisitions of control is generally defined as being one-third or more of the voting shares of the Company. "Non-Canadian" generally means an individual who is not a Canadian citizen, or a corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that is ultimately controlled by non-Canadians.
10.E. Taxation
Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a brief summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences to a holder of common shares of the Company (a "U.S. Holder") who deals at arm's length with the Company, holds the shares as capital property and who, for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Act") and the Canada – United States Income Tax Convention (the "Treaty"), is at all relevant times resident in the United States, is not and is not deemed to be resident in Canada and does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the shares in carrying on a business in Canada. Special rules, which are not discussed below, may apply to a U.S. Holder that is an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not, and should not be interpreted as, legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder and no representation is made with respect to the Canadian income tax consequences to any particular person. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
Under the Act and the Treaty, a U.S. Holder of common shares will generally be subject to a 15% withholding tax on dividends paid or credited or deemed by the Act to have been paid or credited on such shares. The withholding tax rate is 5% where the U.S. Holder is a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting shares of the Company and the dividends may be exempt from such withholding in the case of some U.S. Holders such as qualifying pension funds and charities.
In general, a U.S. Holder will not be subject to Canadian income tax on capital gains arising on the disposition of shares of the Company unless (i) at any time in the five-year period immediately preceding the disposition, 25% or more of the shares of any class or series of the capital stock of the Company was owned by (or was under option of or subject to an interest of) the U.S. holder or persons with whom the U.S. holder did not deal at arm's length, and (ii) the value of the common shares of the Company at the time of the disposition derives principally from real property (as defined in the Treaty) situated in Canada. For this purpose, the Treaty defines real property situated in Canada to include rights to explore for or exploit mineral deposits and other natural resources situated in Canada, rights to amounts computed by reference to the amount or value of production from such resour ces, certain other rights in respect of natural resources situated in Canada and shares of a corporation the value of whose shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada.
The US Internal Revenue Code provides special anti-deferral rules regarding certain distributions received by US persons with respect to, and sales and other dispositions (including pledges) of stock of, a passive foreign investment company. A foreign corporation, such as the Company, will be treated as a passive foreign investment company if 75% or more of its gross income is passive income for a taxable year or if the average percentage of its assets (by value) that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income is at least 50% for a taxable year. The Company believes that it was not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year ended 5/31/2002 and, furthermore, expects to conduct its affairs in such a manner so that it will not meet the criteria to be considered passive foreign investment company in the foreseeable future.
Dividends
A Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax ("Part XIII Tax") equal to 25%, or such lower rate as may be available under an applicable tax treaty, of the gross amount of any dividend paid or deemed to be paid on common shares. Under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (1980) as amended by the Protocols signed on 6/14/1983, 3/28/1984, 3/17/1995, and 7/29/1997 (the "Treaty"), the rate of Part XIII Tax applicable to a dividend on common shares paid to a Holder who is a resident of the United States and who is the beneficial owner of the dividend, is 5%. If the Holder is a company that owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company paying the dividend, and, in all other cases, the tax rate is 15% of the gross amount of the dividend. The Company will be required to withhold the applicable amount of Part XIII Tax from each dividend so paid an d remit the withheld amount directly to the Receiver General for Canada for the account of the Holder.
Disposition of Common Shares
A Holder who disposes of a common share, including by deemed disposition on death, will not normally be subject to Canadian tax on any capital gain (or capital loss) thereby realized unless the common share constituted "taxable Canadian property" as defined by theTax Act. Generally, a common share of a public corporation will not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Holder if the share is listed on a prescribed stock exchange unless the Holder or persons with whom the Holder did not deal at arm's length alone or together held or held options to acquire, at any time within the five years preceding the disposition, 25% or more of the shares of any class of the capital stock of the Company. The Toronto Stock Exchange is a prescribed stock exchange under theTax Act. A Holder who is a resident of the United States and realizes a capital gain on a disposition of a common share that was taxable Canadian property will nevertheless, by virtue of the Treaty, generally be exempt from Canadian tax thereon unless (a) more than 50% of the value of the common shares is derived from, or from an interest in, Canadian real estate, including Canadian mineral resource properties, (b) the common share formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment that the Holder has or had in Canada within the 12 month period preceding the disposition, or (c) the Holder is an individual who (i) was a resident of Canada at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding the disposition, and for a total of 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years, preceding the disposition, and (ii) owned the common share when he ceased to be resident in Canada.
A Holder who is subject to Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain realized on a disposition of a common share must include three quarters of the capital gain (taxable capital gain) in computing the Holder's taxable income earned in Canada. The Holder may, subject to certain limitations, deduct three-quarters of any capital loss (allowable capital loss) arising on a disposition of taxable Canadian property from taxable capital gains realized in the year of disposition in respect to taxable Canadian property and, to the extent not so deductible, from such taxable capital gains realized in any of the three preceding years or any subsequent year.
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United States Taxation
The following is a brief summary of the principal United States income tax consequences to a holder of common shares of the Company (a "U.S. Holder") who deals at arm's length with the Company, holds the shares as capital property and who, for the purposes of the "Act" and on the "Treaty", is at all relevant times resident in the United States, is not and is not deemed to be resident in Canada and does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the shares in carrying on a business in Canada. For federal income tax purposes, an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States or a domestic corporation ("U.S. Taxpayer") will recognize a gain or loss on the sale of the Company's common shares equal to the difference between the proceeds from such sale and the adjusted tax basis of the common shares. The gain or loss wi ll be a capital gain or capital loss if the Company's common shares are a capital asset in U.S. Taxpayer's hands.
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For federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Taxpayer will be required to include in gross income dividends received on the Company's common shares. A U.S. Taxpayer who pays Canadian tax on a dividend on common shares will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to a credit (or alternatively, a deduction) against federal income tax liability. A domestic corporation that owns at least 10% of the voting shares should consult its tax advisor as to applicability of the deemed paid foreign tax credit with respect to dividends paid on the Company's common shares.
Under a number of circumstances, an United States Investor acquiring shares of the Company may be required to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service Center where they are required to file their tax returns with a duplicate copy to the Internal Revenue Service Center, Philadelphia, PA 19255. In particular, any United States Investor who becomes the owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the shares of the Company will be required to file such a return. Other filing requirements may apply, and United States Investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning these requirements.
The US Internal Revenue Code provides special anti-deferral rules regarding certain distributions received by US persons with respect to, and sales and other dispositions (including pledges) of stock of, a passive foreign investment company. A foreign corporation, such as the Company, will be treated as a passive foreign investment company if 75% or more of its gross income is passive income for a taxable year or if the average percentage of its assets (by value) that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income is at least 50% for a taxable year. The Company believes that it was not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year ended 8/31/2002 and, furthermore, expects to conduct its affairs in such a manner so that it will not meet the criteria to be considered passive foreign investment company in the foreseeable future.
10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents
The Company has not declared any dividends on its common shares for the last five years and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain future earnings for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned: the Company is unaware of any dividend restrictions; has no specific procedure for the setting of the date of dividend entitlement; but might expect to set a record date for stock ownership to determine entitlement; has no specific procedures for non-resident holders to claim dividends, but might expect to mail their dividends in the same manner as resident holders. The Company has not nominated any financial institutions to be the potential paying agents for dividends in the United States.
10.G. Statement by Experts --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
10.H. Document on Display --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
10.I. Subsidiaries. The Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries: Desert Sun de Mexico S.R.L. de C.V. incorporated in Mexico (inactive); and DSM Participacoes Ltd., incorporated in Brazil.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
12.A. Debt Securities --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
12.B. Warrants and Rights --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
12.C. Other Securities --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
12.D. American Depository Shares -- No Disclosure Necessary ---
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
--- No Disclosure Necessary ---
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY
HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS --- No Disclosure Necessary ---
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ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for reviewing the Company's disclosure to ensure the Company provides full and plain disclosure to shareholders and other stakeholders. The Board discharges its responsibilities through its committees, specifically, with respect to financial disclosure to the Audit Committee, which is responsible for reviewing the Company's financial reporting procedures and internal controls to ensure full and accurate disclosure of the Company's financial position.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Financial Officer, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14(c) under the Exchange Act as of a date (the "Evaluation Date") within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to the material information relating to the Company (or its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.
There were no significant changes made in the Company's internal controls during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F or, to the Company's knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their execution.
The Company's management, including the Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur bec ause of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
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ITEM 16. RESERVED
ITEM 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert ---Not Applicable ---
ITEM 16B. Code of Ethics ---Not Applicable ---
ITEM 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services ---Not Applicable ---
ITEM 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
--- Not Applicable ---
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's financial statements are stated in Canadian Dollars (CDN$) and are prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the application of which, in the case of the Company, conforms in all material respects for the periods presented with United States GAAP, except as discussed in footnotes to the financial statements.
The financial statements as required under ITEM #17 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit report of DeVisser Gray, independent Chartered Accountants, is included herein immediately preceding the audited financial statements.
Audited Financial Statements
Auditor's Report, dated 11/19/2002
Balance Sheets at 8/31/2002 and 8/31/2001
Statements of Operations and Deficit
for the years ended 8/31/2002, 8/31/2001, and 8/31/2000
Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended 8/31/2002, 8/31/2001, and 8/31/2000
Notes to Financial Statements
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has elected to provide financial statements pursuant to ITEM #17.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Page
1. Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws as currently in effect: *
1.1. Certificate of Incorporation, dated 5/21/1980
1.2. Certificate of Name Change, dated 8/20/1984
1.3 Certificate of Name Change, dated 2/20/1986
1.4 Certificate of Name Change, dated 3/11/1991
1.5 Certificate of Name Change, dated 8/26/1994
1.6. Articles/By-Laws, dated 1/03/2003
2. Instruments defining the rights of holders of equity or
debt securities being registered.
--- Refer to Exhibit No. 1 ---
3. Voting Trust Agreements: No Disclosure Necessary
4. Material Contracts:
a. Stan Bharti Management Contract, dated 7/11/2002 *
b. Mark Brennan Management Contract, dated 7/11/2002 *
c. Gerald McCarvill Management Contract, dated 7/11/2002 *
d. Kurt Menchen Management Contract, dated 2/13/2003 *
e. William Pearson Management Contract, dated 7/11/2003 *
f. Stephen Woodhead Management Contract, dated 4/28/2003 *
5. Foreign Patents: No Disclosure Necessary
6. Earnings Per Share Calculation: No Disclosure Necessary
7. Ratio of Earnings To Fixed Charges: No Disclosure Necessary
8. List of Subsidiaries: *
9. Statement Regarding Date of Financial Statements: No Disclosure Necessary
10. Notice Required by Rul3e 104 of Regulation BTR: No Disclosure Necessary
11. Code of Ethics as required by ITEM No. 16: No Disclosure Necessary
12: The certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).......68
13. The certifications required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and
Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code 70
14. Additional Exhibits:
a. Annual Information Form for Fiscal 2002, dated 1/3/2003 *
b. Notice/Information Circular/Proxy for AGM held 2/12/2003 *
c. 2002 Stock Option Plan *
*Incorporated by reference to Form 20-F filed with the SEC on October 24, 2003
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DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002
August 31, 2001
August 31, 2000
D E V I S S E R G R A Y
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
401 - 905 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6C 1L6
Tel: (604) 687-5447
Fax: (604) 687-6737
AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Directors of Desert Sun Mining Corp.,
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Desert Sun Mining Corp. as at August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and the consolidated statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended August 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Canada and the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as at August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended August 31, 2002 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. As required by the Company Act (British Columbia), we report that, in our opinion, these principles have been applied on a basis consistent with that of the previous year.
“De Visser Gray”
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Vancouver, British Columbia
November 19, 2002
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Stated in Canadian dollars)
August 31, | ||||||
2002 $ | 2001 $ | 2000 $ | ||||
A S S E T S | ||||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,735,139 | - | 9,164 | |||
Accounts receivable | 6,652 | 2,172 | 2,809 | |||
Prepaid expense | 34,661 | 130 | - | |||
1,776,452 | 2,302 | 11,973 | ||||
Capital assets | - | 6,396 | 7,995 | |||
Mineral rights on unproven properties (note 3) | 35,836 | 23,249 | 10,685 | |||
1,812,288 | 31,947 | 30,653 | ||||
L I A B I L I T I E S | ||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||
Bank indebtedness | - | 7 | - | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 15,970 | 115,289 | 89,058 | |||
Due to related parties (note 4) | - | 62,102 | 56,837 | |||
15,970 | 177,398 | 145,895 | ||||
S H A R E H O L D E R S’ E Q U I T Y (D E F I C I E N C Y) | ||||||
Share capital (note 5) | 7,132,582 | 6,937,867 | 6,693,257 | |||
Special warrants | 1,872,475 | - | 236,250 | |||
Deficit | (7,208,739) | (7,083,318) | (7,044,749) | |||
Nature of operations (note 1) | 1,796,318 | (145,451) | (115,242) | |||
1,812,288 | 31,947 | 30,653 |
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors: | ||
Director | Director |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Years Ended August 31, | ||||||
2002 $ | 2001 $ | 2000 $ | ||||
Revenues | - | - | - | |||
Expenses | ||||||
Amortization | 959 | 1,599 | 1,999 | |||
Administrative services and consulting | 26,735 | - | - | |||
Bank charges and interest | 3,247 | 913 | 1,004 | |||
Foreign exchange | (1,095) | (23) | 99 | |||
Investor relations and shareholders information | 2,117 | - | 18 | |||
Management fees | 33,000 | 18,000 | 15,000 | |||
Office and miscellaneous | 22,122 | 10,019 | 16,001 | |||
Professional fees | 28,307 | 17,312 | 45,211 | |||
Transfer agent and listing fees | 15,440 | 18,288 | 5,895 | |||
Travel and promotion | 68,516 | 586 | - | |||
Interest income | (2,414) | (107) | (3,465) | |||
Mineral rights on unproven properties written-off | 23,249 | - | - | |||
Capital assets written-off | 5,437 | - | - | |||
Forgiveness of debts (notes 4 and 7) | (100,199) | (28,018) | (12,940) | |||
Loss for the year | (125,421) | (38,569) | (68,822) | |||
Deficit - beginning of year | (7,083,318) | (7,044,749) | (6,975,927) | |||
Deficit - end of year | (7,208,739) | (7,083,318) | (7,044,749) | |||
Loss per share (note 2) | $ (0.01) | $ (0.00) | $ (0.01) | |||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 15,780,313 | 13,801,166 | 13,002,646 |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
Years Ended August 31, | ||||||
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
Cash Provided By (Used In): | $ | $ | $ | |||
Operating Activities | ||||||
Loss for the year | (125,421) | (38,569) | (68,822) | |||
Items not affecting cash: | ||||||
Forgiveness of debt (note 7) | (100,199) | (28,018) | (12,940) | |||
Amortization | 959 | 1,599 | 1,999 | |||
Mineral rights on unproven properties written-off | 23,249 | - | - | |||
Capital assets written-off | 5,437 | - | - | |||
(195,975) | (64,988) | (79,763) | ||||
Net changes in non-cash working capital items | (100,233) | 60,021 | (141,618) | |||
(296,208) | (4,967) | (221,381) | ||||
Investing Activities | ||||||
Deferred costs | (35,836) | (4,204) | (10,685) | |||
Financing Activities | ||||||
Issuance of special warrants, net of issue costs | 1,872,475 | - | 236,250 | |||
Issue of share capital | 194,715 | - | - | |||
2,067,190 | - | 236,250 | ||||
Net cash provided (used) during the year | 1,735,146 | (9,171) | 4,184 | |||
Cash (bank indebtedness) - beginning of year | (7) | 9,164 | 4,980 | |||
Cash (bank indebtedness) - end of year | 1,735,139 | (7) | 9,164 | |||
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: | ||||||
Shares issued for unproven mineral rights | - | 8,360 | - | |||
Shares issued for special warrants | - | 236,250 | - |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company is incorporated in British Columbia and is involved in the acquisition and exploration of mineral rights that are considered potential sites of economic mineralization. At the date of these financial statements, the Company has not been able to identify a known body of commercial grade ore on any of its mineral rights and the ability of the Company to realize the costs it has incurred to date on these mineral rights is dependent upon the Company being able to identify a commercial ore body, to finance its exploration and development costs, and to resolve any environmental, regulatory, or other constraints which may hinder the successful development of these mineral rights. These activities are conducted primarily in Mexico and Argentina.
In order to meet future expenditures and cover administrative costs, the Company will need to raise additional financing. Although the Company has been successful in raising funds to date, there can be no assurance that additional funding will be available in the future.
These financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will be able to continue to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. In the event the Company is not able to obtain adequate funding, there is uncertainty as to whether the Company will be able to maintain or complete the acquisition of its mineral rights. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect the adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities that would be necessary if the Company is unable to achieve profitable mining operations or obtain adequate financing.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Canada. As described in note 8, these principles differ in certain respects from principles and practices generally accepted in the United States.
Mineral Rights on Unproven Properties
Mineral right acquisition costs and related direct exploration costs incurred to acquire mineral rights on unproven properties are deferred until the relevant properties subject to the rights are placed into production, sold or abandoned. These deferred costs will be amortized on the unit-of-production basis over the estimated useful life of the mineral rights following the commencement of production, or written-off if the mineral rights are sold, allowed to lapse or abandoned.
Cost includes any cash consideration and advance royalties paid, and the fair market value of shares issued, if any, on the acquisition of mineral rights. Mineral rights acquired under option agreements, whereby payments are made at the sole discretion of the Company, are recorded in the accounts when the payments are made. The recorded amounts on unproven mineral right properties, including acquisition costs and their related deferred exploration costs, represent actual expenditures incurred and are not intended to reflect present or future values.
The Company reviews capitalized costs on a periodic, or annual, basis and will recognize an impairment in value based upon current exploration results and upon management’s assessment of the future probability of profitable revenues from the properties subject to the mineral rights or from their sale. Management’s assessment of the mineral rights estimated current fair market value may also be based upon a review of other transactions that have occurred in the same geographic area as that of the mineral rights under review.
Administration and management fees earned, which range from 5 to 10% of the allowable expenditures associated with exploration on certain mineral rights, are offset against the historical costs deferred on those properties. Administrative costs are expensed as incurred.
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Capital Assets
Capital assets are recorded at cost and amortized over their estimated useful economic lives using the declining balance method at annual rates of 20% for office furniture and equipment, 30% for computer equipment and 100% for computer software. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.
Translation of Foreign Currency
The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of all of the Company’s operations which are classified as integrated for foreign currency translation purposes. Under this method translation gains or losses are included in the determination of net income or loss.
Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s integrated foreign operations are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates unless such items are carried at market, in which case they are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses, except depreciation which is translated at historical rates, are translated at the average exchange rates for the period.
Financial Instruments and Financial Risk
The Company’s financial instruments consist of current assets and current liabilities, the fair values of which approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Share Capital
Common shares issued for non-monetary consideration are recorded at their fair market value based upon the lower of the trading price of the Company’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on the date of the agreement to issue the shares and the date of share issuance.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company follows the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options granted to directors and employees. Under this method, no compensation expense is recorded when stock options are granted to directors and employees if the exercise price of the stock options granted are above the current market value of the underlying shares. Any consideration paid by directors and employees on the exercise of stock options is credited to share capital. The accounting for stock-based compensation to directors and employees as a compensation expense using the fair value method, is disclosed as pro-forma information.
The Company records stock options granted to consultants using the fair value method and records the expense in the period the options are vested.
The adoption of the accounting policy for stock-based compensation is to be applied to all stock options granted subsequent to January 1, 2002. The company has not granted any stock options subsequent to January1, 2002.
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued)
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for future tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be settled. When the future realization of income tax assets does not meet the test of being more likely than not to occur, a valuation allowance in the amount of the potential future benefit is taken and no net asset is recognized. Such an allowance applies fully to all potential income tax assets of the Company.
Loss per Share
Loss per share is calculated using the weight-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Fully-diluted loss per share is not disclosed as it is anti-dilutive.
Environmental Expenditures
The operations of the Company may in the future be affected by changes in environmental regulations, including those for future removal and site restoration costs. Both the likelihood of new regulations and their overall effect upon the Company vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.
Environmental expenditures that relate to ongoing environmental and reclamation programs are charged against earnings as incurred or capitalized and amortized depending on their future economic benefits. To date, the Company has incurred no environmental expenditures relating to the exploration of mineral rights.
3.
MINERAL RIGHTS ON UNPROVEN PROPERTIES
Net additions and Balance August 31, 2000 | Net Additions (write-offs) | Balance August 31, 2001 | Net Additions (write-offs) | Balance August 31, 2002 | |||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||
Tabutama Borate Project |
| ||||||||
Acquisition | 10,685 | 12,420 | 23,105 | (23,105) | - | ||||
Camp, accommodation and travel | - | 144 | 144 | (144) | - | ||||
10,685 | 12,564 | 23,249 | (23,249) | - | |||||
Jacobina Mine | |||||||||
Acquisition | - | - | - | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||
Camp, accommodation and travel | - | - | - | 1,677 | 1,677 | ||||
Geological and geophysical | - | - | - | 9,000 | 9,000 | ||||
Office and administration | - | - | - | 159 | 159 | ||||
- | - | - | 35,836 | 35,836 | |||||
10,685 | 12,564 | 23,249 | 12,587 | 35,836 | |||||
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
3.
MINERAL RIGHTS ON UNPROVEN PROPERTIES(continued)
JACOBINA MINE
Bahia State
Brazil
The Company entered into an option agreement dated May 17, 2002, to acquire a 51% interest in the Jacobina Mine and related mineral concessions by agreeing to spend U.S. $2,000,000 on the concessions prior to December 31, 2004. The Company may withdraw from the option agreement at any time without penalty and may retain a proportionate interest in the concessions if the Company has spent in excess of $500,000 on them.
On September 20, 2002, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”), whereby the Company can acquire the remaining 49% interest of the mine by paying $100,000 upon execution of a formal agreement and a further $5,000,000 in cash within 90 days of earning the initial 51% interest, of which up to $2,500,000 can be in the equivalent value of shares in the Company.
TUBUTAMA BORATE PROJECT
Sonora
Mexico
The Company had entered into an option agreement on May 30, 2000 to acquire up to an 80% interest in this project by making cash payments of US$50,000 (US$5,000 paid), pay costs relating to the project up to a maximum of US$5,000 (US$4,187 paid), issue 120,000 shares (44,000 issued) and incur $250,000 in exploration expenditures to earn a 60% interest. The Company could earn a further 20% interest by preparing a positive feasibility report on the project.
The Company terminated its interest in the agreement during the year ended August 31, 2002.
4.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All transactions with related parties have occurred in the normal course of operations and are measured at their fair value as determined by management. The year end balances referred to above are non-interest bearing, unsecured, and receivable or payable on demand and have arisen from the provision of services and expense reimbursements.
Year ended August 31, | |||||
2002 $ | 2001 $ | 2000 $ | |||
Balance owing amount to related parties | - | 62,102 | 56,837 | ||
Paid to related parties | |||||
Management fees (former director) | - | 18,000 | - | ||
Expense reimbursements | 11,399 | - | - | ||
Expense reimbursements (former director) | 11,627 | - | - | ||
Management fees current and directors bonuses | 81,068 | - | - |
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
5.
SHARE CAPITAL
a)
Authorized - unlimited number of common shares without par value.
b)
Issued
Number of Shares 6,693,257 | Amount $ | ||
Issued at August 31, 1999 | 13,013,474 | 6,693,257 | |
Shares held in escrow cancelled | (21,656) | - | |
Issued at August 31, 2000 | 12,991,818 | 6,693,257 | |
Mineral right acquisition | 44,000 | 8,360 | |
Special warrants | 2,500,000 | (1) 236,250 | |
Issued at August 31, 2001 | 15,535,818 | 6,937,867 | |
Private placements | 500,000 | 100,000 | |
Exercise of stock options | 789,290 | 94,715 | |
Issued at August 31, 2002 | 16,825,108 | 7,132,582 | |
(1) net of issue costs of $26,250 |
c)
Stock Options
Under the Company’s Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Company may grant to directors, officers, employees and consultants options to purchase up to 4,000,000 common shares of the Company of which up to 5% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares (on a non-diluted basis) in any 12 month periods may be reserved for issuance to any one individual. Options granted under the Plan have a five-year term and are priced at the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on the day immediately prior to the date of granting. These options vest at varying dates.
Summary of stock option activity:
August 31, 2000 | August 31, 2001 | ||||||
Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||
$ | $ | ||||||
Opening balance - beginning of period | 1,063,900 | 0.23 | 1,063,900 | 0.23 | |||
Granted | - | - | 1,553,580 | 0.12 | |||
Cancelled or expired | - | - | (1,063,900) | 0.23 | |||
Options outstanding - end of period | 1,063,900 | 0.23 | 1,553,580 | 0.12 | |||
August 31, 2002 | |||||||
Opening balance - beginning of period | 1,553,580 | 0.12 | |||||
Granted | 1,695,000 | 0.34 | |||||
Exercised | (789,290) | 0.12 | |||||
Cancelled or expired | (650,000) | 0.12 | |||||
Options outstanding - end of period | 1,809,290 | 0.33 |
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
5.
SHARE CAPITAL(continued)
c)
Stock Options(continued)
Exercise Price | Number Outstanding | Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | ||
$ | ||||
0.12 | 114,290 | 3.79 | ||
0.28 | 650,000 | 4.75 | ||
0.38 | 1,045,000 | 4.92 | ||
1,809,290 |
d)
Share Purchase Warrants
The company had 2,500,000 share purchase warrants outstanding, exercisable at a price of $0.14 per share expiring on May 5, 2002.
6.
INCOME TAXES
The Company has income tax losses carried-forward of approximately $4.0 million which are available to reduce future taxable income prior to August 31, 2009, and also has resource deductions available in the amount of approximately $313,000. The potential future tax benefits of these losses and expenditures have not been recognized in the accounts of the Company as their future utilization cannot be considered likely.
7.
CONTINGENCY
At August 31, 2002, the Company wrote off an aggregate of $55,022 (2001 - $28,018) in accounts payable, representing old liabilities from prior businesses for which no claims are being made. The Company has no assurances that claims will not be made in the future for these amounts. If settlements are made for these amounts in the future, they will be recorded at that time.
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
8.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP)
Under Canadian GAAP applicable to junior mining exploration companies, mineral exploration expenditures may be deferred on prospective mineral rights until such time as it is determined that further exploration is not warranted, at which time the mineral right costs are written-off. Under U.S. GAAP, all exploration expenditures must be expensed until an independent feasibility study has determined that the mineral rights are capable of economic commercial production. The following items (a) to (e) provide a summary of the impact of U.S. accounting standards for mineral right costs on these financial statements.
August 31, | ||||||
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
a) Assets | $ | $ | $ | |||
Mineral rights - Canadian GAAP | 35,836 | 23,249 | 10,865 | |||
Less: exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP | (35,836) | (23,249) | (10,865) | |||
Mineral rights - U.S. GAAP | - | - | - | |||
b) Operations | ||||||
Net loss - Canadian GAAP | (125,421) | (38,569) | (68,822) | |||
Exploration costs expensed under U.S. GAAP | (35,836) | (12,564) | (10,685) | |||
Exploration costs written-off under Canadian GAAP | 23,249 | - - | - - | |||
Net loss under U.S. GAAP | (138,008) | (51,133) | (79,507) |
c) Deficit | ||||||
Closing deficit under Canadian GAAP | (7,208,739) | (7,083,318) | (7,044,749) | |||
Adjustment to deficit for exploration expenditures deferred under Canadian GAAP | (12,587) | (12,564) | (10,685) | |||
Closing deficit under U.S. GAAP | (7,221,326) | (7,095,882) | (7,055,434) | |||
d) Cash Flows - Operating Activities | ||||||
Cash from (applied to) operations under Canadian GAAP | (296,208) | (4,967) | (221,381) | |||
Add: net loss following Canadian GAAP | 125,421 | 38,569 | 68,822 | |||
Less: net loss following U.S. GAAP | (138,008) | (51,133) | (79,507) | |||
Add: non-cash mineral right expenditures expensed under U.S. GAAP | - | 8,360 | - | |||
Net cash used in operating activities under U.S. GAAP | (308,795) | (9,171) | (232,066) | |||
e) Cash Flows - Investing Activities | ||||||
Cash applied to investing activities under Canadian GAAP | (35,836) | (4,204) | (10,685) | |||
Adjustment for net mineral right expenditures expensed under U.S. GAAP | 35,836 | 4,204 | 10,685 | |||
Net cash investing activities under U.S. GAAP | - | - | - |
DESERT SUN MINING CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Stated in Canadian Dollars)
August 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
8.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP)(continued)
a)
Loss per Share
Under Canadian GAAP, shares held in escrow are included in the calculation of loss per share. Under U.S. GAAP, shares held in escrow and which are contingently issuable are excluded from the weighted-average number of shares outstanding until such shares are released for trading.
Additionally, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128: Earnings per Share (“SFAS 128”) replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share (“EPS”) with a presentation of both basic and diluted EPS for all entities with complex capital structures including a reconciliation of each numerator and denominator. Basic EPS excludes dilutive securities and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding in the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were converted into common stock is computed similarly to fully-diluted EPS pursuant to previous accounting pronouncements. SFAS 128 applies equally to loss per share presentations.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted loss per share calculations:
August 31, | |||||
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||
$ | $ | $ | |||
Numerator: Net loss for the period under U.S. GAAP (note 9b) | (138,008) | (51,133) | (79,507) | ||
Denominator: Weighted-average number of shares under Canadian GAAP | 15,780,313 | 13,801,166 | 13,002,648 | ||
Adjustment required under U.S GAAP | (546,238) | (546,238) | (546,238) | ||
Weighted-average number of shares under U.S. GAAP | 15,234,075 | 13,254,928 | 12,456,410 | ||
Basic and diluted loss per share under U.S. GAAP | (0.01) | (0.00) | (0.01) |
9.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Geographic segmentation of the Company’s assets are as follows:
August 31, | ||||||
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||
Canada | 1,776,452 | 8,698 | 19,968 | |||
Mexico | - | 23,249 | 10,685 | |||
Brazil | 35,836 | - | - | |||
1,812,288 | 31,947 | 30,653 |
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SIGNATURE PAGE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12g of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Desert Sun Mining Corp. -- SEC File No. 000-29619
Registrant
Dated:February 13, 2004 By/s/ Stan Bharti____________________
Stan Bharti, President/CEO/Director
Dated:February 13, 2004 By/s/ Stephen Woodhead_______________
Stephen Woodhead, CFO