OMB APPROVAL OMB Number: Expires: 3235-0063 April 30, 2012 |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended:December 31, 2009
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________________________ to_____________________________
Commission file number:0-49942
STRATECO RESOURCES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
QUÉBEC, CANADA | N/A |
State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organisation | Identification No.) |
1
225 GAY-LUSSAC, BOUCHERVILLE, QUÉBEC, CANADA, J4B 7K1
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(450) 641-0775
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered |
________________________ | Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada (RSC) |
(Title of class) | Frankfurt in Germany:(RF9) |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes[ ] No[ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes[ ] No[ ]
Note– Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange.
2
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days
[X]Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web
site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit and post such files).
[X] No [ ]Yes
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.[ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [X] | |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company [ ] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
[ ] Yes [X] No
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference
to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the
last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second financial quarter as of June 30, 2009, the
common share was last sold at the price of CAN$0.92 per share for and aggregate market value with 119,266,462 common
shares outstanding of CAN$109,725,117.
APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
[ ]Yes [ ] No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
3
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest
practicable date.
As of March 10, 2010, 122,695,906 common shares were outstanding
4
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1) Part
Item 8: Financial Statements of an exploration stage company
The Company, an exploration stage company, incorporates for reference to the present document the Strateco Resources Inc. audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 that include the report of U.S. GAAP reconciliation atNote 23. These financial statements follow the signature page of the present document.
INDEX:
5
PART I
Item 1. Business
All amounts mentioned in this following section are in Canadian dollars.
The Company was incorporated under theCanada Business Corporations Actby articles of incorporation dated April 13, 2000.
The Company is primarily engaged in the exploration of mining properties with a view to commercial production. It does not currently have any mines in production. The Company has a portfolio of five wholly-owned mining properties, as well as an interest in or options on three mining properties in Quebec, Canada. These properties comprise 1,068 claims for a total area of 56,747 hectares (567 km2). The Company’s activities are focused on the development of the MATOUSH PROJECT, which consists of four uranium properties.
Recovery of the cost of mining assets is subject to the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the Company's ability to obtain the financing required to pursue exploration and development of its properties, and profitable future production or the proceeds from the sale of its properties. The Company must periodically obtain new funds in order to pursue its activities. While it has always succeeded in doing so to date, there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so in the future.
The Company is involved in exploration of uranium and to its cognizance; there exists no competition between companies involved in that kind of exploration. The main business of the Company is to discover by exploration as much as possible of resources of uranium to eventually become a producer of uranium and to sell this uranium at the market value. Most of the companies cooperate with each other, exchange or trade equipment, consultant services and knowledge regarding the complex requirements of health and safety standards, permits and governmental authorizations, methods of exploration or production. Since most companies in Canada involved in exploration or production of uranium are public companies all technical information is publicly disclosed as well.
However, in the mining industry in Canada in general, a certain competition may exist when a company needs to retain and to hire geologists and mining technicians which are difficult to find in Québec or in Canada The Company was however able up to now to recruit in Europe and in Québec and to retain qualified personnel and consultants.
Another aspect of competition for the whole mining industry in general is the acquisition of claims and many factors may influence their value. But once the interest in the claims of the property is acquired by the Company or is subject to an agreement, the claims of the property and the adjacent claims as well, are protected by the agreement as an interest area. For the moment the Company holds sufficient mining claims to pursue its objectives.
The Company had initiated voluntarily an Environmental Impact Study for the MATOUSH PROJECT through a specialized firm, Golder Associates in 2007, at approximate costs of $268,000 during the year 2007, that represented less than 1.5% of the Company’s expenses in exploration in the approximate amount of $18.7M.
As of December 31, 2008, the Company has spent a sum of $1,193,640 for environmental impact studies and had paid to a management company the sum of $20,420 for the services on a permanent basis of an environmental manager in the months of November and December 2008 to prepare the environmental requirements in view of the underground exploration program. This total amount of $1,214,060 represented only 5.40% of the Company's expenses in exploration in the amount of $22,317,849.
6
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the Company has spent an approximate amount of $976,000 to obtain environmental permits and licenses, to comply with environmental obligations of different levels of government and to retain though a management company, the services of the environmental manager throughout the year. This approximate amount represents approximately 5.6% of the explorations expenses of the company for that year. Compliance with Environmental Laws at the Federal, provincial and local levels, for as long as the Company remains at the exploration stage for uranium, does not require material capital expenditures for the Company.
The Company has no employees and only a few consultants since it has a Services Agreement with BBH Géo-Management Inc. that provides employees and consultants in management, secretarial, geology, operations, legal affairs, investor relations, technical and environmental matters and professional services as fully disclosed inItem 7 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation -Related-Party Transactions andItem 10-Executive Compensation.”
Financing
On October 1st, 2008, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through common shares with two funds for aggregate gross proceeds of $8,000,001.75. The private placement consists of 4,102,565 flow-through common shares issued at a price of $1.95 per share. The flow-through proceeds have been used by the Company before December 31, 2009 to incur eligible exploration expenses on its MATOUSH PROJECT located in Quebec, Canada and described in details inItem 2. Properties
On December 8, 2009, the Company completed a flow-through private placement of $2.5Million with one insider holding more than 10% of the share capital of the Company, through one fund and one accredited investor that are related, for an aggregate amount of $2.4M and another accredited investor for an amount of $100,000 for a total flow-through financing of $2,500,000. This private placement was made with two (3) subscribers from the Province of Ontario in Canada. The Company issued in this private placement a total of 2,500,000 flow-through common shares at the price of $1.00 per share.
The flow-through proceeds will be used by the Company to incur eligible exploration expenses on its MATOUSH PROJECT including MATOUSH, MATOUSH EXTENSION, ECLAT and PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH properties and also on the MISTASSINI property, all located in Quebec, Canada and described in details inItem 2. Properties.The Company paid an amount of $100,000 as Finder’s fees.
Subscribers of flow through common shares are entitled to tax rebates in Canada and in the Province of Quebec when the holder is a resident of Quebec because the Company renounce to the credits to which it would be entitled in favor of the subscribers. The Company engages itself to spend the flow-through financing amounts on exploration expenses eligible to tax credits on or before December 31, 2010.
All the securities issued pursuant to the placement were subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing.
On January 27, 2010, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement for a total financing of $15 million. The financing was subscribed by Sentient Executive GP III Limited on behalf of two funds from Cayman Islands (“Sentient”), an equity fund that manages natural resource sector investments (“Sentient”).
Pursuant to the private placement, Sentient subscribed for 100,000 units at a price of $0.95 per unit for an amount of $95,000. Each unit consists of one common share (a "share") of the Company and one-half of one warrant. Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share of the Company for $1.00 during a 24-month period following the closing and for $1.05 during the subsequent period of 24 to 36 months after the closing (“warrant”). On closing, the Company issued a total of 100,000 shares and 50,000 warrants in consideration of the subscription price of the units.
Sentient also subscribed for 14,905 convertible notes maturing on February 27, 2015, for an amount of $14,905,000. Each tranche of $1,000 in notes is accompanied by 527 warrants, for a total of 7,844,737 warrants with the same exercise conditions as the warrants included in the units.
Until the maturity date of the notes, Sentient has the option of converting the notes into 1,053 shares per tranche of $1,000 based on a conversion price of $0.95 per share, for a total of 15,689,474 shares.
7
The Company paid Sentient transaction fees equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the private placement. These transaction fees in the amount of $750,000 were paid through the issuance at closing of 789,474 units, being 789,474 shares and 394,737 warrants with the same exercise conditions as the warrants included in the units.
The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the private placement to finance exploration work, primarily for the acquisition of materials and infrastructure for its MATOUSH uranium PROJECT, which comprises THE MATOUSH, MATOUSH EXTENSION, ECLAT AND PACIFIC-BAY MATOUSH PROPERTIES in Quebec’s Otish Mountains in Canada located in Quebec, Canada and described in details inItem 2: Properties.
All the securities issued pursuant to the placement were subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing.
Item 1A: Risk Factors.
Exploration and Mining
The Company is at an exploration stage.Exploration and mining activities are subject to a high level of risk. Few exploration properties reach the production stage. Unusual or unexpected formations, fires, power failures, labour conflicts, floods, rockbursts, subsidence, landslides and the inability to locate the appropriate or adequate manpower, machinery or equipment are all risks associated with mining activities and the execution of exploration programs.
The development of resource properties is subject to many factors, including the cost of mining, variations in the material mined, fluctuations in the commodities and exchange markets, the cost of processing equipment and other factors such as aboriginal claims, government regulations including in particular regulations on royalties, authorized production, importation and exportation of natural resources and environmental protection. Depending on the price of the natural resources produced, the Company may decide not to undertake or continue commercial production. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of ore.
The probability of an individual prospect ever having reserves that meet the requirements of Industry Guide 7 is extremely remote. In all probabilities, the majority of the properties do not contain any reserves and any funds spent on exploration will probably be lost.
Even if the Company completes the current exploration program and it is successful in identifying a mineral deposit, the Company will have to spend substantial funds on further drilling and engineering studies before the Company knows if it has a commercially viable mineral deposit, a reserve.
Environmental and Other Regulations
Current, possible or future environmental legislation, regulations and measures may entail unforeseeable additional costs, capital expenditures, restrictions or delays in the Company's activities. The requirements of the environmental regulations and standards are constantly re-evaluated and may be considerably increased, which could seriously hamper the Company or its ability to develop its properties economically. Before a property can enter into production, the Company must obtain regulatory and environmental approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained or that they will be obtained in a timely manner. The cost related to assessing changes in government regulations may reduce the profitability of the operation or altogether prevent a property from being developed. The Company considers that it is in material compliance with the existing environmental legislation.
Financing and Development
The Company has incurred losses to date and does not presently have the financial resources required to finance all of its planned exploration and development programs. Development of the Company's properties therefore depends on its ability to obtain the additional financing required. There can be no assurance that
8
the Company will succeed in obtaining the required funding. Failure to do so may lead to substantial dilution of its interests (existing or proposed) in its properties. Furthermore, the Company has limited experience in developing a resource property, and its ability to do so depends on the services of experienced people or in the signature of agreements with major resource companies that can produce such expertise.
Commodities Prices
The market for uranium, gold, diamond, base metals or other mineral discovered can be affected by factors beyond the Company's control. Commodities prices have fluctuated widely, particularly in recent years. The impact of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.
Uninsured Risks
The Company could become liable for subsidence, pollution and other risks against which it cannot insure itself or chooses not to insure itself due to the high cost of premiums or for some other reason. Payment of such liabilities could decrease or even eliminate the funds available for exploration and mining activities.
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company did not receive any comments from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during the fiscal year to which the present report relates.
Item 2: Properties. All amounts mentioned in this following section are in Canadian dollars.
The following technical data has been read and revised by Jean-Pierre Lachance, Geo., Executive Vice President of Strateco Resources Inc., and David A. Ross, P.Geo., Senior geologist at Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (Scott Wislon RPA) who are qualified persons as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101).
At December 31, 2009, the Company had a portfolio of five wholly owned mining properties and interests or options on three mining properties in Quebec covering more than 56,747 hectares. Of these eight (8) properties, the Company explores actively for uranium on five (5) of them.
The table below represents the number of claims, the surface area for each property held by the Company as of December 31, 2009, the kind of minerals subject to exploration on this property, the interests of the Company in each property and applicable royalties:
Number of claims | Surface Area in Hectares | Company’s Interest (I) and Options (O) | Percentage | Exploration(1) | Royalties | |
MATOUSH PROJECT | ||||||
Matoush | 25 | 1,328.46 | I | 100% | U3O8 | 2% NSR Yellow Cake(2) |
MatoushExtension | 198 | 10,503.85 | I | 100% | U3O8 | - |
Eclat | 90 | 4,786.90 | I(3) | 100% | U3O8 | 2% NSR(3) |
Pacific-Bay-Matoush | 277 | 14,576.33 | O(4) | 60% | U3O8 | 2% Yellow Cake(4) |
MISTASSINI | 171 | 9,114.47 | O(5) | 60% | U3O8 | 2% Yellow Cake(5) |
APPLE | 194 | 9,928.13 | I | 100% | U3O8 | 2% NSR(6) |
MONT-LAURIERURANIUM | 80 | 4,710.35 | I | 100% | U3O8 | |
QUÉNONISCA | 33 | 1,798.77 | I(7) | 50% | ZN,PB,CU,AG | |
TOTAL | 1,068 | 56,747.26 |
9
(1) | Exploration for uranium: U O and base metals exploration: ZN, PB, CU and AG;3 8 |
| |
(2) | This Royalty will be payable by the Company to Ditem Explorations Inc.; upon production; |
| |
(3) | The Company holds a 100% interest in all minerals other than diamonds in the ECLAT PROPERTY since June 15, 2009. This Royalty will be payable, upon production, in favour of the Vija Ventures Corporation on all minerals other than diamonds and 2% portion in favour of Vija Ventures Corporation of all gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of carbon emission rights tied to the production of uranium from the property; |
| |
(4) | The Company detains an option to acquire a 60% interest in the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY over a period of 4 years ending in 2011. Only Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. its successors and assigns will be responsible to pay this Yellow Cake Royalty to Pierre Angers, upon production; |
| |
(5) | The Company detains an option over a period of 3 years ending in 2011 to acquire an interest of 60% on uranium rights only, on the Mistassini Property. This Royalty will be payable upon production by the parties to the option and joint venture agreement in favour of Northern Superior Resources Inc; |
| |
(6) | This Yellow Cake Royalty will be payable on all minerals, in favour of Virginia Mines Inc., upon production, subject to buyback right of the Company to purchase one percent (1%) NSR against a cash payment of one million dollars (CAN$1,000,000). |
| |
(7) | The Company and SOQUEM, each holds a 50% interest in this property. Upon production, each partner is entitled to its share of the production but if the interest of one party is of 10% or less it must transfer its interest to the other party and will hold thereafter a 1% NSR royalty. |
10
The map inFigure 1belowrepresentsthe regional location of all properties and projects of the Company as of March 2010 in the Province of Québec, Canada:
Following is the order for the Company’s discussion of its eight (8) properties:
SUMMARY OF URANIUM EXPLORATION ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
A. | MATOUSH PROJECT | ||
A.1 | MATOUSH PROPERTY |
MT-34 ZONE
MT-006 ZONE
TECHNICAL REPORTS
SCOPING STUDY
A.2 | MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY | |
A.3 | ECLAT PROPERTY | |
A.4 | PACIFIC-BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY | |
A.5 | PERMITS AND LICENSE |
B. | MISTASSINI PROPERTY | |
C. | APPLE PROPERTY | |
D. | MONT-LAURIER PROPERTY | |
E. | QUÉNONISCA PROPERTY |
11
The Company is mainly involved in exploration work for uranium on properties described in details in subsectionsItem 2: Properties subsections AthroughD, so the Company will present at the outset, a briefSummary ofUranium Exploration analytical proceduresin the following paragraphs and a detailed description of these procedures at the end of thisItem 2-Noteentitled:Detailed Uranium Exploration Analytical procedures.
Item 2: SUMMARY OF URANIUM EXPLORATION ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES:
Summary of Sampling Methods, Quality Assurance and Quality Control
The sampling program at MATOUSH PROJECT, including all aspects of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (“QA/QC”), is supervised by the Company’s Chief Geologist, Jonathan Lafontaine, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”).
Drill core is hydraulically split on-site by dedicated personnel and samples are collected over 30 cm to 3 m intervals based on geology. All reported samples are split with hydraulic splitter. Samples are individually bagged and tagged and shipped as per transportation protocols. Blanks, duplicates, and standards are randomly inserted in the sample shipment within the sample number sequence.
Prior to shipping, sealed sample bags are stored in a locked facility. Samples are shipped via air to Témiscamie float plane base, trucked to Chibougamau and from there sent by courier to the Geo-analytical Laboratories at the Saskatchewan Research Council (“SRC”) in Saskatoon, in the Province of Saskatchewan in Canada. The laboratory is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as an ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory for Mineral Analysis Testing. On arrival at SRC, samples are sorted into lots according to radioactivity level and prepped and analyzed in that order. Samples are dried and jaw crushed to 60% passing -2 mm and 100 g to 200 g sub sample split out using a riffler. The sub-sample is pulverized to 90% passing 106 microns using a ring and puck grinding mill. The mills are cleaned between samples using steel wool and compressed air.
After sample preparation, SRC analyzes for U3O8content by several means. ICP 4-3R (partial digestion) and fluorimetry are used on samples with U3O8less than 100 PPM. ICP 4-3 (total digestion) is employed on samples with normal to high radioactivity, hence for the majority of the samples submitted. Samples with greater than 1,000 PPM U3O8are also subjected to an Aqua Regia digestion before determination of wt% U3O8also by ICP. The Company independently adds one blank sample and one quarter split duplicate each with every 14 samples. Results are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
In addition to chemical analysis, the Company employs a down-hole gamma probe instrument to estimate uranium grades. Prior to probing, the holes are washed to eliminate minor mineralization smearing or radon effects. Probe results, in cps units, are converted toeU3O8(equivalent U3O8) using well established algorithms specifically calibrated to the Matoush deposit. A calibration hole (MT-07-29), for which there are complete chemical analyses, is probed at least once per month to ensure the probe is calibrated accurately and functioning properly. Results are also compared with chemical analysis when received. Discrepancies in results are immediately investigated and corrected.
Analytical results are received and imported into the Company’s data base. Laboratory replicates and laboratory standards are checked. Internal duplicates, blanks and standards are checked. Analytical drift from expected results triggers re-analysis.
Results are also compared with estimated Grade and Thickness (“GT”) values from in-situ down-hole probing, and with counts per second (“CPS”) values logged during initial core logging procedures.
In the following text covering in details exploration works on the Company’s properties, the letter “e” in“eU3O8” represents theestimatedorequivalentvalue ofU3O8 as determined by down-hole calibratedgeophysical probing.
12
Further information on the various technical subjects relating to exploration work for uranium, namely the “eU3O8” and “CPS” nomenclatures, exploration program analysis methods, sampling techniques, quality control for the results obtained by the gamma probe and laboratory chemical analyses is available on the Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.comin section “Investor Relations” subsection “Q/A and Q/C” and inthis annual report at Item 2 Properties-inthe Note: Detailed Uranium exploration analytical procedures.
Item 2 A: MATOUSH PROJECT
The map inFigure 2below represents the Company interests in different properties constituting the MATOUSH PROJECT including MATOUSH PROPERTY, MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY, ECLAT PROPERTY and PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY.
The MATOUSH PROJECT (See subsectionA) is located in the Otish Mountains in northern Quebec, Canada, about 275 kilometres north of Chibougamau, and consists of the wholly-owned MATOUSH PROPERTY (See subsectionA.1), the wholly-owned MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY (See subsectionA.2), the wholly-owned ECLAT PROPERTY (See subsectionA.3) and PACIFIC-BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY in which the Company has an option to earn a 60% interest (See subsectionA.4). The MATOUSH PROJECT currently comprises 590 claims for a total area of 32,195.54 hectares (321 km2).
13
The project is accessible by air, and in winter by the Eastmain winter road, which runs about seven kilometres to the west of the Project. The winter road has been upgraded over a 142-km length to allow access to the camp and transport of equipment and fuel required for 2009. The winter road repair work was carried out as planned. The contract was awarded toEntreprises CARSA Inc. for a second consecutive year. Repair work began in mid-December 2008 and maintenance was ongoing until March 20, 2009. In addition to various materials and a shovel excavator 700,000 litres of fuel and four new 50,000-litre fuel tanks were transported to the site. The four drills belonging to Major Drilling Group International Inc. that were on site were taken away and replaced by two new drills.
The workers and consultants benefit from a 50 persons camp completed in 2007, with all modern commodities.
The technical data in the following text is based on a report entitled:Technical Report on the Mineral Resources Update for the Matoush Uranium Project Central Quebec, Canada, dated September 16, 2008, prepared in accordance withNational Instrument 43-101 respecting standards of disclosure for mineral projects (“NI 43-101”). This data has also been reviewed by the authors of the report, David A. Ross, M. Sc. P. Geo. and R. Barry Cook, P. Eng. of Scott Wilson RPA. The technical data in the following text is also based on a memorandum entitledMatoush Mineral Resource Update, dated September 18, 2009, and reviewed by David A. Ross, M. Sc. P. Geo. of Scott Wilson RPA. The technical data based on recent information has been reviewed by Jean-Pierre Lachance, Executive Vice President of the Company. All three are qualified persons as defined inNI 43-101.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources.This section uses the terms “measured” and “indicated resources”.We advise U.S. investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Resources. This section uses the term “inferred resources”.We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. “Inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of anInferred Mineral Resourcewill ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates ofInferred Mineral Resourcesmay not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable.
In 2008, the Company began a 40,000-metre drilling program on the MATOUSH PROJECT and planned a budget of $22 million in exploration works. The Company carried out an extensive drilling program on its wholly-owned MATOUSH PROPERTY, located in the Otish Mountains, 275 km north of Chibougamau and the Company obtained interesting drill results. The potential and size of the newMT-22 mineralized zone was confirmed, as well as the extension of theAM-15 zone at depth.
In the second quarter of 2008, drilling was primarily focused on the newMT-34 mineralized zone that lies in the depth extension of theAM-15 zone, as well as on theMT-22 mineralized zone.
Third quarter of 2008, exploration work on the MATOUSH PROJECT essentially consisted of drilling and prospecting. A total of 16,837 metres were drilled in 52 holes. Of this total, 15,327 metres (45 holes) were drilled on the MATOUSH PROPERTY and the remaining 1,510 metres (7 holes) on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY.
The Company prospected in the Laurent Martin area, 5.0 km to the east of theAM-15 lens, where a train of boulders including one that returned nearly 60,000 counts per second had been identified during prospection in summer 2007.
In the fourth quarter 2008, drilling continued on the MATOUSH PROJECT in the northern and southern extensions of well defined lenses and also along the Matoush fault with the objective to identify new mineralised lenses.
Twenty three drillings have been completed for a total of 9,517 metres during the fourth quarter 2008. These drillings explored at the North of theMT-22 lens and the south of theMT-34 lens.
14
In 2008, a total of 119 holes were drilled on the MATOUSH PROJECT for a total of 59,603 meters leading tothe delineation of Indicated mineral resources of 3.73M poundsU3O8and Inferred mineral Resources of 13.070 Mpounds U3O8as reported inItem 2: Properties-Technical Reports of Form 10K for the year ended December 31,8.
All exploration drill holes results for the year 2009, longitudinal sections as well as photos of the mineralized intersections can be seen on the company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com.
In 2009, the Company continued to focus its efforts on the exploration and development of its uranium project, the MATOUSH PROJECT, using advanced exploration methods. The Company drilled 75 holes on its various properties for a total of 35,026 metres of drilling, including 34,240 metres on the MATOUSH PROJECT. Most notably, the holes drilled on the MATOUSH PROJECT resulted in the doubling of theindicated mineral resourceto 7.46 million pounds of U3O8at the high grade of 0.78% U3O8.
The true width of the mineralized intersections of the holes drilled in 2009 has not yet been determined.
In order to describe the exploration work in 2009 conducted on its uranium properties in details, the Company must include in this annual report a description of the techniques used and required for exploration work, namely: (i) analytical procedures used in the exploration program; (ii) sampling methods; (iii) quality assurance and control (including information on the use of the letter“e”ineU3O8, which represents theestimatedorequivalentU3O8value determined using a calibrated spectral or gamma probe); (iv) the methodology for the use of the gamma probe; and,finally, (v) a comparison of eU3O8and U3O8 results.
This technical description can be found in theNOTEfollowing theItem 2: Propertiesand in theQA/QCsection under theAbout Stratecotab on the Company’s website, atwww.stratecoinc.com.
In 2009, 68 holes totalling 34,240 metres were drilled on the MATOUSH PROJECT as a whole. Drilling was distributed as follows: 26,144 metres in 44 holes on the MATOUSH PROPERTY; 4,375 metres in 11 holes on the ECLAT property, and 3,721 metres in 13 holes on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH property. No drilling was done on the MATOUSH EXTENSION property. In all, 160,216 metres (378 holes) have been drilled on the MATOUSH PROJECT since exploration began in 2006.
The 2009 drilling program began in early February on the MATOUSH PROJECT, with two drills in operation. One drill was assigned to drilling on the southern extension of the MT-34 zone, about 1 km away from that zone, with the goal of identifying a new lens at a depth of between -400 and - -650 metres. The second drill was first mobilized on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH property to drill 1,500 metres in the Rabbit Ears South area, and was then moved in early March to an area of the ECLAT property 9.5 km south of the MT-34 zone, near Hole EC-08-01, which returned very interesting results in the winter of 2008.
Drilling was temporarily suspended during the spring thaw, from April 27 to May 27. Drilling then resumed, with two drills operating on the properties, as well as one helicopter-borne drill for holes drilled on the MISTASSINI and PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH properties. Besides the exploration holes, five geotechnical holes totalling 526 metres were drilled as part of the preparatory work for the underground exploration program. The 2009 drilling program ended on November 26.
The MATOUSH PROJECT remains the Company’s priority in the pursuit of its objective to become the first Québec Company to advance a uranium exploration project to the underground exploration stage.
Item 2: A1. MATOUSH PROPERTY
The Company owns a 100% interest in this uranium property representing for the moment the main focus of the MATOUSH PROJECT located about 275 km north of Chibougamau, in the Otish Mountains, in Québec, Canada (SeeFigure 1for regional location of the MATOUSH PROPERTY).
15
Location and Access
This property is accessible by air, and in winter by the Eastmain winter road, which runs about seven kilometres to the west of the property.
Mining Claims
The property consists of 25 claims covering an area of 1,328.46 hectares.
A letter of intent dated May 12, 2005 provided for the Company to earn a 51% interest from Ditem Explorations Inc. ("Ditem"), which owned then a 100% interest in the MATOUSH PROPERTY, in consideration of payments totalling $125,000 over two years, including $5,000 on signature of the agreement; $750,000 in exploration work over three years, including $200,000 the first year; and the issuance of 600,000 common shares of the Company over two years. The Beaver Lake Area project, which lied approximately 20 kilometres to the west, was also covered by this initial agreement.
A new letter of intent was signed with Ditem on February 21, 2006, giving the Company a 100% interest in the MATOUSH PROPERTY under the following terms: The Company paid $10,000 at the execution of the letter of intent and within five days following approval of the transaction by regulatory authorities, the Company paid to Ditem $140,000 and issued to Ditem 400,000 common shares. The shares were subject to a resale restriction of four months plus a day. Ditem became entitled upon production to a 2% NSR, as defined by industry standards. The claims in the Beaver Lake area have not been renewed by the Company upon acquisition of this 100% interest in the MATOUSH PROPERTY.
Uranium Potential
The Otish Mountains area is well known for its uranium potential, particularly due to exploration conducted by Uranerz Exploration and Mining (“Uranerz”) and Cogema in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The results of exploration conducted by Uranerz in the early 1980s before uranium prices tumbled, as well as those obtained by the Company in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, indicated that the MATOUSH PROPERTY had a very good potential.
Uranerz only explored a 900-metre section of the Matoush structure, which had been traced over 3,900 metres on this property. The Matoush structure was discovered in the early 1980s by the German company. In 1984, Uranerz drilled 23 holes, including HoleAM-15, which returned a 16-metre intersection at a vertical depth of 200 metres grading 0.95%U3O8 or over 20 pounds of U3O8 per tonne of ore, a very high grade by today’s standards. Due to low uranium prices from 1985 to 2005, the uranium potential of the MATOUSH PROPERTY was not explored any further. Uranerz exploration work results dated from the late 1970s and early 1980s and preceded the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”)
Cautionary Note:A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate by Uranerz as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company does not consider resources or reserves of an historical estimate to be mineral resources or mineral reserves, as these categories are defined in articles 1.2 and 1.3 of the NI 43-101, as amended. The investor or reader should not rely upon this historical estimate.
This exploration work by Uranerz served however as the Company's point of departure for exploration of the MATOUSH PROPERTY.
The holes drilled on the MATOUSH PROPERTY indicated that the uranium mineralization was closely linked to the fuschite and tourmaline alteration on both sides of a gabbros dike in the sediments. The alteration envelope associated with the Matoush structure was symmetrical, with an average thickness of 40 metres. Typically, adjacent to and moving outward from the dike was first a tourmaline zone, then a chlorite-fuschite-muscovite zone and a limonite-hematite zone.
In 2009, the Company carried out surface exploration on 26,144 metres in 44 holes of surface drilling on the property.
16
Given the structural context at MATOUSH PROPERTY, various zones of varying grade and thickness were outlined using a smaller drill grid.
It should be noted that the southern extension of theAM-15zone was tested in the winter of 2006-2007 along theACF unitthat hosts theAM-15resources.
Detailed geological interpretation of theAM-15zone as part of the NI 43-101 resource estimate in September 2007 revealed that theAM-15zone dips about 200to the south and that the mineralization appears to continue in the underlying CBF unit. Drilling carried out on the lake ice showed clearly that theAM-15zone continues at depth toward the south.
The five holes drilled in the less porous, 75-metre thick intermediate CBF unit all intersected the fault zone, with variable thicknesses and grades thataveraged 0.08% eU3O8over 4.2metres. The mineralization extends to the lowerCBFcontact, and the goal was to explore the underlyingACFunit in the extension of theAM-15zone plunge.
The potential of this major mineralized zone was supported by the marked presence of fuschite alteration and the absence of dykes in the three most northern holes (MT-08-001,MT-08-003,MT-07-129), which returned the best intersections. Drilling on theAM-15lens had shown that the best intersections corresponded to the intensity of the fuschite alteration and the absence of dykes.
The drill results resulted in an initial resource estimate for theAM-15zone in September 2007, discovery of a new zone (MT-22) and confirmation of the extension of theAM-15zone at depth. On September 27, 2007, Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (Scott Wilson RPA) completed a NI 43-101 technical report on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, including a resource estimate on theAM-15core zone.
Scott Wilson RPA prepared the initial mineral resource estimate for theAM-15core zone at MATOUSH PROPERTY using drill-hole data available as of September 27, 2007. This technical report concluded that,Indicated mineral resourceswere estimated to total201,000 tonnes grading 0.79%U3O8 containing 3.48million pounds ofU3O8. Inferred mineral resources were estimated to total 65,000 tonnes grading 0.43%U3O8 containing 0.62million pounds.
Results of this resource estimate have been described in details inForm 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 at Item 2 Properties-MATOUSH PROPERTY.
Through geophysical surveys and several drill holes on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, the Company also established the presence of the Matoush fault and sedimentary horizonsACF-3(AM-15zone) andACF-4(MT-22andMT-34zones) on a distance of over 15 km, including a mineralized section located by HoleEC-08-01, 8.5 km south of theAM-15zone. This hole intersected0.15% eU3O8over 2.1metres at a vertical depth of 550 metresin theACF-4. These ACF horizons of coarse sediments represent a favourable context for uranium precipitation.
Two holes drilled in theACF-4(MT-08-019andMT-08-027) proved encouraging, both in terms of geological context and the potential size of the mineralized body and showed a fault offset that is a prime site for uranium precipitation.
During the second quarter of 2008, the drill results confirmed the potential in uranium sought by the Company, especially on theMT-34zone, which lies in theACF-4, as does theMT-22zone.
Extensive surface exploration and airborne VLF geophysics were carried out during the summer 2008 on MATOUSH PROPERTY.
During the third quarter of 2008, the exploration holes drilled in the northern extension of theAM-15zone (600 m to the north) and theMT-22zone (200 m to the north) resulted in the identification of a new fault, the Coonishish fault. This fault lies about 200 m east of the Matoush fault and is sub parallel to it. Two sections spaced at approximately 75 metres were drilled to determine the fault’s strike and dip and assess its uranium potential. The task proved relatively arduous, as the Coonishish fault is cut by other siliceous, clayey faults. From an exploration perspective, the results
17
were compelling, as the genesis model allowed the confirmation of a second system detached from the Matoush fault. The Coonishish fault was intersected in almost all the layers:ACF 1,2and3andCBF 1,2and3. Only one hole has intercepted mineralization to date, with the notable presence of fuschite alteration, which remains a key element for exploration. HoleMT-08-084returned an intersection of0.04%eU3O8over 2.0metres.
Exploration work
MT-22 ZONE
The newMT-22mineralized zone discovered by the Company in 2007 on the MATOUSH PROPERTY lies under theAM-15zone and is parallel to its plunge. TheMT-22lens drilled on a grid of approximately 100 m, lies at a vertical depth of between -300 m and -650 m and over a length of 450 m, between sections 31+50S and 27+00S and remained open to the north over its full height (350 m) (see longitudinal section on the Company’s website:www.stratecoinc.com). Given the known structural context of MATOUSH PROPERTY, several lenses with various grades and thicknesses were expected from drilling on a tighter grid and were also expected to return significant grades at the intersection with the Matoush fault.
In comparison, theAM-15zone is 50 metres high and 300 metres long, contained anestimated resourceof 4.1million pounds of U3O8according to theTechnical Report on the Matoush Uranium Project Central Quebec, CanadaNI 43-101of Scott Wilson RPA dated September 27, 2007.
Between November 2007 and March 2008, more than 25 holes had been drilled on this newMT-22zone. Good results on theMT-22zone were obtained in the two last holes drilled in 2007,MT-07-129andMT-07-130, and were located 80 metres apart at the same depth, -350 metres. HoleMT-07-129, which intersected8.3 metres at 0.24%eU3O8, including 3.7metres at 0.51%eU3O8, was encouraging, particularly as the alterationhalo in this hole isidentical to that of theAM-15zone.
The holes drilled in the first quarter of 2008 on theMT-22zone proved positive, with impressive intersections that confirm the importance of this major new zone. The best intersections included HoleMT-08-003, with2.86%eU3O8 over 5.8 metres including 4.48% eU3O8over 3.4metres and Hole MT-08-013 with 0.52% eU3O8over 7.2metres.
In February 2008 the Company intersected a new high grade section at the North End of theMT-22lens and in March 2008, the Company realised that theMT-22mineralized zone on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, discovered at depth under theAM-15zone, was proving to be major and planned for 50,000 metres of drilling during the year 2008 on this property.
During the second quarter of 2008, drilling on theMT-22mineralized zone, continued on a 50-metre grid in preparation for the next resource estimate. The results for this zone were conclusive. The best results were obtained in holesMT-08-022,028,036and043. HoleMT-08-022intersected0.37% eU3O8 over 18.4m, including 1.16% eU3O8 over 5.3m. Hole MT-08-027, drilled in early April 2008, returned an exceptionally wide mineralized section of 63 metres downhole, representing a true width of about 23 metres. The hole intersected 0.05% eU3O8 over 63.2 metres, including 0.13% eU3O8over 8.0metres showing a strong potential for this sector. Hole MT-08-028 intersected 0.47% eU3O8 over 41.6m, including 2.40% eU3O8 over 7.0m. Hole MT-08-036 intersected 0.41% eU3O8over 7.5m, including 1.25%eU3O8 over 2.0m, and Hole MT-08-043 intersected 2.45% eU3O8 over 10.5 m, including an high-grade section of 2.0 m at 8.97% eU3O8.
The most interesting holes drilled up to the end of the second quarter of 2008 on theMT-22zone are indicated in bold in the following table:
18
Core | ||||||||||
Az. | Angle | From | To | length | % | Max. | ||||
Hole | Collar | (º) | (º) | (m) | (m) | (m) | eU3O8 | cps | lb/tonne | |
East | North | |||||||||
MT-08-001 | 13+46E | 27+00S | 264 | -45 | 707.2 | 709.5 | 2.3 | 0.62 | 20,000 | 13.64 |
MT-08-003 | 12+40E | 26+50S | 273 | -45 | 573.5 | 580.3 | 6.8 | 2.43 | 65,000 | 53.46 |
Including | 576.6 | 580.0 | 3.4 | 4.48 | 98.56 | |||||
MT-08-013 | 12+15E | 27+42S | 264 | -60 | 467.1 | 474.3 | 7.2 | 0.52 | 8,300 | 11.44 |
Including | 469.5 | 471.5 | 2.0 | 1.21 | 26.62 | |||||
MT-08-015 | 12+78E | 26+52S | 276 | -63 | 565.8 | 567.1 | 1.3 | 0.85 | 10,000 | 18.70 |
584.6 | 591.3 | 6.7 | 0.47 | 10.34 | ||||||
MT-08-018 | 12+75E | 26+50S | 262 | -65 | 636.9 | 638.1 | 1.2 | 0.90 | 25,000 | 19.80 |
MT-08-020 | 11+55E | 28+70S | 267 | -64 | 455.3 | 463.6 | 8.30 | 0.31 | 1,900 | 6.82 |
MT-08-022 | 11+70E | 28+05S | 267 | -62 | 450.5 | 468.9 | 18.40 | 0.37 | 14,200 | 8.14 |
Including | 451.9 | 457.2 | 5.30 | 1.16 | 25.52 | |||||
MT-08-028 | 12+15E | 27+40S | 284 | -59 | 409.9 | 451.5 | 41.6 | 0.47 | 56,000 | 10.34 |
Including | 431.2 | 438.2 | 7.0 | 2.40 | 52.80 | |||||
MT-08-035 | 13+12E | 25+46S | 264 | -55 | 520.6 | 523.4 | 2.8 | 0.63 | 12.6 | |
MT-08-036 | 11+72E | 28+07S | 277 | -70 | 556.9 | 564.4 | 7.5 | 0.41 | 8.2 | |
Including | 562.4 | 564.4 | 2.0 | 1.25 | 25.0 | |||||
MT-08-043 | 12+13E | 27+39S | 272 | -61 | 475.0 | 485.0 | 10.5 | 2.45 | 49.0 | |
Including | 481.5 | 483.5 | 2.0 | 8.97 | 179.4 | |||||
MT-08-046 | 12+13E | 27+39S | 280 | -67 | 565.0 | 576.5 | 11.5 | 0.26 | 5.2 | |
Including | 565.0 | 567.6 | 2.6 | 0.81 | 16.2 | |||||
MT-07-022 | 13+25E | 31+50S | 273 | -53 | 769.3 | 769.9 | 0.6 | 1.18* | 8,600 | 25.96 |
830.8 | 832.2 | 1.4 | 0.31* | 6.83 | ||||||
MT-07-101 | 12+40E | 30+60S | 275 | -48 | 524.1 | 526.6 | 2.5 | 0.25 | 5,900 | 5.50 |
MT-07-116 | 14+81E | 28+96S | 275 | -49 | 797.6 | 798.9 | 1.3 | 0.72 | 32,000 | 15.84 |
MT-07-120 | 15+64E | 28+03S | 275 | -45 | 840.2 | 840.8 | 0.6 | 0.36 | 5,000 | 7.92 |
MT-07-126 | 13+94E | 30+80S | 275 | -45 | 753.5 | 760.8 | 7.3 | 0.10 | 5,800 | 2.20 |
MT-07-129 | 11+93E | 28+65S | 269 | -47 | 491.6 | 499.9 | 8.3 | 0.24 | 6,400 | 5.28 |
Including | 496.2 | 499.9 | 3.7 | 0.51 | 11.22 | |||||
MT-07-130 | 11+93E | 28+65S | 280 | -47 | 499.3 | 504.3 | 5.0 | 0.11 | 1,020 | 2.42 |
Including | 499.3 | 501.0 | 1.7 | 0.24 | 5.28 |
* Grades determined by chemical analysis
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
These equivalent uranium values were generated by the Gamma probe.
During the third quarter of 2008, five holes (3,096 metres) were drilled for the definition of theMT-22zone on the MATOUSH PROPERTY. Two holes (MT-08-061and064) were drilled in theMT-22zone to provide geological information within the mineral resource envelope. The three other holes (MT-08-077,079and080) were drilled within the envelope in the northern extension of theMT-22zone between the -400 m and -450 m levels. The holeMT-08-077 intersected0.80% eU3O8 over 7.0m, including 2.07% eU3O8 over 2.2m.
19
The holes in the northern part were drilled from 500 metres to 1 km from theMT-22zone, between sections 18+00S and 22+00S, from near surface to -425 metres. These holes failed to intersect any new zones. However, three of the four holes drilled on section 20+00S intercepted very strong fuschite alteration, which represented a favourable environment for the deposition of uranium mineralization. The best result was obtained in HoleMT-08-098, which returned a grade of0.06%eU3O8over 2.8metres in theACF 3.
These results were not part of the resource estimate of September 2008 since the cut-off date of this technical Report was July 25, 2008 (SeeItem 2:sub-sectionA-1,entitled:TECHNICAL REPORTS).
All the results ofMT-22zone can be viewed on the longitudinal section on the Company’s website, atwww.stratecoinc.com.
MT-34 ZONE
During the winter of 2006-2007, theSouthern Extensionof theAM-15zone was drilled along theACFhorizon hosting theAM-15estimated resources.
Detailed geological interpretation of theAM-15zone revealed that the zone dipped about 200to the south, and that the mineralization appeared to continue in the underlyingCBFunit. Drilling to be carried out on the lake ice began at the end of January 2008. The holes drilled show clearly that theAM-15zone continues at depth toward the south. The goal was then to explore the underlyingACFlayer, the same unit that hosted theMT-22zone to the north.
In 2008, the Company explored and outlined theSouthern Extensionof theAM-15zone at depth. This new zone had returned impressive core lengths with lower U3O88 grades than theAM-15andMT-22zones. However, it should be noted that exploration of this area had just begun, and based on theMT-22zone model, there were likely high-grade zone in theACFat depths of between - -300 and -650 metres.
Five holes were drilled in theCBFunit, and intersected values similar to those seen in the sameCBFunit above theMT-22zone.
This drilling on theSouthern ExtensionofAM-15led to the discovery of a new mineralized zone, theMT-34lens, on the Company’s MATOUSH PROPERTY at the end of April 2008.
Drilled in this new area at the end of the first quarter of 2008, holesMT-08-019andMT-08-027(see table above) revealed a major displacement of the Matoush fault between the two holes. HoleMT-08-034was planned on the basis of this observation.
The understanding of the geology and mineralization obtained from three years of work led to the discovery of this new, high-grade uranium zone and could likely result in the discovery of other mineralized zones. In fact, work by the Company has shown that the high-grade areas of theAM-15andMT-22uranium zones are associated with horizontal displacement of the Matoush fault.
The new zone, namedMT-34, was intersected by HoleMT-08-034at a vertical depth of 370 metres, south of theAM-15andMT-22zones. The HoleMT-08-034was the most interesting hole drilled by the Company at that time on the MATOUSH PROPERTY (the location of HoleMT-08-034can be seen atwww.stratecoinc.com).
HoleMT-08-034had intersected mineralization over a54.4 -metresection of drill core and gradedan average of0.69%eU3O8, including a 28.0 -metre section grading at an average of 1.32% eU3O8 (29 lbs/tonne) and a 4.80 -metre section with a grade of 6.13% eU3O8 (135 lbs/tonne). The true width of the mineralized sections had not yetbeen determined. The equivalent uranium values were generated by the Gamma probe.
Following HoleMT-08-034, 11 other holes were drilled in theMT-34area to test the extensions of this new mineralized zone. The results were conclusive, showing a high-grade core within theMT-34zone. HoleMT-08-047intersected a10.0 -metre mineralized zone grading an average of 2.24%eU3O8, including a 3.0 -metre sectiongrading 3.20%eU3O8 at a vertical depth of 454 metres, about 70 metres south of hole MT-08-034.
20
The most interesting hole drilled on theMT-34 zonewere: HoleMT-08-047, at a vertical depth of 454 metres about 70 metres south ofMT-08-034, which intersected a10.0 -metremineralized section grading an average of2.24%eU3O8, including 3.0metres with a grade of 3.20% eU3O8.
Two other holes drilled between holesMT-08-034andMT-08-047on a40-metre gridin preparation for the next resource estimate confirmed the potential of this new zone.Hole MT-08-050intersected the mineralized zoneover 21.6 metres averaging 0.44% eU3O8, including1.8metres grading 1.88%eU3O8,while holeMT-08-053intersected an11.4 -metremineralized sectionaveraging 2.02%eU3O8, including 5.2m grading 4.38% eU3O8.
The most interesting results for holes drilled on theMT-34zone are indicated in bold in the following table:
Hole | Collar | Az. (º) | Angle (º) | From (m) | To (m) | Core Length (m) | % eU3O8 | lb/tonne | |
East | North | ||||||||
MT-08-034 | 9+86E | 33+48S | 268 | -67 | 383.5 | 437.9 | 54.4 | 0.69 | 13.8 |
Including | 383.3 | 411.3 | 28.0 | 1.32 | 26.4 | ||||
Including | 397.8 | 402.6 | 4.8 | 6.13 | 122.6 | ||||
MT-08-037 | 10+55E | 32+08S | 262 | -61 | 380.2 | 399.3 | 19.1 | 0.10 | 2.0 |
Including | 396.2 | 399.3 | 3.1 | 0.22 | 4.4 | ||||
MT-08-041 | 11+48E | 34+75S | 277 | -51 | 557.8 | 564.8 | 7.0 | 0.13 | 2.6 |
MT-08-047 | 12+42E | 32+97S | 259 | -46 | 616.3 | 626.3 | 10.0 | 2.24 | 44.8 |
Including | 619.3 | 622.3 | 3.0 | 3.20 | 64.0 |
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
The equivalent uranium values were generated by the Gamma probe.
HolesMT-08-062andMT-08-068, drilled to an approximate depth of -450 m about 190 m north of the heart of theMT-34zone, returned interesting results, with respective intersections of1.86% eU3O8over 3.1m (including 2.3% eU3O8over 2.3m)and0.05%eU3O8over 1.39m. In the depth extension, holeMT-08-058(-530 m) returned a notable intersection of0.03%eU3O8 over 19.3m, including 0.13% U3O8 over 1.6m. HoleMT-08-069(-580 m) returned0.19%eU3O8 over 1.0m. (The hole pierce points and results can be seen on longitudinal section on the Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com).
HoleMT-08-105intersected0.06%eU3O8 over 3.5metresand HoleMT-08-107intersected0.02%eU3O8 over 7.1 metres,including 0.10% eU3O8over0.9metres.
Finally, six holes were drilled in theMT-34zone extensions, particularly the southern extension. The best hole wasMT-08-083, which returned 0.16%eU3O8 over 7.7metres, including 0.37% eU3O8 over 1.2metres. Drilling ended on December 5, 2008.
With the exception of HoleMT-08-062, these holes were not part of the resource estimate as of July 25, 2008 (See followingItem 2 A.1, sub-section entitled:TECHNICAL REPORTS).
As of April, 2009, the 30,000-metre exploration drilling program which started in February 2009 had already resulted in the discovery of two new mineralized zones on the Company’s MATOUSH PROJECT.
HoleMT-006, drilled in April 2009, is located on section 46+00S, 1.0 km south of theMT-34core zone. The new mineralized zone was intersected by HoleMT-09-006, which returned an 8.9 -metre intersection grading 0.21% eU3O8, including 1.1 metres at 0.96% eU3O8. This intersection is strongly altered in fuschite with the presence of pitchblende and uranophanes, and is similar in size, grade and alteration to intersections near theMT-34andMT-22core zones.
21
Hole | Collar | Az. | Angle (º) | From (m) | To | Vertical | Length | eU3O8 | |
East | North | (º) | (m) | Depth (m) | (m)* | (%) | |||
MT-09-006 | 11+01E | 43+92S | 249 | -64 | 601.0 | 609.9 | 555 | 8.9 | 0.21 |
Including | 603.0 | 604.1 | 1.1 | 0.96 |
*Core length
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
The equivalent uranium grades are obtained using a spectral probe.
As of the end of May 2009, the Company resumed exploration drilling campaign that had been halted temporarily at the end of April 2009 for the spring break-up. This campaign was part of the 30,000-metre exploration drilling program which started in February 2009, on the Company’s wholly-owned MATOUSH PROPERTY.
MT-006 ZONE
Drilling continued with one of two drills, in HoleMT-09-011which was interrupted at a depth of 180 metres and is located on the newMT-006zone discovered in April 2009. TheMT-006zone is located on section 46+00S, 1.0 km south of theMT-34core zone. HoleMT-09-006returned an8.9 -metre intersection grading 0.21%eU3O8including1.1 metres at 0.96% eU3O8. Thisintersection is strongly altered in fuschite with the presence of pitchblende anduranophanes and is similar in size, grade and alteration to intersections near theMT-34andMT-22core zones.
As for the second drill mobilized for geotechnical drilling as part of preliminary work for the underground drilling program, it went back to exploration drilling in the first week of June 2009.
Before going back to theMT-006zone, the drill made a stop in the sector of the high gradeMT-34lens, where holeMT-08-034had intersected1.32% eU3O8 on 28.0metresincluding6.13%eU3O8 on 4.8metres. Two strategic drill holes were carried out in order to expand already delineated mineral resources.
On theMT-34zone,indicatedmineral resourcesare estimated to total88,000 tonnes grading 0.97%U3O8containing1,890,000 poundsU3O8andinferred resourcesthat were estimated to total527,000 tonnes grading 0.55%U3O8containing6,350,000 poundsU3O8These results came from the NI 43-101resource estimateupdatedby Scott Wilson RPAin September 2008.
As of July 2009, one of the two drills in operation on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, wholly-owned by the Company, had been assigned to theMT-34zone area. Due to the high grades obtained in HoleMT-34(1.36% U3O8 over 27.50 m including 6.03% U3O8 over 4.80 m) relative to the other grades and thicknesses for the zone, the influence of HoleMT-34in the September 2008 resource estimate done by Scott Wilson RPA was voluntarily limited. Furthermore, because a 50 m x 70 m drill grid was used in the area of HoleMT-34in 2008, this resource could not be categorized as anindicated resource.
The four holes drilled in June and the fifth hole allowed the totalMT-34zone resource to be increased and a portion of the resource to be upgraded frominferredtoindicated.
Scott Wilson RPA was retained to prepare an update of the resource estimate for theMT-34zone. The memorandum is entitled:Matoush Mineral Resources Update, dated September 18, 2009 prepared by David A. Ross, M.Sc. P. Geo of Scott Wilson RPA and is further detailed inItem 2 A.1, sub-section entitled:TECHNICAL REPORTS
Four holes (MT-09-012,014,016and019) were drilled in the upper part of theMT-34zone in June 2009. Three of the four holes intersected high grades over considerable intervals.
HoleMT-09-019, with a pierce point in the upper part of theACF-4near the contact with the CBF, 35 m north of HoleMT-08-051(0.40% eU3O8 over 5.1 m), intersected 0.26%eU3O8 over 14.1metres, including a section of0.95%eU3O8 over 2.8m. HoleMT-09-017was drilled on the same section, but was abandoned due to excessive deviation. HoleMT-09-014returned an intersection of0.08%eU3O8over 5.1m. This hole lies at the lower limit of theMT-34zone. HoleMT-09-020was drilled to test the extension of HoleMT-08-034up dip from theMT-34zone
22
in the direction of the upper part of theACF-4.Another hole was planned on theMT-34zone at a vertical depth of -470 m between holesMT-08-047andMT-08-055, alongside theMT-34zone in an area where no resources were estimated.
Hole | Collar | Az. (º) | Angle (º) | From (m) | To (m) | Vert. Depth (m) | Length (m)* | eU3O8 (%) | |
Easting | Northing | ||||||||
MT-09-012 | 12+18E | 34+76S | 286.5 | -47.6 | 507.0 | 532.7 | 383.4 | 25.7 | 0.61 |
including | 509.9 | 517.3 | 383.4 | 7.4 | 1.30 | ||||
MT-09-014 | 12+54E | 33+72S | 273 | -48.2 | 554.5 | 559.6 | 405.8 | 5.1 | 0.08 |
MT-09-016 | 12+20E | 34+76S | 287.5 | -45.9 | 506.0 | 532.9 | 376.8 | 26.9 | 0.42 |
including | 507.9 | 520.8 | 376.8 | 12.9 | 0.66 | ||||
including | 508.2 | 509.5 | 376.8 | 1.3 | 2.41 | ||||
MT-09-019 | 12+09E | 34+76S | 287.5 | -45.6 | 486.9 | 501.0 | 345.4 | 14.1 | 0.25 |
including | 495.1 | 497.9 | 345.4 | 2.8 | 0.95 |
*Core length
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
The equivalent uranium grades are obtained using a spectral probe.
All exploration drill holes results of 2009 and longitudinal sections can be seen on the company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com.
The drill results for the first quarter of 2009 were promising, particularly south of theMT-34zone. HoleMT-09-006, drilled 1 km away from the heart of theMT-34zone on Section 46 + 00S, intersected a 8.9 -metre zone strongly altered in fuschite with the presence of pitchblende and uranophanes. This intersection graded0.27% U3O8over 9.5 metres, including 0.97% U3O8over 1.2metres.
The four completed holes (MT-09-011,013,015and018)all intercepted the Matoush fault, with anomalous uranium values.
In the second quarter, another eight holes were drilled in theMT-006area on a 100-metre grid to test the continuity of the HoleMT-09-006intersection. The best hole wasMT-09-009, drilled to a vertical depth of -600 metres along the presumed plunge ofMT-09-006, 100 metres away. It intersected0.11%U3O8 over 2.4metresat the level of the fault.
Early in June, one of the two drills in operation on the MATOUSH PROPERTY was assigned to theMT-34zone area. Due to the high grades obtained in HoleMT-08-034(1.36% U3O8 over 27.5 m including 6.03% U3O8 over 4.8 m) relative to the other grades and thicknesses for the zone, the influence of HoleMT-08-034in the September 2008 resource estimate done by Scott Wilson RPA was voluntarily limited.
Furthermore, because a 50 m x 70 m drill grid was used in the area ofMT-08-034in 2008, this resource could not be categorized as anindicated resource.
Four holes were drilled in the upper part of the MT-34 zone in June 2009. Three of the four holes intersected high grades over considerable intervals.
HoleMT-09-012, whose pierce point lies just a few metres from HoleMT-08-50due to strong deviation, returned an intersection of 0.69% U3O8 over 25.5 metres, including 1.44% U3O8 over 7.2 metres.
HoleMT-09-016, whose pierce point lies midway between holes MT-08-050 andMT-08-34, returned an intersection of 0.56% U3O8 over 25.8 metres, including 0.94% U3O8 over 12.5 metres, while HoleMT-08-050previously intersected 0.49% U3O8 over 21.3m, including 1.99% U3O8over 2.0m.
23
On or about the end of July 2009, the Company discovered a uranium high grade intersection in the extension of theMT-34lens.
In fact, holeMT-09-022has intersected 0.99% eU3O8over 30.6 metres including 5.98% eU3O8over 4.5 metres.
This drill hole, with a pierce point located on section 34+85S at a vertical depth of 456 metres in the extension on theMT-34lens, is one of the best holes drilled to date by the Company on its wholly-owned MATOUSH PROPERTY.
The pierce point ofMT-09-022is located outside of the resources estimated by Scott Wilson RPA published in September 2008 and as such its results are interesting.
Another drill hole was planned at the same elevation, 50 metres south ofMT-09-022, to fill in the gap between holesMT-09-022andMT-08-062located 100 metres apart.
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
Location of pierce point of HoleMT-09-022can be seen on theMT-34longitudinal section available on the Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com.
As of July, 2009, 20,000 metres of the planned 30,000 metres of exploration drilling in 2009 had been completed.
At the end of September 2009, the Company increased its 2009 surface exploration program from 30,000 metres to 35,000 metres of drilling.
In the third quarter of 2009, drilling continued steadily on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, with two drills in operation. One drill (1419) was dedicated to definition drilling on theMT-34zone to improve data quality in preparation for a new resource estimate. The second drill (1420) was essentially used for exploration drilling on the southern extension of theMT-34zone (widely-spaced holes).
The closely-spaced holes drilled on theMT-34zone returned very good results overall, confirming and increasing confidence in the geological continuity and high grades, as can be seen by the increase in theindicated resourceand grades in the new September 2009 update of the resource estimate.
The 2009 drilling program continued with two drills working on the property. One of these was assigned to systematic drilling on a 200-metre grid to locate new mineralized zones in the southern extension of theMT-34zone, in the upper part of theACF-4stratigraphic unit.
The Company plans to carry out 60,000 metres of surface drilling per year in 2010 and 2011, in parallel with underground exploration work. The results of the surface drilling program should allow the maximum capacity of the Matoush ore processing plant to be established.
In 2011, the Company plans to begin the environmental studies required for mill and tailings pond construction. These studies are required to obtain a mine construction permit.
In addition to the definition drilling, the results for the 12 exploration holes drilled to the south of theAM-15zone in theACF-3and south of theMT-34zone in the upperACF-4confirmed the new-zone discovery potential. Of the three holes drilled approximately 400 metres south of theAM-15zone in theACF-3(MT-09-30, 031, 032), HoleMT-09-030proved the most encouraging, with a mineralized intersection of3.9 metres grading 0.26%U3O8. The nine holes drilled in theACF-4over a distance of 1,800 metres along strike, relatively loosely spaced at about 200 metres, all intersected the Matoush fault and an alteration halo typical of the one around the mineralized zones. The three last holes (MT-09-035to038), drilled in virgin ground, proved the most interesting, with intersections of0.17% U3O8 over 2.0 metresin HoleMT-09-035and 0.48%U3O8 over 4.2 metresin HoleMT-09-036.
24
The 2009 drilling program continued, with two drills working on the property. One of these is assigned to systematic drilling on a 200-metre grid to locate new mineralized zones in the southern extension of theMT-34zone, in the upper part of theACF-4stratigraphic unit. The two most recent holes confirmed mineralization to the south. HoleMT-09-035, drilled 1.0 km south of the edge of the current mineral resources, intersected the mineralized zoneover2.9 metres grading 0.12%eU3O8,lying characteristically at the contact of the Matoush fault. Hole MT-09-036 wasdrilled 200 metres further south fromMT-09-035, and intersected a4.7 -metre section of mineralization grading0.26%eU3O8(see longitudinal sections atwww.stratecoinc.com).
These results confirm the very important potential for increasing the resource on the MATOUSH and ECLAT PROPERTIESover an 11.1 kmdistance along the Matoush fault, to the south of the mineralized envelope hosting the resources. As previously reported, two holes drilled 200 metres apart, last winter in the upper part of theACF-4(EC-09-05 and EC-09-06) more than 6 km south of HoleMT-09-036returned very good results (0.12% eU3O8 over 2.6 metres and 0.11% eU3O8 over 2.1 metres).
TECHNICAL REPORTS
Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources.This section uses the terms “measured” and “indicatedresources”. We advise U.S. investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Inferred Resources. This section uses the term “inferred resources.”We advise U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. “Inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable.
1. Mineral Resource Classification, Category and Definition
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) guideline for resource classification includes the following definitions which are pertinent to the classification of the Matoush Property resource:
AMineral Resourceis a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
AnInferred Mineral Resourceis that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
AnIndicated Mineral Resourceis that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through
25
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.
TheTechnical Report on the Mineral Resources Update for the Matoush Uranium Project Central Quebec, Canada, NI 43-101resource estimate completed by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("Scott Wilson RPA") on September 16, 2008, assessed the resources for the MATOUSH PROJECT of theAM-15,MT-22andMT-34zones. On September 18, 2008, the Company deposited on SEDAR, (www.sedar.com), this technical report prepared by Mr. R. Barry Cook, P.Eng. and Mr. David A. Ross, P.Geo.of Scott Wilson RPA, who are qualified persons pursuant to NI 43-101.
Scott Wilson RPA has updated the NI 43-101 Resource estimate for the MATOUSH PROJECT using drill hole data available as of July 25, 2008, at a cut-off grade of 0.05% U3O8,Indicated mineral resourceswere estimated to total250 thousand tonnes grading 0.68% U3O8containing 3.73 million pounds U3O8. Inferred mineral resources were estimated to total1.3 million tonnes grading 0.44% U3O8containing13.07 million poundsU3O8.The MineralResourcesare contained within three zones:AM-15,MT-22andMT-34.
This resource estimate showed, as of August 2008, with the data as of July 25, 2008, an increase of 300% from the last technical report pursuant to NI 43-101 dated September 27, 2007.
Scott Wilson RPA concluded that there is also potential for unconformity-type uranium deposits on the MATOUSH PROPERTY.
There are no mineral reserves estimated at MATOUSH PROJECT. See longitudinal section onwww.stratecoinc.com.
Table 1 - Mineral Resource Estimate for Matoush, July 25, 2008
Tonnes | Grade | Pounds U3O8 | |
(x 1,000) | (% U3O8) | (x 1,000) | |
Indicated | |||
AM-15 | 162 | 0.52 | 1,840 |
MT-34 | 88 | 0.97 | 1,890 |
Total Indicated | 250 | 0.68 | 3,730 |
Inferred | |||
AM-15 | 16 | 0.14 | 50 |
MT-22 | 801 | 0.38 | 6,680 |
MT-34 | 527 | 0.55 | 6,350 |
Total Inferred | 1,344 | 0.44 | 13,070 |
Notes:
1. | CIM Definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. | |
2. | The cut-off grade of 0.05% U3O8was estimated using a price of US$55/lb and assumed operating costs. | |
3. | Wireframes at 0.05% U3O8and a minimum true thickness of 1.5 metres were used to constrain the grade interpolation. | |
4. | High U3O8grades were cut to 9% prior to compositing to two metre lengths | |
5. | Several blocks less than 0.05% U3O8were included for continuity or to expand the lenses to the minimum thickness. | |
6. | Totals may not sum correctly due to rounding. |
The Matoush drill holes included 257 diamond core holes totalling more than 98,000 m. A set of cross sections and plan views were interpreted to construct three-dimensional wireframe models at a cut-off grade of 0.05% U3O8, and a minimum true thickness of 1.5metres. High U3O8 values were cut to 9% U3O8 prior to compositing to two metres. Variogram parameters were interpreted from two metres composited U3O8 values. Block model U3O8 grades within the wireframe models were estimated by ordinary kriging. More than 98% of the U3O8 values in the drill hole database used in the grade estimate were derived from chemical analysis. The remaining values, from 27 of the most recent drill holes, were derived from gamma-probe data.
26
Classification into theIndicatedandInferredcategories was guided by the drill hole density, interpreted variogram ranges and the apparent continuity of the mineralized zones.
TheInferredcategory had a general drilling grid of approximately 50 metres by 50 metres up to 70 metres.
On September 18, 2009, Scott Wilson RPA has updated the NI 43-101-compliant resource estimate for the MATOUSH PROJECT based on drill results available as of September 1st, 2009 and using similar methods as applied in the previous estimate (Scott Wilson RPA, Sept. 2008). At a cut-off grade of 0.10% U3O8, the indicated mineral resources are now estimated at436,000 tonnesgrading0.78% U3O8containing 7.46 million poundsU3O8, and theinferred mineral resources are estimated at 1.16 million tonnes grading 0.50% U3O8containing 12.78 million poundsU3O8. These resources lie in the AM-15, MT-34 and MT-22 zones, and extend over a strike-length of 1.4 km. The Matoush structure has been traced 11 km to the south and 2.5 km to the north.
The increase in theindicated resourcesfrom3.73 million poundsgrading0.67% U3O8(Scott Wilson RPA, Sept. 2008)to 7.46 million pounds at 0.78%U3O8is significant. Theindicated resourcesfor theMT-34zone, which lies in the upper part of theACF-4stratigraphic unit, is now estimated at174,000 tonnesgrading0.89%U3O8containing3.42million poundsU3O8. It should be noted that no indicated resources have yet been estimated for the MT-22zone due to the current drill hole spacing, which is about 50 metres by 50 metres. This zone will be drilled at a tighter spacing during the underground exploration program.
Mineral reserves have not been estimated for the MATOUSH PROJECT.
Table 1 - Mineral Resource Estimate for Matoush - September 1, 2009
Tonnes | Grade | Pounds U3O8 | |
(x 1,000) | (% U3O8) | (x 1,000) | |
Indicated | |||
AM-15 | 262 | 0.70 | 4,039 |
MT-34 | 174 | 0.89 | 3,420 |
Total Indicated | 436 | 0.78 | 7,458 |
Inferred | |||
AM-15 | 33 | 0.34 | 249 |
MT-22 | 822 | 0.53 | 9,526 |
MT-34 | 302 | 0.45 | 3,003 |
Total Inferred | 1,157 | 0.50 | 12,777 |
Notes:
1. | CIM Definition Standards have been followed for classification of Mineral Resources. | |
2. | The cut-off grade of 0.1% U3O8was estimated using a U3O8price of US$75/lb and assumed operating costs. | |
3. | High U3O8grades were cut to 9%. | |
4. | The Mineral Resource estimate uses drill hole data available as of September 1, 2009. | |
5. | Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. | |
6. | Totals may not sum correctly due to rounding. |
The following table shows the new mineral estimate, which confirms that MATOUSH PROPERTY is a robust deposit, relatively insensitive to cut-off grades between 0.05% and 0.2% U3O8.
27
Table 2 - Mineral Resource Estimate for Matoush – Different Cut-off Grades
Cut-off Grade | Tonnes | Grade | Pounds U3O8 | |
(% U3O8) | (x 1,000) | (% U3O8) | (x 1,000) | |
Indicated | ||||
AM-15 | 0.3 | 190 | 0.89 | 3,709 |
0.2 | 230 | 0.77 | 3,925 | |
0.1 | 262 | 0.70 | 4,039 | |
0.05 | 264 | 0.69 | 4,043 | |
MT-34 | 0.3 | 139 | 1.05 | 3,238 |
0.2 | 168 | 0.92 | 3,393 | |
0.1 | 174 | 0.89 | 3,420 | |
0.05 | 174 | 0.89 | 3,420 | |
Total Indicated | 0.3 | 329 | 0.96 | 6,947 |
0.2 | 398 | 0.83 | 7,318 | |
0.1 | 436 | 0.78 | 7,458 | |
0.05 | 438 | 0.77 | 7,463 | |
Inferred | ||||
AM-15 | 0.3 | 20 | 0.48 | 209 |
0.2 | 22 | 0.46 | 221 | |
0.1 | 33 | 0.34 | 249 | |
0.05 | 65 | 0.24 | 339 | |
MT-22 | 0.3 | 509 | 0.72 | 8,082 |
0.2 | 686 | 0.60 | 9,067 | |
0.1 | 822 | 0.53 | 9,526 | |
0.05 | 964 | 0.47 | 9,918 | |
MT-34 | 0.3 | 136 | 0.80 | 2,395 |
0.2 | 167 | 0.70 | 2,570 | |
0.1 | 302 | 0.45 | 3,003 | |
0.05 | 429 | 0.34 | 3,211 | |
Total Inferred | 0.3 | 665 | 0.73 | 10,686 |
0.2 | 875 | 0.61 | 11,858 | |
0.1 | 1,157 | 0.50 | 12,777 | |
0.05 | 1,458 | 0.42 | 13,468 |
Beginning in late January 2010, three drills worked full time to systematically explore the best targets identified during this first phase. While only a small part of the first phase has been completed this far, new targets have already been defined. The main targets are on the ECLAT PROPERTY (Drill holes EC-09-05, 06 and 08) and the MATOUSH PROPERTY (Drill holes MT-09-035, 036 and 038).
SCOPING STUDY DATED DECEMBER 17, 2008
Concurrently with the Technical Report dated September 16, 2008, discussed in the preceding subsection, the Company had also mandated Scott Wilson RPA with the participation of Melis Engineering Ltd. for capital and processing costs, Golder Associates for radiation, environment and reclamation costs and SD Energy Associates Ltd. (SD Energy) for marketing and price determination to prepare a Scoping Study.
The Scoping Study report entitled:Technical Report on the preliminary assessment of the Matoush Project, Central Québec, Canada, NI 43-101 Report dated December 17, 2008 provided first economics assessment of the Company’s 100% owned MATOUSH PROPERTY.
28
The following technical data has been read and revised by Jean-Pierre Lachance, Geo., Executive Vice President of the Company and Normand L. Lecuyer, P.Eng, Principal Mining Engineer and David A. Ross, P.Geo., Senior geologist at Scott Wilson RPA who are the qualified persons as defined under NI 43-101.
The Scoping Study was based on the NI 43-101 compliant,indicated andinferred resource estimate, established by Scott Wilson RPA in itsTechnical Report on the Mineral Resource Update for the Matoush Uranium Project, dated September 16, 2008, based on drilling results as of July 25, 2008 that does not include results of the subsequent drilling program (see the preceding table entitledMineral Resource Estimate for Matoush, July 25, 2008 showing results ofinferredandindicated resources in preceding subsectionTECHNICAL REPORTS).
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Scoping Study is preliminary in nature. It includes indicated and inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic consideration applied to them that would enable them to be characterized as mineral reserves and there are no certainties that the Scoping Study will be realized.
The following is a summary of the Scoping Study results. The complete report was made available on the Company’s website (www.stratecoinc.com) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) as of December 23, 2008 and were cited cited in detail inForm 10K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in Item 2-A:MATOUSH PROPERTY-SCOPING STUDY DATED DECEMBER 17, 2008.
I ORE PRODUCTION AND RECOVERED METAL
The mining plan was developed on mineral resources configuration. Recovered metal is based on metallurgical tests done at SGS Lakefield Research Ltd. (Lakefield) in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada; an average of 97.6% recovery is used.
Year | Mill Feed (x 1,000) Tonnes | Grade % U3O8 | Recovered Metal 97.6% (x 1,000 pounds) U3O8 |
1 | 175.0 | 0.633 | 2,382 |
2 | 236.3 | 0.454 | 2,306 |
3 | 262.5 | 0.362 | 2,046 |
4 | 262.5 | 0.553 | 3,124 |
5 | 262.5 | 0.439 | 2,479 |
6 | 262.5 | 0.372 | 2,100 |
7 | 188.4 | 0.267 | 1,082 |
TOTAL | 1,649.7 | 0.437 | 15,519 |
II REVENUE
- | The price scenario was established by SD Energy with a long term price from US$60.00 to US$90.00 per pound U3O8over the life of the project with an evaluation price of US$75.00 per pound U3O8. |
- | The exchange rate US$/CAN$ is 0.85. |
- | Transport to smelter in North America is $0.10 per pound. |
- | Royalty 2%. |
(x 1,000) CAN$ | |
Gross Revenue | 1,369,515 |
Transport to smelter | 1,552 |
Royalty | 27,359 |
NSR Gross Revenue after the Royalty | 1,340,604 |
29
III OPERATING COSTS
Mining | $82.80/T milled | Maintenance | $24.84/T milled |
Process | $107.77/T milled | Site services | $28.96/T milled |
Power (generators) | $35.75/T milled | G&A | $22.41/T milled |
Average Operating Cost: $302.53/T milled | |||
CAN$32.15/pound | US$27.33/pound |
IV OPERATING PROFIT
Year | (x 1,000) CAN$ | Year | (x 1,000) CAN$ |
1 | 133,894 | 5 | 142,051 |
2 | 128,177 | 6 | 109,992 |
3 | 105,145 | 7 | 23,809 |
4 | 198,453 | ||
Total Operating Profit: CAN$841,522,000 |
V CAPITAL COSTS
(x 1,000) CAN$ | (x 1,000) CAN$ | |
Direct Capital Costs | 193,443 | |
Mine | 28,159 | |
Process | 149,886 | |
Infrastructure | 15,398 | |
Indirect Capital Costs | 49,928 | |
Contingency | 53,305 | |
Capital Spare | 575 | |
Before Start Up | 297,251 | |
Sustaining Capital (6 years) | 15,564 | |
Closure | 30,000 | |
Mine Life Capital Costs | 342,815 |
VI FINANCIAL
Internal Rate of Return before Tax: 37.1%
NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) before Tax | |
Discount Rate % | (x 1,000) CAN$ |
5 | 341,610 |
8 | 271,200 |
10 | 231,850 |
15 | 154,110 |
The Company’s management concluded upon reading this Scoping Study that even with significant inflation in operating costs in the mining industry, the MATOUSH PROJECT indicates strong economics. Even with the dramatic correction in the commodity prices in 2008, it was possible to see the Company’s economics improve despite the input prices decrease. The Company continues to evaluate different engineering alternatives to enhance the project economics. Results of this Scoping Study justify, according to the Company’s management, the underground exploration program as part of the feasibility study.
REVISION OF PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT, FEBRUARY 2010
As of February 2010, based on the Scott Wilson RPA memorandum entitledUpdate Mineral Resources Estimate for Matoush in September 2009 discussed above, a revision of the Preliminary Assessment was conducted by Scott Wilson RPA with the participation of Melis Engineering Ltd. for capital and processing costs. The updated report will be available on the Company’s website (www.stratecoinc.com) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) on or about April 9, 2010.
30
The Preliminary Assessment is based, in part, oninferred resources, and is preliminary in nature.Inferred resourcesare considered too geologically speculative to have mining and economic considerations applied to them and to be categorized asmineral reserves. There is no certainty that the reserves development, production and economic forecasts on which this preliminary assessment is based will be realized.
I PRODUCTION AND RECOVERED METAL
The mining plan was based onmineral resourceswith factors applied for dilution and extraction. Recovered metal is based on metallurgical tests done at SGS Lakefield Research Ltd. in Lakefield, ON; an average of 97.6% recovery is used. Potential grade implied mining dilution at 15% at zero value. Mill design was modified to increase annual mill capacity from 2.0 M to 2.7M pounds U3O8.
Year | Mill Feed (x 1,000) Tonnes | Grade % U3O8 | Recovered Metal 97.6% (x 1,000 pounds) U3O8 |
1 | 169.8 | 0.639 | 2,391.3 |
2 | 240.6 | 0.400 | 2,124.2 |
3 | 262.7 | 0.461 | 2,668.9 |
4 | 262.2 | 0.522 | 3,018.9 |
5 | 249.5 | 0.561 | 3,085.0 |
6 | 224.1 | 0.496 | 2,451.2 |
7 | 239.6 | 0.468 | 2,472.3 |
TOTAL | 1,648.6 | 0.501 | 17,774.8 |
II REVENUE
- | The price scenario was established by SD Energy in September 2008, in the initial scoping study, with a long term price from US$60.00 to US$90.00 per pound U3O8over the life of the project with an evaluation price of US$75.00 per pound U3O8. |
- | The exchange rate US$/CAN$ is 0.85. |
- | Transport to smelter in North America is $0.10 per pound. |
- | Royalty 2%. |
(x 1,000) CAN$ | |
Gross Revenue | 1,568,363 |
Transport to smelter | 1,777 |
Royalty | 31,332 |
NSR Gross Revenue after the Royalty | 1,535,253 |
III OPERATING COSTS (CAN$)
Mining | $91.64/T milled | Maintenance | $24.86/T milled |
Process | $92.74/T milled | Site services | $32.68/T milled |
Power (generators) | $35.77/T milled | G&A | $22.43/T milled |
Average Operating Cost: $300.12/T milled | |||
CAN$27.84/pound | US$23.66/pound |
IV OPERATING PROFIT
Year | CAN$ | Year | CAN$ |
1 | 131,819,000 | 5 | 189,170,000 |
2 | 107,096,000 | 6 | 136,345,000 |
3 | 153,437,000 | 7 | 139,824,000 |
4 | 182,793,000 | ||
Total Operating Profit: CAN$1,040,484,000 |
31
V CAPITAL COSTS
(x 1,000) CAN$ | (x 1,000) CAN$ | |||||
Direct Capital Costs | 191,009 | |||||
Mine | 32,466 | |||||
Process | 143,146 | |||||
Infrastructure | 15,398 | |||||
Indirect Capital Costs | 48,568 | |||||
Contingency | 52,273 | |||||
Capital Spare | 980 | |||||
Before Start Up | 292,830 | |||||
Sustaining Capital (6 years) | 19,126 | |||||
Closure | 30,000 | |||||
Mine Life Capital Costs | 341,955 |
VI FINANCIAL | VII SENSITIVITY TO PRICE | ||||||||||||||
Internal Rate of Return before Tax: 41.5% | |||||||||||||||
NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) before Tax | PRICE | US$/lb | NPV | ||||||||||||
Discount Rate % | (x 1,000) CAN$ | 75.00 | $ | 323,530 | |||||||||||
5 | 475,550 | 0.67 | 50.00 | $ | 31,700 | ||||||||||
8 | 377,640 | 0.80 | 60.00 | $ | 148,260 | ||||||||||
10 | 323,530 | 1.00 | 75.00 | $ | 323,530 | ||||||||||
15 | 218,070 | 1.07 | 80.00 | $ | 381,890 | ||||||||||
1.14 | 85.50 | $ | 446,220 |
According to management of the Company, regardless of the significant inflation in operating costs in the industry, the MATOUSH PROJECT indicates stronger economics, compared to the initial scoping study. Despite a possible price decrease, it is still possible to see the economics improve. The Company continues to evaluate different engineering alternatives to enhance the project’s economics, such as the use of windmills to produce electricity. The Company plans to expand mineral resources on the MATOUSH PROPERTY with an aggressive drilling program of 120,000 meters over the next 24 months.
32
Item 2.A. 2:ECLAT PROPERTY
Location and Access
The ECLAT PROPERTY is located in the Otish Mountains of northern Québec, immediately south of the MATOUSH PROPERTY. The property is accessible by helicopter as well as by the winter road that links the Eastmain mine to Témiscamie. Please seeFigure 1 at page 7 for the general location of ECLAT PROPERTY mining claims.
Mining Claims
The property consists of 90 mining claims covering 4,786.90 hectares. Strateco holds a 100% interest in this property. Please see the General location map of the MATOUSH PROJECTFigure 2 at page 9 for the location of the mining claims of ECLAT PROPERTY.
A letter of intent dated July 12, 2005, granted the Company an option to acquire a 100% interest on all minerals except diamonds of the ECLAT PROPERTY over a period of 4 years.
The agreement provides for the Company to earn its 100% interest by making payments totalling $150,000 over four years, including (i) $7,000 on signature of the agreement and (ii) $7,000 on the first anniversary, $20,000 on the second and third and $96,000 on the fourth anniversary, (iii) by carrying out $500,000 in exploration over four years and (iv) by issuing 600,000 common shares of the Company over three years.
The Company paid the last payment in the amount of $96,000 on June 15, 2009 or on or before the fourth anniversary of the Agreement. The property is subject upon production to a 2% NSR in favour of Vija on all minerals other than diamonds and a 2% portion in favour of Vija of all gross proceeds from the eventual sale or disposition of carbon emission rights tied to the production of uranium on the property.
Uranium Potential
The property is strategically located in a relatively unexplored area with known uranium potential. It is bordered to the north by the MATOUSH PROPERTY, wholly-owned by the Company, and to the south by ground staked by Cameco Corporation (“Cameco”).
The property lies in the southern extension of the Matoush structure, which was traced by Uranerz over 3,900 metres using ground VLF surveys conducted in the early 1980s. The holes drilled by Uranerz and the Company clearly showed uranium potential.
The Matoush structure also appears to continue for at least two kilometres on the ECLAT PROPERTY.
Exploration Work
HoleEC-06-01, drilled 5.8 kilometres south of Uranerz HoleAM-15, primarily to maintain certain mining claims in the area, confirmed the southern extension of the Matoush fault.
The results were compelling. The structure was intersected at 111 metres down the hole, at a vertical depth of 76 metres. While un-mineralized, the typical tourmaline alteration of the structure was intersected over a 10-metre section, with the fault appearing to be strongly choritized. This hole therefore confirms the presence of the Matoush structure over a distance of more than seven kilometres.
The radiometry and magnetometry survey carried out by Aeroquest Limited in the fall of 2006 on the Matoush property also covered the entire ECLAT PROPERTY.
33
On the southern portion of the MATOUSH PROJECT, on ECLAT PROPERTY, 10 holes were completed (EC-07-01to07-10) for a total of 2,260 metres. These exploration holes drilled with the assistance of the helicopter allowed the Matoush fault to be accurately located on the ECLAT PROPERTY, with radiometry on the core showing a low cps.
More drilling was done in this area during winter 2008 at the border with the Cameco Corporation property, 11.5 km south of theAM-15zone. The first hole (EC-08-01) had to be abandoned at 759 metres because of large influxes of water and sand. However no influxes of water or sand had been encountered in AM-15 and MT-22 zones. It should be noted that the stratigraphy seen in the sediments was the same as that seen in theAM-15area 8.5 km to the north. A clay brecchia appearing to correspond to the Matoush fault was intersected at a depth of 575 metres down-hole, followed by disseminated mineralization grading0.15%eU3O8 over 2.1metres at 587 metres.
The next hole,EC-08-02, was drilled on the same line at a depth of 321 metres, with the pierce point 425 metres above the pierce point of EC-08-01, and would appear to indicate that locally, the Matoush fault has an inverse dip, being to the west. However, it should be noted that no anomalies were found in this hole. Finally, HoleEC-08-03was drilled a few hundred metres north of the border with Cameco’s property, and targeted the basement rock. The basement was reached without any anomalous traces found in the sediments. The basement rock intersected was mafic in nature, and very likely represents the folded extension of the “Camie River” greenstone belt.
As of April 2009, the Company discovered on the ECLAT PROPERTY, part of the MATOUSH PROJECT a second mineralized zone. Drilled 9.5 km south of the MT-34 zone, Hole EC-09-05 intersected two mineralized zones 20 metres apart in the Matoush fault, one intersected 1.5 metres at a grade of 0.08% eU3O8 and the other 2.6 metres at a grade of 0.12% eU3O8. Furthermore, Hole EC-09-06 drilled 200 metres north of EC-09-05 and at the same elevation, intersected 2.1 metres at a grade of 0.11% eU3O8.
Hole | Collar | Az. (º) | Angle (º) | From (m) | To | Vertical | Length | eU3O8 | |
East | North | (m) | Depth (m) | (m)* | (%) | ||||
EC-09-05 | 08+03E | 112+79S | 98 | -53 | 443.9 | 445.4 | 363 | 1.5 | 0.08 |
465.0 | 467.6 | 2.6 | 0.12 | ||||||
EC-09-06 | 13+57E | 110+55S | 268 | -52 | 426.0 | 428.1 | 368 | 2.1 | 0.11 |
*Core length
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined.
The equivalent uranium grades are obtained using a spectral probe.
Aside from Hole EC-09-04, which had to be abandoned due to excessive deviation, four holes were drilled on the Eclat property in the first quarter. Hole EC-09-05 proved very revealing, both because it intersected two mineralized zones with particularly strong tourmaline and fuschite alteration, and because of the analytical results for the two zones, which lie 20 metres apart. The zones returned values of 0.16% U3O8over 2.4 metres and 0.11% U3O8 over 1.5 metres. Hole EC-09-06 intersected a zone of 0.15% U3O8 over 1.5 metres.
The results for holes MT-09-06 and EC-09-05, drilled 200 metres apart with pierce points at the same elevation, clearly indicate the mineral potential of the Matoush fault, which has been traced by drilling over a distance of more than 15 km. This confirms that the deposition mechanisms for the uranium mineralization are not limited to the area of the AM-15 zone.
The similarities between the two mineralized zones in terms of degree of alteration, local presence of pitchblende mineralization in shear zones and proximity to mafic intrusives in the Matoush fault, and the marked similarities of the texture and nature of these mafic intrusives to those found around the mineralized zones, are impressive.
The almost carbon-copy nature of these hydrothermic systems and the reducing agents supports the presence of mineral potential along the entire length of the Matoush fault, and confirms the potential for discovery of new mineralized zones at the Matoush project.
34
Three holes were drilled on the Eclat Nord property in the third quarter, but with mitigated results. Holes ECN‑09-01, 02, 03, drilled on a 150-metre grid about 1.5 km north of the AM-15 zone, intersected the Matoush fault but no mineralization despite the presence of strong alteration.
In the fourth quarter, two holes, EC-09-07 and EC-09-08, were drilled on the Eclat Sud property. Measuring 600 metres and 570 metres long respectively for a total of 1,170 metres, the two holes intercepted the Matoush fault, as well as interesting uranium values. Hole EC-09-07, drilled on section 64+50 S, intersected 7.5 metres grading a weighted average of 0.05% U3O8. Hole EC-09-08, drilled on section 66 + 50 S, intersected two zones, the first 2.5 metres thick grading an average of 0.09% U3O8, and the second 15.5 metres thick grading an average of 0.04% U3O8. The pierce points for the two holes were located about 460 metres below surface.
Item 2.A3: MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY
Location and access
The MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY is located north, west and east of the MATOUSH PROPERTY in the Otish Mountains, in Northern Québec. The property is accessible by helicopter as well as by the winter road that links the Eastmain mine to Témiscamie. Please seeFigure 1at page 7 for the regional location of the property.
Mining Claims
Wholly-owned by the Company, the MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY consists of 198 claims covering 10,503.85 hectares. These mining claims were acquired by the Company in the fall of 2005 and the winter and summer of 2006 to protect the area in the vicinity of the MATOUSH and ECLAT properties. Please see the map of the MATOUSH PROJECT inFigure 2at page9 for the location of the MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY mining claims.
The northern border of the property is very close to the northern edge of the Otish Basin. The property is broken up by a row of mining claims belonging to Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd.
With the addition of the MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY, the MATOUSH PROJECT as a whole covers 23 kilometres along its north-south axis, intersected by a 900-metre section belonging to Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd (See sectionItem 2. A.4 PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTYbelow).
Exploration Work and prospecting
During the year 2008, no significant exploration work was conducted on the MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY except for the radiometry and magnetometry survey, which covered most of the property. On the northern portion of the MATOUSH PROJECT, on MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY, exploration work in 2007 consisted in prospection and limited drilling. Prospecting was successful with the identification of an outcropping radioactive zone with 600 to 10,000 cps. Four drill holes were completed in the area for a total of 1,290 metres. Mixed results were obtained, the Matoush fault being laterally displaced.
Three holes were drilled on the same section on the MATOUSH EXTENSION PROPERTY in 2008 for a total of 1,473 metres. The section lies a few hundred metres north of the east-west string of Pacific Bay claims, on what should be the extension of the Matoush fault. However, none of the holes intersected the fault.
The first hole,MT-08-002, was extended to the basement without hitting the Matoush fault. Discordance was seen at a depth of 685 metres down hole. The basement rock consists of alternating granitic material and large laminae of mafic units. Many marginal uranium anomalies were intersected in the basement, the most important being0.02%U3O8over 4.0metres. The subsequent holes,MT-08-006andMN-08-01, were drilled on the same section and failed to detect the extension of the Matoush fault. No radiometry anomalies were detected.
Exploration work in 2009 on the Matoush Extension property was limited to prospecting in the summer.
35
Item 2A.4: PACIFIC BAY – MATOUSH PROPERTY
Location and access
The PACIFIC-BAY MATOUSH PROPERTY is located in the Otish Mountains in northern Quebec, about 40 km south-west of the MATOUSH PROPERTY. The Property comprises an area of 145 square kilometres (56 square miles) in the Otish Mountains where the Company has been drilling the Matoush high-grade uranium ore body.See Figure 2 for location of this property on the map of the MATOUSH PROJECT.
Mining claims
On January 14, 2008, the Company and Consolidated Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (now called Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd.) (“Pacific Bay”) executed a definitive agreement with an effective date of October 29, 2007 whereby the Company can earn a 60% interest in 277 Pacific Bay mineral claims representing 14,576.33 hectares located in the Matoush District of Québec's Otish Mountains.
The agreement calls for the Company: (i) to pay to Pacific Bay a total of $500,000; (ii) to issue 200,000 common shares of the Company over 4 years and (iii) to incur $3 million in exploration expenditures over 4 years, including a minimum of 10,000 metres of drilling. As part of the transaction, the Company has acquired one (1) million units of Pacific Bay at a price of $0.30 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of Pacific Bay and one warrant to purchase one common share of Pacific Bay at $0.60 per share for a period of 24 months. The shares and warrants were subject to a 12-month resale restriction period that expired on January 14, 2009.
On October 22, 2009, the Company notified Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (“Pacific Bay”) that it had incurred cumulative exploration expenses of $1.5 million before the date of the second anniversary of the option and joint venture agreement dated October 29, 2007, and completed more than the required cumulative minimum of 5,000 metres of drilling on the Pacific-Bay Matoush property.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company also issued 40,000 common shares at $0.86 per share to Pacific Bay on that date, as well as a cash payment of $100,000.
To acquire an undivided 60% interest in the Pacific Bay-Matoush property, the Company must still issue a total of 120,000 common shares, make cash payments totalling $300,000, incur an additional $1.5 million in exploration expenses and complete an additional 5,000 metres of drilling before the fourth anniversary of the date of the agreement.
Exploration work
Since October 29, 2007, the Company assumed direction of exploration activities on the PACIFIC BAY -MATOUSH PROPERTY. The Company is working closely with Pacific Bay field personnel to maximize the value of the exploration programs.
Four holes were drilled with the help of a Versadrill helicopter-borne drill (Major Drilling) between October 31 and November 25, 2007 for a total of 1,061 metres. These holes are all located in the southern block of the Rabbit Ears claims about 10 km north-east of the MATOUSH PROPERTY camp. These holes were drilled in an area of the property with favourable geophysical anomalies such as magnetic lineaments and airborne radiometric anomalies, as well as VLF/EM conductors. Uranium-bearing boulders have also been discovered in the area during prospecting in the summer of 2007.
Drilling on the Rabbit Ears south block intersected the two same types of sedimentary facies seen in the Matoush sector. These correspond to the active channel facies (ACF) an arkosic to subarkosic conglomeritic coarse sandstone, and the channel-bar facies (CBF), a finely laminated subarkosic fine-to-medium sandstone, of the Indicator Formation. The vertical hole,PB-07-01, confirmed a sub-horizontal bedding in this area of the basin. The best hole wasPB-07-05which intersected a 10 cm altered sandstone averaging0.03%eU3O8.
36
Early August 2008, the Company started diamond drilling of uranium targets on the PACIFIC BAY - MATOUSH PROPERTY. The 1,500-metre program followed intensive ground prospecting and geological work, focused on the South Rabbit Ears claims, where outcrops, in situ radiometric anomalies, and radioactive boulder trains strongly suggest the potential of Matoush-type uranium mineralization.
Seven holes totalling 1,510 metres were drilled on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY. The holes were drilled between August 8 and September 7, 2008 using a helicopter-transportable drill (Versa drill). The holes were drilled in the “Rabbit Ears South” sector, about 5 km east of theAM-15 zone. The targets were established for the purpose of identifying a Matoush-type uranium mineralized zone, based on the results of prospecting done in 2007 and 2008, geophysical surveys and the geomorphology study done by Poly-Géo Inc. in 2008.
Two sectors were tested (see Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com for details). Five holes were drilled on Sector 1 to trace a potentially-mineralized north-south fault similar to Matoush. The holes covered an east-west lateral distance of 630 m to a vertical depth of about 300 m. Sector 2, where two holes were drilled for a total of 596 metres, lies about 700 metres directly south of Sector 1. The goal was to test for the presence of a geophysical lineament interpreted as having a similar slip to that of the Matoush fault.
No significant mineralization was intersected during this drilling program. However,ACF andCBF layers with the same alternation as those at MATOUSH PROPERTY were encountered. From a structural perspective, no major faults comparable to the Matoush fault were intersected by drilling. Nevertheless, several highly-fractured to sub-brecciated zones were seen in five holes, and potential remains for the discovery of a uranium-bearing structure. The fractured zones seen in the holes do not appear to be large enough to explain the geophysical lineaments in the sectors drilled..
In the first quarter of 2009, five holes were drilled to test for a major structure like the Matoush fault in the “Rabbit Ears South” area on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY. Hole PB-09-02 proved to be of particular interest, intersecting a major clay-rich breccia structure several metres thick. Despite the absence of mineralization and of the mafic dikes characteristic of the Matoush fault, the presence of this strongly brecciated structure indicates potential for the discovery of a structure similar to the Matoush fault. This area lies 10 km east of the Matoush fault.
Following the completion of drilling on the Mistassini property in late June 2009, the Company took advantage of the availability of the helicopter-borne drill to drill a 200-metre hole on a section of the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY, which consists of four mining claims in the possible extension of the Matoush fault, 3 km south of the Eclat property. The presence of the Matoush fault was confirmed by drilling in April 2008 less than 200 metres from the southern border of the Eclat property with a property belonging to Cameco Corporation (“Cameco”).
In the third quarter of 2009, seven holes were drilled on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY, but the results were inconclusive. Four holes were drilled to trace the Matoush fault, which becomes diffuse north of the Eclat Nord property. No remarkable structures were identified. Three holes were drilled to test a linear geophysical anomaly on the “Rabbit Ears” area, about 3 km east of the AM-15 zone, but failed to locate any structures of note. Work ended on the property in September.
Report and recommendation preparation began in the fourth quarter of 2009, to determine future work to be done on the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY.
Item 2A.5: PERMITS AND LICENCE
In May 2007, the company retained Golder Associates to begin various environmental baseline studies that were completed in the summer of 2008. Since November 2007, Melis Engineering is conducting at the Lakefield laboratory in Ontario, Canada, metallurgical testing on theAM-15 zone ore. Initial results indicated that 98% recovery can be achieved and that the ore does not generate acid or contain arsenic. Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“Scott Wilson RPA”) has been retained for underground design work. A call for tenders has been completed and a mining contractor has been retained for the work once the authorizations have been obtained. About 100 people are currently assigned to the project on a permanent basis. The Company invested about $25 million in the MATOUSH PROJECT in the year 2006-2007, the budget for 2008 was of $22 million and of $15M for the year 2009.
37
In April 2008, the Company received permission to begin the process of obtaining the authorizations required to proceed with underground exploration at its MATOUSH uranium PROJECT. The Company notified theCanadian Nuclear Safety Commission ("CNSC") and Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment Parks (“MSDEP”)Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs by written "letter of intent" of its intention to begin the process of obtaining the permits required for planned underground exploration work. In the context of a feasibility study, this work will essentially consist of site preparation, excavation of an access ramp to the -300-metre level, and the excavation of exploration drifts for definition drilling.
Excavation will take place in waste rock and ore. The exploration work will also allow assessment of the quantity and processing of mine water, ventilation, mining methods and ore stockpiling.
The following tables demonstrate as of December 31, 2009, the authorizations, licenses and permits either already obtained, pending or to be obtained before the Company can start the underground exploration works:
38
By obtaining such authorizations, the Company will become the first company in the Province of Quebec, Canada to advance a uranium exploration project to the underground exploration stage, and the first so-called junior company to do so in the present uranium price cycle, or in nearly 25 years.
With regard to the environmental impact study, the Company received guidelines from the Evaluating Committee (COMEV), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and from the CNSC in March 2009 pursuant to the filing of the Project Description in July 2008.
Following filing on November 5th, 2008, of the Licence Application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for the underground exploration program and following the comments received from the CNSC in February 2009, the Company continued its detailed engineering plans and field work related to the environmental impact study.
In addition to the mandates awarded to Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. for the underground pumping and ventilation studies and to Melis Engineering Ltd. for finalization of the mine runoff treatment plan, contracts were granted to Golder for various studies and health and safety programs.
39
Golder carried out fieldwork in a number of disciplines in the winter of 2009. Most of these activities were related to work plans approved in 2008. Field activities for animal counts were completed in January and February.
The winter surface water and sediment sampling program, hydrology and geochemistry work were completed in March 2009.
The ramp stability rock mechanics study was started in the first quarter of 2009. The study is aimed at meeting Québec regulatory requirements for excavations within 100 metres of a body of water, and responding to CNSC requirements.
In February 2009, GENIVAR carried out supervision work for the construction of the new fuel storage area, as well as design work for a cement base for a new communications antenna.
In March 2009, GENIVAR was awarded a contract for the detailed engineering of the facilities required for exploration ramp construction. This contract essentially consists of the detailed engineering for the treatment plant for water from the exploration ramp, portal, power grid, power supply, ventilation system, fuel and propane distribution system, camp expansion and approval applications, all new surface facilities, civil works and a landing strip.
As in the first quarter of 2009, the Company continued work on the various studies in preparation for the underground exploration program, which will begin once the Company has obtained all the required permits.
Two other consultants, SENES Consultants Limited (SENES) and the Montreal office of GENIVAR, joined the list of the Company’s many consultants conducting the various detailed studies required to obtain the various provincial and federal permits in Canada.
Following up on the comments received from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on February 16, 2009, in relation to the underground exploration licence application, the Company began field works with the assistance of Golder Associates Ltd. (“Golder”) for a geo-mechanical study on the crown pillar. The Company will use the same study to comply with Quebec provincial government requirements regarding an underground excavation under the influence of a water body, meaning when an excavation is less than 100 m from a water body. Field works consisted of the drilling of three holes and various tests performed in the holes and on the drill core in an area totalling 526 metres.
GENIVAR of Val-d’Or and Amos continued to work on the detailed engineering of the surface facilities required for underground exploration.
Environmental work by Golder continues, with the drafting of the “terms of reference (baseline)” for most of the study components, including hydrogeology, surface and sediment water quality, fish and fish habitats and wildlife. The writing of the geochemistry report, updating of the hydrogeology report and drafting of the restoration plan were also among the activities that took place during the quarter.
Phase 2 of the drafting of detailed procedures and manuals for the radioprotection program is progressing as planned.
With the drafting of the base studies nearing completion, Golder was able to begin studying the potential impact of the exploration project on the physical and biological components on which they are working.
The Company awarded a new contract to Golder for the preparation of an environmental emergency measures plan from April to June 2009.
SENES, an Ontario firm with extensive experience in the uranium industry received the mandates to conduct Risk studies (ecological risk, risk on human health and industrial risk) and the air and climate and radiometry studies.
The field works carried out by Golder between April and June 2009 consisted of a spring sampling program of surface and sediment water and geochemistry (work plan approved in 2008).
40
SENES provided training to Company personnel and set up air sampling stations on site. They also carried out a surface radiometry survey for the baseline radioactivity study.
Various health and safety programs were prepared, including radioprotection, emergency measures, occupational safety and industrial hygiene, which are only a few of the many programs required as demonstrated in the following table. The Company completed all these programs by the end of September 2009.
41
LICENCE
In April 2008, the Company received authorization to begin the process of obtaining the approvals required for an underground exploration program at its Matoush uranium project.
The Company advised the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment Parks (MSDEP) by letter of intent of its intention to begin the process of obtaining the permits required to begin underground exploration work. As described supra in this section A5. PERMITS AND LICENCE,, in the context of a feasibility study, this work would essentially consist of site preparation, excavation of an access ramp to the -300 metre level, and the excavation of exploration drifts to carry out definition drilling. Excavation would take place in waste rock and ore. The exploration work would also allow assessment of the quantity and processing of mine drainage, ventilation, mining methods and ore storage.
Once it receives the required authorizations, the Company will become the first company in Quebec and the first so-called junior company in Canada in this uranium cycle, or nearly 25 years, to advance a uranium exploration project to the underground exploration stage.
On July 15, 2008, as part of the underground exploration via ramp program, the Company presented its Preliminary Project Description to the CNSC, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the MSDEP for comments. The Preliminary Project Description for the underground exploration program included: the project components, metallurgy, mine drainage, the health and safety program, and 15 separate appendices on environmental assessment, the water treatment plant, metallurgical testing, the project timetable, etc.
42
Comments were received on August 21, 2008, from those in charge of the file at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and the Company provided the required information in mid-September 2008.
The Company was then told that instructions and comments would be issued by the Evaluating Committee (COMEV), which is responsible for large projects in the James Bay area of Quebec.
On November 5, 2008, the Company filed an application for an underground exploration permit for its MATOUSH uranium PROPERTY with the CNSC. This application is part of the project authorization process, which began on July 15, 2008 with the filing of the Preliminary Project Description to the CNSC, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the MSDEP. This document describing the underground exploration program can be found on the Company’s website (www.stratecoinc.com) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
The upgrading of the Eastmain winter road to an all-season road became essential. Consequently, permit applications were filed in the fall of 2008 for construction of a permanent one-lane gravel road for year-round supply of equipment and fuel to the MATOUSH PROJECT. This link will also substantially reduce the costs associated with the underground exploration program.
In February 2009, the Company received comments from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regarding the licence application filed on November 4th, 2008, for the underground exploration work.
The Operations and Engineering department was very productive in 2009. Multiple reports required for the underground exploration program were completed and submitted to the regulatory authorities.
An important step was made toward obtaining the licence and various permits in the first quarter of 2009. Comments were received from the CNSC on February 16, 2009, in relation to the licence application filed on November 5, 2008. The Company also received the COMEV directive on March 19, 2009, for the environmental impact study.
Following receipt of the COMEV directive and CNSC comments, many activities were carried out by various consultants for the permits required for the underground exploration program. In addition to the mandates awarded to Scott Wilson RPA for the underground pumping and ventilation studies, and to Melis Engineering Ltd. for finalization of the mine runoff treatment plan, contracts were granted to Golder Associates (“Golder”) for various studies and health and safety programs.
Golder carried out field work in a number of disciplines in the winter of 2009. Most of these activities were related to work plans approved in 2008. Field activities for animal counts were completed in January and February 2009. The winter surface water and sediment sampling program, hydrology and geochemistry work were completed in March 2009.
In February, the borrow pits (gravel, sand and till) on the Matoush property were drilled by the Amos office of GENIVAR and Poly-Geo Inc. to outline the sources of borrow material for the construction of surface facilities required for the exploration ramp. The Amos office of GENIVAR also carried out supervision work for the construction of the new fuel storage area, as well as design work for a cement base for a new communications antenna.
The ramp stability rock mechanics study was also started in the first quarter of 2009. The study is aimed at meeting Quebec regulatory requirements for excavations within 100 metres of a body of water, at the request of the CNSC.
In March 2009, GENIVAR was awarded a contract for the detailed engineering of the facilities required for exploration ramp construction. This contract essentially consists of the detailed engineering for the treatment plant for exploration ramp runoff, portal, power grid, power supply, ventilation system, fuel and propane distribution system, camp expansion and approval applications for all new surface facilities, civil works and a landing strip.
43
In the second quarter, two other consultants, SENES Consultants Limited (“SENES”), an Ontario firm with extensive uranium industry experience, and the Montreal office of GENIVAR, joined the list of the many consultants conducting the various detailed studies required to obtain the various provincial and federal permits.
Following up on the comments received from the CNSC on February 16, 2009, in relation to the underground exploration licence application, the Company began field work with the assistance of Golder for a rock mechanics study on the crown pillar. This study will also be used to meet provincial government requirements regarding an underground excavation under the influence of a water body, meaning when an excavation is less than 100 m from a water body. Field work consisted of the drilling of three holes and various tests performed in the holes and on the drill core. A total of 526 metres were drilled.
In the second quarter, the Val-d’Or and Amos offices of GENIVAR continued to work on the detailed engineering of the surface facilities required for the underground exploration program.
With the completion of the baseline studies, Golder was able to begin studying the potential impact of the exploration project on the physical and biological components on which they were working. Phase 2 of the drafting of detailed procedures and manuals for the radioprotection program was also completed. A new contract was also awarded to Golder for the preparation of an environmental emergency measures plan. Field work carried out by Golder between April and June 2009 consisted of a spring sampling program of surface and sediment water and geochemistry (work plan approved in 2008).
In the second quarter, risk studies (ecological risk, risk on human health and industrial risk) were also awarded to SENES, along with mandates for the air and climate and radiometry studies. SENES provided training to Company personnel and set up air sampling stations on site. They also carried out a surface radiometry survey for the baseline radioactivity study.
Throughout the second quarter, the Company received a number of provincial permits for the Matoush project, including the land use lease for the camp and the petroleum equipment operating permit (renewal) in April, and in June, the exemption of the landing strip from the impact study and the environmental and social impact review.
In the third quarter, the environmental work done by Golder continued, with the preparation of baseline assessments for most of the study components, including hydrogeology based on the field rock mechanics results, surface water and sediment quality, hydrology and wildlife. Activities for the quarter also included the preparation and submission of the geochemistry and rehabilitation reports and the environmental emergency response plan. The field work carried out by Golder from July to September 2009 was part of the summer program of surface water and sediments sampling and geotechnical drilling of the crown pillar.
Meanwhile, SENES completed analysis and drafting of the risk study (ecological, human health and industrial risk) in the third quarter, and filed the preliminary report on the ecological and human health risks in September for review. The drafting of the baseline assessment for air quality, the climate and radiometry continued during the quarter, and the final report on air quality and climate was completed in early October.
The crown pillar geotechnical study was completed and the final report was received. Furthermore, most of the studies were completed, including the radiation safety study, a high priority element for the permit application.
In addition, the Val-d’Or and Amos offices of GENIVAR completed the detailed engineering work and started construction engineering.
In the third quarter, the Company received some of the permits required for the Matoush project development, such as the land usage rights for the landing strip and related access road, as well as the access roads to some of the borrow pits. Timber cutting rights were also granted.
The last quarter of 2009 was very busy due to two major applications. The environmental impact study was completed and sent to the regulatory authorities in October 2009, and the application for a licence for underground exploration work was filed with the CNSC on November 6. The latter application contains a dozen programs and a significant number of sub-programs, all related to occupational health and safety and the environment.
44
The Company also filed an updated preliminary rehabilitation plan as requested by theMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (“MRNF”).
The Company filed two exemption requests in November with theMinistère du Développement durable de l’Environnement et des Parcs(“MDDEP”), one for the use of the winter road to the Matoush camp, and the other for the exploitation of a sand pit smaller than 3 hectares (ha).
The Company filed a request for an authorization to mine without a lease for eight borrow pits smaller than 3 ha on the property. The material is required to pursue surface exploration work, repair the site access and build the landing strip.
Finally, a request for an authorization certificate to mine six borrow pits larger than 3 ha was filed with the regional MDDEP office in Rouyn-Noranda. This material is required for future underground exploration work.
Golder also finalised its limited impact study document. No field work took place between October and December 2009. The final Golder and SENES documents to be included in the overall underground exploration project impact study were submitted.
Finally, numerous translation contracts were granted in the last quarter of 2009 to comply with Quebec government requirements.
Community and Investor Relations
Throughout 2009, the Company continued to strengthen communications with the First Nations to inform them on the various stages of the MATOUSH PROJECT development. A technical presentation on mineral exploration was made to five representatives of the Grand Council of the Crees and two representatives of the Cree Mineral Exploration Board at the Company’s head office on February 10, 2009. This working session proved excellent, enabling those present to be well informed and to obtain clear answers to their questions and concerns.
An official meeting was held at the site on February 21, 2009. Twenty-three of the 26 participants were Cree, including four tallymen responsible of the trap lines in the Matoush project area. A similar meeting took place at the same time last year. Because they are directly on site, these meetings generate more dialogue.
Company management made two presentations, one to theMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune and the other to the deputy minister of mines and his entourage. A third presentation was made in Chibougamau to the MNA for Ungava.
These presentations and exchanges had two specific goals: to publicize the Matoush project overall, particularly its development stages, and to inform the main stakeholders on the various aspects of uranium, particularly potential concerns such as radioactivity, radon, health and safety and environmental protection.
In early April, the Company was an active participant and a major sponsor of the fourth annual Learning Together conference in Montreal, which brings together aboriginal communities from across Canada. Among other things, this conference aims to create strong links between First Nations communities and the mining industry. It allowed the Company to address questions from many participant on uranium projects. The presentations and the participation of a Company representative in discussion groups that included representatives from Cameco and the CNSC proved very beneficial.
On April 21, a meeting was held with the chief of the Mistassini band council to discuss the progress of the Matoush project, as well as the work remaining for the preparation of the underground exploration program.
At the end of April, a Company representative also met with the members of the Uranium Committee in Chibougamau to provide support in terms of the planning process and strategy for public meetings. This new committee has been set up by the board of directors of the regional committee of CREBJ for the purpose of informing the public on all aspects of uranium in an open, transparent process.
45
In addition to its various meetings, the Company retained the services of consultants to optimize its website in 2009. The website provides access to a broad range of information on the nature and characteristics of the MATOUSH PROJECT, the health and safety of the local population and workers and environmental protection. The website now also has pages on “News to Investors” and “News to the Communities” that provide up to the minute news on the MATOUSH PROJECT. Anyone interested can, for instance, consult the latest resource estimate or be notified of the most recent information document uploads. The site also provides new information files on interesting subjects related to uranium, such as environmental protection, transport, site restoration and health and safety programs. The site was updated out of a concern for transparency, so that the public, investors and anyone else interested in the project could find answers to questions they might have.
In the third and fourth quarter, to maintain direct contact with investors, the president and chief executive officer travelled to Europe three times and made several trips to Toronto and Montreal, where he attended numerous meetings to maintain direct contact with investors. He also gave media interviews, notably onCanal Argent, to inform investors and the public on MATOUSH PROJECT developments.
These initiatives show that the Company is pursuing its efforts to establish and maintain good relations and open, ongoing communications with local communities, the Cree community, investors, regulatory authorities and the general public.
In 2010, the Company plans to begin the environmental studies required for mill and tailings pond construction. These studies are required to obtain a mine construction permit.
Item 2 B. MISTASSINI PROPERTY
Location and access
The Mistassini property consists of 171 claims shown on the NTS32P map for a total area of 9,114.47 hectares (91.15 km2). It is located in the Otish Mountains approximately 40 km south-west of the Matoush property wholly-owned by the Company. Please see Regional Location MapFigure 1 at page 7 for the location of the property andFigure 3below for the location of the claims:
46
Mining Claims
Pursuant to the letter of intent dated November 20, 2007 and following receipt of analyses for three holes drilled by Majescor Resources Inc. (“Majescor”) in December 2007 on the Lac Mantouchiche uranium prospect, the Company decided on February 14, 2008, to exercise its option right to acquire an option to earn an undivided 60% interest in Majescor’s uranium rights and uranium only on the MISTASSINI PROPERTY.
The Option Agreement provides for the Company to acquire a 60% interest in the uranium rights on the property by carrying out a total of $1.3 million in exploration expenditures over three years. The Company reimbursed Majescor for the cost of the drilling program completed in December 2007 and spent additional sums in exploration expenses on the property for a total firm commitment of $500,000 in Year 1 of the option. The remaining $800,000 in exploration expenses will be spent equally between Years 2 and 3.
During the option period, the Company will be the sole operator for all uranium exploration and will have full access to the property. Northern Superior Resources Inc., which holds 100% of the diamond rights and 50.5% of all other mineral rights to the exception of diamonds and uranium rights, renounced to conduct exploration and exploitation works for diamonds on the property during the duration of the Agreement. Furthermore, Northern Superior Resources Inc. is entitled to a 2.0% Yellow Cake Royalty on the uranium rights of the property.
The MISTASSINI PROPERTY consisted originally at the time of the letter of intent of 721 mining claims covering 391 km2. On November 3, 2008, the Company gave a 90 days notice to Majescor that it was no more interested to pursue exploration on 550 claims. As of November 24, 2008, Majescor and the Company executed a definitive agreement with an effective date of February 14, 2008. The Company maintained its option to acquire a 60% interest in the remaining 171 claims covering an area of 9,114.71 hectares.
47
On or about February 14, 2009, the Company had met its obligations of the First Anniversary of the Option Agreeement in spending more than $500,000 on exploration expenses on the Mistassini Property
Exploration work
The discovery hole drilled in 2002 by Majescor (MIST 02-08) on the MISTASSINI PROPERTY had intersected 0.20% U3O8 over 4.50 metres.
In December 2007, three holes were drilled by Majescor to verify the extension down dip of Lac Mantouchiche uranium prospect. The best intersection was obtained in Hole MIST-07-03, with 18.5 -metre grading 0.215% U3O8near-surface.
The Company began late February 2008, a comprehensive exploration program, which included drilling aimed at confirming the strike and dip extensions of the Lac Mantouchiche uranium prospect, as well as detailed ground mapping and prospecting.
The potential of the property as a whole was assessed primarily on the basis of geophysical data. In this regard, magnetic susceptibility data combined with systematic core radiometric data have shown a clear inverse correlation between uranium grade and magnetism. These observations strongly suggest that low magnetic zones could be used to target regional exploration on the property. The use of other geophysical surveys, such as detailed gravity and VLF-EM over the uranium discovery will also be evaluated.
As a precursor to the drilling program planned for 2009, the Company started in December 2008 and completed on January 23, 2009, a 1,869 line-kilometre helicopter-borne geophysical survey over the Mistassini property.
This technical data has been approved by Jean-Pierre Lachance, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Strateco Resources Inc., a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.
As of June 2009, the Companyand Majescor Resources Inc.("Majescor”) began a drilling program at Majescor’s MISTASSINI PROPERTY. The MISTASSINI PROPERTY is host to theLacMantouchicheuranium showing where Majescor drilled an18.5 -metreintersection grading0.215%U3O8 near-surface in HoleMIST-07-03. The property is located in the Otish Mountains, 50 km southwest of the Company’s MATOUSH PROPERTY.
The principal objective of the 600 m drilling program, started in early June 2009, was to begin testing the strike and dip extensions of the Lac Mantouchiche uranium prospect. This drilling program was based on a target zone identified from a 1,200 line-kilometre helicopter-borne geophysical survey completed over the MISTASSINI PROPERTY for the Company in January 2009. Fugro Airborne Surveys Corp. carried out the survey.
The high resolution magnetic and electromagnetic survey was interpreted by Jeremy S. Brett of MPH Consulting Ltd, and identified an ESE-WNW trending km-scale structural lineament, coincident with the Lac Mantouchiche uranium showing. Drilling completed to date at the MISTASSINI PROPERTY, together with recently outlined geophysical targets, confirm the uranium mineralisation potential of the basement rocks near surface. The MISTASSINI PROPERTY lies along the Otish sedimentary basin’s proposed SW extension axis to the Papaskwasati basin, in the vicinity of a major basement fold axis. The Mantouchiche sedimentary outlier is entirely confined within the limits of the property, near the main uranium prospect.
As of July 2009 the Companyand Majescor obtainedthe preliminary results of a drill program recently completed on the Mistassini uranium property held by Majescor and located in the Otish Mountains of Quebec, 50 km southwest of the Company’s MATOUSHPROPERTY.
A new uranium-bearing zone was intersected in the immediate vicinity of the Lac Mantouchiche uranium showing (“Mantouchiche showing”). Drill holeMIST-09-03, drilled at -45°, intersected 11.0 metres grading 0.13% eU3O8, including 0.9 metre at a grade of 1.03% eU3O8. This new uraniferous zone is located in the hanging wall of the Mantouchiche showing, at a vertical depth of 32 metres. The Mantouchiche showing discovery hole,MIST-07-03, drilled an angle of -70° along the same section as holeMIST-09-03, had intersected 18.5 metres grading 0.215% U3O8, at a vertical depth of 47 metres.
48
A second drill hole, MIST-09-04, drilled along the same section at -70°, confirmed the vertical extension of the new uranium-bearing zone, with an intercept of13.9 metresgrading0.08%eU3O8 at a vertical depth of40 metres, including a sub-intercept of5.1 metresgrading0.186%eU3O8. The latter hole did not reach the extension of the Mantouchiche showing, inferred to be at about 170 metres vertical depth. The extension of the Mantouchiche showing was however intersected in drill hole MIST-09-03 at a vertical depth of64 metres, with an intercept of3.0 metresgrading0.08% eU3O8 including0.14% eU3O8 over1.2metres.
The true width of the mineralized sections has not yet been determined. The equivalent uranium grades are obtained using a spectral probe. Analytical results are pending.
The drilling campaign on the MISTASSINI PROPERTY took place on a period of 18 days in June 2009. Seven holes were completed for a total of 786 metres.
The drill holes tested three areas in the immediate vicinity of the Mantouchiche showing, over a total strike length of 125 metres. Two drill holes were completed per section to test the strike extensions namely 50 metres to the west and 75 metres to the east of the Mantouchiche showing. Drill holesMIST-09-01,02,05and06, drilled to this end, intersected anomalous eU3O8 values. Drill holesMIST-09-03and04were drilled along the same section as the discovery holeMIST-07-03. The strike extension of the new zone could not be confirmed by the last hole in the campaign, namelyMIST-09-07, drilled along the same section asMIST-09-05and06.
Given the positive results of the drill campaign and following a structural and geological interpretation, further exploration work will be carried-out over the coming year. At first, a ground geophysical survey will be conducted to test for the possible presence of high-grade uranium lenses preferentially aligned along a north-south axis.
Item 2 C. APPLE PROPERTY
Location and access
The property is located at 80 km southeast of Radisson, in the James Bay area in the Province of Quebec in Canada. The property is accessible by a 40 km winter road from Km 510 on the paved James Bay road. In summer, the property can be accessed by boat from the Trans-Taïga road. Float planes and helicopters are readily available in the city of Radisson. Please seeFigure 1at page 7 for the general location of the property.
Mining claims
The APPLE PROPERTY consists of 194 mining claims covering 9,928.13 hectares recorded in the name of the Company.
On August 28, 2007, the Company has acquired 100% the Apple uranium property, wholly owned by Virginia Mines Inc (“Virginia”) in consideration of 3,250,000 common shares of the Company.
The agreement also provided for a 2% NSR royalty payable upon production to Virginia, half of which can be bought back by the Company for $1.0 million. The transaction closed on September 6, 2007.
49
Figure 4below represents the location of the claims for APPLE PROPERTY:
Uranium potential
The project covers a portion of the Apple Formation, which came to light in the early 1970s with the discovery of several extensive uranium-pyrite matrix, quartz pebble conglomerate zones.
The Apple uranium deposit was in fact discovered in 1971 during an airborne survey. The International Nickel Company of Canada Limited (“INCO”) and James Bay Development Corporation subsequently conducted an extensive joint exploration program from 1972 to 1975, with INCO as the operator. A total of 65 holes were drilled for a total of 14,000 metres, and the uranium conglomerates were traced over a distance of eight kilometres along an east-west axis.
Exploration work
From 1972 to 1975 Canadian Nickel Company (Canico) drilled 66 holes for a total of 14,445 metres on Apple in order to evaluate the uranium potential. In the end of 1974, Canico completed a historical grade and tonnage estimate in all categories of 9,365,000 tons grading 0.054% U3O8. Their resource estimate was prepared only for a strike length of approximately 1,000 m and to a depth of approximately 300 m; the mineralized horizon remaining opened at depth.
Cautionary Note:A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company does not consider resources or reserves of an historical estimate to be mineral resources or mineral reserves, as these categories are defined in articles 1.2 and 1.3 of the National Instrument 43-101, as amended. The investor or reader should not rely upon this historical estimate.
50
In 2006, Virginia completed a helicopter-borne, combined magnetic and radiometric orientation survey over most of the actual property. The strongest radiometric anomalies were found to have a direct correspondence to the area drilled by Canico form 1972 to 1975.
On August 23, 2007, two Company’s representatives visited the property as part of a due diligence process, accompanied by two representatives of Virginia and guided by Mr. Jean-François Ouellette of Geonordic Technical Services Inc. and Mr. Michel Gauthier, Ph.D., a Professor at UQAM and Liège University in Belgium. Mr. Gauthier is very familiar with the geological context of the APPLE PROPERTY and has extensive experience in the uranium of the James Bay region, having been involved there since the 1970s.
During the field visit, two outcrops 2.9 km apart belonging to the same Apple Formation were seen. The strength and size of the system were also witnessed.
The second outcrop, which corresponded to the radiometry anomaly that led to the Apple discovery, is exposed over about 75 metres along strike. Readings from a few thousand to 10,000 counts per second were taken during the visit. The Company has for objective to substantially increase the existing estimated resource of about 9.0 million pounds of U3O8 in considering that the prospection unit (Apple Formation) was traced for nearly 14.0 km while the resources calculated by Canico were limited to 1.0 km.
In the fall of 2007, the Company conducted a helicopter-borne radiometry survey covering the entire property. This survey led to the identification of new radiometry anomalies and confirmed those identified by earlier surveys.
In early January 2008, the Company began construction of a 14-person camp. Drilling began as soon as construction was completed in mid-February. Various targets were to be tested.
On the APPLE PROPERTY, an initial drilling program totalling 4,000 metres started. The 2008 budget for this property was of $2.3 million. Five twin holes covered a strike length of 1.1 km where the resource had been estimated by Inco, most of the program tested new radiometry anomalies identified by the helicopter-borne survey conducted by the Company in the fall of 2007.
From February to April 2008, 13 holes totalling 3,357 metres were drilled on the property, including four holes to twin Canico’s intersection and five holes to infill along the Apple trend. The holes completed by the Company were successful confirming the lateral and vertical continuity of the uranium mineralization within the Apple Formation.
As of March 2008, five holes totalling 1,668 metres had been completed. The first four holes (AP-08-01 to 04: 1,413 metres) were drilled near old holes drilled by INCO in the 1970s (twin holes) to confirm the geology and verify the mineralized zones intersected by the old holes, drilled over a linear distance of one kilometre. The casings of the twinned holes were located on the property.
In the four twinned holes totalling 1,413 metres (AP-08-01to04), the main geological units intersected are the same and in virtually the same position as those shown on INCO’s drill sections (GM57894). There is also good correlation between the conglomerate beds identified by INCO and those seen in the 2008 holes. The conglomerate beds are where they were expected to be with similar grades. The grades and thicknesses obtained by INCO and those for the 2008 twin holes were correlated once the assay results had been received.
The results of these first four holes provided the basis under CanadianNational Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) for thetechnical reportdated June 2, 2008entitled: Technical Report on the Apple Project, James Bay Area, Northwestern Québec, Canada prepared for Strateco Resources Inc. NI 43-101 Reportprepared by R. Barry Cook, M.Sc., P.Eng. and Paul Chamois, M.Sc., P.Geo. of Scott Wison Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (Scott Wilson RPA).
Scott Wilson RPA was of the opinion that the Company’s Apple Project merited considerably more uranium exploration and a substantial work program was recommended. Scott Wilson RPA recommended work on the Phase I program, beginning as soon as practical in early summer 2008 and continuing through winter 2009. The Phase I program included: i) line cutting and ground geophysical surveys (magnetics, radiometrics, Induced Polarization (IP)) and geological mapping along the main Apple trend, ii) prospecting and sampling along the main Apple trend and investigating airborne radiometric anomalies elsewhere, and iii) diamond drilling primarily along the main Apple trend with a proposed budget of $4,176,000.
51
According to Scott Wilson RPA, a Phase II program were envisioned to begin in early summer 2009 and to consist of first pass definition drilling in the most attractive areas. Advancing to Phase II with a proposed budget of $6,011,000 would be however contingent upon positive results from Phase I.
Five holes totalling 1,263 metres (AP-08-05, 10, 11, 12 and 13) were drilled to verify the lateral extensions of the mineralized zones surrounded by Canico for the resource estimate done between the 4, 400 West and 1,100 West sections. To the exception of holeAP-08-13drilled on the 4,000 West section, the other holes the Company drilled east of the 1,100 West section over a lateral distance of 790 metres, with an average spacing of 150 metres between holes, with the exception of hole most to the east,AP-08-10, distant of 370 metres with holeAP-08-11. (The 4.400 West and 1,100 West Sections can be seen on the Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com.
Among those four holes, only HoleAP-08-10did not intersect uranium mineralization. HoleAP-08-05centered on an important radiometric anomaly, turned out to be conclusive with the intersection of three mineralized zones measuring from3.7 metres to 7.1 metresin length with an average grade of0.03% U3O8.
HolesAP-08-11andAP-08-12 have each intersected two mineralized zones of an average length of 3.5 metres with grades oscillating between 0.02 and 0.06% U3O8The best intersection was 0.06%U3O8 over 4.0metresin holeAP-08-12.
HoleAP-08-13drilled on the 4,400 West section intersected the mineralization on thickness of2.5 and 3.6 metreswith anaverage grade of 0.04%U3O8.
The four other holes for a total of 710 metres (AP-08-06 to 09), drilled to investigate certain radiometric anomalies identified by the 2007 airborne survey in the southern portion of the property, did not intersect any significant mineralization.
Exploration work on the Apple property consisted primarily of prospecting, channel sampling and geological reconnaissance carried out on the basis of the results of an airborne radiometry survey conducted in the fall of 2007. The field work took place from June 5 to August 9, 2008.
The geological reconnaissance revealed five main outcrops, each with different anomalous bands generally corresponding to the uranium-bearing quartz pebble/pyrite matrix conglomerate. Subsequent, tighter prospecting of each of the outcropping areas allowed the uranium zones to be precisely traced to determine their morphology, which is primarily controlled by ductile/fragile deformation. Systematic GR-135 spectrometer readings were taken to characterize the various anomalous bands and determine their uranium content.
The Apple uranium-bearing conglomerates were also traced over a distance of nearly 8 km along the northern contact with the Yasinski volcano-sedimentary formation. Many readings were obtained for each outcrop, ranging from a few thousand to up to 10,000 counts per second (“cps”). Four of the five outcrops returned values of 5,000 to 13,000 cps. Some anomalous bands also returned values of up to 20,000 cps. The uranium content of the main Apple band therefore ranges from 0.082% to 0.330% eU3O8in the richest zones. The average uranium/thorium ratio is about 0.75. Chemical assays have not been received yet.
In addition to having better outlined the Apple formation, the exploration work in this program revealed fold zones in the conglomerate horizons that do not seem to have been identified by earlier work. The presence of these folds could entail the repetition of the uranium bands to the south of and parallel to the main band.
52
Given the extent of the pyrite-matrix uranium-bearing conglomerates as well as their degree of deformation, a 42 line/km induced polarization survey was performed in mid-August following the geological prospecting program to locate the anomalous conglomerates at depth and identify new drill targets south of the 8-km-long Apple formation.
Preliminary data was received at the end of September 2008 for holes not included in the NI 43-101 report.
In reason of the international financial crisis, the Company has decided not to drill on APPLE PROPERTY during winter 2009 and to concentrate its moneys and efforts on the MATOUSH PROJECT.
The Company did not conduct any exploration work on the Apple property in 2009.
Item 2 D. MONT-LAURIER URANIUM PROPERTY
Location and Access
The MONT-LAURIER URANIUM PROPERTY is located in Pérodeau Township, 40 kilometres northeast of Mont-Laurier, Québec in Canada. The property is easily accessible by paved road from Mont-Laurier.
Please seeFigure 1 for the regional map indicating the location of the MONT-LAURIER URANIUM PROPERTY at page 7and the followingFigure 5for the location of the Company’s claims on this property.
53
Mining Claims
The property consists of 80 claims that cover an area of 4,710.35 hectares. The Company owns a 100% interest in the property, acquired at the end of March 2005.
Uranium Potential
The ground acquired lies within the Cabonga-Mont-Laurier radioactive district of the Grenville geological province. Intensive exploration work was conducted in the area from 1969 to 1981, after Canadian Johns-Manville discovered uranium mineralization in 1967.
The Company’s property covers ground previously held by Mont-Laurier Uranium Mines in the 1970s. The claims block straddles the crest of a northeast-trending anticline and covers the high-potential southern extension of the Tom Dick uranium zones.
The uranium occurs mainly as disseminated uraninite in metamorphosed white pegmatites, as well as in biotite gneiss and impure biotite feldspath quartzites. The paragneiss covers Archean granite gneiss exposed mainly in the eroded windows along the crest of the major northeast-trending anticlinal folds.
Two white pegmatite uranium zones have been identified in the centre-south portion of the ground held by the Company, previously known as the Lac Hanson claims. The largest zone, which is six metres thick and dips 20o to the northwest, has been traced over a distance of 365 metres to the northeast by trenching. The central portion of the Company’s property, on the same axis between the Lac Hanson and the Tom Dick zones, remains virtually unexplored due to the fluvio-glacial overburden.
Exploration Work
The Company initiated exploration work on the MONT-LAURIER URANIUM PROPERTY in the summer and fall of 2006.
First, in mid-June 2006, a helicopter-borne geophysical survey was done over the entire property. The radiometry, Mag and VLF survey was flown along lines spaced at 100 metres, totalling 885 line-kilometres. Various anomalous zones were identified.
The radiometry anomalies, particularly the uranium anomalies, are primarily concentrated along a 200- to 1,000-metre wide, northeast striking band that crosses the entire property. This band of anomalies covers a distance of over 14 kilometres. The two most strongly-anomalous areas are in the north and south of the property.
Following this survey, prospecting was carried out on the most promising areas. This work primarily consisted of scintillometry prospecting over approximately 26 line-kilometres, blasting and collection of 73 samples in the Tom Dick area. Some 11.2 kilometres of line-cutting was done in the Lac Hanson area.
This exploration work resulted in the identification of zones of high radioactivity (many times the background level) in the Tom Dick South, Hanson West and Hanson Centre areas. Occasional readings of over 10,000 cps were seen.
Local outcrop spectrometry measurements (GR-135 spectrometer) confirmed the presence of uranium in association with the target helicopter-borne anomalies. For instance, on an outcrop containing white pegmatite on Tom Dick South, the unit recognized as the host of uranium mineralization showed readings of 1,800 to 2,500 cps. Readings of 2,000 to 10,250 cps were recorded at sites on Hanson West, and 4,800 cps on Hanson Centre.
In 2007, the exploration program on the property consisted essentially of drilling.
54
From January to March 2007, a 2,614 metres - 32-holes drilling program was completed on Area A, B and C. This is the first program carried by the Company since the staking of the property in 2005 and since the work done by Mont-Laurier Uranium Mines in 1971 and SOQUEM in 1973.
In Area A (Lake Hanson West) the 2007 drilling was aimed at testing this zone on a 100-metre spacing drill grid over 1,000 metres of strike. A series of 28 mostly vertical holes (2,274 metres) were drilled to an average depth of about 81 metres. The key white pegmatite units alternating with granitic gneiss were intersected as expected but the dissemination of uranium-bearing minerals seems greater than expected. Decimetric to metric assayed intervals returned values below 0.05 % U3O8.
In Area B between Hanson West and Tom Dick South, only one hole was drilled and abandoned at 54 metres. Water and logistic problems were encountered.
For the Area C (Tom Dick South) three drill holes totalling 285 metres were completed. Only minor intersections of decimetric width with grades below 0.02% U3O8 were obtained.
Even with the mixed results of the 2007 drilling program, the property still shows various exploration targets but the Company did not conduct any exploration work on this property in 2008 and in 2009 but claims have been renewed. The Company decided to write off this property in the financial statements as of December 31, 2008as mentioned inForm 10-K for the exercise ended December 31, 2008 at Item 8: Financial Statements of an exploration stage company,Note 8 Deferred expenditures.
Item 2 E. QUÉNONISCAPROPERTY– ZN, PB, CU, AG
The QUÉNONISCA PROPERTY consists of 33 claims for a total area of 1,799 hectares. It lies 180 kilometres northwest of Chibougamau, Québec, Canada.
On February 26, 1996, Altavista Mines Inc. (“Altavista”) obtained an exclusive, irrevocable option from SOQUEM to acquire a 50% undivided interest in the Quénonisca property as consideration for exploration work to be carried out under SOQUEM’s direction for a total of $75,000, plus an undertaking by Altavista to subsequently finance a minimum of $127,500 in exploration work by February 28, 1997. In 1997, stripping and drilling were carried out on the property. In 1998, three sulfide occurrences in stockworks were discovered on the Montagnes-Nord grid by SOQUEM.
55
Drill Hole | Localisation (m) | Length (m) | Results | |
From: | To: | |||
1187-97-01 | 116.6 | 118.1 | 1.5 | 0.12% Zn |
136.1 | 137.6 | 1.5 | 0.16% Zn | |
1187-97-02 | 110.5 | 111.1 | 0.6 | 0.15% Zn, 0.16 g/t Ag |
113.5 | 114.4 | 0.9 | 0.28% Zn, 2.4 g/t Ag | |
120.4 | 124.9 | 4.5 | 0.20% Zn, 1.2 g/t Ag | |
1187-97-03 | 37.5 | 38.7 | 1.2 | 0.25% Zn, 1.9 g/t Ag |
65.1 | 72.3 | 7.2 | 0.18% Zn, 2.6 g/t Ag | |
including | ||||
68.1 | 69.6 | 1.5 | 0.26% Zu, 3.5 g/t Ag, 0.12% Cu | |
1187-97-04 | 96.3 | 98.8 | 2.5 | 0.34% Zn, 6.0 g/t Ag, 0.17% Pb |
102.4 | 103.5 | 1.1 | 0.32% Zn, 5.9 g/t Ag, 0.57% Pb | |
112.0 | 113.5 | 1.5 | 0.21% Zn, 3.0 g/t Ag, 0.13% Pb | |
120.8 | 123.8 | 3.0 | 0.19% Zn, 2.3 g/t Ag, 0.12% Pb | |
1187-97-05 | 79.4 | 83.2 | 3.8 | 1.08% Za, 7.5 g/t Ag, 0.44% Pb |
including | 81.0 | 81.9 | 0.9 | 2.00% Zn, 7.0 g/t Ag, 0.53% Pb |
1187-97-06 | No significant value | |||
1187-97-07 | 60.9 | 61.5 | 0.6 | 6.58 g/t Au |
1187-97-08 | 22.1 | 22.8 | 0.7 | 0.48 g/tAu |
In 1999, SOQUEM carried out a linear 19.6 line-kilometre magnetometer and Max-Min survey on the Montagnes-Nord grid. Various conductors were detected by this survey.
In the fall of 2000, SOQUEM conducted a 1,050-metre, eight-hole drilling program in order to test the best conductors detected in 1999. Numerous sections of mineralized cherts were intersected. Several lenses of pyrrhotite-rich massive sulfides were identified. The Company contributed 50% of the total $201,173 program cost for 2000.
No significant work was carried out on the QUÉNONISCA PROPERTY since 2001. In 2008, the mining claims have been renewed but no exploration work was made on this property.
Item 2: NOTE Detailed uranium exploration analytical procedures
Commitment to Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Ensuring proper quality measurements in all aspects of the exploration phase is a priority for Strateco Resources Inc. (the “Company”). The Company continuously reviews data quality and routinely reviews and enhances its methods of monitoring quality. The Company is committed to proper data gathering and management. External reviews of quality assurance and quality control methods by outside experts such as Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“Scott Wilson RPA”) have enabled the Company to continuously enhance its procedures. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (“QA/QC”) are notably critical in two aspects of the mineral resource assessment phase: geochemical sampling (assays) and radiometric readings (probing). ThisNote 1to the annual report is intended to comprehensively review methods applied to both aspects.
Geochemical sampling
The sampling program at Matoush Project, including all aspects of Quality Assurance and Quality Control, is supervised by the Company’s Chief Geologist, Jonathan Lafontaine, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101.
Sample preparation
Drill core is accurately measured, descriptively logged, and samples picked based on lithology, alteration, and radiometric data carefully measured with a hand-held spectrometer (GR-135 from SAIC). The Company samples all fault zone intersections.
56
Individual sample lengths vary between 0.5 m to 1.0 m but are subject to variations if the geologist deems this absolutely necessary to ensure proper and comprehensive sampling. Barren samples typically 1.0 m in length are taken to close off the intersections. Core length intersections do not represent true width and are corrected when mineral resources are assessed. It is not the Company’s policy to estimate true widths until three-dimensional continuity of the intercepts is definitively established.
Sampling and Shipment
Three-part sample tags are used to track the samples. The first tag is stapled in the core box with a numerically corresponding aluminum “dymo” tag. The second tag is inserted into a clear plastic bag identified with the identical number inscribed on the bag. The third is archived in the field office located on the Matoush Property. Core is split using a hand or hydraulic splitter according to sample intervals marked on the core with one half preserved in the box and the other inserted into the sealed plastic bag. The sample bags are then placed in large plastic or metal pails of 5 gallons and sealed for shipping. Pails of samples are shipped by helicopter or float plane to the Temiscamie float plane base, trucked to Chibougamau where they are sent by courier to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in Saskatoon, SK.
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) Analytical Procedure
The Geo-analytical Laboratories at SRC are a high quality analytical service facility with a stringent Quality Assurance (QA) program dedicated to actively seeking to evaluate and continually improve the internal quality management system. The laboratory is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as an ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory for Mineral Analysis Testing and is licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for possession, transfer, import, export, use and storage of designated nuclear substances by CNSC Licence Number 01784-1-09.3.
On arrival at SRC, samples are sorted into lots according to radioactivity level and samples are prepared in order from least to most radioactive. SRC inserts, at the minimum, a blank sample, a duplicate from the batch and a Quality Control (QC) standard of its own with each sample batch.
Sample processing includes the following steps:
1. | Samples are dried and jaw crushed to 60% passing -2 mm. | |
2. | A 100 g to 200 g subsample is split using a riffler. | |
3. | A ring and puck grinding mill pulverizes the subsample to 90% passing 106 microns. The mills are cleaned between samples using steel wool and compressed air. | |
4. | Uranium content is measured by inductively coupled plasma ICP 4-3 (near total tri-acid digestion using fluoric, nitric and perchloric acids followed by a dilute nitric acid bath), ICP 4-3R (partial aqua-regia digestion); fluorimetry on partial digestion is also used if total digestion of U3O8is less than 100 PPM. | |
5. | Samples done by ICP 4-3 also have the full package of trace elements run. Samples with greater than 1,000 ppm U3O8are also subjected to an aqua regia digestion before determination of U3O8wt% also by ICP and samples are also fire assayed for precious metals (Au, Pt, Pd). |
QA/QC methods
SRC QA Protocols
Upon receipt, batches of data are checked in order to determine that the batches of data comply with SRC own analytical protocols; the repeats and standards inserted by the SRC into the batches of samples are also verified.
Quarter-split drill core duplicates
Drill core duplicates assess: the variability introduced by selecting one half of the drill core versus the other, the sample numbering mistakes, and the nugget effect. Samples to be duplicated are randomly selected by the sampling technician with rough guidelines given by the geologist. A quarter-split duplicate is separately inserted every 14 samples by the Company’s sample technician. Once the sample to be duplicated is selected, the sample bag is re-opened; split core is pulled out and quartered into separate bags. Duplicates are inserted randomly into the sample number sequence. A thorough program is underway to clearly determine natural heterogeneity but pairs are considered acceptably identical if they are within 10%. The Company is currently standardizing sample batches to ensure that approximately 5% of all samples in a batch correspond to quarter split duplicates.
57
Blanks
The regular submission of blank material is used to assess contamination during sample preparation and to identify sample numbering mistakes. Blanks are selected by the sampling technician under the guidance of the geologist. Blanks correspond to clean, non-radioactive, 1 m-long, fine-grained silicified sandstone samples. A blank is separately inserted every 14 samples by the Company’s sample technician. SRC’s system of sorting samples in ascending order of radioactivity helps eliminate significant contamination from preceding samples but also nullifies the use of blanks as contaminant assessment mechanisms. Nonetheless, submission of blanks inserted into the sampling sequence is used to asses sample numbering mistakes. The Company is currently reviewing the threshold for allowable trace uranium to be detected but blanks are considered acceptable if they contain less than 50 PPM. The Company is currently standardizing sample batches to ensure that approximately 3% of all samples in a batch are blanks.
Certified Reference Materials (CRM)
Results from the regular submission of certified reference materials (CRM) are used to identify problems with specific sample batches and long-term biases associated with the regular assay lab (SRC). It is important that the uranium grade of the CRM be representative of the grade range of the resource assays. CRM are sampled with a small baggie and placed in a standard sample bag which is identified and inserted into the sample number sequence. The Company considers that failure occurs when assays from two consecutive CRM are greater than +/- two standard deviations or if the assays from a single CRM are greater than +/- three standard deviations from the expected value. The Company is currently standardizing sample batches to ensure approximately 2% of all samples in a batch are CRM and at least one CRM is inserted into the sample batch.
Future QA/QC methods
The Company is committed to continuously improving QA/QC procedures. As such, the Company is currently reviewing potential analytical procedures to implement assessment of laboratory bias by sending out pulps to a second independent laboratory and re-analysis of coarse pulp duplicates. Although intermittent studies of this type have been completed to satisfaction, a routine has yet to be established.
Radiometric Assays (probing)
All completed drill holes are probed from collar to the end of hole by a geo-technician of the Company after allowing adequate time for washing to remove smear and ensuring proper radon diffusion to ambient background levels. The Company currently uses a Mount Sopris 2GHF triple gamma downhole probing tool which uses a combination of two Geiger-Müller detectors and a sodium iodide detector incorporated into one tool allowing accurate measurements of a variety of uranium mineralization types (from background levels to high grades). Data is collected every 5 cm going up hole.
These data are compared with geochemical grades once sample results are returned from the SRC. Natural variations on the order of 5% - 10% differences in grade x thickness (GT) do occur, though variations are typically less than 5%. Cable stretch and slip are of particular concern and can be as high as approximately 1% (meaning one centimetre of slip and stretch going up hole per metre of coiled cable). Although this value is negligible for drill holes of less than 100 m, it can be significant for the Matoush Project where drill holes usually exceed 300 m and can go as deep as 800 m or more. Stretch and slip of the cable during uphole readings are assumed to be due to cable twisting-untwisting or slip of the pulley that measures cable length. Usually, downhole gamma readings appear higher up in the log than radioactive peaks as measured on drill core. To compensate for this effect, depths are multiplied by 1.01.
Grade X Thickness (GT) estimates
All calculations for the grade x thickness (GT) estimates are based on instrument readings inside a water-filled drill rod string. Raw counts per second (CPS) data are compensated for the dampening effects of steel rods and water. For the 2GHF triple gamma tool, once a simple correction is applied to compensate for the spatial distribution of the detectors in the instrument, the values are smoothed by a moving average covering 70 cm centred on the depth of the instrument measurement to remove spurious short narrow peaks which are not considered representative. The results are triaged based on the ideal range of detection for both types of detectors. The sodium iodide detector readings are retained if they are below 6,000 CPS (i.e., low grades), and the sum of the Geiger-Müller detectors above this cut-off.
An in-house Excel macro uses a high order polynomial (3rd order for sodium iodide detectors, 2nd order for Geiger-Müller detectors) to assign grade to CPS value on a sample per sample basis. This polynomial is determined through controlled experiments using an on-site calibration drill hole from which known assay results are taken. Thus, a known grade over a known thickness is assigned a CPS value for both detectors for a variety of grades typically encountered on the property. The calibrated polynomial curve is acceptable up to the maximum grade encountered on the calibration curve. When this maximum CPS is
58
exceeded in a drill hole, the calibrated polynomial is no longer applicable over this value and a procedure is in place to re-compute a more accurate polynomial once accepted assay data have been recovered. Finally, the macro will attempt to estimate U3O8content (eU3O8) over a minimal length that the Company has determined to be geo-physically reliable as per suggested by Mount Sopris information (70 cm). GT estimates are then un-convoluted to length and grade.
QA/QC methods
Once data are imported into the database, the down-hole probing data are visually compared with logged radiometric readings on drill core. Discrepancies in results are immediately investigated and corrected. Although the data sources and reporting methods are significantly different, it is visually checked to ascertain the concordance of peak spacing and general width of mineralized zones. Radiometric data on drill core is gathered by removing each piece of drill core from the ambient background, noting the most pertinent reproducible result, and carefully returning it to its correct place in the core box.
Prior to and after each probed drill hole, the geophysical instrument is tested with a calibration sleeve composed of several Am241 point sources distributed evenly within a steel sleeve slid onto the NaI detector. The Company considers the calibration test acceptable if 95% of measurements fall within 2 standard deviations of the average value.
Furthermore, a water-filled and cased calibration drill hole is probed once per 3-weeks to ensure minimal but measured instrument drift (if any).
Finally, a highly-regarded outside independent specialist in the field of nuclear log analysis, Dr. Robert D. Wilson, reviewed and audited the probing procedures and methods used by the Company. Dr. Wilson concluded that the procedural methods are valid, and protocols are adequate for the remote environment in which the instruments are used.
All reported samples are split with hydraulic splitter by dedicated personnel. Samples are individually bagged and tagged and shipped as per transportation protocols. Blanks, duplicates, and standards are randomly inserted in the sample shipment within the sample number sequence.
Analytical results are received and imported into our data base. Laboratory replicates and laboratory standards are checked. Internal duplicates, blanks and standards are checked. Analytical drift from expect results triggers re-analysis.
Results are also compared with estimated GT values from in-situ downhole probing, and with CPS values logged during initial core logging procedures.
Reference toeU3O8 means the following:
The "e" in eU3O8represents the estimated or equivalent value of U3O8as determined by downhole geophysical probing. The "e" indicates that the value is not obtained by drill core assays, but rather by converting gamma radiation measuredin situin the drill hole into U3O8values by assuming that all gamma radiation can be directly attributed to the quantity of uranium present in the rock. The Company can clearly show that all our mineralized intersections typically have a negligible quantity of radioactivity related to thorium or potassium that would skew this analysis. Furthermore, after isotopic analysis, the Company can safely say that, like most other deposits older than 0.35 million years, the uranium is in equilibrium (i.e. daughter elements are produced and disintegrated at a steady sate, correlated to the quantity of uranium).
This method of distinguishing analytical assay values from geophysical measurements is common in the industry. Although the Company may indicate that reported U3O8values are estimated from gamma probe readings, it is best to use eU3O8for clarity, if applicable, as per the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) guidelines cited here: Equivalent Assay: ”Determination of uranium content by radiometric methods. The validity of Equivalent Assays must be demonstrated with chemical assay determination. Where employed, equivalent uranium determination should be reported and appropriately illustrated in thedatabase (e.g. eU3O8)”. Excerpt: http://www.cim.org/committees/estimation2003.pdf at page 50 of 55.
Explanationfor U3O8 and eU3O8comparison:
Assays are considered by the Company to be the “reliable” value. However, down-hole readings are usedin lieuof assay data if these data are not available due to missing core or lengthy turn around time by analytical procedures. Comparing the down-hole gamma log data against the assay results is best made on a GT basis for several reasons. First and most obviously, sampled media is different.
Assays represent a measured quantity of uranium, whereas uranium values obtained from the in situ probing represent the radioactive signature of a football-shaped volume incorporating fluids, rod casing and wall rock. Furthermore, the natural heterogeneity of the mineralization may also lead to variation in the estimated grades. It is also important to note that the probe is not centered in the drill rod string but is gravity-held in the trough (bottom) of the rod string as it is descended and raised and thus
59
does not evenly read the mineralization in the wall rock. Variation of sample length is yet another reason for comparing GT values. Finally, because the end product of the down-hole probing estimate is the GT value (which is later un-convoluted to length and grade), it is simply more advisable to compare the “source” of the data, the GT, rather than the actual grade and lengths.
Item 3: Legal Proceedings.
The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings.
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There was no matter submitted to security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
PART II
Item 5: Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
(a) Market for Registrant’s Common Equity
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATES
All dollar amounts set forth in this report are inCanadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated. The following table sets forth (i) the rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed in the U.S. dollars, in effect at the end of each of the periods indicated; (ii) the average exchange rates in effect on the last day of the end of each such period; (iii) the high and low exchange rate during such periods, in each case based on the noon buying rate in cable transfers in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Prices based on the period January 1 to December 31 yearly, and quoted inU.S. Dollars.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Rate at end of Period | 1.0461 | 1.2240 | 0.9881 |
Average Rate During Period | 1.1549 | 1.0713 | 1.0750 |
High Rate | 1.2995 | 1.2971 | 1.1852 |
Low Rate | 1.0289 | 0.9717 | 0.9168 |
The high and low exchange rates for each month during the previous six months are as follows:
September | October | November | December | January | February | |
2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 2010 | 2010 | |
High rate | $1.1060 | $1.0843 | $1.0742 | $1.0713 | $1.0669 | $1.0735 |
Low rate | $1.0615 | $1.0289 | $1.0458 | $1.0400 | $1.0260 | $1.0419 |
On March 10, 2010, the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfer in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was $ 1.00 USD=$1.0241CND.
The Company’s securities were traded in Canada as Strateco Resources Inc. (“RSC”) on the Bourse de Montréal Inc. from November 7, 2000 to September 30, 2001, on Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX) from October 1, 2001 to May 15, 2002 and on TSX Venture Exchange, from May 15, 2002 to June 5, 2007. The Company graduated to the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 6, 2007.
60
The following table indicates prior sales of common shares in Canada in Canadian Dollars for the last three years on the TSX Venture Exchange until June 6, 2007 and from June 6, 2007 up to March 10, 2010 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
2007 | High | Low | Volume |
First Quarter | $3.890 | $2.170 | 58,241,235 |
Second Quarter | $4.000 | $2.050 | 46,563,334 |
Third Quarter | $2.610 | $1.400 | 51,358,227 |
Fourth Quarter | $3,460 | $2,110 | 39,830,756 |
2008 | High | Low | Volume |
First Quarter | $3.150 | $1.990 | 30,786,146 |
Second Quarter | $2.230 | $1.520 | 19,577,013 |
Third Quarter | $1.740 | $1.010 | 16,306,416 |
Fourth Quarter | $1.630 | $0.400 | 25,418,930 |
2009 | High | Low | Volume |
First Quarter | $1.350 | $0.550 | 21,155,059 |
Second Quarter | $1.300 | $0.700 | 9,349,852 |
Third Quarter | $1.120 | $0.650 | 24,303,906 |
Fourth Quarter | $0.920 | $0.680 | 69,868,571 |
2010 | High | Low | Volume |
January 1stto January 31, 2010 | $1.030 | $0.800 | 8,056,444 |
February 1 to February 28, 2010 | $0.850 | $0.720 | 8,712,440 |
March 1 to March 10, 2010 | $0.730 | $0.670 | 5,900,222 |
On March 10, 2010, the closing bid price of the Common Shares on the TSX was $0.67 per share. The Company is not listed for trading on any securities exchange in the United States, and there has been no active market in the United States for the Common Shares except for over the counter quotations by Pink Sheets. Such over the counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions and have not been taken into consideration in the preceding table.
Price Fluctuations, Share Price Volatility in Canadian dollars
Securities markets in Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility in recent years, with many resource companies experiencing wide price fluctuations not necessarily related to operating performance or underlying asset values of such companies. The Company’s shares traded between $0.40 and $3.15 during the year 2008 and between $0.55 and $1.35 during the year 2009. The Company’s shares traded between $0.65 and $1.12 during the third quarter of 2009, between $0.68 and $0.92 during the fourth quarter of 2009 and between $0.67 and $0.73 from January 1, 2010 to March 10, 2010. No assurance can be made that the Company’s share price and volume will not continue to fluctuate materially.
(b) Holders
As of December 31, 2009, the Company has no holder of debentures and had 55 holders of record of which 11 were registered holders in the United States holding according to Computershare of Canada, holding approximately 1,000,634 common shares or 0.80% of the shares capital of the Company. CEDE & CO is holder of record in the United States and represents an unidentified number of holders residing in the United States of America, The Company had 44 registered holders in Canada holding 99.10% of the shares capital of the Company. The Company had only 1 registered holder in other countries.
(c) Dividends
The Company has not paid any dividend since its incorporation and does not anticipate as of March 10, 2010, the payment of dividends in the foreseeable future. At present, the Company’s policy is to retain earnings, if any, to
61
finance exploration on its properties. The payment of dividends in the future will depend upon, among other factors, of the Company’s earnings, capital requirements and operating financial conditions.
(d) Equity compensation plan information as at December 31, 2009
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighed-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plan (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
Stock option plan Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 4,310,500 | $1.89 | 3,474,586 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
Total: | 4,310,500 | $1.89 | 3,474,586 |
Recent sales of unregistered securities: use of proceeds from registered securitiesin Canadian dollars.
1. Private placement of December 7 and December 8, 2009(1)
Securities Sold | Price per flow- | Consideration | |
(a) | through common | © | |
share | |||
(b) | |||
Date of placements | Flow-through commonshares | ||
2009/12/07(1) | 2,000,000 | $1.00 | $2,400,000. |
2009/12/08(1) | 400,000 | $1.00 | $400,000 |
2009/12/08 | 100,000 | $1.00 | $100,000. |
Total: | 2,500,000 | $2,500,000 |
2.Private Placement dated January 27, 2010(2)
Securities Sold | Price | Consideration | |||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | |||||
Date | Units | Common | Warrants | Expiry | Exercise price | Price per Unit | Total: |
shares | included in | Date of | of Warrants | ||||
included in | the Units | Warrants | |||||
the Units | |||||||
2010/01/27 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 | 2013/01/27 | $1.00 – 0 to 24 months $1.05 – 24 to 36 months | $0.95 per Unit | $95,000 |
Date | Convertible | Subscription | Maturity | Conversion | Warrants | Expiry | Exercise |
Notes | price | Date | of Notes | accompanying | date of | price | |
the Notes | warrants | ||||||
2010/01/27 | 14,905 | $14,905,000 | 2015/02/27 | 1,053 common shares per Note Total: 15,689,474 common shares | 7,844,737 | 2013/01/27 | $1.00 – 0 to 24 months $1.05 – 24 to 36 months |
62
Date | Securities Sold (a) Transaction Fee Units | Common shares included in the Units | Warrants included in the Units | Expiry Date of Warrants | Exercise price of Warrants | Price (b) Price per Unit | Consideration ( c ) 5% of gross proceeds in Transaction Fee Units |
2010/01/27 | 789,474 | 789,474 | 394,737 | 2013/01/27 | $1.00 – 0 to 24 months $1.05 – 24 to 36 months | $0.95 | $750,000 |
(1) | As reported in Form 8 K dated December 15, 2009 and in the table above, on December 8, 2009 the Company completed in Canada a non-brokered private placement for a total flow-through financing of $2,500,000. The Company issued in this private placement a total of 2,500,000 flow-through common shares at the price of $1.00 per share. This private placement was made with three (3) subscribers from the Province of Ontario in Canada. Each subscriber qualified as an accredited investor. Strateco realised this private placement with one insider holding more than 10% of the share capital of Strateco through one fund and one accredited investor that are related for an aggregate amount of $2.4M and another accredited investor for an amount of $100,000. |
The flow-through proceeds will be used by the Company to incur eligible exploration expenses on its MATOUSH PROJECT including MATOUSH, MATOUSH EXTENSION, ECLAT AND PACIFIC BAY - MATOUSH PROPERTIES and also on the MISTASSINI PROPERTY, all located in the Province of Quebec in Canada. | |
The Company paid to third parties a total amount of $100,000 as Finders’ fees. | |
(2) | As reported in Form 8-K dated February 1, 2010 and in the table above, the Company concluded in Canada a non- brokered private placement for a financing of $15,000,000 (“Private Placement”). Sentient Executive GP III Limited subscribed on behalf of two funds from Cayman Islands (“Sentient”)is anindependent society managing funds having investments totaling more than US$1.3G in natural resources sector. |
The Company issued in this Private Placement a total of 100,000 Units at the price of $0.95 per Unit for a total subscription price of $95,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and half of one share purchase warrant for a total of 50,000 warrants related to the Units. Each warrant (Warrant) gives the right to its holder to acquire a common share of the Company for a period of three years at the exercise price of $1.00 per share for the first 24 months and at the price of $1.05 per share for the next twelve months. | |
In this Private Placement, the Company also issued a total of 14,905 unsecured convertible Notes. Each Note is subscribed at a $1,000 principal amount for a total subscription price at Closing in the amount of $14,905,000. Each tranche of $1,000 in Notes is accompanied by 527 Warrants for a total of 7,844,737 Warrants related to Notes. Each Warrant related to Notes gives the right to its holder to acquire a common share of the Company for a period of three years at the exercise price of $1.00 per share for the first 24 months and at the exercise price of $1.05 per share for the next twelve months. | |
The Notes do not bear interest and will mature five years plus one month after Closing, on February 27, 2015. At the option of Sentient, any time during this period, the Notes may be repaid by the Company by conversion of the Notes into common shares, at a conversion price of $0.95 per share and at the rate of 1,053 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for a total of 15,689,474 common shares. | |
Subject to subsequent regulatory approvals, upon occurrence of specific events, the Notes conversion price could be eventually adjusted pursuant to formula set forth in the Notes Certificates. The Company holds also the option no more than 60 days prior to Maturity date to repay the Notes in issuing common shares at a conversion price to be established according to a formula based on the market price then in effect. The Notes are not redeemable by the Company, except under specific conditions set forth in the Notes Certificates. | |
The Company has agreed to pay, to Sentient, transaction fees equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement. These transaction fees in the total amount of $750,000 will be paid in the corresponding number of Units for a total of 789,474 Transaction Fee Units representing a total 789,474 common shares and 394,737 Warrants. Transaction Fee Units are issued upon the same terms and conditions as the other Units in the Private Placement. | |
The common shares issued with the Units and the Transaction Fee Units or upon exercise of the Warrants or conversion of the Notes cannot be traded for a period of four months plus one day following the closing date. |
63
Subject to compliance with the TSX rules and policies in Canada and the conditions set forth in the subscription agreements, Sentient has the option for a period of 5 years and one month after Closing to subscribe in Strateco’s future equity financings, sufficient securities to maintain a 5% holding position in the Company.
In reason of Sentient’s substantial investment, Strateco management has agreed to recommend the election of a Sentient Group representative to the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the transaction to finance exploration work, mainly for the acquisition of materials and infrastructure for its Matoush uranium project located in the Otish Mountains in the Province of Québec, Canada.
The Company negotiated this transaction at arm’s length with Sentient. However, following the Closing, Sentient would be deemed to be a new insider of the Company in assuming that it could hold directly and indirectly upon conversion of the Notes and upon exercise of Warrants, an interest of 24,868,422 common shares, or 16.48% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
(d) | Exemption from registration |
For the private placement concluded on December 7 and 8, 2009, no form of general solicitation or general advertising, as such term is defined under the U.S. Securities Act (including advertisements, articles, notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over radio or television or any seminar or meeting whose attendees had been invited by general solicitation or general advertising), was used by the Company or. to the best of its knowledge, any other person acting on behalf of the Company on, in respect of or in connection with the offer and sale of the flow-though common shares, in the United States or elsewhere or to citizens or residents of the United States or elsewhere. | |
Neither the Company nor any person authorized to act on its behalf has sold or offered for sale any flow-through common share or solicited any offers to buy any flow-though common shares in violation of Section 5 of the U.S. Securities Act or Canadian or other securities laws. The transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and all other applicable securities laws, including Canadian securities laws pursuant to section 2.3 (2) of Canadian National Instrument 45-106 entitled: Regulation 45-106 respecting prospectus and registration exemptions(“NI 45-106”) for two subscribers and both sections 2.3(2) and 2.10 (2) of NI 45-106 for the third subscriber. | |
For the private placement closed on January 27, 2010, no form of general solicitation or general advertising, as such term is defined under the U.S. Securities Act (including advertisements, articles, notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over radio or television or any seminar or meeting whose attendees had been invited by general solicitation or general advertising), was used by the Company or. to the best of its knowledge, any other person acting on behalf of the Company on, in respect of or in connection with the offer and sale of the common shares, in the United States or elsewhere or to citizens or residents of the United States or elsewhere. | |
Neither the Company nor any person authorized to act on its behalf has sold or offered for sale any common share or solicited any offers to buy any common shares in violation of Section 5 of the U.S. Securities Act or Canadian or other securities laws. The transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and all other applicable securities laws, including Canadian securities laws. The transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and all other applicable securities laws, including Canadian securities laws pursuant to section 2.10 (2) of Canadian National Instrument 45-106 entitled: Regulation 45-106 respecting prospectus and registration exemptions(“NI 45-106”) for both subscribers. | |
(e) | Terms of conversion or exercise. |
In the Private Placement closed on January 27, 2010, each warrant accompanying the Units, Transaction Fee Units and the Notes gives the right to its holder to acquire a common share of the Company for a period of three years at the exercise price of $1.00 per share for the first 24 months and at the price of $1.05 per share for the next twelve months. |
64
At the option of Sentient, any time during this period, the Notes may be repaid by the Company by conversion of the Notes into common shares, at a conversion price of $0.95 per share and at the rate of 1,053 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for a total of 15,689,474 common shares.
(f) Use of proceeds in Canadian dollars
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company in order to conduct exploration works on its properties used sums from proceeds obtained from the private placements consisting of non flow-through proceeds realized in the year 2007, in the remaining amount of $18.9M as of January 1, 2008, the amount of $197,700 representing the sums obtained from the exercise of stock options and warrants during the year 2008 and the sum of tax credits for exploration expenses in the amount of $7,394,153. Other proceeds were realised late in the year 2008 from flow-through financing in the amount of $8M. In 2009, the Company realised a private placement of $2.5 M. Therefore the Company had obtained since the year 2007, a total approximate amount $36.9 M of net proceeds. The use of proceeds for exploration expenses and acquisition of properties for the first three quarters of the year 2009 have been disclosed inForms 10 Q for the periods ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2009.
Proceeds have been used in the last quarter of the period in the following manner: A total amount of $3,339,716 has been spent on exploration of MATOUSH, MATOUSH EXTENSION, ECLAT PROPERTY, an annual payment of $100,000 pursuant to the Option Agreement on PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH, APPLE and MISTASSINI properties, $96,000 on the acquisition of an interest in ECLAT and $8,441,128 on working capital expenses. The Company anticipates possibly using the proceeds for other projects if the results obtained do not justify further expenses and the Company reserves the right to reallocate the use of proceeds as it deems appropriate in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
The Company conducted during the last quarter of 2009 exploration works on MATOUSH PROPERTY 3,054,920 representing 8.20% of the issuer’s net offering proceeds in the approximate amount of $36.9 M for the year 2009. A summary of exploration works conducted during this reporting period on the MATOUSH PROPERTY can be consulted in the sectionItem 2: Properties andItem 7:Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position.
The Company also spent during the fourth quarter period exploration related expenses in the amount of $183,777 on ECLAT PROPERTY, and $96,000 as the last condition for the acquisition of a 100% interest in the property ECLAT on June 15, 2009 on all minerals except diamonds as discussed in details inItem 2: Properties, $13,198 on PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH PROPERTY and $100,000 for the acquisition of an interest of 60% in the property pursuant to the Option Agreement, of $71,655 on Mistassini Property, each amount representing less than 5 % of the issuer’s net offering proceeds.
Agreements to issue securities for acquisition of properties
On or about October 27, 2009, the Company issued 40,000 common shares to Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd (“Pacific Bay”) pursuant to an agreement with Pacific Bay allowing the Company to earn a 60% interest in PACIFIC BAY MATOUSH PROPERTY further detailed inPart I Item 2 Properties MATOUSH PROJECT A.2 PACIFIC-BAY MATOUSH property.
This private placement is exempted from registration in the United States pursuant to sections 4 (2) and 5 of the Securities Act 1933.
Director’s fees in Canadian dollars
The Company paid payments in the last quarter to independent directors fixed fees for their presence to the Board of Directors Meetings and Audit committee meetings in the amount of $5,400 for a total amount during the year of $23,400 (SeeItem 10Executive Compensationfor U.S. dollar amounts and details).
65
Item 6 Selected Financial Data.
Selected Annual Information
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATES
All dollar amounts set forth in this report arein Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated. The following table sets forth (i) the rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed in the U.S. dollars, in effect at the end of each of the periods indicated; (ii) the average exchange rates in effect on the last day of the end of each such period; (iii) the high and low exchange rate during such periods, in each case based on the noon buying rate in cable transfers in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Prices based on the period January 1 to December 31 yearly, and quoted in U.S. Dollars.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |
Rate at end of Period | 1.0461 | 1.2240 | 0.9881 | 1.1652 | 1.1656 |
Average Rate during Period | 1.1549 | 1.0713 | 1.0750 | 1.131 | 1.2115 |
High Rate | 1.2995 | 1.2971 | 1.1852 | 1.172 | 1.2703 |
Low Rate | 1.0289 | 0.9717 | 0.9168 | 1.099 | 1.1507 |
Selected financial information for the five preceding years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is shown in the following table:
FOR THE PAST FIVE FINANCIAL YEARS in Canadian Dollars
2009-12-31 | 2008-12-31 | 2007-12-31 | 2006-12-31 | 2005-12-31 | |
(Restated) | (Restated) | (Restated) | |||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Total income | 54,049 | 446,328 | 963,895 | 264,008 | 2,246 |
Expenses | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,529,121 | 1,297,654 | 1,714,447 | 1,497,857 | 1,120,470 |
Stock-based compensation | 543,199 | 1,089,533 | 1,377,348 | 244,541 | 79,600 |
Write-down of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | 356,690 | - | - | - |
Unrealized loss (gain) on changes in fair value of investment- | (10,000) | 265,000 | - | - | - |
Future income taxes benefits | 525,000 | 1,028,000 | 1,973,321 | (689,200) | 374,600 |
Net loss | 1,483,274 | 1,534,549 | 154,579 | 2,167,590 | 823,224 |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | 0.012 | 0.013 | 0.001 | 0.027 | 0.020 |
Current assets | 10,295,244 | 1,695,007 | 28,884,998 | 11,561,056 | 1,383,442 |
Total assets | 61,655,744 | 59,562,068 | 52,744,147 | 15,270,641 | 4,731,443 |
Current liabilities | 1,854,116 | 1,396,939 | 1,162,814 | 1,555,924 | 700,951 |
Working capital | 8,441,128 | 15,562,068 | 27,722,184 | 10,005,132 | 682,491 |
Shareholders’ equity | 58,177,106 | 56,488,651 | 50,829,333 | 13,798,717 | 4,006,092 |
Number of outstanding shares | 121,806,432 | 119,266,432 | 114,167,867 | 96,373,367 | 61,771,257 |
Number of outstanding stock options | 4,310,500 | 3,314,500 | 2,106,500 | 928,000 | 2,248,000 |
66
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Scope of management’s financial analysis
The following analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Company, Strateco Resources Inc. an exploration stage company and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with a note of reconciliation to U.S. GAAP atNote 23 of the Financial Statements.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to the business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believes”, “project”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “strategy”, “plan”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “will be”, “will continue”, “will likely result”, and similar expressions. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of complying with those safe-harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The management ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause future results, activities and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include the volatility of uranium prices, risks inherent in the mining industry, uncertainty in the estimation of mineral resources and additional financial requirements, as well as the Company’s ability to secure such financing.
2009 highlights in Canadian dollars
The Company had an excellent year in 2009. The sustained efforts of its highly qualified, dedicated team resulted in considerable progress on the MATOUSH PROJECT development, thanks to its strong potential and very high, consistently-impressive grades.
In terms of exploration, the Company focused on the development of its best uranium project, the MATOUSH PROJECT. Located in the Otish Mountains of northern Quebec, about 275 km north of Chibougamau, the project comprises the MATOUSH, MATOUSH EXTENSION, ECLAT and PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH properties as described in details inItem 2: PROPERTIES.
Once again, work yielded very good results, in particular the discovery of new mineralized zones on the Eclat property. These results confirmed the enormous potential for increasing the resource on the MATOUSH and ECLAT properties along the Matoush fault, which extends over a distance of more than 15 km. Consequently, the 2009 surface exploration program was augmented from 30,000 to 35,000 metres of drilling.
According to the most recent update of resource estimate by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“Scott Wilson RPA”) dated September 18, 2009, the indicated resource at the MATOUSH PROPERTY has doubled in 12 months to 436,000 tonnes grading 0.78% U3O8 containing 7.46 million pounds of U3O8. The inferred mineral resource is estimated at 1.16 million tonnes grading 0.50% U3O8 containing 12.78 million pounds of U3O8. These results attest to the robustness of the Matoush deposit, and have raised the bar much higher in terms of attainable objectives.
Due to the ever-growing potential of the MATOUSH PROJECT, the Company’s objective is now to determine the possibility of reaching 60 million pounds of U3O8.
On the engineering front, 2009 was marked by the completion of multiple detailed plans required for the MATOUSH PROJECT underground exploration program. The Company finalized the technical documentation and applied to the
67
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for the licence required to begin driving the exploration ramp. Once it obtains this licence, the Company will become the first company in Québec, Canada in this uranium cycle to advance a uranium exploration project to the underground exploration stage.
The Company also completed and filed the hefty environmental impact study for the underground exploration phase of the MATOUSH PROJECT. The completion of this study is a major step forward for the MATOUSH PROJECT, particularly as the study concludes that the project will have a negligible impact on workers, the local population and the environment. The study contents will be presented and discussed at public hearings to be held in Quebec, Canada on dates set jointly by the provincial review committee (“COMEX”), which administers the James Bay Agreement, and the federal review panel (“COFEX”).
The Operations and Engineering department also obtained the permit required to build a landing strip on the MATOUSH PROPERTY. The strip will facilitate the transportation of the manpower and equipment required for operations at the MATOUSH PROJECT site to move forward.
Despite financial market woes, the Company closed two major financings in 2009. The month of December started with the closing of a $2.5 million financing and ended with discussions that led to the closing of a $15 million financing in January 2010.
On June 9, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Ingrid Martin, CA, as the Company’s new Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.
Finally, throughout 2009, there were multiple initiatives aimed at maintaining and strengthening communications with the Mistissini Cree and citizens of Chibougamau and Chapais in Quebec, Canada. The opening of offices in Mistissini and Chibougamau, the creation of the position of Community Affairs Manager and involvement in theConférence régionale des élus de la Baie-James (“CREBJ”) are just some indications of how important openness, transparency and the dissemination of information are for the Company. The Company took the measures required to publicise the main aspects of the MATOUSH PROJECT, demystify uranium and respond to the public’s questions and concerns.
Projects and new acquisitions
At December 31, 2009, the Company had a portfolio of five wholly-owned mining properties and an interest in and options on three mining properties in Quebec. These properties total 1,068 claims for a total area of 56,747 hectares (567km2).
ECLAT Property
The Company acquired a 100% interest in the 90 claims of the ECLAT property for all mineral substances except diamonds on June 15, 2009, when it made the final $96,000 payment before the fourth anniversary of the date of the agreement signed on July 6, 2005 with Vija Ventures Corporation (Vija). The property is subject to a 2% NSR royalty on any production, payable to Vija for all minerals except diamonds, and a 2% share of the gross proceeds from the future sale or disposition of the carbon emissions rights related to uranium production on the property, payable to Vija.
PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH Property
On October 22, 2009, the Company notified Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (“Pacific Bay”) that it had incurred cumulative exploration expenses of $1.5 million before the date of the second anniversary of the option and joint venture agreement dated October 29, 2007, and completed more than the required cumulative minimum of 5,000 metres of drilling on the PACIFIC-BAY MATOUSH property.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company also issued 40,000 common shares at $0.86 per share to Pacific Bay on that date, as well as a cash payment of $100,000.
To acquire an undivided 60% interest in the PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH property, the Company must still issue a total of 120,000 common shares, make cash payments totalling $300,000, incur an additional $1.5 million in exploration expenses and complete an additional 5,000 metres of drilling before the fourth anniversary of the date of the agreement.
68
MISTASSINI Property
The Mistassini property located in the Otish Mountains at about 40 km south west of MATOUSH PROPERTY .consists of 171 claims covering a surface area of 9,114.47 hectares (91.15 km2).
On November 24, 2008, the Company and Majescor Resources Inc. (“Majescor”) signed an option and joint venture agreement retroactive to February 14, 2008, for the Company to earn an undivided 60% interest in Majescor’s uranium rights on the Mistassini property by incurring an aggregate of $1.3 million in exploration expenditures over three years for a total firm commitment of $500,000 for Year 1 of the option. The remaining $800,000 in exploration expenses will be incurred equally in Year 2 and Year 3.
Northern Superior Resources Inc. which holds 100% of rights on diamonds and 50.5% of minerals rights other than uranium in the Mistassini property, is entitled upon production to a 2.0% Yellow Cake Royalty.
As of February 14, 2009, on the first anniversary of the Option Agreement, the Company had met its obligations in spending more than $500,000 in exploration expenses on the Mistassini property.
Strategy and action plan
The Company plans to sustain and accelerate its efforts to achieve its objectives of increasing the uranium resource on its wholly-owned MATOUSH property and becoming the first Quebec company and first so-called junior company in Canada in this cycle, meaning in nearly 25 years, to advance a uranium exploration project to the underground exploration stage.
To do this, the Company is relying on an aggressive drilling program and a highly qualified team with an enhanced understanding of the MATOUSH PROJECT geology.
Management is also proud of the new update of the resource estimate by Scott Wilson RPA. The estimate provides yet more evidence of the very important potential of the MATOUSH PROPERTY and the Company’s promising future.
Given the demonstrated potential for resource growth, the number of metres to be drilled in the coming years should be increased substantially. Consequently, for 2010 and 2011, management plans to conduct a surface drilling program of 60,000 metres per year along the Matoush fault, which has been traced by drilling over a distance of more than 15 km. This program will be carried out in parallel with the underground exploration work, and will focus on of systematic exploration of the structure. The results of the surface drilling program should allow the maximum capacity of the Matoush ore processing plant to be established.
The objectives set by management in 2006 have been met. With the latest resource estimate and drilling now underway and likely exceed 120,000 metres over the next two years, management now has a much more ambitious goal, which is to outline 60 million pounds of U3O8for future production of over 2.5 million pounds of U3O8 per year. The final mill production capacity will, however, only be determined on the basis of the resource defined in 2011.
In addition, as of 2011, the Company plans to accelerate the mine construction permitting process by starting the environmental studies required for tailing pond construction.
In terms of communications, the Company intends to maintain and strengthen communications with the First Nations and residents of the municipality of James Bay. To do so, it will continue to organize various meetings and information sessions.
The Company also accords a high priority to public and investor information, knowing that information disclosure is essential to the success of the project. The Company will therefore take the measures required to ensure that all project work and activities are part of an open, transparent process.
69
The exploration budget for the year 2010 is of $1,600,000 to cover general and administrative expenses and approximately $28.2 million to pursue the exploration programs planned for the remaining of fiscal year 2010.
The Company plans to carry out 60,000 metres of surface drilling per year in 2010 and 2011, in parallel with underground exploration work. The results of the surface drilling program should allow the maximum capacity of the Matoush ore processing plant to be established.
In fiscal year 2009, the Company received $8.3 M in exploration credits and received amounts from financing of $2.5 M in December 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the annual cash flow for investing activities was of $9.2M for the year 2009.
The Company’s exploration activities are all concentrated in Quebec, considered to be amongst the most favourable regions in the world for mine development, considering credits and the absence of political risks.
The Company is eligible for combined exploration tax credits in Quebec and Canada equal to approximately 50% of surface exploration expenses until such time as it achieves commercial producer status.
Liquidity
The Company’s working capital stood at $8,441,128 at December 31, 2009 ($15,562,068 at December 31, 2008). On January 27, 2010, the Company closed a private placement with Sentient of 100,000 units for an amount of $95,000 and $14,905,000 of convertible notes accompanied by common share purchase warrants.
In fiscal 2009, the Company did not receive any proceeds from the exercise of stock options,( $9,500 in 2008 ) and did not receive any proceeds from the exercise of warrants ( $ 188,200 in 2008).
The Company does not have any debt or investments in asset-backed commercial paper.
The Company’s investment activities primarily consist of funds used in exploration work and the addition of properties. The Company is entitled to a refundable tax credit for resources for up to 38.75% of eligible expenses, and a credit on mining duties refundable for losses of 12% of eligible expenses incurred. During 2009, the Company cashed $8,310,361 in tax credits for resources ($7,394,153 in 2008).
The 2010 budget is approximately of $1.6 million to cover general and administrative expenses and approximately $28.2 million to pursue the exploration programs planned for the remaining of fiscal year 2010.
Management is of the opinion that the Company requires more funding before the end of the year. In the past, the Company has been able to rely on its ability to raise financing through public and private equity offerings. In addition, once its interests on the MISTASSINI and PACIFIC-BAY-MATOUSH properties are acquired, the Company will be able to explore and develop further theses properties through joint-venture participation.
The Company expects to spend $28.2 million on the Matoush Project including approximately $8M on drilling.
Outstanding Share Data
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
The Company has a stock option plan for its officers, directors, key employees, consultants and suppliers’ employees. The board of directors sets the conditions for acquiring the common stock options according to quantity and exercise price, for a maximum term of five years. The strike price of the options granted may not be less than the market price, which corresponds to the weighted average price based on the volume and value of the shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five days preceding the option grant. The options granted are valid for a period established by the board of directors, not to exceed five years from the date the options are granted. At December 31, 2009, the number of common shares reserved for common stock option grants was 10,654,586. The maximum number of options that can be granted to any participant may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock.
70
As at December 31, 2009, the Company had 121,806,432 shares (119,266,432 at December 31, 2008) and 4,310,500 stock options issued and outstanding, of which 4,159,833 were exercisable at prices from $0.20 to $3.37 each, with expiry dates ranging from December 20, 2010 to September 14, 2014. In fiscal year 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 (1,363,500 in 2008) stock options to officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company’s suppliers. These options have an exercise price of $1.00 per share for a five-year period.
Of the total number of stock options granted, 4,159,833 stock options can be exercised and 143,667 stock options cannot be exercised as of December 31, 2009. During the year 2009, 81,500 stock options were annulled 90 days after the end of employment of a management company’s employees. These stocks options can be replaced in the reserve which as of December 31, 2009 totalled 3,488,586 stock options not yet granted.
As at December 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding warrant.
As it appears at the following table, as at March 10, 2010, following the private placement of January 27, 2010, the Company had 122,695,906 common shares issued and outstanding, 8,289,474 warrants outstanding representing a total of 8,289, 474 underlying common shares reserved on the TSX. The Company has also reserved on the TSX for eventual conversion of 14,905 Notes a total of 15,689,474 common shares. On that date, following grants to employees of a Company’s suppliers a total number of 4,354,500 stock options were outstanding.
OUTSTANDING OR RESERVED SHARE DATA | |||
On March 10, 2010 | |||
Number | |||
Common shares outstanding | 122,695,906 | ||
Reserved shares for eventual exercise of outstanding Stock options | 4,354,500 | ||
Reserved shares for eventual exercise of outstanding Warrants | 8,289,474 | ||
Reserved shares for eventual conversion of outstanding Notes | 15,689,474 | ||
Outstanding or reserved common shares- diluted | 151,029,354 |
Dividend Policy
The Company has not declared any cash dividend on its outstanding common shares since incorporation. Any dividend payment will depend on the Company’s financial requirements for its exploration programs, its level of growth and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board of Directors under the circumstances. It is unlikely that a dividend will be paid in the foreseeable future.
Accounting Value of Mining Properties
At the end of each year, work is assessed to determine the future potential of each property.
Capital resources
The Company has no material commitments for capital expenditures as of the end of the latest fiscal period.
71
Results of Operations | |||||||||
SELECTED INFORMATION AND OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Income– Interest | 54,046 | 446,328 | 963,895 | ||||||
Expenses | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (1,529,121 | ) | (1,297,654 | ) | (1,714,447 | ) | |||
Stock-based compensation | (543,199 | ) | (1,089,533 | ) | (1,377,348 | ) | |||
Fair value variation for financial instruments held for trading | 10,000 | 265,000 | - | ||||||
Write-off of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | (356,690 | ) | - | |||||
Future income taxes benefits | 525,000 | 1,028,000 | 1,973,321 | ||||||
Net loss | (1,483,274 | ) | (1,534,549 | ) | (154,579 | ) | |||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | (0.012 | ) | (0.013 | ) | (0.001 | ) | |||
As of December 31 | |||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Total assets | 61,655,744 | 59,761,590 | 52,744,147 | ||||||
Long term liabilities | |||||||||
Obligation under capital lease | 171,522 | - | - | ||||||
Future income tax | 1,293,000 | 1,876,000 | 752,000 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation | 160,000 | - | - | ||||||
1,624,522 | 1,876,000 | 752,000 |
The interest income is lower in 2009 than in 2008 and 2007 due to a combination of lower interest rates and lower level of cash invested. As at December 31, 2009, the Company has one term deposit of $1,000,000 earning a 0.40% interest while as at December 31, 2008 deposits term of $9,500,000 were earning between 2.20% and 2.35% interest. As at December 31, 2007 deposits term of $18,000,000 were earning between 4.35% and 4.56% interest.
The Company posted a net loss of $1,483,274 for the financial year 2009, compared to a net loss of $1,534,549 for the previous year and a loss of $154,579 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
In 2009, 1,077,500 options (1,363,500 in 2008 and 1,499,000 in 2007) were granted and their fair value (determined using the Black-Scholes’option-pricing model) were established at $0.41 per option ($0.7627 in 2008 and $1.3110 in 2007). In 2009, the stock-based compensation cost was recognized in the statement of operations and an amount of $169,945 (nil in 2008 and 2007) was capitalized against the deferred expenditures.
General and administrative expenses were kept in essence at the same level except for Company’s increased activities in 2009 in investor relations and legal and audit expenses
On January 14, 2008, the Company acquired 1,000,000 units of Pacific Bay Minerals Limited (“Pacific Bay”) at $0.30 per unit, for $300,000. As of December 31, 2008, the value of the investment decreased to $35,000. As of December 31, 2009, the value of the investment is $45,000.
72
EXPLORATION EXPENSES
Exploration expenses for the yearended December 31, 2009 | Matoush | Matoush Extension | Eclat | Apple | Pacific Bay- Matoush | Mistassini | Total | ||||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Balance beginning of period | 22,864,066 | 456,320 | 669,376 | 1,252,357 | 422,741 | 293,215 | 25,958,075 | ||||||||||||||
Additions | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consultants and subcontractors | 3,506,561 | 24,661 | 55,919 | 90,363 | 58,361 | 64,593 | 3,800,458 | ||||||||||||||
Infrastructure, access roads, fuel depot and others | 1,933,886 | - | - | - | 4,124 | 45,625 | 1,983,635 | ||||||||||||||
Drilling | 2,873,116 | - | 503,583 | 2,299 | 507,183 | 117,363 | 4,003,544 | ||||||||||||||
Transport and fuel | 955,169 | - | - | 1,208 | 59,654 | 83,400 | 1,099,431 | ||||||||||||||
Geophysics | - | - | - | - | - | 100 | 100 | ||||||||||||||
First aid | 29,140 | - | - | - | - | - | 29,140 | ||||||||||||||
Laboratory and analysis | 389,534 | - | - | - | 12,600 | - | 402,134 | ||||||||||||||
Travel and lodging | 1,522,891 | - | - | 365 | 15,971 | 21,086 | 1,560,313 | ||||||||||||||
Nuclear permits | 1,235,286 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,235,286 | ||||||||||||||
Management fees | 474,948 | - | 49,785 | 2,280 | 60,585 | 41,066 | 628,664 | ||||||||||||||
Supplies and equipment rental | 409,524 | - | - | - | - | - | 409,524 | ||||||||||||||
Rolling equipment maintenance | 158,122 | - | - | 8,415 | 2,900 | - | 169,437 | ||||||||||||||
General expenses | 356,408 | - | - | 2,027 | 1,300 | - | 359,735 | ||||||||||||||
Environment | 854,999 | - | - | - | - | - | 854,999 | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 169,945 | - | - | - | - | - | 169,945 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of property and equipment | 486,725 | - | - | 53,611 | - | - | 540,336 | ||||||||||||||
15,356,254 | 24,661 | 609,287 | 160,568 | 722,678 | 373,233 | 17,246,681 | |||||||||||||||
Credit for mining duties and other exploration credits | (6,071,922 | ) | (27,641 | ) | (280,882 | ) | (10,853 | ) | (332,842 | ) | (175,729 | ) | (6,899,869 | ) | |||||||
Net increase | 9,284,332 | (2,980 | ) | 328,405 | 149,715 | 389,836 | 197,504 | 10,346,812 | |||||||||||||
Balance end of period | 32,148,398 | 453,340 | 997,781 | 1,402,072 | 812,577 | 490,719 | 36,304,887 |
Pursuant to the financing closed on October 1, 2008, the Company had to incur expenses of $8,000,000 on the Matoush and Apple projects by December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2008, $3,147,744 was spent and as of December 31, 2009, the residual engagement was spent. Therefore, the full exploration expenses commitment was met on the $8,000,000 flow-through financing.
Pursuant to the financing completed on December 8, 2009, the Company had to incur expenses of $2,500,000 on the Matoush project by December 31, 2010. On December 31, 2009, $643,327 exploration expenses were incurred of which $26,740 were disbursed.
73
Exploration expenses forthe year endedDecember 31, 2008 | Matoush | MatoushExtension | Eclat | Apple | PacificBay-Matoush | Mistassi-ni | Mont-Laurier+Prospec-tion | Total | ||||||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Balance beginning of period | 11,545,831 | 346,265 | 268,742 | 69,526 | 149,434 | - | 332,353 | 12,712,151 | ||||||||||||||||
Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consultants and subcontractors | 4,006,174 | 15,370 | 33,807 | 507,468 | 65,112 | 81,501 | 17,101 | 4,726,533 | ||||||||||||||||
Infrastructure, access roads, fuel depot and others | 871,709 | - | - | 336,659 | 193 | - | - | 1,208,561 | ||||||||||||||||
Drilling | 7,058,631 | 129,142 | 340,877 | 466,418 | 221,462 | 73,099 | - | 8,289,629 | ||||||||||||||||
Transport and fuel | 1,830,237 | 27,875 | 5,245 | 234,743 | 169,606 | 150,654 | - | 2,418,360 | ||||||||||||||||
Geophysics | 700 | - | - | 10,682 | - | 180,000 | - | 191,382 | ||||||||||||||||
First aid | 188,555 | - | - | 1,540 | - | - | - | 190,095 | ||||||||||||||||
Laboratory and analysis | 672,999 | 14,542 | 29,206 | 83,472 | 8,496 | 15,644 | - | 824,359 | ||||||||||||||||
Travel and lodging | 1,563,397 | - | - | 294,677 | - | 40 | 225 | 1,858,339 | ||||||||||||||||
Management fees | 1,115,804 | 17,256 | 37,006 | 141,089 | 40,076 | 28,929 | 430 | 1,380,590 | ||||||||||||||||
Supplies and equipment rental | 558,826 | - | 1,950 | - | - | - | - | 560,776 | ||||||||||||||||
Rolling equipment maintenance | 107,179 | - | - | 44,359 | - | - | - | 151,538 | ||||||||||||||||
General expenses | 149,201 | - | 4,500 | 16,277 | 1,144 | 431 | 4,175 | 175,728 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of property and equipment | 424,623 | - | - | 43,769 | - | - | - | 468,392 | ||||||||||||||||
18,548,035 | 204,185 | 452,591 | 2,181,153 | 506,089 | 530,298 | 21,931 | 22,444,282 | |||||||||||||||||
Credit for mining duties and other exploration credits | (7,229,800 | ) | (94,130 | ) | (51,957 | ) | (998,322 | ) | (232,782 | ) | (237,083 | ) | (7,594 | ) | (8,851,668 | ) | ||||||||
Write-off | - | - | - | - | - | - | (346,690 | ) | (346,690 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net increase | 11,318,235 | 110,055 | 400,634 | 1,182,831 | 273,307 | 293,215 | (332,353 | ) | 13,245,924 | |||||||||||||||
Balance end of period | 22,864,066 | 456,320 | 669,376 | 1,252,357 | 422,741 | 293,215 | - | 25,958,075 |
Off-balance sheet arrangements
The Company does not have any off balance-sheet arrangements.
74
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009
Contractual Obligations | Less than 1 | 1 – 3 years | 4 – 5 years | After 5 years | |
year | |||||
Total $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Obligation under capital lease | 360,000 | 180,000 | 180,000 | - | - |
Operating Lease Obligation | 200,743 | 139,623 | 61,120 | - | - |
Asset retirement obligation | 200,000 | - | 200,000 | - | - |
Purchase and Options to Purchase | - | - | - | - | - |
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected | |||||
on the Registrant’s Balance Sheet under | |||||
GAAP | - | ||||
Total contractual obligations | 760,743 | 319,623 | 441,120 | - | - |
(1) | In December 2009, the Company signed a new capital lease agreement for the lodging camp for 50 persons with under- structures on the MATOUSH PROJECT for a 24 month-period starting January 1, 2010. The capital lease bears interest at 9%, capital and interest are repayable in 24 monthly instalments of $15,000 commencing January 2010. |
(2) | On August 9, 2009, the Company renewed a short-term lease agreement for a Carterpillar for a 9 month-period with monthly payments of $13,126. 100% of the rent payments could eventually be applied upon exercise of an option to purchase in the amount of $273,000. |
(3) | On August 1, 2008, the Company signed a services agreement which requires that the Company pays a rent in the amount of $5,200 per month for office space. |
(4) | The Company has recorded an asset retirement obligation, which reflects the present value of the estimated amount of undiscounted cash flow required to satisfy the asset retirement obligation in respect of the MATOUSH PROPERTY. The primary component of this obligation is the removal of equipment currently used at the site. If the Company decides not to go into production on the property, it is assumed that the asset retirement obligation will be incurred in 2012 for an amount of $200,000. Should the Company decide to proceed with a production decision on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, the obligation will be realized further into the future. |
Related-Party Transactions
On August 1, 2008, the Company renewed a three-year service agreement until July 31, 2011 with Géo-Management Inc. (“BBH”), a related company of which Mr. Guy Hébert, an officer and director of the Company, is also an officer and director. The agreement provides for BBH to manage the Company’s exploration activities. Costs and expenses to be billed by BBH to the Company include the following:
- Use of BBH’s offices and equipment for a monthly charge of $5,200;
- Management fees of 5% on all costs related to exploration and development programs and purchases related to the MATOUSH PROPERTY;
- Management fees of 10% on all costs related to exploration and development programs on the other properties: ECLAT, PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH, MISTASSINI, APPLE and other future properties, and of 5% on all purchases related to exploration projects and option agreements on the ECLAT, PACIFIC BAY- MATOUSH, MISTASSINI, APPLE and other future properties;
- Management, administration, accounting and legal services;
- Consulting services, including geology;
- Relations with investors and regulatory authorities;
- Identification of sources of financing.
The fees to be paid to BBH are APPROVED by the Company’s board of directors without Mr. Guy Hébert being present, and are equivalent to what the Company would otherwise pay to a third party in the industry.
75
The Company concluded the following transactions with BBH:
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||
EXPENSES CAPITALIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF DEFERRED EXPENDITURES: | ||||||
Consultants and subcontractors(1) | $ | 2,937,000 | $ | 2,572,000 | ||
Management fees(2) | $ | 632,000 | $ | 1,381,000 | ||
General and administrative expenses in the statement of earnings and deficit | ||||||
Professional fees | $ | 392,000 | $ | 375,000 | ||
Legal expenses | $ | 118,000 | $ | 94,000 | ||
Investor relations | $ | 169,000 | $ | 142,000 | ||
Rent | $ | 62,000 | $ | 48,000 | ||
Share issue costs charged against capital stock | $ | 2,000 | $ | 11,000 | ||
Management fees charged against property and equipment | $ | 12,000 | $ | 128,000 |
(1) The increase in consulting and subcontractor expenses is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of consultants.
(2) The management fee for the MATOUSH PROPERTY was reduced from 10% in 2007 to 5% as of August 1, 2008.
In addition, the Company concluded the following related party transactions:
A company controlled by Ingrid Martin, CA, CFO and treasurer in function since June 9, 2009, charged accounting fees of $35,000 included in legal and audit expenses.
Pauline Comtois, CGA, CFO up till June 9, 2009, charged accounting fees of $7,000 ($38,000 in 2008) included in professional fees;
A limited partnership company in which Me Henri Lanctôt, secretary and director, is also a partner, charged legal fees amounting to $21,000 ($35,000 in 2008) included in legal and audit expenses and $27,000 ($10,000 in 2008) included in capital stock as issue costs.
At December 31, 2009, accounts payable and accrued liabilities included an amount of $397,000 ($157,000 at December 31, 2008) owed to related-parties. These transactions occurred in the normal course of business and were measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties. The payment conditions are the same as the other suppliers of the Company except for BBH for which the invoices are payable upon receipt.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Stock option plan is designed to enable the Company to use shares as a means of retaining, motivating and compensating beneficiaries to whom the Board of directors grants options under the plan, for the efforts they invest in achieving the Company’s goals and to enable them to acquire shares as an investment and an incentive.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally recognized accounting principles in Canada requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the assets and liabilities reported. These same estimates and assumptions also have an impact on the contingencies as at the date of the financial statements, as well as amounts related to revenue and expenses for the periods.
Critical estimates include estimates of the credit for mining duties refundable for losses and the refundable tax credit for resources, future income tax assets and liabilities, mining properties and deferred exploration expenditures, the asset retirement obligation and the fair value of stock options granted and certain amounts payable. Actual results could therefore differ from these estimates.
76
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Company has chosen to present its long-term investments as securities held for trading. Consequently, they are recognized at cost, less any impairment loss.
MINING PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED EXPENDITURES
Mining properties are recorded at cost and related exploration costs are deferred, net of government assistance received. In the event of a production decision, costs related to a deposit and recorded under mining properties and deferred exploration expenditures are transferred to mining assets, and then amortized on the basis of units of production for the year and proven and probable ore reserves. However, when a project is abandoned, the corresponding costs are charged against earnings.
CREDIT ON MINING DUTIES REFUNDABLE FOR LOSSES AND REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT FOR RESOURCES
The Company is eligible for a refundable credit on mining duties under the QuebecMining Duties Act. This refundable credit on mining duties is equal to 12% of expenses incurred for mining activities in Quebec and is recognized as a credit under deferred expenditures.
The Company is also eligible for a refundable tax credit for resources for mining industry companies in relation to eligible expenses incurred. The refundable tax credit for resources represents up to 38.75% of the amount of eligible expenses incurred. This tax credit is recognized as a credit under deferred expenditures.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICY
Business combinations and non-controlling interests
As an activity consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles being converged with IFRS-IASB, the previously existing recommendations for business combinations and consolidation financial statements will be replaced with new recommendations for business combinations (CICA Handbook Section 1582), consolidations (CICA Handbook Section 1601) and non-controlling interests (CICA Handbook Section 1602).
Generally, the new recommendations result in measuring business acquisitions at the fair value of the acquired business and a prospectively applied shift from a parent corporation conceptual view of consolidation theory (which results in the parent corporation recording book values attributable to non-controlling interests) to an entity conceptual view (which results in the parent corporation recording fair values attributable to non-controlling interests). Both the new Canadian GAAP recommendations and IFRS-IASB allow the choice of whether or not to recognize the fair value of goodwill attributable to non-controlling interests on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis.
As of June 30, 2009, the Company decided to postpone the adoption of these recommendations till January 1st 2011 (as allowed by the CICA Handbook).
EIC 173: credit risk and the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
On January 20, 2009, the CICA issued EIC abstract 173 which establishes that an entity’s own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparty should be taken into account in determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative instruments. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
77
EIC 174: mining exploration costs
On March 27, 2009, the CICA issued abstract EIC 174 to provide additional guidance for mining exploration enterprises on when an impairment test is required. This abstract was applied during the current year. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
On June 2009, the Company adopted the amendments to Section 3862, "Financial Instruments - Disclosures", issued by the CICA. The amendments of improved disclosures are about fair value measurements of financial instruments, including the relative reliability of the inputs used in those measurements and liquidity risk, in light of concerns that the nature and extent of liquidity risk requirements were unclear and difficult to apply. The amendments to Section 3862 apply to annual financial statements relating to fiscal years ending after September 30, 2009. The prospective adoption of this section did not have any measurement impact on the Company’s financial statements. The additional disclosure requirements are presented in Note 15.
Other new standards were issued, but are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial requirements.
IFRS CONVERGENCE
In April 2008, the CICA published an exposure draft as guidance which requires the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) to replace Canadian GAAP as currently employed by Canadian publicly accountable enterprises. The changeover will occur no later than fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Accordingly, the Company expects that its first interim financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, and its first annual financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the year ended December 31, 2011. IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, but there are significant differences in recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements.
Team:
The Company convergence team will be composed of the CFO (who is a Chartered Accountant) and the head of accounting services. The president and the audit committee will be informed of the progress along the way.
Training:
In the fall 2008, the actual CFO participated in a 3 days training session given by the IFRS Task Force of an accounting cabinet. The objective of that training was to compare Canadian GAAP to IFRS. During the spring 2009, the CFO participated in 3 other days of training given by the order of chartered accountant on specific subjects: fixed assets, grouping of companies, financial instruments and provisions and contingent liabilities. As IFRS is expected to change prior to 2011, any changes impacting the Company will have to be monitored. In the fall 2009, the CFO participated in two training sessions given by the CICA, one on IFRS 1 initial adoption and one on IFRS applied specifically to the mining industry.
Accounting policies impacted:
The detailed analysis of the accounting policies impacted by the IFRS convergence is expected to be completed throughout 2009. Overall, a lot of effort will be put in the financial statements presentation as IFRS requires more disclosure.
Set out below are the main areas where changes in accounting policies are expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The list below should not be regarded as a complete list of changes that will result from transition to the IFRS. It is intended to highlight areas that the Company believes to be the most significant; however, analysis of changes is still in process and the selection of accounting policies where choices are available under IFRS has not been completed. We note that the regulatory bodies that promulgate the Canadian GAAP and the IFRS have significant ongoing projects that could affect the ultimate differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS and their impact on the Company’s financial statements in future years. The future impacts of the IFRS will also depend on the particular circumstances prevailing in those years. The standards listed below are those existing based on current Canadian GAAP and IFRS. At this stage, the Company is not able to reliably quantify the expected impacts of these differences on its financial statements. They are as follows:
78
First time adoption (IFRS 1)
IFRS 1 provides guidance to entities on the general approach to be taken when first adopting IFRS. The underlying principle of IFRS 1 is retrospective application of IFRS standards in force at the date an entity first reports using IFRS. IFRS 1 acknowledges that full retrospective application may not be practical or appropriate in all situations and prescribes:
- optional exemptions from specific aspects of certain IFRS standards in the preparation of the Company’s opening balance sheet; and
- mandatory exceptions to retrospective application of certain IFRS standards.
Additionally, to ensure financial statements contain high-quality information that is transparent to users, IFRS 1 contains disclosure requirements to highlight changes made to financial statement items due to the transition to IFRS.
Impairment of assets (IAS 36)
IFRS requires the use of a one-step impairment test (impairment testing is performed using discounted cash flows) rather than the two-step test under Canadian GAAP (using undiscounted cash flow as a trigger to identify potential impairment loss).
IFRS requires reversal of impairment losses (excluding goodwill) where previous adverse circumstances have changed; this is prohibited under Canadian GAAP.
Impairment testing should be performed at the asset level for long-lived assets and intangible assets. Where the recoverable amount cannot be estimated for individual assets, it should be estimated as part of a Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”).
Share-based payments (IFRS 2)
Per IFRS, the forfeiture rate, with respect to share options, needs to be estimated by the Company at the grant date instead of recognizing the entire compensation expense and only record actual forfeitures as they occur.
For graded-vesting features, IFRS requires each instalment to be treated as a separate share option grant, because each instalment has a different vesting period and hence the fair value of each instalment will differ.
Mineral property interests, exploration and evaluation costs (IFRS 6)
Under IFRS, the Company would be required to develop an accounting policy to specifically and consistently identify which expenditures on exploration and evaluation activities will be recorded as assets. Unlike IFRS, Canadian GAAP indicates that exploration costs may initially be capitalized if the Company considers that such costs have the characteristics of property, plant and equipment.
Exploration and evaluation assets shall be classified as either tangible or intangible according to the nature of the assets acquired.
Property, plant and equipment (IAS 16, IFRIC 1)
Under IFRS, the Company can elect to measure fixed assets using either the cost model or the revaluation model. Canadian GAAP only accepts the cost model. The Company will not select the revaluation model due to the difficulty and effort needed to determine the fair value.
Under IFRS, each part of a fixed asset with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the asset shall be depreciated separately. In Canadian GAAP, the same requirement exists but when practical, and consequently rarely implemented. The IFRS may result in additional details needed to maintain de fixed assets sub-ledger. Under IFRS, the residual value and the useful life of an asset shall be reviewed at least at each year end. The Canadian GAAP was requesting the same review but only on a regular basis.
Information systems:
The accounting processes of the Company are simple since it is still at the exploration stage and no major challenges are expect at this point to operate the accounting system under the IFRS. Nevertheless, some excel spreadsheets will probably have to be adapted to support the change made in accounting policies.
79
The Company has yet to establish if historical data will have to be regenerated to comply with some of the choices to be made under IFRS 1.
As the Company will perform its accounting under Canadian GAAP 2010, it has yet to determine how it will generate in parallel the accounting under IFRS so that in 2011 it has the comparative available. Once the extent of the adjustments needed to convert to IFRS will be established, processes will be put in place effective in 2010 to generate the dual accounting.
Internal Controls:
Management is responsible for ensuring that processes are in place to provide it with sufficient knowledge to support its certification of the financial statements and MD&A, more specifically assessing that the SEDAR and EDGAR filings are presenting fairly the results of the Company. Management will make sure that once the convergence process is completed, it can still certify its fillings.
Impact on the business:
The business processes of the Company are simple and no major challenges are expected at this point to operate under IFRS. The Company has no foreign currency transactions, no hedging activities, no debt and no capital obligations. The Company doesn’t expect that IFRS will have an impact on the requirements or business processes when it enters in flow-through financing. The Company has no compensation arrangements that will be affected by the IFRS implementation. The Company’s Stock Option Plan is not affected by ratios or financial targets.
Business process will be monitored through 2010 to detect unsuspected impact.
Financial instruments
INTEREST RISK
Part of the cash and cash equivalents bear interest at a fixed rate and the Company is, therefore, exposed to the risk of changes in fair value resulting from interest rate fluctuations. The obligation under capital lease bears interest at a fixed rate. A fluctuation of 1% of the interest rate would have a non-significant impact on the financial statements. The Company’s other financial assets and liabilities do not comprise any interest rate risk since they do not bear interest.
MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the uranium price, as the uranium price influences the potential economics of the Company’s mining properties and therefore has an effect on its exploration program and on the decision on whether or not to proceed with production.
Also, market risk is the risk that the fair value of, or future cash flows from, the Company’s financial instruments will significantly fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Company is exposed to market risk in trading its investment in Pacific Bay, a TSX Venture issuer whose activities are in the exploration field. As of December 31, 2009, a 10% decrease (increase) in the price on the stock market would result in an estimated increase (decrease) in net after-tax loss of approximately $4,500.
CREDIT RISK
The financial instruments which expose the Company to market risk and concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, deposits on exploration work, exploration funds as well as credit and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company invests part of its cash and cash equivalents and exploration funds in guaranteed investment certificates guaranteed by and held with a Canadian chartered bank. Concerning the accounts receivable, the Company does not have any security, but mitigates its credit risk by only transacting with a diversified group of partners with strong financial conditions, and consequently does not anticipate any losses.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The Company manages its liquidity risk by using budgets that enable it to determine the amounts required to fund its exploration programs. The Company also ensures that it has sufficient working capital available to meet its day-to-day commitments.
80
As at December 31, 2009, the Company has a cash and equivalents balance of $321,065 ($5,847,120 as at December 31, 2008) and exploration funds of $2,473,260 (4,852,256 as at December 31, 2008) to settle current liabilities of $1,854,116 ($1,396,939 as at December 31, 2008).
Given the Company’s available liquid resources as compared to the timing of payments of the liabilities, management assesses the Company’s liquidity risk to be moderate. Management seeks additional financing through the issuance of new equity instruments to continue its operations, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future.
FAIR VALUE
The faire value of financial instruments is summarized as follows:
2009 | 2008 | |||
Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | |
amount | Value | amount | value | |
$ | $ | $ | $ | |
Financial assets | ||||
Held for trading | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 321,065 | 321,065 | 5,847,120 | 5,847,120 |
Investment | 45,000 | 45,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 |
Exploration funds | 2,473,260 | 2,473,260 | 4,852,256 | 4,852,256 |
Financial liabilities | ||||
Other liabilities | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,697,302 | 1,697,302 | 1,396,939 | 1,396,939 |
Obligation under capital lease | 328,336 | 328,336 | - | - |
Fair value estimates are made at the balance sheet date, based on relevant market information and other information about financial instruments.
The fair value of the investment is based on the last bid price on the stock market at the end of the period. Since this evaluation is based on quoted prices in active markets, it’s considered a level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
RISK FACTORS
EXPLORATION AND MINING RISKS
Exploration and mining activities are subject to a high level of risk. Few exploration properties reach the production stage. Unusual or unexpected formations, fires, power failures, labour disputes, floods, explosions, subsidence, landslides and the inability to locate the appropriate or adequate manpower, machinery or equipment are all risks associated with mining activities and the execution of exploration programs.
The development of resource properties depends on many factors, including the cost of mining, variations in the material mined, fluctuations in the commodities and exchange markets, the cost of processing equipment and other factors such as aboriginal claims, government regulations including in particular regulations on royalties, authorized production, importation and exportation of natural resources and environmental protection. Depending on the price of the commodities produced, the Company may decide not to undertake or continue commercial production. There can be no assurance that the exploration expenses incurred by the Company will result in the discovery of commercial quantities of ore. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of economic deposits.
TITLES TO PROPERTY
Although Management has taken steps to verify title to mining properties in which the Company has an interest, in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of exploration of such properties, these procedures do not
81
guarantee the Company’s title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements and be non-compliant with regulatory requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS
Current, possible or future environmental legislation, regulations and measures may entail unforeseeable additional cost, capital expenditures, restrictions or delays in the Company’s activities. The requirements of the environmental regulations and standards are constantly re-evaluated and may be considerably increased, which could seriously hamper the Company or its ability to develop its properties economically. Before a property can enter into production, the Company must obtain regulatory and environmental approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained or that they will be obtained in a timely manner. The cost related to assessing changes in government regulations may reduce the profitability of the operation or altogether prevent a property from being developed. The Company considers that it is in material compliance with the existing environmental legislation. At the exploration stage, costs related to environmental legislation’s compliance are not material.
FINANCING AND DEVELOPMENT RISKS
The Company has incurred losses to date and does not presently have the financial resources required to finance its planned exploration and development programs. Development of the Company’s properties therefore depends on its ability to obtain the additional financing required. There can be no assurance that the Company will succeed in obtaining the required funding. Failure to do so may lead to substantial dilution of its interests (existing or proposed) in its properties.
Furthermore, the Company has limited experience in developing a resource property, and its ability to do so will depend on the use of experienced people or in the signature of agreements with major resource companies that can produce such expertise.
COMMODITIES PRICES
The market for uranium, gold, diamond, base metals or other mineral discovered can be affected by factors beyond the Company’s control. Commodities prices have fluctuated widely, particularly in recent years. The impact of these factors cannot be accurately predicted.
UNINSURED RISKS
The Company could become liable for subsidence, pollution and other risks against which it cannot insure itself or chooses not to insure itself due to the high cost of premiums or for some other reason. Payment of such liabilities could decrease or even eliminate the funds available for exploration and mining activities.
PROJECT DELAY RISK
The Company plans to complete the permitting application process in respect of the Matoush project. However, there are risks that the commencement and completion of the construction of the exploration ramp be delayed due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control. Such risks include delays in environmental and construction authorizations and permits, delays in finalizing all necessary detailed engineering and construction contract as well as unforeseen difficulties encountered during the construction process.
82
U.S. GAAP reconciliation
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Canada. The effect of applying United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) on the balance sheet, net earnings, and cash flows are outlined below and inNote 23 of Financial Statements:
(1) Properties and deferred expenditures are accounted for in accordance with Canadian GAAP as disclosed in note 3. Under Canadian GAAP, the property’s potential for development is sufficient to permit the capitalization of exploration expenditures incurred as property acquisition costs and deferred expenditures and the management intends to pursue the development. Under U.S. GAAP, a final feasibility study showing economically recoverable proven and probable reserves is required for capitalization of exploration expenditures. Accordingly, the exploration related costs must be expensed as incurred.
(2)Under Canadian GAAP, shares issued as flow-through shares are recorded at their face value when issued. When the entity acquires assets the carrying value may exceed the tax basis as a result of the enterprise renouncing the deductions to the investors. The tax effect of the temporary difference is recorded as a share issue cost. Under US GAAP, the proceeds from issuance should be allocated between the offering of shares and the sale of tax benefits. The allocation is made based on the difference between the quoted price of the existing shares and the amount the investor pays for the shares. A liability is recognized for this difference. The liability is reversed when tax benefits are renounced and a deferred tax liability is recognized at that time. Income tax expense is the difference between the amount of the deferred tax liability and the liability recognized on issuance. Amounts received upon the issuance of flow-through shares and not spent on exploration costs are presented separately as exploration funds. Exploration funds must be excluded from cash in the statement of cash flows and presented in investing activities. Amounts raised by the issuance of flow-through shares and spent on exploration costs amounted to $4,878,996, $3,147,744, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Amounts received for share issuances and not spent on exploration costs amounted to $2,473,260, $4,852,256, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
The effect of the application of the above adjustments on the balance sheet of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007 would be to decrease deferred expenditures by $36,304,887 to $0 in 2009 and $25,958,075 to $0 in 2008(1). There would be an increase to liabilities in the ending amount of $653,188 as of December 31, 2009 and $1,020,218 as of December 31, 2008.(2). This would result in an ending decrease to shareholders’ equity in the amounts of $36,958,075 and $26,978,293 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The effect on cash flows would be to decrease cash flows from operating activities by $10,346,812 in 2009, $12,607,929 in 2008 and $10,099,561 in 2007 and increase cash flows used in investing activities by $10,489,412 in 2009, $12,607,929 in 2008 and $10,099,561 in 2007.
Changes in U.S. GAAP Significant Accounting Policies and Restatement
As a result of the restatement items identified in Note 4 and also the Company’s internal review of the financial statements,the company determined to make the following accounting policy change under U.S. GAAP and has restated its financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 to conform to this change.
Prior to this change, the Company had expensed the acquisition costs of mining properties, the mining rights and exploration fees for U.S. GAAP financial reporting. As codified in ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, the Company has modified its accounting policy, and restated 2008 and 2007 in order to capitalize the acquisition of mining properties and mining rights until the mining property is sold, abandoned, or otherwise determined to be impaired. If the acquired mineral rights relate to unproven properties, the company does not amortize the capitalized mining costs, but evaluates them periodically for impairment.
The impact of these restatements on previously issued U.S. GAAP financial information is as follows:
Impact of restatements on previous US GAAP financial reporting: | 2008 | 2007 | ||||
Reduction of net loss | $ | 1,446,402 | $ | 9,953,314 | ||
Reduction of loss per share | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.10 | ||
Increase to Mining Properties | $ | 10,571,154 | $ | 10,044,314 |
83
Increase in Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 11,082,716 | $ | 10,044,314 | ||
Decrease in cash used in Operating Activities | $ | 1,038,402 | $ | 8,983,338 | ||
Increase in cash used in Investing Activities | $ | 1,038,402 | $ | 8,983,338 |
Recently Issued U.S. Accounting Pronouncements
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 (as codified in ASC topic 740 “Income Taxes”) (“ASC 740”) for US GAAP purposes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 requires that we recognize in the financial statements, only those tax positions that are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained as of the adoption date, based on the technical merits of the position. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740, the Company performed a review of the material tax positions in accordance with recognition and measurement standards established by ASC 740. Based on this review the provisions of ASC 740 had no effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations at either December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
In May 2009, the FASB issued new standards for subsequent events, which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The new standards are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted the new standards during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and, as the pronouncement only requires additional disclosures, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company evaluated events that occurred subsequently to December 31, 2009, for recognition or disclosure in the Company’s financial statements and its notes to financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued amended standards for determining whether to consolidate a variable interest entity. These new standards amend the evaluation criteria to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and require ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. The provisions of the new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and interim periods within those fiscal years. These standards will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of the new standards will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2009, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which was effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The Codification became the single authoritative source for GAAP. Accordingly, previous references to GAAP accounting standards are no longer used in the Company’s disclosures, including these Notes to the Financial Statements. The codification in not expected to affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06,“Fair Value Measurements Disclosures,” which amends Subtopic 820-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to require new disclosures for fair value measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements. More specifically, this update will require (a) an entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and (b) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be presented separately (i.e. present the activity on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). This update clarifies existing disclosure requirements for the level of disaggregation used for classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value and requires disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will materially expand its financial statement footnote disclosures.
Forward Looking Statement
Statutory safe harbours shall apply, with respect to the Company and all types of transactions, to information provided pursuant to paragraphs (a) (4) Off – balance sheet arrangements and (5) Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations of this Item:Management’s Discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operation, since the
84
disclosure is made by the Company; a person acting on behalf of the Company; an outside reviewer retained by the Company making a statement on behalf of the Company; or an underwriter, with respect to information provided by the Company or information derived from information provided by the Company.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Quantitative information about market risk as of the end of latest fiscal year.
INSTRUMENTS ENTERED INTO FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TRADING PURPOSES
Interest rate sensitivity: Investments Deposits returns
The Company does not have any deposits with terms of more than three months and has as of December 31, 2009, a deposit of $1,000,000 ($5,515,358 in 2008) was invested in a financial institution for a term of one month at a time. As such the Company does not foresee any interest rate sensitivity during the following 5 years.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk Canadian dollars
The Company does not have any transaction with foreign countries that could cause a risk for its investments as a consequence of fluctuation of a foreign currency exchange rate.
Commodity price sensitivity
As at December 31, 2009, the Company is at an exploration stage only and as discussed inItem 2: Properties MATOUSH PROJECT, MATOUSH PROPERTY Scoping Study, , the Company had one preliminary economic assessment of the uranium resources made on the MATOUSH PROPERTY, and the price scenario was established by SD Energy with a long term price from US$60.00 to US$90.00 per pound U3O8over the life of the project with an evaluation price of US$75.00 per pound U3O8 with an exchange rate $US/$CAN of 0.85.
Qualitative information about market risk
Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents, tax credits receivable, deposits on exploration work and accounts payable and accrued charges are financial instruments whose carrying value approximates their fair value due to their short-term maturities or the prevailing market rates.
Investments in shares are recognized at fair value, which equals the closing asking price at the end of the period.
The Company classifies its investments as financials assets held for trading and recognizes them at their fair value. The fair value of shares corresponds to the last asking price at the end of the period and the fair value of warrants corresponds to the difference between the asking price of the shares and the exercise price of the warrants. The fair value of the warrants is nil when the asking price is lower than their exercise price.
Credit Risk
Cash and cash equivalents are deposited in banking accounts at Canadian financial institution and invested in high quality securities.
Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2009, the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk was as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents and exploration funds – variable interest rate
Amounts payable – interest free
In management’s opinion, the Company was not exposed to any interest rate risk as at December 31, 2009.
Financial Risk
85
The Company is considered an exploration company. It must therefore obtain financing regularly in order to pursue its exploration activities. While it has always succeeded in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance that it will succeed in doing so in the future.
(a) Interim periods
The Company does not include in this annual report financial statements for an interim period ended after the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
(b) Safe Harbor
Statutory safe harbours shall apply, with respect to the Company and all types of transactions, to information provided pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of thisItem 7A, provided that the disclosure is made by the Company; a person acting on behalf of the Company; an outside reviewer retained by the Company making a statement on behalf of the Company; or an underwriter, with respect to information provided by the Company or information derived from information provided by the Company.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
See the audited financial statements annexed to this annual report.
The following table contains selected financial information for the last eight quarters.
2009-12-31 | 2009-09-30 | 2009-06-30 | 2009-03-31 | 2008-12-31 | 2008-09-30 | 2008-06-30 | 2008-03-31 | |
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
Total income | 2,441 | 8,203 | 12,046 | 31,356 | 90,537 | 85,241 | 96,032 | 174,518 |
General and administrative expenses | 494,044 | 354,064 | 297,266 | 383,747 | 250,549 | 283,611 | 367,378 | 396,116 |
Net profit (loss) | (526,573) | (261,978) | (236,613) | (458,110) | 33,359 | (360,225) | (787,005) | (420,858) |
Net loss (Net benefit) per share, basic and diluted | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
Current assets | 10,295,244 | 13,716,658 | 16,996,665 | 18,137,213 | 16,924,007 | 18,545,710 | 22,114,699 | 28,250,036 |
Total assets | 61,655,744 | 59,295,168 | 59,765,913 | 60,546,678 | 59,761,590 | 52,921,254 | 53,633,968 | 56,455,302 |
Current liabilities | 1,854,116 | 1,699,043 | 1,848,928 | 2,524,418 | 1,396,939 | 1,672,935 | 2,146,779 | 5,107,367 |
Working capital | 8,441,128 | 12,017,615 | 15,147,737 | 15,612,795 | 20,379,324 | 16,872,775 | 19,967,920 | 23,142,669 |
Shareholders’ equity | 59,165,106 | 56,145,125 | 56,765,913 | 55,337,260 | 55,628,653 | 50,404,319 | 50,583,189 | 50,235,935 |
In June 2009, the stock-based compensation expense was of $237,393 and of $746,659 in June 2008 since the Board of Directors grants annually the majority of its stock options, at the Board’s Meeting following the annual general meeting of shareholders. The expense is recorded on the vesting period.
In 2009, the Company realized that a misinterpretation occurred in the methodology to calculate one aspect of the future income tax and recorded the adjustments in the months of December 2007, 2008 and 2009.
86
Fourth Quarter Performance in Canadian Dollars
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Income– Interest | 2,441 | 90,537 | 218,021 | ||||||
Expenses | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (494,044 | ) | (250,549 | ) | (298,308 | ) | |||
Stock-based compensation | (25,970 | ) | (82 759 | ) | 233,885 | ||||
Fair value variation for financial instruments held for trading | (35,000 | ) | (35,000 | ) | - | ||||
Write-off of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | (356,690 | ) | - | |||||
Future income taxes benefits | 26,000 | 668,000 | 1,973,321 | ||||||
Net profit (loss) | (526,573 | ) | 33,539 | 2,126,919 | |||||
Net profit (loss) per share, basic and diluted | - | - | 0.02 |
In 2009, the Company realized that a misinterpretation occurred in the methodology to calculate one aspect of the future income tax and recorded the adjustments in the months of December 2007, 2008 and 2009.
In 2009, investor relations and legal and audit expenses were higher than in the comparative previous quarters due to increase activities.
In 2008, the Company decided to write-down expense for prospecting and the Mont-Laurier Uranium property as no significant work had been done on the property since 2006.
On October 1st, 2008, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 4,102,565 flow-through shares at $1.95 per share for gross proceeds of $8,000,002.
On December 8, 2009, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 2,500,000 flow-through common shares issued at the price of $1.00 per share for a total amount of $2.5 million.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
The Company does not have any change or disagreement with its accountants on accounting and financial disclosure to report for the period.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
The Company’s Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Guy Hébert, President, and Mrs. Ingrid Martin, Chartered Accountant, Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation regarding the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in §240.13a -15 (e) or §240.15d -15 (e) of Title 17) as of the end of the period covered by the report, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of §240.13a -15 or §240.15d -15 of Title 17. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Internal control over financial reporting
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Guy Hébert, President, and the Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Ingrid Martin, Chartered Accountant (CA), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company;
The management use the following framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as required by paragraph ( c ) of §240.13a -15 or §240.15d -15:
The management relied on the interpretive guidance issued by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Release 34-55929 and Rule 13 (a) -15 ( c ) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to identify a framework suitable for management’s evaluation of the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”). The Company first identified the risks to reliable financial reporting or material misstatement including the risk related to related parties
87
transactions with BBH Géo-Management Inc. for which the sole officer and director is also a director and officer of the Company.
The Company evaluated that the existing controls established in a document entitled “Internal Controls of Purchases and Expenses Cycle” as amended on October 1, 2008 and produced asExhibit 99.1.1 with the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31. 2008, addressed those risks as follows.
The Board of Directors with recommendation of the audit committee approves the project and budget for exploration programs. An internal control on three levels of authorization and verification is in place for each purchase-order, each check issued in payment of invoices and each entry into the books of the Company on a daily basis is available on system Buzzsaw. Each check that is issued requires two signatures from authorized representatives.
The internal procedures for the financial information within the Company with organizational charts are written in a pamphlet that has been approved by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee and communicated to officers of the Company and each concerned employee of the management company.
Each financing and its costs and each issuance of shares or convertible securities related to a financing is authorized by the Board of Directors and has to be reported in details to each Securities Commission for which the Company is a reporting issuer and must be published in press releases. Each grant of stock options to directors or officers of the Company must also be disclosed in press releases in Canada.
During the financing process either by private placement or public offering in Canada and other countries except in the United States the Company follows for several years the same process that is described in details inExhibit 99.2for: (i) the negotiations, term sheets, due diligence sessions, subscription agreements or prospectus; (ii) issuance of shares, of warrants, broker warrants or compensation options, commission or finder’s fees, warrant indentures; (iii) filing of documents and request of approvals from Toronto Exchange andAutorité des marches financiers (Québec Securities Commission) and other regulatory authorities for the closings, the filings of post-closing required documents including amongst others, press releases and Forms 8K.
The Management, financial advisors, finders or brokers, accountants and legal counsels all collaborate to achieve the financings required to pursue the exploration programs of the Company.
The Management proceeded throughout the year to the verification and evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in verifying the operations described in the pamphlet such as the established process for monitoring of signature of checks, numerical order of checks, issuance of purchase orders, invoices auditing, approval of expenses, distribution of expenses in conformity with the budget of operations, time sheets and confidential information of documents. As to the verification of the financial information itself the Management analyzed the expenses logins and the expenses fluctuations.
Following a sample evaluation, the Management can conclude that the internal control is effective, the persons who are responsible apply effectively and vigorously their functions. In taking into account the small number of persons involved, the internal control of financial information is executed in a way so to provide a reasonable assurance that the controls are operating effectively.
The management with the participation of the principal executive and financial officers evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal year by monitoring of activities and by direct testing.
The framework on which management’s evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is based is a suitable control framework based on top-down approach for expenditures and purchases and an entity-level approach for transactions with related party.
After evaluation of evidence, the Management did not find any deficiency that could constitute a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
88
The Company’s management confirms hereby that the registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in the annual report containing the disclosure required by thisItem 9 has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Auditors of the Company have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established inRisk Management and Governance/Guidance on Control published by the CICA’s Criteria of Control Board. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Annual Report. The Auditors’ responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on its audits as reported in Auditor’s Report joined to the present annual report.
Additional Information and Continuous Disclosure
This management discussion and analysis is dated March 11, 2010 and complies with Canadian Securities Administrators’National Instrument 51-102A on continuous disclosure. The purpose of this management discussion and analysis is to help the reader understand and assess the material changes and trends in the Company’s results and financial position. It presents management’s perspective on the Company’s current and past activities and financial results, as well as an outlook of activities planned for the coming months. The Company regularly discloses additional information through press releases and financial statements filed on the Company’s website (www.stratecoinc.com), SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml).
(Signed) Guy Hébert | (Signed) Ingrid Martin |
89
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
(a) Identification of Directors and executive officers
The board of directors of the Company is a multidisciplinary team with recognized practical experience in various fields of activity that enables it to practice good corporate management. The members of the Board of Directors are:
Guy Hébert – President, Chief executive officer of the Company and director
Jean-Pierre Lachance – Executive Vice President of the Company and director
Jean-Guy Masse – President of Masvil Capital Inc. and Northern Precious Metals Management Inc., director and member of the Audit Committee
Robert Desjardins –President ofRobert G. Desjardins & Associates Inc., director and member of the Audit Committee
Henri Lanctôt – Lawyer and Associate of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, director and Corporate Secretary
Marcel Bergeron - Financial consultant, director and member of the Audit Committee
The mandate of the directors will expire at the date of the next Annual Assembly of shareholders unless they are elected at that time for a new mandate.
Mr. Guy Hébert, 60 years old, has been a director, the Chief executive officer and President of the Company since April 13, 2000. Mr. Hébert holds a B.Sc. degree in Geology from the University of Montreal and a Master in Business Administration from Sherbrooke University.
Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance, 57 years old, is Executive Vice President of the Company. He has been a director of the Company since April 13, 2000. Mr. Lachance holds a B.Sc. degree in Geology from the University Laval, in Québec.
Mr. Jean-Guy Masse, 68 years old, is a director of the Company since April 13, 2000. Mr. Masse holds a B.Sc. A. from theÉcole Polytechniqueof Montreal and M. Sc from Stanford University, California U.S.A. He is a CFA and member of the Association since September 1975.
Mr. Robert Desjardins, 65 years old, is director of the Company since October 30, 2001. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from theÉcole des Hautes Études Commercialesand is a member of theCorporation des Administrateurs Agréés du Québec.
Mr. Henri Lanctôt, 66 years old, was appointed director of the Company on January 24, 2007 further to the resignation of Mr. Claude Hubert on January 18, 2007 and elected at the next annual and special Meeting of shareholders. Mr. Henri Lanctôt was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1968 after graduating in 1967 from the Faculty of Law of the University of Montreal.
Mr. Marcel Bergeron, 54 years old, was appointed director and member of the Audit Committee on March 21, 2007 in replacement of Ms. Francine Bélanger and was elected at the next annual and special meeting of shareholders. He is a member of the Quebec Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Quebec Institute of Certified Management Accountants.
b) Identification of executive officers.
Mr. Guy Hébert is Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company since April 13, 2000;
Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance is Executive Vice-president of the Company since April 13, 2000;
Mrs. Ingrid martin, Chartered Accountant, is acting as Chief Financial Officer since June 9, 2009 date on which Mrs. Pauline Comtois, resigned as Chief financial officer as reported inForm 8-K dated June 15, 2009;
90
c) Identification of certain significant employees
Mr. Pierre H. Terreault, is Vice-President to Operations and engineering since April 15, 2008 for the planning, permits, authorizations, construction and operations of the underground exploration ramp on the MATOUSH PROJECT and all future and eventual mining facilities of this property as reported inForm 8-K dated April 21, 2008.
d) Family relationships
There exists no family relationship between any director, executive officer, or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer.
e) Business experience of directors, officers and significant employee during the last five years.
Mr. Guy Hébert, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Guy Hébert is employed by BBH Géo-Management Inc. to render services to the Company as the Chief executive officer and President of the Company since April 13, 2000 that represented an occupation for approximately 95% of his time during the year 2009. He is also director and president of BBH Géo-Management Inc., since October 1992. BBH Géo-Management is a private company rendering management services to mining companies and has a services agreement with the Company since July 2000 (SeePart I, Financial Information, Related parties transactions). Mr. Hébert has been president for a few months at the time of incorporation from March 2006 to June 1, 2006 and remained afterward solely director and Chairman of the Board of Cadiscor Resources Inc. (“Cadiscor”), a company having its common shares registered pursuant to section 12 of the Exchange Act since its incorporation. On May 26, 2009, Mr. Hébert resigned as director from the Board of directors of Cadiscor following the merger between Cadiscor and North American Palladium Ltd.
Professional experience
Mr. Hébert has been active in the international mining industry for the last 30 years. He has a Master degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Sciences degree in geology. He was the architect of over $300 million in financing for various gold and base metals mining projects in Canada and overseas. Since 1980, he has brought three mines into production.
Mr. Hebert was President and Chief Executive Officer of Lyon Lake Mines from 1986 to 2001. He brought into production Beta Vargas, an open pit 1,000 tpd gold mine in Costa Rica. Permitting and reclamation were a success. In September 1997, the Beta Vargas Mine was awarded the top environmental prize by Latin American Association of Geosynthetics. The Beta Vargas treatment plant represented a model for environmental design. From 1985 to 1992, he was President and CEO of Audrey Resources Inc. He brought into production the Bouchard-Hebert open pit and underground 2,500 tpd polymetallic mine (Zn,Cu,Au,Ag) in Quebec, Canada that Cambior took over in 1992. Cambior named the mine Bouchard-Hébert in recognition of his achievements with Audrey Resources Inc.
As President of Aiguebelle Resources Inc. from 1980 to 1985, Mr. Hebert brought into production the Yvan Vezina underground 1,500 tpd gold mine in Quebec. The mine became part of Cambior's organization in 1986.
Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance, Executive Vice-president
Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance is employed by BBH Géo-Management Inc. to render services as Executive Vice President of the Company in charge of exploration programs. He has been a director and Executive Vice-President of the Company since April 13, 2000 and spends 95% of his time for the Company. He is also Vice-President of BBH Géo-Management Inc. since 2004 but does not exercise any control over this related company (SeePart I, Financial Information, Related parties transactions).
91
Professional experience
Mr. Lachance has 30 years of experience in the mining industry, and has held various management positions with public and private companies in Canada and overseas. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the UniversityLaval,in Québec.
Mr. Lachance was Vice President, International Development of Lyon Lake Mines Ltd. from 1994 to 1998 and Executive Vice President from 1999 to 2001. He has also been President of Novontar S.A., a subsidiary of Lyon Lake Mines Ltd. in Costa Rica, from 1996 to 2001. He was responsible for bringing Lyon Lake's Beta Vargas mine into production and for the reclamation after the mine's closure in 2000. He was Vice President of Altavista Mines Inc. from 1994 to 2000 and was responsible for all the exploration activities of the Company
As the Company's Executive Vice President, he closely assists the President in his functions He maintains relations with the Cree Community.
Mr. Lachance has been for a few months in 2006, Vice-President and director of Cadiscor Resources Inc., and remained director from 2007 to 2009 of Cadiscor. On May 26, 2009, Mr. Lachance resigned as director of Cadiscor following the merger between Cadiscor and North American Palladium Ltd.
Mr. Jean-Guy Masse, director and member of the Audit Committee
Mr. Jean-Guy Masse, 67 years old, is a director of the Company since April 13, 2000 and member of the Audit Committee since its creation. Mr. Masse holds a B.Sc. A. from theÉcole Polytechniqueof Montreal and an M. Sc from Stanford University, California U.S.A. He is a CFA and member of the Association since September 1975.
He is President of Northern Precious Metals Funds since 2003 and is also President of Masvil Capital Inc. since 1992. He has been President of the Board of Directors of Metco Resources Inc. from 1999 to 2003. Mr. Masse is also a director of mining companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Mr. Robert Desjardins, director and member of the Audit Committee
Mr. Robert Desjardins holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from theÉcole des Hautes Études Commercialesand is a member of theCorporation des Administrateurs Agréés du Québec. Since 1989, Mr. Desjardins has been President of Robert G. Desjardins & Associates Inc., a firm specializing in corporate finance and the development of financial products.
Mr. Marcel Bergeron, director and Member of the Audit Committee.
Mr. Marcel Bergeron is a member of the Quebec Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Quebec Institute of Certified Management Accountants. Mr. Bergeron is an accounting consultant and is acting as Finance Vice-President of Northern Precious Metals Management Inc. He is also a director of Matamec Explorations Inc, Jourdan Resources Inc. and Chief Financial Officer of Corporation de Capital du Risque Nevado inc., companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. He was employed from June 2006 to March 2009 as the General Director of Devimco Inc., a company specialized in the real estate development. Between July 1990 and June 2006, Mr. Bergeron was an associate of Petrie Raymond LLP, Chartered Accountants and Auditors of the Company. Between December 1995 and August 2005, he was on the board of directors of Fairstar Explorations Inc. and is on the board of directors of the following companies: ●.
Mr. Henri Lanctôt, director and Corporate Secretary
Mr. Henri Lanctôt was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1968 after graduating in 1967 from the Faculty of Law of the University of Montreal in 1984. He is a partner of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and, Mr. Henri Lanctôt joined Lafleur Brown, the law firm that merged with Gowlings on July 1st, 2000.
Mrs. Ingrid Martin, Chartered Accountant, Chief financial Officer and Treasurer
On June 9, 2009, the Board of Directors appointed Mrs. Ingrid Martin, C.A. as the new Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company in replacement of Mrs. Pauline Comtois, CGA who performed functions similar to a Chief
92
Financial Officer from the year 2001 to the year 2007 and thereafter became Chief Financial Officer until her resignation on June 9, 2009.
As Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mrs. Martin is responsible to assess and to verify the internal controls of the Company over financial information reporting and to approve financial statements and management discussion and analysis filings with authorities including the filings of Chief Financial Officer certificates. Mrs. Martin will be present upon demand, to the Audit Committee meetings to answer questions of its members. As Treasurer of the Company, Mrs. Martin will insure that the accounting books and registers of the Company are efficient and meet the legal requirements.
The Company will retain services of Ingrid Martin CA Inc., a company under the control of Mrs. Martin, as a consultant on a contractual basis to assist the financial department in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports according to Canadian GAAP and to prepare the tax returns of the Company.
Professional experience
Mrs. Martin holds a Bachelor degree in accounting from HEC in Montreal since July 1988 and became a member of the Order of Chartered Accountants of Québec as of November 1990. Mrs. Martin provides her services as consultant in accounting and became Chief Financial Officer of three public companies engaged in mining exploration listed on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada. Mrs. Martin was Regional Accounting Director of Molson Canada from 2001 to 2004. Mrs. Martin fulfilled several functions for Unisource Canada Inc. from 1993 to 2001 acting as Associate-Controller (1993), Financial Analyst, (1994-1998) Regional Controller (1998) and finally Regional Director of Operations from 1998 to 2001. Mrs. Martin also worked as Internal Auditor of Domtar in 1992 and as External Auditor of Price Waterhouse from 1988 to 1992.
Mr. Pierre H. Terreault, significant employee - Vice President Operations & Engineering
Mr. Terreault is Vice President Operations & Engineering of the Company since April 2008. He graduatedfrom École Polytechnique deMontrealinMining Engineering andhas aMaster's DegreeinProject Managementfrom Université du Québec de l'Abitibi Temiscamingue.He is a registered Professional Engineer in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland. He started various mining projects throughout Quebec and Newfoundland.
Professional experience
Mr. Terreault has more than 29 years experience in different mining sectors and has held variousmanaging positions. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Terreault was Mine Manager and Project Leader for a pre-feasibility study for an underground mine, for Opinaca Mines (Goldcorp). From 2004 to 2007, he was the General Manager for Kiena Complex (Wesdome). Between 1998 and 2003, he was the General Superintendent for Ross Finlay 2000.
f) Involvement in certain legal proceedings.
None of the directors and executive officers mentioned above has been involved in the following legal proceedings in the last five years:
1. None of the directors and executive officers were the subject of a petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law that was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;
2. None of the directors or executive officers of the Company has been subject to any conviction in a criminal proceeding or was named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
93
3. None of the directors or executive officers of the Company has been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting the following activities:
(i) Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other persons regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
(ii) Engaging in any type of business practice; or
(iii) Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal Commodities laws;
4. None of the directors or executive officers was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (f) (3) (i) of this section, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; or
5 None of the directors or executive officers of the Company was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commission to have violated any Federal or State securities laws, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated.
6. None of the directors or executive officers of the Company was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated.
g) Compliance with section 16 (a) of the Exchange Act.
Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or Form 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Such officers and directors and 10% stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all section 16 (a) forms they file.
The Company’s directors and officers have since December 31, 2003 filed only with the Quebec Securities Commission now called “Autorité des marchés financiers”, the principal national securities exchange jurisdiction of the Company as allowed by §240.16a -3 (c). All transactions by directors and officers have been deposited electronically on SEDI during the period and can be consulted publicly athttp://www.sedi.ca/.
Mrs Ingrid Martin, Chief of Finance and treasurer of the Company who in her functions obtains privileged information of the Company, is considered an insider of the Company and registers all her insider’s declarations on SEDI atwww.sedi.ca. in Québec, Canada under the principal jurisdiction of the Company, theAutorité des marchés financiers (Quebec Securities Commission).
Goodman Company & Investment Counsels which detains directly and indirectly more than 10% of the share capital of the Company also reports its holding on Form 13 SG with the U.S. SEC and on SEDI atwww.sedi.ca through its representative in Canada, Mr. Ned Goodman acting for Ravensden Asset Management Inc.
h) Code of ethics
On February 18, 2004, the Board of directors adopted a Code of ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller. This Code of Ethics can be consulted on the
94
Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com and on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com and was filed asExhibit 14. Any interested person can receive copy of this Code of ethics without charge in addressing its request to the Company’s head office mentioned on the Title page of this annual report.
i) Corporate governance
As of March 10, 2010, new corporate governance policies are under study by the Board of Directors. The Code of Ethics should be updated, a new Nominating Policy for Directors, a Stock Trading Policy for insiders of the Company and a detailed mandate for the Board of Directors. Upon adoption of any new policy or amendment to the Code of Ethics, the Company will provide the new information in the following quarterly report underForm 10-Q.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, there has been no material change to the Company’s procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees at the Annual Meeting of shareholders to the Company’s board of directors.
The Audit committee has a charter that was annexed to the Management Information Circular and Proxy Information filed asExhibit 22 withForm 10-Q for the period ending June 2009.
The Company has a separately-designated standing Audit committee established in accordance with section 3(a) (58) A of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c (a)(58)(A)) composed of three members, Mr. Jean-Guy Masse, Mr. Robert Desjardins and Mr. Marcel Bergeron.
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that the Company has at least one Audit Committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee, Mr. Marcel Bergeron. He was appointed director to replace Mrs. Francine Bélanger who deceased in November 2006. Mr. Bergeron is the director seating at the Audit Committee considered the “Financial Expert” pursuant to Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Please refer toItem 10 (e) for a brief listing of Mr. Bergeron’s relevant experience.
As of June 2009, Mr. Bergeron was also considered an “independent” director according toL’Autorité des marchés financiers (Quebec Securities Commission) Regulations. Because Mr. Bergeron had been an associate of the Company’s Auditors firm in charge of the Company’s file until June 2006, he was not considered “independent” until June 2009. However, Mr. Bergeron benefited from a statutory dispense to remain on the Audit Committee during this period pursuant to Quebec Article 36 of Regulation 52-110 since the following requirements amongst others were met during that period:
The Company became a reporting issuer in four (4) provinces of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec since its listing on the TSX Exchange on June 6, 2007. Both the TSX andL’Autorité des marches financiersrequire independence of all members of the Audit Committee unless a statutory exemption is applicable.
The majority of the Audit Committee remained independent until June 2009. Mr. Bergeron was eligible to the statutory exemption as to independence for more than two years or until June 2009.
Mr. Bergeron had no immediate family relationship with an employee or an executive officer of the Company and was not an employee of member of the management of the Company.
The Board of directors considered that in this exceptional case, Mr. Bergeron could have during this period, the required unbiased judgment necessary to honour his obligations as member of the Audit committee and that his nomination was in the interest of the Company and of the Company’ shareholders.
Mr. Bergeron did not act as president of the Audit Committee while he was not independent.
Compensation discussion and analysis
The Company has no compensation committee but during the last completed fiscal year, Misters Robert Desjardins, Jean-Guy Masse and Marcel Bergron, are the only directors who received fees for their presence to the Board of Directors or Audit Committee meetings and were entitled to reimbursement of expenses for their presence to these
95
meetings. These fees have been fixed by the Board of Directors in 2007. Misters Guy Hébert, Jean-Pierre Lachance and Henri Lanctôt, did not receive any compensation for their presence to the Board of Directors’ meetings.
Throughout the year ended December 31, 2009, the compensation of executive officers was paid by a management company, BBH Géo-Management Inc. (“Management Company”) with which the Company has a Contract Services agreement. SeeItem 13 Certain relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence. The Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Audit Committee and in the absence of Mr. Guy Hébert, CEO and director who is also president and director of the Management Company, approve the Contract Services agreement with the Management Company, The amounts paid by the Company to the Management Company for services rendered by its executive officers are revised annually by the Board of Directors. The compensation received by executive officers is reported and made public as required by theAutorité des marches financiers in the Management Information Circular filed asExhibit 22 withForm 10Q for the period ended June 30 of each year. Please see Table and Notes ofSummary Executive Compensation inItem 11 for further explanation concerning delay in public disclosure of executive salaries and report of summary executive compensation of previous years.
All members of the Board of Directors participated however, to the discussion on grant of stock options to directors and executive officers, employees of the Management Company and consultants of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The executive officers based on their day-to-day evaluation of the performance and charges of each grantee, informed the independent members of the Board of directors of the importance of services rendered to the Company by each employee of the Management Company in the exploration programs or administration of the Company managed by the Management Company.
The objective of the stock option plan is to provide an incentive to directors, executive officers, employees of the Management Company and consultants to work with energy and efficiency on the realisation of the projects of the Company and to retain services of directors, executive officers, employees of the Management Company and consultants in the Company because replacements for persons having experience and competency in the specific domain of uranium exploration are difficult to recruit in Québec, Canada.
Stock options to CEO, CFO, directors, executive officers and employees of the Management Company who were assigned to render services to the Company and consultants, have been granted for the most part as usual on an annual basis on June 9, 2009, at the Board’s Meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and also on individual dates whenever the Management Company notified the Board of Directors of the employment of new employees of whom the services were to be assigned to the Company on a permanent basis.
A total of 10,654,586 common shares are reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. The maximum number of options that can be granted to any participant cannot exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock. The exercise price of the options granted may not be less than the average means of the volume weighted average trading price of the listed securities, calculated by dividing the total value by the total volume of securities traded for the five trading days immediately preceding the relevant date of the grant on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) at the time the options are granted. The options granted are valid for a period established by the Board of Directors, not to exceed five years from the date the options are granted and can be annulled 90 days after the end of contract of employment and immediately upon end of contract of employment for justified reasons and after one year following the decease of the grantee.
During the year 2009, the Board of directors granted all stock options to directors, executive officers, employees of the Management Company and consultants at the same exercise price well above market price as defined supra and has imposed on new employees hired by the Management Company restrictions on the number of stock options that can be levied and restriction periods on 18 months for the levy of stock options in order that the employee had to work a minimum of six months prior to be able to exercise one third of the number of stock options that had been awarded and another six months before to be able to levy another third of the number and so on. These restrictions were imposed only on new employees of the Management Company to insure fidelity to the Company.
The directors and employees of the Management Company that have long standing in the Company did not have a restriction period for the levy of their stock options.
Compensation Committee Report
96
There is no compensation committee in the Company and the Board of Directors does not issue a compensation report since the compensation and employment of the employees of the Management Company rendering services to the Company including the Company’s executive officers is under the sole control and supervision of the Management Company which is responsible to provide its employees with salaries, social advantages, health insurances, governmental deductions for worker’s compensation programs and vacations.
Item 11: Executive Compensation
The following tables in this Item 11 have numbers converted in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate at December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 29, 2007. The rates of exchange from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2007 was C$0.9881 for U.S. $1.00, as of December 31, 2008 was C$1.2240 for U.S $1.00 and at December 31, 2009 was C$1.0461 for US $1.00 were used to fill in the table.
(a) General
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not pay any compensation to its executive officers, except for Jean-Pierre Lachance, who received an allowance of $200 per month for the use of his personal vehicle in relation with the Company's activities (SeeItem 6 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation subsection(b) entitledRelated-Party Transactions for further details on transactions between the Company and BBH Géo-Management Inc pursuant to the Services Agreement with the Management Company).
BBH Géo-Management Inc. (“BBH”) is the Management Company that provides the Company with project management and administrative services pursuant to a services agreement. Guy Hébert, the Company’s CEO and a director, is also the sole director and an officer of BBH Géo-Management Inc. and controls another company that is the sole shareholder of BBH Géo-Management Inc. Services rendered to the Company by executive officers, Misters Guy Hébert and Jean-Pierre Lachance, are provided to the Company by BBH Géo-Management Inc.
97
Summary Compensation Table: In U.S. dollars *
Name and principal position | Year | Salary(1) ($) | Bonus ($) | Option awards ($) | All other compensation ($) | Total ($) |
(a) | (b) | ( c ) | (d) | (e) | (g)(5) | (h) |
Guy Hébert, Chief Executive Officer(2) (3) | 2007 | $136,599 | - | $323,302 | - | $459,901 |
2008 | $147,005 | - | $93,350 | - | $240,355 | |
2009 | - | - | $39,193 | - | Not available | |
Jean-Pierre Lachance, Executive Vice-President (4) (5) | 2007 | $193,284 | - | $194,161 | - | $196,532 |
2008 | $191,186 | - | $93,350 | - | $387,445 | |
2009 | - | - | $39,193 | - | Not available | |
Pierre H. Terreault, Vice- President of Operations and Engineering since March 2008 (1)(6) (7) | 2008 | $115,810 | - | $93,350 | - | $209,160 |
2009 | - | - | $29,193 | - | Not available | |
Ingrid Martin CFO(8) | 2009 | $33,458 | - | $39,193 | - | $72,650 |
* Since there is no stock awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation, no change in pension value and non-qualified deferred compensation earnings these columns have been deleted.
(1)The Company did not pay any salary or other form of compensation to its executive officers except for Mrs Ingrid Martin, CA, Treasurer and CFO of the Company. The Company pays fees for the accounting services provided to the Company by Ingrid Martin CA Inc., a company under the control of Mrs. Ingrid Martin, CFO and treasurer of the Company on a contractual basis. The amounts included in column ( c ) for the years 2007 and 2008 represent the funds paid by BBH Géo-Management Inc., (“BBH”) the Management Company, to Mr. Guy Hébert and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance for services rendered to the Company.
This table does not include the amounts paid by BBH to Mr. Hébert, Mr. Lachance and Mr. Terreault for services rendered to the Company for the year 2009 since BBH is a private company in Quebec, Canada providing services to the Company including the services of Mr. Hébert as CEO, Mr. Lachance, as Executive Vice-president and Mr. Terreault as Vice President to Operations and Engineering.
As a private company the information concerning the remuneration paid by BBH to the Company’s executive officers and significant employee is considered confidential information and protected as such by the laws of Quebec, Canada. However this information looses its confidential character whenever theAutorité des marchés financiers du Québec(Quebec Securities Commission) requires this specific information to be disclosed publicly by its laws and regulations.
Since theAutorité des marchés financiers du Québecby its laws and regulations requires that this information concerning the company’s executive officers compensation be disclosed only in the Management Information Circular and Proxy solicitations, this information will be disclosed publicly in such document and will be filed asExhibit 22withForm 10Q for the period ended June 30, 2010. Also, the Company qualifies as a foreign private issuer under Rule 405 of Regulation C and such information is not required to be rendered public in the United States unless required to be disclosed by theAutorité des marchés financiers(Quebec Securities Commission) in Quebec, Canada the principal jurisdiction of the Company;
(2)The Company paid to BBH for the consulting services of Mr. Guy Hébert as CEO, $259,660 in 2009, $323,426 in 2008 and $213,787 in 2007. These sums are not representative of the amounts actually received by Mr. Hébert from BBH Géo-Management Inc. as salary as disclosed in the table for the years 2008 and 2007 (see Note 1).
As reported in column (e) Mr. Hébert was granted by the Board of Directors, 100,000 stock options on June 9, 2009 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $0.9559 per share for a period of five years. Mr. Hébert was granted 100,000 stock options on April 14, 2008 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $2.4970 per share for a period of five years.
98
Mr. Hébert did not exercise any options during the fiscal year 2009 nor did he in the year 2008. The value reported for Option awards is the one calculated pursuant to Black-Scholes model at the price of $0.3919 per share for those options awarded in the second quarter of 2009 for a total Black Scholes value at the date of the grant of $39,193.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options in 2009 (1,363,500 stock options in 2008 and 1,499,000 stock options in 2007) to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers rendering services to the Company, at a strike price of $0.9559 per share for 5 years, of which 963,500 vest immediately and 114,000 vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At the date of the grant, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.3919 per option in 2009 ($0.9335 per option in 2008 and $1.2954 per option in 2007). The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.88% | 2.46% | 3.06 |
Expected life | 2 years | 1yr | 1 yr |
Expected volatility | 97.09% | 101% | 103% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $519,261 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $162,455 was capitalized against the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus in the total amount of $681,717 in 2009 ($1,333 in 2008 and $1,360,957 in 2007).
(3) The Company paid to BBH for the services of Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance as Executive Vice President $316,415 in 2009, $421,982 in 2008 and $292,890 in 2007. These sums are not representative of the amounts actually received by Mr. Lachance from BBH as salary as disclosed in the table for the years 2007 and 2008(see Note 1).
(4) As reported in column (e), Mr. Lachance was granted by the Board of Directors 100,000 stock options on June 9, 2009 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $0.9559 per share for a period of five years. Mr. Lachance was granted 100,000 stock options on April 14, 2008 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $2.4970 per share for a period of five years. Mr. Lachance did not exercise any options during the fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Mr. Lachance was granted by the Board of Directors 150,000 stock options on April 12, 2007 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $3.32 per share for a period of five years. In 2007, Mr. Lachance exercised 150,000 options that had been granted to him in 2005 at the price of $0.19 per share for an exercise amount of $29,643.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options in 2009 (1,363,500 stock options in 2008 and 1,499,000 stock options in 2007) to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers rendering services to the Company, at a strike price of $0.9559 per share for 5 years, of which 963,500 vest immediately and 114,000 vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At the date of the grant, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.3919 per option in 2009 ($0.9335 per option in 2008 and $1.2954 per option in 2007) for a total Black Scholes value at the date of the grant to Mr. Lachance in 2009 of $39,193. The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.88% | 2.46% | 3.06 |
Expected life | 2 years | 1yr | 1 yr |
Expected volatility | 97.09% | 101% | 103% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $519,261 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $162,455 was capitalized against the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus in the total amount of $681,717 in 2009 ($1,333 in 2008 and $1,360,957 in 2007).
(5)Mr. Lachance received an allowance of $191.18 per month ($244.80 in 2008 and $197 in 2007 and ) for the use of his vehicle for the Company’s activities representing an amount less than $10,000 and this amount has been excluded from column (h).
(6) The Company paid to BBH for the services of Mr. Pierre H. Terreault as Vice President of Operations and Engineering $290,445 in 2009 ($277,395 in 2008). These sums are not representative of the amounts actually received by Mr. Terreault from BBH as salary for the year 2009 (See Note 1).
99
(7) As reported in column (e), Mr. Terreault was granted by the Board of Directors 75,000 stock options on June 9, 2009 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $.9559 per share for a period of five years. Mr. Terreault was granted 300,000 stock options on March 19, 2008 giving him the right to exercise these options at the price of $2.5704 per share for a period of five years. However, Mr. Terreault could only exercise his options by series of 100,000 options by period of six months from the date of entry in service or as September 19, 2008, March 19, 2009 and September 19, 2009. Mr. Terreault did not exercise any options during the fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options in 2009 (1,363,500 stock options in 2008 and 1,499,000 stock options in 2007) to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers rendering services to the Company, at a strike price of $0.9559 per share for 5 years, of which 963,500 vest immediately and 114,000 vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At the date of the grant, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.3919 per option in 2009 ($0.9335 per option in 2008 and $1.2954 per option in 2007) for a total Black Scholes value of the grant in 2009 to Mr. Terreault of $29,395. The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.88% | 2.46% | 3.06 |
Expected life | 2 years | 1yr | 1 yr |
Expected volatility | 97.09% | 101% | 103% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $519,261 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $162,455 was capitalized against the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus in the total amount of $681,717 in 2009 ($1,333 in 2008 and $1,360,957 in 2007).
(8) In 2009, the Company paid directly pursuant to a services contract agreement $33,457 for the accounting services of Ingrid Martin CA Inc., a company under the control of Mrs. Ingrid Martin, CA who is also the CFO and treasurer of the Company.
As reported in column (e), Mrs. Ingrid Martin was granted by the Board of Directors 100,000 stock options on June 9, 2009 giving her the right to exercise these options at the price of $.9559 per share for a period of five years. However, Mrs. Martin can only exercise her options by two series of 33,333 options and one tranche of 33,334 options by period of six months from the date of entry in service or as December 9, 2009, June 9, 2010 and December 9, 2010. Mrs. Martin did not exercise any options during the fiscal year 2009.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options in 2009 (1,363,500 stock options in 2008 and 1,499,000 stock options in 2007) to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers rendering services to the Company, at a strike price of $0.9559 per share for 5 years, of which 963,500 vest immediately and 114,000 vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At the date of the grant, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.3919 per option in 2009 ($0.9335 per option in 2008 and $1.2954 per option in 2007) for a total Black Scholes value of the grant in 2009 to Mrs. Martin of $39,193. The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.88% | 2.46% | 3.06 |
Expected life | 2 years | 1yr | 1 yr |
Expected volatility | 97.09% | 101% | 103% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $519,261 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $162,455 was capitalized against the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus in the total amount of $681,717 in 2009 ($1,333 in 2008 and $1,360,957 in 2007).
(9) The Company does not have a long-term incentive plan (LTIP)
100
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in the fiscal year 2009
Name (a) | Grant date (b) | All other option awards: Number of securities underlying options (#) (c) | Exercise or base price of options awards ($/Sh) (d) | Grant date fair value of option awards (e) |
Guy Hébert, CEO | 2009-06-09 | 100,000 | $0.9556 | $39,193 |
Ingrid Martin, CFO(1) | 2009-06-09 | 100,000 | $0.9556 | $39,193 |
Jean-Pierre Lachance | 2009-06-09 | 100,000 | $0.9556 | $39,193 |
Pierre H. Terreault | 2009-06-09 | 75,000 | $0.9556 | $29,395 |
(1). Mrs. Martin can only exercise her options by two series of 33,333 options and one tranche of 33,334 options by period of six months from the date of entry in service or as December 9, 2009, June 9, 2010 and December 9, 2010.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End- In U.S. dollars
Equity incentive | |||||
Number of | plan awards: | ||||
Number of | securities | Number of | |||
securities | underlying | securities | |||
underlying | unexercised | underlying | |||
unexercised | options (#) | unexercised | |||
options (#) | unearned options | Option exercise | Option | ||
Name | exercisable(2) | Non exercisable | (#) | price ($) | Expiration Date |
Guy Hébert, Chief ExecutiveOfficer | 300,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.19 | 2010-12-20 |
250,000 | 0 | N/A | $3.32 | 2012-04-11 | |
100,000 | 0 | N/A | $2.50 | 2013-04-13 | |
100,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.95 | 2014-06-08 | |
Ingrid Martin, Chief FinancialOfficer | 100,000 | 66,667 | N/A | $0.95 | 2014-06-08 |
Jean-Pierre Lachance, | 100,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.19 | 2010-12-20 |
100,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.46 | 2011-01-24 | |
Executive Vice-President | 150,000 | 0 | N/A | $3.32 | 2012-04-11 |
100,000 | 0 | N/A | $2.50 | 2013-04-13 | |
100,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.95 | 2014-06-08 | |
Pierre H. Terreault(2) | 300,000 | 0 | N/A | $2.57 | 2013-03-18 |
75,000 | 0 | N/A | $0.95 | 2014-06-08 |
(1)The Company granted only Option awards and did not grant any Stock awards so these columns have been deleted from the table.
(2) Except for 100,000 stock options granted to Mrs. Martin, the other stock options were immediately exercisable at the date of the grants subject only to a resale restriction period of 4 months and one day prior to November 23, 2007,for the underlying shares, applicable to trades in Canada. On November 23, 2007, the Toronto Stock Exchange approved the Company’s amended stock option plan produced asExhibit 10.3 and 10.4filed with Form 10KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007, removing this resale restriction period.
101
Option exercises during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
Name | Number of shares acquired on exercise | Value realized on exercise |
Guy Hébert | N/A | N/A |
Ingrid Martin | N/A | N/A |
Jean-Pierre Lachance | N/A | N/A |
Pierre H. Terreault | N/A | N/A |
(1)The Company granted only Option awards and did not grant any Stock awards so columns (d) (e) have been deleted from the table.
Directors Compensation- In U.S. dollars(1)
Name (a) | Fees earned or paid in cash ((b)((2) | Option awards (d) | All other compensation ($)(g) | Total (h) |
($)3) | ($)(4)(5) | ($) | ($) | |
Robert Desjardins | 8,029 | 29,395 | N/A | 37,424 |
Jean-Guy Masse | 8,029 | 29,395 | N/A | 37,424 |
Henri Lanctôt(4) | - | 29,395 | N/A | 29,395 |
Marcel Bergeron | 6,309 | 29,395 | N/A | 35,704 |
Total : | 22,367 | 117,580 | 139,947 |
(1)The Company did not have any stock awards, Incentive plan compensation or compensation earnings so columns ( c ), (e) (f) have been deleted from the table.
(2) Mr. Guy Hébert, director, president and CEO and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance, executive vice-president who work at the head office as executive officers of the Company do not receive any fees for their presence to the Board of Directors’ Meetings but their remuneration by BBH Géo-Management Inc., the Management Company, for services rendered to the Company pursuant to a services contract is described in details in thisItem 10 at the sub-section entitled:Summary executive compensation
(3) The Company did not pay any salary or other form of compensation directly to its external directors other than the fees for their presences to the Board of directors meetings and Audit Committee Meetings and the grant of stock options as detailed in the following footnote.
(4) Mr. Henri Lanctôt, director and Corporate Secretary of the Company, does not receive any fees as Director. Mr. Lanctôt is a partner of Gowling Lafleur Henderson, LLP, (“Gowlings”) legal counsel to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company paid to Gowlings fees totalling $46,265 which included fees for services of Mr. Lanctôt as Corporate Secretary of the Company in the approximate amount of $8,133 for Board of Directors meetings and for Annual Shareholders Meeting documentation. These amounts do not represent the remuneration actually received by Mr. Lanctôt for his services.
(5) The Company granted on June 2009, to each of the four directors mentioned in the preceding table, 75,000 stock options at the exercise price of $0.9556 per share until June 8, 2014, with each an aggregate grant date fair value of $29,395computed in accordance with FAS 123 R of $0.3919 per share as indicated atNote 10 Stock Option Plan of Financial Statements that reads as follows inU.S. Dollars.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options in 2009 (1,363,500 stock options in 2008 and 1,499,000 stock options in 2007) to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers rendering services to the Company, at a strike price of $0.9559 per share for 5 years, of which 963,500 vest immediately and 114,000 vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At the date of the grant, the weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.3919 per option in 2009 ($0.9335 per option in 2008 and $1.2954 per option in 2007) for a Black Scholes value of the grant of 75,000 stock options in 2009 to each of Misters Desjardins, Masse, Lanctôt and Bergeron of $29,395. The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
102
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.88% | 2.46% | 3.06 |
Expected life | 2 years | 1yr | 1 yr |
Expected volatility | 97.09% | 101% | 103% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $519,261 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $162,455 was capitalized against the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus in the total amount of $681,717 in 2009 ($1,333 in 2008 and $1,360,957 in 2007).
(3) As at December 31, 2009, Mr. Robert Desjardins had an aggregate number of option awards outstanding at fiscal year end of 225,000 stock options of which 75,000 at the exercise price of $0.9556 per share, 75,000 at the exercise price of $2.50 per share and 75,000 stock options at the exercise price of $3.33per share.
As at December 31, 2009, Mr. Jean-Guy Masse had an aggregate number of option awards outstanding at fiscal year end of 275,000 stock options of which 75,000 are at the exercise price of $0.9556 per share, 75,000 at the exercise price of $2.50 per share, 75,000 at the exercise price of $3.33 per share and 50,000 stock options at the exercise price of $0.47 per share.
As at December 31, 2009, Mr. Henri Lanctôt had an aggregate number of option awards outstanding at fiscal year end of 225,000 stock options of which 75,000 are at the exercise price of $0.9556 per share, 75,000 at the exercise price of $3.33 per share and 75,000 at the exercise price of $2.50 per share.
As at December 31, 2009, Mr. Marcel Bergeron had an aggregate number of option awards outstanding at fiscal year end of 225,000 stock options of which 75,000 are at the exercise price of $0.9556 per share, 75,000 at the exercise price of $3.33 per share and 75,000 at the price of $2.50 per share.
During the financial year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted during the year ended December 31, 2009 a total of 1,077,500 of which 600,000 stock options were granted to directors and executive officers and the Chief Financial Officer and 477,500 stock options were granted to employees of the Management Company under the terms of the stock option plan, as described in the following table:
In U.S. dollars Name | Securities under option | Percentage of total options granted to key employees and consultants in the financial year | Exercise price | Market value of the securities under option on the eve of the award | Expiry |
Guy Hébert, President | 100,000 | 0.092% | $0.9556 | $0.00 | 2014/06/08 |
Jean-Pierre Lachance, Executive Vice President | 100,000 | 0.092% | $0.9556 | $0.00 | 2014/06/08 |
The following table shows the options exercised during the financial year by executive officers and the year-end value of unexercised options at December 31, 2009:
103
In U.S. dollars | Value of unexercised in- | |||
Shares | Unexercised options at | the-money options at | ||
acquired on | year-end | year-end | ||
exercise of | --------// -------- | --------// -------- | ||
options | Aggregate value realized | Exercisable / | Exercisable / non- | |
Name | (#) | ($)(1) | non-exercisable | exercisable |
Guy Hébert, CEO | 750,000 | $177,600 | ||
President and Director | 0 | $0 | ______//_____ | _______//______ |
750,000/ N.A. | 750,000 / N.A. | |||
Jean-Pierre Lachance, | 550,000 | $99,300 | ||
Executive Vice President and | 0 | $0 | _______//______ | ______//_____ |
Director | 550,000/ N.A. | 550,000 / N.A. |
(1)Whenever an option is exercised, the aggregate value realized is the difference between the market value on the date of the exercise of the option and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares. On December 31, 2009, at closing on the TSX Exchange, the Company’ share traded for $0.783 per share.
Liability Insurance - In U.S. dollars
On June 1, 2009, the Company subscribed a liability insurance policy for storage tanks and pollution costs coverage until June 1, 2010 in the amount of $4,779,658 dollars per event and paid an annual premium of $17,757 for the policy during the financial year.
The Company has an insurance policy that provides directors’ and officers’ liability coverage of $4,779,657 per event. The Company paid an annual premium of $14,712 for the policy during the financial year.
Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contract
There are no employment contracts between the Company and its executive officers, nor is there any compensatory mechanism that may be triggered in the event of a change of control of the Company or a change in executive officers’ responsibilities pursuant to a resignation, retirement or any other termination of employment by a services provider having a services contract with the Company.
Directors’ Fees- In U.S. dollars
The external directors receive fees for each board and audit committee meeting they attend with the exception of those directors who are also executive officers of the Company. Directors’ fees totalled $22,369 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and were allocated as follows:
Name of Director | Amount of Director’s fees paid for fiscal year 2009 |
Marcel Bergeron | $6,309 |
Robert Desjardins | $8,029 |
Jean-Guy Masse | $8,029 |
Aside from stock options granted to directors under the stock option plan, directors do not receive any other fee or benefit from the Company to the exception of Mr. Henri Lanctôt, Mr. Guy Hébert and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance as discussed in the preceding paragraphs ofthis Item.
Loan to Directors and Officer
At the date hereof, no director, nominee as director or officer or anyone associated with them owed any amount to the Company.
The Company does not have a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Stock Option Plan
The Company has a stock option plan for its executive officers, directors, consultants and employees of services providers. A total of 10,654,586 common shares are reserved for issuance under the plan. The maximum number of options that can be granted to any
104
participant cannot exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock. The exercise price of the options granted may not be less than the average means of the volume weighted average trading price of the listed securities, calculated by dividing the total value by the total volume of securities traded for the five trading days immediately preceding the relevant date of the grant on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) at the time the options are granted. The options granted are valid for a period established by the Board of Directors, not to exceed five years from the date the options are granted.
The Company has no stock appreciation rights (SAR) plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information as at December 31, 2009-In U.S. dollars
Number of securities | |||
remaining available for future | |||
issuance under equity | |||
Number of securities to be | compensation plan (excluding | ||
issued upon exercise of | Weighed-average exercise | securities reflected in column | |
Plan Category | outstanding options | price of outstanding options | (a)) |
Stock option plan | |||
Equity compensation plans | |||
approved by security holders | 4,310,500 | $1.81 | 3,474,586 |
Equity compensation plans | |||
not approved by security | |||
holders | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
Total: | 4,310,500 | $1.81 | 3,474,586 |
(b) Stock options granted during the last financial year - In U.S. dollars
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted a total of 1,077,500 stock options to officers, directors and key employees and consultants of services provider, BBH Géo-Management Inc.
Of that number, on June 9, 2009, the Company granted a total of 500,000 stock options to directors at the exercise price of$0.9556 per share, 100,000 to the Chief Financial Officer and 477,500 were granted to consultants and several employees of the Management Company rendering services to the Company.
There has been no stock option exercised during the year ended December 31, 2009.For further details concerning the stock options granted and exercised during the last fiscal year please refer toNOTE 12 of FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Related Stockholder Matters.
(a) Security ownership of certain beneficial owners
The Company is a publicly traded Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, U.S. residents and other countries residents. The Company is not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by any foreign government or any other companies. Ownership is based on information furnished to the Company by its Transfer Agent, Computershare Company of Canada. As of December 31, 2009, the Company knew of one person owning more than 5% of common shares of the issuer’s voting securities.
Title of class | Name and address ofbeneficial owner | Amount and nature of beneficialownership at December 31, 2009 | Percent of class |
Common shares | Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Ltd One Adelaide Street East 29thFloor, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5C 2V9 | 14,744,565 common shares are held within mutual funds or other client accounts managed by Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Ltd, acting as Investment Counsel and Portfolio Manager | 12.11% undiluted. |
105
(b) Security ownership of management
The following table sets forth the names and addresses of each of the directors and officers of the Company, their principal occupations and their respective date of commencement of their term with the Company. All directors and officers hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company or until a successor is appointed.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Title of class | Name and Position with the Company | Number of Common Shares of the Company Beneficially Owned or Directly/Indirectly Controlled(1)(6) | Percentage of Issued Share Capital(6) |
Common shares,(1), stock options to purchase common shares and common shares indirectly controlled | GUY HEBERT(3)(5) 595 Marie-Victorin, Boucherville, Québec, Canada J4B 1X4 President and Director 2000 | 232,000 common shares 5,355,614 common shares held indirectly 750,000 stock options (3) | 4.90% |
Common shares, escrowed shares and stock options to purchase common shares | JEAN-PIERRE LACHANCE,(5) 5146 Nantel, St-Hubert, Québec, Canada J3Y 2Y4 Executive Vice President and Director 2000 | 198,600 common shares 550,000 stock options (4) | 0.60% |
Common shares and stock options to purchase common shares | ROBERT DESJARDINS,(2) 400 rue de L’inspecteur, # 810 Montréal, Québec H3C 4A8 Director 2001 | 100,000 common shares 225,000 stock options | 0.20% |
Common shares and stock options to purchase common shares | JEAN-GUY MASSE,(2)(5) 775 Chemin Markham, Montreal, Québec, Canada H3P 3A6 Director 2000 | 43,000 common shares 275,000 stock options | 0.20% |
Common shares and stock options to purchase common shares | HENRI LANCTÔT,(5), 247, Trenton ave., Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3P 1Z8 Corporate secretary and director 2007 | 50,375 common shares 225,000 stock options | 0.20% |
Common shares and stock options to purchase common shares | MARCEL BERGERON(2) (5), 108, ave. Kenaston, Mont-Royal Town, Québec H3R 1M2 Director 2007 | 27,000 common shares 225,000 stock options | 0.20% |
Stock options to purchase common shares | INGRID MARTIN(5), 4672, Brébeuf Street Montreal, Québec H2J 3L3 Chief Financial Officer , June 2009 | 100,000 stock options | 0.00% |
Total Common shares and stock options to purchase common shares directly andindirectly controlled. | 6,006,589 commonshares 2,350,000 stockoptions | 6.81%(6) |
(1) Information relating to the Shares over which control or direction is exercised was provided by the directors and officers as of March 10, 2010. Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, as at the date hereof, based upon information furnished to the Company by individual directors and officers. Unless otherwise indicated, such shares are held directly.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
106
(3)Mr. Hébert holds directly a total of 232,000 shares, indirectly 5,355,614 shares through a company disclosed atItem 13:Certain relationships and related transactionsand Director Independence of which Mr. Hébert is president and sole director and these shares are controlled by Mr. Hébert and 750,000 stock options.
(4)The directors, officers and other members of management of the Company, as a group beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 6,006,589 common shares of the Company, representing 4.90% of the total 122,695,906 common shares issued and outstanding of the Company as of March 10, 2010 and 6.81% of that same number in taking in consideration the stock options that can be exercised in a delay of 60 days.
(5) Of the number of common shares mentioned inColumn 4 of the preceding table, the directors owned each a number of stock options with right to exercise within 60 days as follows: Mr. Hébert, 750,000; Mr. Lachance, 550,000; Mr. Masse, 275,000; Mr. Lanctôt, 225,000 Mr. Desjardins 225,000, Mr. Bergeron 225,000 stock options and Mrs. Martin, Chief Financial Officer, 33,333 stock options.
(c) Changes in control
The Company does not anticipate at this time any changes in control of the Company.
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
(a) Related parties transactions
During the year, the Company conducted the following transactions with another company, BBH Géo-Management Inc. (“BBH”) for which the Company’s director and President, Mr. Guy Hébert, also serves as sole director and President On August 1, 2008, the Company and BBH, a related company, signed an agreement under which BBH will provide the Company with the following services: office space, office and computer equipment, secretarial, management, accounting and legal, geological consulting, investor and regulatory relations and financing services. The agreement is valid for a three-year period ending on July 31, 2010, and provides for a fixed monthly charge of $5,200 for office rent, office equipment and computers that will be reviewed each year on July 31.See section Related-party Transactions in Item 7: Management Discussion &Analysis, Executive remuneration, Security management ownership and Note 17 of Financial Statements
Mr. Henri Lanctôt, Director and Corporate Secretary of the Company, is a Partner of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP which acts as legal counsel to the Company.
(b) Transactions with Promoters
Mr. Guy Hébert, President and director of the Company can be considered as the promoter of the Company in consideration of his participation and managing of the business of the Company since its incorporation.
Mr. Hébert does not receive any salary or compensation for his services as Director and Chief Executive Officer directly from the Company but receives a salary from BBH and is entitled to receive Company’stock options as an incentive. See section onSecurity ownership of management and Executive remuneration.
(c) Director Independence
At March 10, 2010, the Board of Directors consists of six directors who will serve until the next annual meeting that will be held on May 27, 2010 at 10.30 a.m. at Hotel Fairmount Queen Elizabeth, Hochelaga 4 Room, 900 René-Lévesque Blvd. West Montréal, Québec, H3B 4A5 Canada and they will then either be re-elected or their successors will be elected. For the discussion as to Directors Independence please seethis Item at subsection (a) Related parties transactions.
There exist no family relationships between directors of the Company.
The directors and executive officers of the Company can have functions in other public mining companies or still to detain important assets in other public mining companies and to that effect enter into conflicting interests at the time of negotiation or to conclude the mode or scope related to that venture when these other mining companies can participate in the same joint venture.
As of December 31, 2009, Mr. Jean-Guy Masse Mr. Robert Desjardins and Mr, Marcel Bergeron are independent directors. Mr. Bergeron qualifies as an “independent” director since June 2009 as discussed in details atItem 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance at sub-section (i) Corporate governance.
107
Mr. Guy Hébert, President, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lachance, Executive Vice President, and Mr. Henri Lanctôt, Director and Corporate Secretary, are not considered independent directors and further details are disclosed at thisItem 13 subsection (a) Related Parties transactions.
The independent directors meet without the presence of non-independent directors in the case of the Audit committee meetings. In order to assure the independence of the directors, the Audit committee has full authority to review the financial statements and management discussions and analysis on a quarterly and annual financial basis, to question the auditors and the employees of the Management Company in charge of the Company’s financial department, to examine and comment on any of the Company’s medium- and long-term obligations, and to review, analyse and comment on the Company’s budget.
The Board of directors is chaired by Mr. Guy Hébert, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Robert Desjardins, an independent director, acts as the lead director. With the President and Chief Executive Officer, the lead director establishes the agenda items for each meeting, including the matters presented to the Audit committee. The Audit committee constitutes a forum for the independent directors to comment on the Company’s activities and identify matters to be dealt with at Board of director meetings.
Item 14: Principal Accounting Fees and Services in Canadian Dollars
The mandate of PETRIE RAYMOND, LLP, Chartered Accountants has been renewed on June 9, 2009 as Auditors of the Company.
1) Audit Fees
In the last two fiscal years, one firm of accountants rendered to the Company professional services for the total estimated amount of $151,044 for auditing of annual financial statements included inForm 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, review of quarterly interim financial statements for the quarterly reports of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and other services that are normally provided by the accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for these periods ("reports").
Services provided by the principal accountant PETRIE RAYMOND, LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the year,, ending December 31, 2008 concerning the quarterly filings of March, June and September 2008 amounted to fees of $18,796 and the fees to be paid for the annual reports includingForm 10-K amounted to $53,848. For the year ending December 31, 2009, the Company paid fees in the amount of $25,400 for the quarterly filings of March, June and September 2009 and estimates fees in the amount of $53,000 for the annual reports for the year ended December 31, 2009 including Form 10-K.
March 31, 2008, June 30, 2008, September 30, 2008, | PETRIE RAYMOND LLP | $18,796 |
Annual reports for year ending December 31, 2008 and | PETRIE RAYMOND LLP | $53,848 |
March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 | PETRIE RAYMOND LLP | $25,400 |
Annual Reports 2009 | PETRIE RAYMOND LLP | *$53,000 |
* Estimated fees
2) Audit-Related Fees
None
3) Tax Fees
There are the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning in each of the two last fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountants:
Year ending at December 31, 2008: $3,556
Year ending at December 31, 2009: *$5,000
*Estimated fees
108
On November 8, 2009, the Board of directors upon pre-approval of the Audit committe, gave mandate to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants to review the Company’s tax filings for the year ended December 31, 2009.
4) All other Fees
The Company paid to PETRIE RAYMOND LLP, Chartered Accountants, fees in the amount of $5,588 in the year ended December 31, 2008 for its participation in the due diligence process in financing and to answer some comments ofL’Autorité des marchés financiersdu Québec (Québec Securities Commission) and of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
5) Audit committee’s pre approval policies and procedures: The Company engages the accountant, to render audit services, once the Company’s audit committee has approved the engagement.
With respect to the provision of services other than audit, review or attest services, the pre-approval by the Audit committee is waived if the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the Company to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided. Such servicesare promptly brought to the attention of the Company’s Audit committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit committee or by one or more members of the Audit committee who are members of the Board of directors to whom authority to grant such approval has been delegated by the Audit committee.
Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
a) (1) Index to Financial Statements
F-1Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; |
F-2 Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008; |
F-3 Statements of Deferred Expenditures as of December 31, 2009 and 2008; |
F-4 Statements of Earnings and Deficit as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007; |
F-5 Statements of Cash Flows as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007; |
F-6 Notes to Financial Statements including U.S. GAAP |
109
a)(2) Table of Exhibits
Table of Exhibits - Form 10K, December 31, 2008 | Format | Reference to Pages of Form 10K or Incorporation by Reference | |
3 (i) | Certificates of incorporation and amendments | Paper | See Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended pages 1 to 10 |
3 (ii) | By-laws | Paper | See Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended pages 37 to 59 |
(4) (1) | Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures in By-Laws | Paper | See Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended By- Laws sections 47 to 54 pages 50 to 52 |
(4) (2) | Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures in Annex A to Certificate of incorporation (translation in English) | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 79 |
10.1 | Amended Contract of Services between Strateco Resources Inc. and BBH Geo-Management Inc dated April 1, 2007 ( French Language version) | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31, Page 81 |
10.2 | Amended Contract of Services between Strateco Resources Inc. and BBH Geo-Management Inc dated April 1, 2007 (English language summary) | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 86 |
10.3 | Contract of Services between Strateco Resources Inc. and BBH Géo-Management Inc. dated August 1, 2008 (French language version) | CE | Form 10Q, 200-09-30, page 11 |
10.4 | Contract of Services between Strateco Resources Inc. and BBH Géo-Management Inc. dated August 1, 2008( English Language summary ) | CE | Form 10Q, 2008-09-30, p. 15 |
10.5 | Amended Stock Option Plan dated November 7, 2008 ( French Language version) with Summary in English Language | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 87 |
10.6 | Amended Stock Option Plan dated November 7, 2008 (English Language summary) | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 100 |
11 | Statement re computation of per share earnings | N/A | |
13 | Annual report to security holders, Form 10 Q or quarterly report to security holders | CE | Form 10K SB/A December 31. 2007, Form 10 Q March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2008 |
14 | Code of Ethics | CE | Company’s website atwww.stratecoinc.com |
22 | Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders | CE | Form 10 Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 |
23 | Letter of consent from KPMG, LLP dated July 22, 2002. | Paper | Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended p. 234 |
23.1 | Consent of expert on technical report, David A. Ross, P.Geo, for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 102 |
23.2 | Consent of expert on technical report, David A. Ross, M.Sc. P. Geo. for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31, |
23.3 | Consent of expert on technical report R. Barry Cook, M.Sc.P. Eng. for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
23.4 | Consent of expert on scoping study David A. Ross M.Sc. P. Geo. for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
23.5 | Consent of expert on scoping study Barry Cook, M. Sc. P. Eng. for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
23.6 | Consent of expert on scoping study Normand L. Lecuyer, P.Eng. for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
23.7 | Consent of expert on scoping study Bruce C. Fielder, P. Eng., for Melis Engineering Ltd. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
110
23.8 | Consent of expert on scoping study Normand D’Anjou , Eng. for Golder Associates Ltd | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
23.9 | Consent of expert on scoping study Paul Chamois, , M.Sc., P.Geo. Senior Consulting Geologist for Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
24 | Letter of consent from Gowling Lafleur Henderson, LLP dated July 22, 2002 | Paper | Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended p. 235 |
24 | Form FIX appointing Eaton, Peabody as Agent of the Company in the United States of America dated July 15, 2002 and certified copy of the Board of Directors dated July 15, 2002 | Paper | Form 10 SB/A2 Volume 1 Amended page 230 |
24 | Power of attorney | Paper | Form 10 SB/A2 Volume of Exhibits Amended page 232 |
31.1 | Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a) Certification of CEO | CE | Form 10K-2008-12-31. |
31.2 | Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a) Certification of CFO | CE | Form 10K-2008-12-31. |
32 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 asadopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | CE | Form 10K 2008-12-31 P |
99.1 | Framework of Internal Control over financial reporting 2007 | CE | Form 10KSB/A2, 2007-12-31 Page 106 |
99.1.1 | Internal Controls of Purchases and Expenses Cycle (2008) with Control of General Administrative expenses | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
99.2 | Description of Financing process by private or public offering and of related disclosure requirements. | CE | Form 10K, 2008-12-31 |
111
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STRATECO RESOURCES INC.
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Guy Hebert
_________________________________
Name: Guy Hebert
Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Ingrid Martin
__________________________________
Name: Ingrid Martin
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Jean-Pierre Lachance
_________________________________
Name: Jean-Pierre Lachance,
Title: Executive Vice-President and Director
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Jean-Guy Masse
__________________________________
Name: Jean-Guy Masse,
Title: Director
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Robert Desjardins
___________________________________
Name: Robert Desjardins,
Title: Director
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Marcel Bergeron
______________________________________
Name: Marcel Bergeron,
Title: Director
Dated: March 11, 2010
/s/ Henri Lanctôt
_____________________________________
Name: Henri Lanctôt
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As at December 31, 2009 and 2008
Strateco Resources Inc. |
1225 Gay-Lussac Street, Boucherville, Québec J4B 7K1 |
Tel.: (450) 641-0775 • 1-866-774-7722 • Fax: (450) 641-1601 |
Website:www.stratecoinc.com Email: info@stratecoinc.com |
Toronto Stock Exchange: RSC Frankfurt Stock Exchange “FSE”: RF9 |
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for the financial statements of Strateco Resources Inc. and the financial information contained in this report. The financial statements are prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada and necessarily include amounts based on best estimates and judgments of management.
Management maintains a system of internal control to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from any loss or unauthorized use and that financial information is reliable and available in a timely manner.
Primarily through its Audit Committee, the Board of Directors oversees management’s responsibility with regard to presentation of the information, and reviews and approves the financial statements.
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors. All of its members are independent directors.. All three members are external directors. The committee meets from time to time with management as well as the external auditors to discuss matters related to internal controls, audit results, accounting principles and related subjects.
Petrie Raymond LLP, Chartered Accountants, an independent chartered accounting firm, was appointed to audit the Company’s financial statements and issue an opinion on them.
On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has approved the Company’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
(Signed) Guy Hébert | (Signed) Ingrid Martin |
Guy Hébert, | Ingrid Martin, |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Financial Officer |
Boucherville, Canada
March 11, 2010
255 CRÉMAZIE BLVD. EAST, SUITE 1000
MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2M 1M2
TEL.: (514) 342-4740
FAX: (514) 737-4049
Auditors’ Report
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of:
Strateco Resources Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Strateco Resources Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the statements of operations, comprehensive loss, deficit and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established inRisk Management and Governance/Guidance on Control published by the CICA’s Criteria of Control Board. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Annual Report. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Auditors' Report | |
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of | |
Strateco Resources Inc.: | Page 2 |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established inRisk Management and Governance/Guidance on Control published by the CICA’s Criteria of Control Board.
As discussed in Notes 4 and 23, the Company restated its prior years financial statements to reclassify some deferred expenditures to property and equipment, to correct the calculation of the future income tax and to capitalize the acquisition costs of mining properties and mining rights.
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles vary in certain respects from the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and aspect of such difference is presented in Note 23 to the financial statements.
Limited Liability Partnership
Chartered Accountants
Montréal, Canada
March 11, 2010
1 | CA auditor permit No. 20507 |
255 CRÉMAZIE BLVD. EAST, SUITE 1000
MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) H2M 1M2
TEL.: (514) 342-4740
FAX: (514) 737-4049
Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders
We have audited the balance sheets ofStrateco Resources Inc.as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the statements of operations, comprehensive loss, deficit and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. 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 financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Limited Liability Partnership
Chartered Accountants
Montreal, Canada
March 11, 2010
1 | CA auditor permit No. 20507 |
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Balance Sheets |
December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
(Restated) | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) | 321,065 | 5,847,120 | ||||
Tax credits receivable (Note 6) | 9,306,880 | 10,278,825 | ||||
Sales tax recoverable | 334,951 | 515,386 | ||||
Investment (Note 7) | 45,000 | 35,000 | ||||
Deposits on exploration work | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 137,348 | 132,676 | ||||
10,295,244 | 16,959,007 | |||||
EXPLORATION FUNDS (Note 5) | 2,473,260 | 4,852,256 | ||||
MINING PROPERTIES (Note 8) | 10,827,687 | 10,571,154 | ||||
DEFERRED EXPENDITURES (Note 8) | 36,304,887 | 25,958,075 | ||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Note 9) | 1,754,666 | 1,421,098 | ||||
61,655,744 | 59,761,590 | |||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued charges | 1,697,302 | 1,396,939 | ||||
Current portion of obligation under capital lease (Note 10) | 156,814 | - | ||||
1,854,116 | 1,396,939 | |||||
OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE (Note 10) | 171,522 | - | ||||
FUTURE INCOME TAX (Note 18) | 1,293,000 | 1,876,000 | ||||
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Note 16) | 160,000 | - | ||||
3,478,638 | 3,272,939 | |||||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||
Capital stock (Note 11) | 58,766,177 | 55,579,592 | ||||
Warrants (Note 11) | - | 5,415,675 | ||||
Contributed surplus (Note 13) | 8,814,337 | 3,413,518 | ||||
Deficit | (9,403,408 | ) | (7,920,134 | ) | ||
58,177,106 | 56,488,651 | |||||
61,655,744 | 59,761,590 |
See notes to financial statements.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Guy Hébert, Director | Robert Desjardins, Director |
2
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Loss and Deficit |
December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | ||||||||
INCOME | |||||||||
Interest income | 54,046 | 446,328 | 963,895 | ||||||
EXPENSES | |||||||||
PROFESSIONAL FEES | 437,588 | 416,483 | 391,800 | ||||||
Legal and audit expenses | 274,628 | 178,147 | 140,031 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 543,199 | 1,089,533 | 1,377,348 | ||||||
Directors’ fees | 23,400 | 19,900 | 19,800 | ||||||
Shareholder communications | 77,356 | 85,164 | 130,697 | ||||||
Investor relations | 427,132 | 348,698 | 414,697 | ||||||
Regulatory fees | 42,367 | 58,650 | 285,850 | ||||||
Social benefits related to stock options | - | 2,212 | 4,720 | ||||||
Travel and lodging expenses | 19,932 | 37,226 | 32,215 | ||||||
Donation to environmental fund | - | - | 100,000 | ||||||
Rent | 64,015 | 49,840 | 39,720 | ||||||
Insurance | 32,614 | 33,194 | 35,621 | ||||||
Office expenses | 90,673 | 84,382 | 73,902 | ||||||
Taxes and permits | 18,053 | 2,437 | 36,019 | ||||||
Recovery of part XII.6 tax | - | (28,522 | ) | - | |||||
Interest and bank charges | 2,217 | 4,772 | 9,375 | ||||||
Amortization of property and equipment | 19,146 | 5,071 | - | ||||||
Fair value changes of financial instruments held for trading | (10,000 | ) | 265,000 | - | |||||
Write-off of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | 356,690 | - | ||||||
2,062,320 | 3,008,877 | 3,091,795 | |||||||
Loss before income tax | (2,008,274 | ) | (2,562,549 | ) | (2,127,900 | ) | |||
Future income tax benefits | 525,000 | 1,028,000 | 1,973,321 | ||||||
NET LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | (1,483,274 | ) | (1,534,549 | ) | (154,579 | ) | |||
Deficit, beginning of year as previously stated | (8,780,137 | ) | (6,837,585 | ) | (6,315,006 | ) | |||
Future income tax restatement (note 4) | 860,000 | 452,000 | 84,000 | ||||||
Deficit, beginning of year (restated) | (7,920,134 | ) | (6,385,585 | ) | (6,231,006 | ) | |||
Net loss | (1,483,274 | ) | (1,534,549 | ) | (154,579 | ) | |||
Deficit, end of year | (9,403,408 | ) | (7,920,134 | ) | (6,385,585 | ) | |||
NET LOSS PER SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED | (0.012 | ) | (0.013 | ) | (0.001 | ) | |||
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUSTANDING(in thousands) | 119,432 | 115,986 | 107,539 |
See notes to financial statements.
3
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Statements of Cash Flows |
December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | ||||||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Net loss for the year | (1,483,274 | ) | (1,534,549 | ) | (154,579 | ) | |||
Non-cash items: | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 543,199 | 1,089,533 | 1,377,348 | ||||||
Fair value changes of financial instruments held for trading | (10,000 | ) | 265,000 | - | |||||
Write-off of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | 356,690 | - | ||||||
Amortization of property and equipment | 19,146 | 5,071 | - | ||||||
Future income tax | (525,000 | ) | (1,028,000 | ) | (1,973,321 | ) | |||
(1,455,929 | ) | (846,255 | ) | (750,552 | ) | ||||
Changes in non-cash working capital items | |||||||||
Deposits on exploration work | - | 208,031 | 141,969 | ||||||
Sales tax recoverable | 180,435 | 84,356 | (284,109 | ) | |||||
Prepaid expenses | (4,672 | ) | (68,057 | ) | (38,182 | ) | |||
Accounts payable and accrued charges | 192,373 | (435,882 | ) | 69,897 | |||||
368,136 | (211,552 | ) | (110,425 | ) | |||||
Cash flow from operating activities | (1,087,793 | ) | (1,057,807 | ) | (860,977 | ) | |||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Term deposits | - | - | 8,680,857 | ||||||
Acquisition of investment in shares | - | (300,000 | ) | - | |||||
Acquisition of mining properties | (222,133 | ) | (120,000 | ) | (30,493 | ) | |||
Increase in deferred expenditures | (16,866,957 | ) | (21,305,883 | ) | (18,267,221 | ) | |||
Tax credits received | 8,310,361 | 7,394,153 | 1,319,853 | ||||||
Additions to property and equipment | (404,714 | ) | (791,877 | ) | (1,424,494 | ) | |||
Cash flow from investing activities | (9,183,443 | ) | (15,123,607 | ) | (9,721,418 | ) | |||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||
Common share and warrants issuance | 2,500,000 | 8,252,902 | 30,701,350 | ||||||
Issue costs | (133,815 | ) | (358,208 | ) | (1,694,203 | ) | |||
Cash flow from financing activities | 2,366,185 | 7,894,694 | 29,007,147 | ||||||
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (7,905,051 | ) | (8,286,720 | ) | 18,424,752 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 10,699,376 | 18,986,096 | 561,344 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | 2,794,325 | 10,699,376 | 18,986,096 | ||||||
Less: Exploration funds | (2,473,260 | ) | (4,852,256 | ) | - | ||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, PRESENTED ON THE BALANCE SHEET | 321,065 | 5,847,120 | 18,986,096 |
Supplemental cash flow information (Note 19)
See notes to financial statements.
4
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
1. | INCORPORATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN |
The Company is incorporated under theCanadian Business Corporations Act and is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of properties. It has not yet determined whether the mining properties have economically-recoverable ore reserves. Recovery of amounts indicated under mining properties and the related deferred expenditures are subject to the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the Company’s ability to obtain the financing required to complete exploration, development and profitable future production or the proceeds from the sale of such assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a loss of $1,483,274 ($1,534,549 in 2008 and $154,579 in 2007). In addition to ongoing working capital requirements, the Company must secure sufficient funding to meet its existing commitments for exploration and development programs and pay general and administration costs.
Management periodically seeks additional forms of financing through the issuance of new equity instruments and the exercise of stock options to continue its operations, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future. If management is unable to obtain new funding, the Company may be unable to continue its operations, and amounts realized for assets may be less than amounts reflected in these financial statements.
The accompanying audited financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities during the normal course of operations and do not reflect the adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses and balance sheet classifications that would be necessary were the going concern assumption not appropriate. These adjustments could be material.
2. | CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
EIC 173: Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
On January 20, 2009, the CICA issued EIC abstract 173 which establish that an entity’s own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparty should be taken into account in determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative instruments. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
EIC 174: Mining Exploration Costs
On March 27, 2009, the CICA issued abstract EIC 174 to provide additional guidance for mining exploration enterprises on when an impairment test is required. This abstract was applied during the current year. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
On June 2009, the Company adopted the amendments to Section 3862, "Financial Instruments - Disclosures", issued by the CICA. The amendments improved disclosures about fair value measurements of financial instruments, including the relative reliability of the inputs used in those measurements and liquidity risk, in light of concerns that the nature and extent of liquidity risk requirements were unclear and difficult to apply. The amendments to Section 3862 apply to annual financial statements relating to fiscal years ending after September 30, 2009. The prospective adoption of this section did not have any measurement impact on the Company’s financial statements. The additional disclosure requirements are presented in Note 15.
Other new standards were issued, but are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial requirements.
FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICY
Business Combinations and Non-Controlling Interests
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
2. | CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES(CONT’D) |
As an activity consistent with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles being converged with IFRS-IASB, the previously existing recommendations for business combinations and consolidation financial statements will be replaced with new recommendations for business combinations (CICA Handbook Section 1582), consolidations (CICA Handbook Section 1601) and non-controlling interests (CICA Handbook Section 1602).
Generally, the new recommendations result in measuring business acquisitions at the fair value of the acquired business and a prospectively applied shift from a parent corporation conceptual view of consolidation theory (which results in the parent corporation recording book values attributable to non-controlling interests) to an entity conceptual view (which results in the parent corporation recording fair values attributable to non-controlling interests). Both the new Canadian GAAP recommendations and IFRS-IASB allow the choice of whether or not to recognize the fair value of goodwill attributable to non-controlling interests on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis.
As of June 30, 2009, the Company decided to postpone the adoption of these recommendations until January 1st 2011 (as allowed by the CICA Handbook).
Harmonization of Canadian and International Standards
In April 2008, the CICA published an exposure draft as guidance which requires the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) to replace Canadian GAAP as currently employed by Canadian publicly accountable enterprises. The changeover will occur no later than fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Accordingly, the Company expects that its first interim financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, and its first annual financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the year ended December 31, 2011. IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, but there are significant differences in recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements.
Set out below are the main areas where changes in accounting policies are expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements. The list below should not be regarded as a complete list of changes that will result from transition to the IFRS. It is intended to highlight areas that the Company believes to be the most significant; however, analysis of changes is still in process and the selection of accounting policies where choices are available under IFRS has not been completed. We note that the regulatory bodies that promulgate the Canadian GAAP and the IFRS have significant ongoing projects that could affect the ultimate differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS and their impact on the Company’s financial statements in future years. The future impacts of the IFRS will also depend on the particular circumstances prevailing in those years. The standards listed below are those existing based on current Canadian GAAP and IFRS. At this stage, the Company is not able to reliably quantify the expected impacts of these differences on its financial statements. They are as follows:
a) | Property, plant and equipment (IAS 16); |
b) | Impairment of assets (IAS 36); |
c) | Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resource (IFRS 6); |
d) | Share-based payments (IFRS 2). |
Furthermore, IFRS 1 provides guidance to entities on the general approach to be taken when first adopting IFRS. The underlying principle of IFRS 1 is retrospective application of IFRS standards in force at the date an entity first reports using IFRS. IFRS 1 acknowledges that full retrospective application may not be practical or appropriate in all situations and prescribes:
a) | optional exemptions from specific aspects of certain IFRS standards in the preparation of the Company’s opening balance sheet; and |
b) | mandatory exceptions to retrospective application of certain IFRS standards. |
6
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
Additionally, to ensure financial statements contain high quality information that is transparent to users, IFRS 1 contains disclosure requirements to highlight changes made to financial statement items due to the transition to IFRS. The Company is analyzing the various accounting policy choices available and will implement those determined to be most appropriate in the Company’s circumstances. The Company has not yet determined the aggregate financial impact of adopting IFRS 1 on its financial statements.
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank balances and highly-liquid short-term investments initially maturing within three months of their acquisition date.
EXPLORATION FUNDS
These funds are restricted in use for exploration expenses pursuant to flow-through financing agreements.
INVESTMENT
The fair value of investment in shares corresponds to the last bid price at the end of the period and the fair value of warrants corresponds to the difference between the asking price of the shares and the exercise price of the warrants. The fair value of the warrants is nil when the asking price is lower than their exercise price.
MINING PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED EXPENDITURES
Exploration properties include rights in mining properties and deferred exploration expenditures. Expenditures incurred on non-producing properties identified as having development potential are deferred until the economic viability of the project has been established, at which time these costs are added to mining properties. Mining assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, as identified by comparing their net book value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated by their use and eventual disposal. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, determined principally by discounting the estimated net future cash flows expected to be generated from the use and eventual disposal of the related asset. In the event that the Company has insufficient information about its mining assets to estimate future cash flows to test the recoverability of the capitalized costs, the Company will test for impairment by comparing the fair value to the carrying amount, without first performing a test for recoverability. Expenditures not related to specific properties are accounted for in the statements of operations.
Proceeds on the sale of exploration properties are applied by property in reduction of the mining properties, then in reduction of the deferred exploration expenditures and any residual is recorded in the statement of operations unless there is contractual work required in which case the residual gain is deferred and will be reduced the contractual disbursements when done. Government assistance, mining duties credits and other credits related to exploration work are applied against the deferred exploration expenditures.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND AMORTIZATION
Property and equipment are amortized using the straight line method over three years for fuel tanks, computer equipment, rolling stock, leasehold improvements, over a 10-year period for the camp over 30 months for the camp under a capital lease and over five years for the road; machinery and equipment are amortized using the diminishing balance method at a rate of 20%.
7
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT’D) |
CAPITAL STOCK
Share capital issued for non-monetary consideration is generally recorded at the fair market value at the date the shares were issued, or the date the agreement to issue the shares was entered into, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND OTHER STOCK-BASED PAYMENTS
The Company offers a stock option plan described in Note 12. The Company uses the fair value method based on the Black-Scholes pricing model to record the compensation cost related to the issue of stock options to its employees, employees of Company’s supplies, directors, officers and consultants. When the options are granted, the compensation charge is recorded in the statement of operations or in deferred expenditures and the counterpart is credited to contributed surplus. The expense is recorded over the vesting period for employees and over the period of services rendered for consultants. The Company recognizes warrants granted to brokers or agents during capital raising based on the fair value method based on the Black-Scholes pricing model. The expense is recorded in the share issue costs and the counterpart is recorded against the warrants. On exercise of stock options or warrants, any consideration paid and the warrant related to these titles are credited to capital stock. When the warrants expire, the balance of the warrants is transferred to the contributed surplus.
FAIR VALUE OF WARRANTS
Proceeds from unit placements are allocated between shares and warrants issued using the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of warrants issued.
SHARE ISSUE COSTS
Expenses relating to the issue of shares are accounted for as a reduction of the share capital during the year they are incurred. The resource expenditure deductions for income tax purposes related to exploratory activities funded by flow-through share arrangements are renounced to investors in accordance with tax legislation. Under the liability method of accounting, taking into account EIC-146, income taxes related to the temporary differences are recorded on the date that the Company renounces the deductions to investors together with a corresponding charge to issued costs in the capital stock.
INCOME TAXES
The Company records its income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized taking into account temporary deductible or taxable differences between the carrying value and the fiscal value of assets and liabilities, using the effective or practically effective income tax rate applicable for the year in which the differences should be reversed. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for future income tax assets if, based on available information, it is more likely than not that part or all of future income tax assets will not be realized.
NET LOSS PER SHARE
The basic and diluted net loss per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT
All financial instruments are required to be measured at fair value on initial recognition, except for certain related party transactions. Measurement in subsequent periods depends on whether the financial instrument has been classified as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, or other liabilities.
8
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT’D) |
- Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are required to be measured at fair value, with gains and losses recognized in net earnings.
- Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity, loans and receivables and financial liabilities (other than those held- for-trading) are required to be measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method of amortization.
- Available-for-sale financial assets are required to be measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity instruments classified as available-for-sale that do not have a quoted market price in an active market should be measured at cost.
The Company has adopted the following classification:
- Cash and cash equivalents, investment and exploration funds are classified as held-for-trading.
- Accounts payable and accrued charges and the obligation under capital lease are classified as other liabilities.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally recognized accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the assets and liabilities reported. These same estimates and assumptions also have an impact on the contingencies as at the date of the financial statements, as well as amounts related to revenue and expenses for the periods. Critical estimates include estimates of the credit for mining duties refundable for losses and the refundable tax credit for resources, future income tax assets and liabilities, the mining properties and deferred exploration expenditures and retirement obligation and the fair value of stock options granted. Actual results could therefore differ from these estimates.
4. | PRIOR YEARS RESTATEMENTS |
In 2009, following a fiscal audit, $785,266 deferred expenditures were reclassified to property and equipment for acquisitions that occurred in 2007. The amortization was increased by $126,433 in 2007 and $147,271 in 2008 and the offset entry was recorded in deferred expenditures.
In 2009, the Company realized that a misinterpretation occurred in the methodology to calculate one aspect of the future income tax. The balance of the deficit as of January 1st 2009 was therefore reduced by $860,000 and the future income tax benefit was increased by $84,000 in 2006, $368,000 in 2007 et $408,000 in 2008. The future income tax balances on the balance sheets were reduced by an equivalent amount.
5. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Cash | 1,794,325 | 1,184,018 | ||||
Term deposits – rate of 0.40% (between 2.20% and 2.35% in 2008) maturing on | ||||||
January 8, 2010 (between January 7 and 9 in 2009) | 1,000,000 | 9,515,358 | ||||
Less: Exploration funds | (2,473,260 | ) | (4,852,256 | ) | ||
321,065 | 5,847,120 |
On December 31, 2009, of the $2,500,000 ($8,000,000 in 2008) exploration work that had to be undertaken following the December 8, 2009 flow-through private placement, $643,327 ($3,147,744 in 2008) exploration expenses were incurred of which $26,740 were paid ($3,147,744 in 2008).
9
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
6. | TAX CREDITS RECEIVABLE |
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Quebec refundable credit on mining duties at rate of 12% | ||||||
2006 | - | 288,060 | ||||
2007 | 1,275,258 | 1,369,765 | ||||
2008 | 1,501,503 | 1,374,668 | ||||
2009 | 1,061,665 | |||||
Refundable credit for resources for exploration expenses at rates of from 35% to 38.75 % | ||||||
2008 | - | 7,246,332 | ||||
2009 | 5,468,454 | - | ||||
9,306,880 | 10,278,825 |
7. | INVESTMENT |
Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (“Pacific Bay”) shares are trading at $0.045 as at December 31, 2009 ($0.035 at December 31, 2008), consequently, the Company recorded an unrealized gain of $10,000 on change in the fair value of the investment since January 1, 2009 but a loss of $255,000 since its acquisition on January 14, 2008.
8. | MINING PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED EXPENDITURES |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Mining properties | Interest | 2008 | Acquisitions | Write-offs | 2009 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Matoush project | |||||||||||||||
Matoush | 100 % | 337,000 | 1,306 | - | 338,306 | ||||||||||
Matoush Extension | 100 % | - | 1,236 | - | 1,236 | ||||||||||
Eclat | 100 % | 1,184,600 | 96,207 | - | 1,280,807 | ||||||||||
Pacific Bay-Matoush | Option 60 % | 126,240 | 135,037 | - | 261,277 | ||||||||||
Other projects | |||||||||||||||
Mistassini | Option 60 % | - | 9,041 | - | 9,041 | ||||||||||
Apple | 100 % | 8,923,314 | 13,706 | - | 8,937,020 | ||||||||||
10,571,154 | 256,533 | - | 10,827,687 |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Mining properties | Interest | 2007 | Acquisitions | Write-offs | 2008 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Matoush project | |||||||||||||||
Matoush | 100 % | 337,000 | - | - | 337,000 | ||||||||||
Eclat | 100 % | 774,000 | 410,600 | - | 1,184,600 | ||||||||||
Pacific Bay-Matoush | Option 60 % | - | 126,240 | - | 126,240 | ||||||||||
Other projects | |||||||||||||||
Apple | 100 % | 8,923,314 | - | - | 8,923,314 | ||||||||||
Mont-Laurier Uranium | 100 % | 10,000 | - | (10,000 | ) | - | |||||||||
10,044,314 | 536,840 | (10,000 | ) | 10,571,154 |
10
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
8. | MINING PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED EXPENDITURES (CONT’D) |
Deferred expenditures | 2009 | 2008 | ||||
$ | $ | |||||
(Restated) | ||||||
Deferred exploration expenditures | 36,092,123 | 25,818,425 | ||||
Exploration supplies | 212,764 | 139,650 | ||||
36,304,887 | 25,958,075 |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Deferred expenditures | 2008 | Additions | Tax credit | Write-offs | 2009 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
(Restated) | |||||||||||||||
Matoush project | |||||||||||||||
Matoush | 22,864,066 | 15,356,254 | (6,071,922 | ) | - | 32,148,398 | |||||||||
Matoush Extension | 456,320 | 24,661 | (27 641 | ) | - | 453 340 | |||||||||
Eclat | 669,376 | 609,287 | (280,882 | ) | - | 997,781 | |||||||||
Pacific Bay-Matoush | 422,741 | 722,678 | (332,842 | ) | - | 812,577 | |||||||||
Other projects | |||||||||||||||
Mistassini | 293,215 | 373,233 | (175,729 | ) | - | 490,719 | |||||||||
Apple | 1,252,357 | 160,568 | (10,853 | ) | - | 1,402,072 | |||||||||
25,958,075 | 17,246,681 | (6,899,869 | ) | - | 36,304,887 |
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Deferred expenditures | 2007 | Additions | Tax credit | Write-offs | 2008 | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | (Restated) | |||||||||||||
Matoush project | |||||||||||||||
Matoush | 11,545,831 | 18,548,035 | (7,229,800 | ) | - | 22,864,066 | |||||||||
Matoush Extension | 346,265 | 204,185 | (94,130 | ) | - | 456,320 | |||||||||
Eclat | 268,742 | 452,591 | (51,957 | ) | - | 669,376 | |||||||||
Pacific Bay-Matoush | 149,434 | 506,089 | (232,782 | ) | - | 422,741 | |||||||||
Other projects | |||||||||||||||
Mistassini | - | 530,298 | (237,083 | ) | - | 293,215 | |||||||||
Apple | 69,526 | 2,181,153 | (998,322 | ) | - | 1,252,357 | |||||||||
Mont-Laurier Uranium | 326,834 | 21,931 | (7,594 | ) | (341,171 | ) | - | ||||||||
Prospection | 5,519 | - | - | (5,519 | ) | - | |||||||||
12,712,151 | 22,444,282 | (8,851,668 | ) | (346,690 | ) | 25,958,075 |
MATOUSH
The Company owns 100% of the Matoush property, located about 260 km north of Chibougamau. The property is subject to a 2% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty.
MATOUSH EXTENSION
The Company owns 100% of the Matoush Extension property.
11
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
8. | MINING PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED EXPENDITURES (CONT’D) |
ECLAT
In June 2009, the Company made the last payment of $96,000 pursuant to the letter of intent signed on July 6, 2005 with Vija Ventures Corporation (“Vija”). Having met all its obligations, the Company owns 100 % interest on all minerals, except diamonds, on all the claims in Eclat property, subject to a 2% NSR royalty and a 2% of gross proceeds of carbon emission rights in favour of Vija. In June 2008, the Company made a payment of $20,000 and issued 200,000 common shares valued at $390,600.
PACIFIC BAY-MATOUSH
On January 14, 2008, the Company signed the final agreement to earn a 60% interest in the Pacific Bay–Matoush property owned by Pacific Bay located in the Matoush District of Québec's Otish Mountains. The agreement calls for the Company to pay Pacific Bay a total of $500,000, issue 200,000 common shares over four years and incur $3 million in exploration expenditures over four years, including a minimum of 10,000 meters of drilling at a rate of 2,500 metres per year. In addition, the Company acquired on the signature date of the final agreement 1,000,000 units of Pacific Bay at a price of $0.30 per unit whereby each unit consists of one common share and one warrant to purchase a common share at $0.60 per share for a period of 24 months. The warrants expired on January 14, 2010 without being exercised.
In October 2008 and 2009, the Company met its annual commitments by completing for each year: the issuance of 40,000 common shares (valued at $26,240 in 2008 and at $34,400 in 2009), paying $100,000 and completing $750,000 in exploration work including the minimum of 2,500 metres of drilling.
MISTASSINI
Pursuant to a letter of intent dated November 20, 2007 and the exercise of its right of first refusal on February 14, 2008, the Company may earn a 60% interest in Majescor Resources Inc (“Majescor”) uranium rights on the Mistassini property located in the Otish Mountains, Québec by incurring an aggregate of $1.3 million in exploration expenditures over three years. The Company must reimburse Majescor the cost of the drilling program done in December 2007 (approximately $250,000) and incur an additional $250,000 in exploration expenses on the property in Year 1, for a total firm commitment of $500,000. As at December 31, 2009, the Company has met its $500,000 and $400,000 commitments for Year 1 and Year 2 respectively. On November 24, 2008, the Company and Majescor signed a formal agreement retroactive to February 14, 2008. The Mistassini property is subject to a royalty of 2% of the proceeds from the sale of all uranium oxide.
APPLE
The Apple property is located 80 km southeast of Radisson, in the James Bay area, Québec. The property is subject to a 2% NSR royalty of which 1% can by repurchased by the Company for $1 million.
MONT-LAURIER URANIUM AND PROSPECTION
In 2008, the Company decided to write-off expenses for prospecting and the Mont-Laurier Uranium property, including $346,690 in deferred expenditures and $10,000 in mining properties, because no significant work had been done on the property since 2006.
12
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
9. | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
Net Carrying | |||||||||
Value as at | |||||||||
Accumulated | December 31, | ||||||||
Cost | Amortization | 2009 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Fuel tanks | 665,670 | (398,852 | ) | 266,818 | |||||
Camp | 408,100 | (74,818 | ) | 333,282 | |||||
Road | 203,526 | (111,940 | ) | 91,586 | |||||
Rolling stock | 223,781 | (179,688 | ) | 44,093 | |||||
Machinery | 120,764 | (117,406 | ) | 3,358 | |||||
Equipment | 849,429 | (329,646 | ) | 519,783 | |||||
Computer equipment | 301,480 | (139,173 | ) | 162,307 | |||||
Leasehold improvements | 8,335 | (3,232 | ) | 5,103 | |||||
Camp under capital lease | 328,336 | - | 328,336 | ||||||
3,109,421 | (1,354,755 | ) | 1,754,666 |
Net Carrying | |||||||||
Value as at | |||||||||
Accumulated | December 31, | ||||||||
Cost | Amortization | 2008 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | (Restated) | |||||||
Fuel tanks | 403,413 | (233,272 | ) | 170,141 | |||||
Camp | 408,100 | (34,008 | ) | 374,092 | |||||
Road | 203,526 | (71,234 | ) | 132,292 | |||||
Rolling stock | 204,774 | (110,485 | ) | 94,289 | |||||
Machinery | 120,764 | (77,151 | ) | 43,613 | |||||
Equipment | 711,621 | (213,291 | ) | 498,330 | |||||
Computer equipment | 155,838 | (55,378 | ) | 100,460 | |||||
Leasehold improvements | 8,335 | (454 | ) | 7,881 | |||||
2,216,371 | (795,273 | ) | 1,421,098 |
10. | OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE |
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Obligation under capital lease, capital and interest repayable in 24 monthly instalments of $15,000 each commencing January 2010 | 328,336 | - | ||||
Current portion of an obligation under capital lease | (156,814 | ) | - | |||
171,522 | - |
13
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
10. | OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE (CONT’D) |
The aggregate capital amount of the obligation under capital lease is as follows:
$ | |||
2010 | 180,000 | ||
2011 | 180,000 | ||
360,000 | |||
Less : imputed interest calculated at 9% | (31,664 | ) | |
328,336 |
11. | CAPITAL STOCK |
AUTHORIZED
An unlimited number of common shares without par value
An unlimited number of preferred shares without par value issuable in series with rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions to be determined by the Board of Directors.
ISSUED AND FULLY PAID
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Common | Amount | Common | Amount | Common | Amount | |||||||||||||
shares | shares | shares | ||||||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | 119,266,432 | 55,579,592 | 114,167,867 | 49,276,379 | 96,373,367 | 18,744,128 | ||||||||||||
In consideration of mining properties | 40,000 | 34,400 | 240,000 | 416,840 | 3,450,000 | 6,745,500 | ||||||||||||
In cash | ||||||||||||||||||
Private placements | - | - | - | - | 9,620,000 | 20,298,200 | ||||||||||||
Flow-through private placements | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | 4,102,565 | 8,000,002 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | - | - | 25,000 | 9,500 | 320,500 | 171,050 | ||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | - | - | 731,000 | 188,200 | 4,404,000 | 5,573,500 | ||||||||||||
Amounts from contributed surplus | ||||||||||||||||||
(Note 13) | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | - | - | - | 194,704 | - | 60,828 | ||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | - | - | - | 4,175 | - | 79,251 | ||||||||||||
Issue costs | ||||||||||||||||||
Future income taxes | - | 786,000 | - | (2,152,000 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||
Brokerage fees | - | (100,000 | ) | - | (320,000 | ) | - | (1,569,020 | ) | |||||||||
Warrants granted | - | - | - | - | - | (701,875 | ) | |||||||||||
Professional fees | - | (33,815 | ) | - | (38,208 | ) | - | (125,183 | ) | |||||||||
Balance, end of year | 121,806,432 | 58,766,177 | 119,266,432 | 55,579,592 | 114,167,867 | 49,276,379 |
On January 31, 2007, the Company completed a brokered private placement of 9,620,000 units, including 1,920,000 units upon exercise of the firm underwriters’ option, at a price of $2.60 per unit for gross proceeds of $25,012,000.
Each unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $3.50 until January 31, 2009, provided that if the closing price of the common shares is equal to or greater than $4.50 for 20 consecutive trading days at any time after June 1, 2007, upon 30 days notice from the Company, it may accelerate the expiry of the warrants. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with no expected dividend yield, an expected volatility of 110%, a risk-free
14
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
11. | CAPITAL STOCK (CONT’D) |
interest rate of 2.80% and an expected life of warrants of 1 year. An amount of $4,713,800 was recognized as a credit in the contributed surplus and has reduced the share capital.
The firm underwriters received a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the offering. The firm underwriters also received compensation options equal to 6.0% of the total number of units sold pursuant to the offering (577,200 units), each compensation option entitling the underwriters to purchase one unit at the issue price until January 31, 2009. The fair value of the compensation options was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with no expected dividend yield, an expected volatility of 110%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.80% and an expected life of compensation options of 1 year. An amount of $701,875 was recognized as share issue costs and credited to contributed surplus.
On October 1st, 2008, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 4,102,565 flow-through shares at $1.95 per share for gross proceeds of $8,000,002. A $320,000 finder fees was paid.
On December 8, 2009, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through shares with one insider holding more than 10% of the share capital of the Company through one fund and one investor that is related for an aggregate amount of $2.4M and another investor for an amount of $100,000. The private placement consists of 2,500,000 flow-through common shares issued at the price of $1.00 per share for a total amount of $2.5 million. A $100,000 finder fees was paid.
In 2009, new information permitted to reduce the future income taxes related to the issuance of flow-through shares in October 2008.
WARRANTS
Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share of the Company. Changes to the outstanding warrants are shown in the following table:
2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||
Number | Weighted- | Fair value | Number | Weighted- | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
average | average | |||||||||||||||||
strike | strike | |||||||||||||||||
price | price | |||||||||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of | 5,387,200 | 3.40 | 5,415,675 | 6,118,200 | 3.03 | 5,610,379 | ||||||||||||
year | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | - | - | (731,000 | ) | 0.26 | (194,704 | ) | |||||||||||
Expired | (5,387,200 | ) | 3.40 | (5,415,675 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Balance, end of year | - | - | - | 5,387,200 | 3.40 | 5,415,675 |
12. | STOCK OPTION PLAN |
The Company has a stock option plan for its officers, directors, consultants and suppliers’ employees. The Board of Directors sets the conditions for acquiring the common stock options according to quantity and exercise price. The strike price of the options granted may not be less than the market price, which corresponds to the weighted average
15
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
12. | STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONT’D) |
price based on the volume and price of the shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five days preceding the option grant. The options granted are valid for a period established by the Board of Directors, not to exceed five years from the date the options are granted. The maximum number of common shares issuable under the plan is 10,654,586. The maximum number of options that can be granted to any participant may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock. The cost of the options will be recorded over the vesting period.
Changes to the stock options under the plan are shown in the following table:
2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||
Weighted- | Weighted- | |||||||||||
average | average | |||||||||||
Number | strike price | Number | strike price | |||||||||
$ | $ | |||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | 3,314,500 | 2.20 | 2,106,500 | 2.31 | ||||||||
Granted | 1,077,500 | 1.00 | 1,363,500 | 2.05 | ||||||||
Exercised | - | - | (25,000 | ) | 0.38 | |||||||
Cancelled | (81,500 | ) | 2.89 | (130,500 | ) | 2.81 | ||||||
Balance, end of year | 4,310,500 | 1.89 | 3,314,500 | 2.20 |
Outstanding and exercisable stock options as at December 31, 2009, are shown in the following table:
Options outstanding | Options exercisable | ||||||||||||||
Range of | Weighted-average | Weighted-average | Weighted-average | ||||||||||||
strike price | Number | lifespan (year) | strike price | Number | lifespan (year) | ||||||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
0.20 à 0.40 | 575,000 | 1.00 | 0.26 | 575,000 | 1.00 | ||||||||||
1.00 | 1,077,500 | 4.44 | 1.00 | 996,833 | 4.44 | ||||||||||
2.04 à 2.38 | 1,354,000 | 3.30 | 2.06 | 1,284,000 | 3.28 | ||||||||||
2.60 à 2.86 | 400,000 | 2.28 | 2.75 | 400,000 | 2.28 | ||||||||||
3.00 à 3.37 | 904,000 | 2.31 | 3.33 | 904,000 | 2.31 | ||||||||||
4,310,500 | 2.98 | 1.89 | 4,159,833 | 2.94 |
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company granted 1,077,500 stock options (1,363,500 in 2008) at a strike price of $1.00 per share for 5 years to officers, directors, consultants and employees of service providers, of which 963,500 (420,000 in 2008) vested immediately and 114,000 (657,500 in 2008) will vest in 3 tranches over 18 months. The fair value of each option granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average fair value of the stock options granted was $0.41 ($0.7627 in 2008) per option. The market price of the Company’ share was lower than the strike price at the grant dates.
The following weighted average assumptions were used in the calcultations:
2009 | 2008 | |||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1,88% | 2.46% | ||||
Expected life | 2 years | 1 year | ||||
Expected volatility | 97,09% | 101% | ||||
Expected dividend yield | 0% | 0% |
16
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
12. | STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONT’D) |
In 2009, a stock-based compensation relating to the vested options of $543,199 ($1,089,533 in 2008) was recognized in the statement of operations and $169,945 was capitalized in the deferred expenditures, with the credit being recorded against the contributed surplus.
13. | CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS |
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
(Restated) | |||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | 3,413,518 | 2,522,864 | 1,285,595 | ||||||
Attributions | |||||||||
Warrants | - | - | - | ||||||
Stock options | 713,144 | 1,089,533 | 1,377,348 | ||||||
Exercise of securities | |||||||||
Warrants | - | (194,704 | ) | (60,828 | ) | ||||
Stock options | - | (4,175 | ) | (79,251 | ) | ||||
Expiration | |||||||||
Warrants | 5,415,675 | - | - | ||||||
Futur tax on expiry of warrants | (728,000 | ) | - | - | |||||
Balance, end of year | 8,814,337 | 3,413,518 | 2,522,864 |
14. | CAPITAL DISCLOSURES |
In terms of capital management, the objectives of the Company are to preserve its ability to continue its mining exploration. The Company includes shareholder’ equity in the definition of capital for a total amount of $58,177,106 ($56,488,651 in 2008). Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable.
There were no significant changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the exercise ended December 31, 2009. The Company doesn’t have any externally imposed capital requirements neither regulatory nor contractual requirements to which it is subject, unless the Company closes a flow-through private placement in which case the funds are restricted in use for exploration expenses.
15. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT |
INTEREST RISK
Part of the cash and cash equivalents bear interest at a fixed rate and the Company is, therefore, exposed to the risk of changes in fair value resulting from interest rate fluctuations The obligation under capital lease bears interest at a fixed rate. A fluctuation of 1% of the interest rate would have an non-significant impact on the financial statements The Company’s other financial assets and liabilities do not comprise any interest rate risk since they do not bear interest.
MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the uranium price, as the uranium price influences the potential economics of the Company’s mining properties and therefore has an effect on its exploration program and on the decision on whether or not to proceed with production.
17
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
15. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT’D) |
Also, market risk is the risk that the fair value of, or future cash flows from, the Company’s financial instruments will significantly fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Company is exposed to market risk in trading its investment in Pacific Bay, a TSX Venture issuer whose activities are in the exploration field. As of December 31, 2009, a 10% decrease (increase) in the price on the stock market would result in an estimated increase (decrease) in net after-tax loss of approximately $4,500.
CREDIT RISK
The financial instruments which expose the Company to market risk and concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, deposits on exploration work and exploration funds. The Company invests part of its cash and cash equivalents and exploration funds in guaranteed investment certificates guaranteed by and held with a Canadian chartered bank. Concerning the accounts receivable, the Company does not have any security, but mitigates its credit risk by only transacting with a diversified group of partners with strong financial conditions, and consequently does not anticipate any losses.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The Company manages its liquidity risk by using budgets that enable it to determine the amounts required to fund its exploration programs. The Company also ensures that it has sufficient working capital available to meet its day-to-day commitments.
As at December 31, 2009, the Company has a cash and equivalents balance of $321,065 ($5,847,120 as at December 31, 2008) and exploration funds of $2,473,260 (4,852,256 as at December 31, 2008) to settle current liabilities of $1,854,116 ($1,396,939 as at December 31, 2008).
Given the Company’s available liquid resources as compared to the timing of payments of the liabilities, management assesses the Company’s liquidity risk to be high. Management seeks additional financing through the issuance of new equity instruments to continue its operations, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future.
FAIR VALUE
The faire value of financial instruments is summarized as follows:
2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | |||||||||
amount | Value | amount | value | |||||||||
$ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Financial assets | ||||||||||||
Held for trading | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 321,065 | 321,065 | 5,847,120 | 5,847,120 | ||||||||
Investment | 45,000 | 45,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 | ||||||||
Exploration funds | 2,473,260 | 2,473,260 | 4,852,256 | 4,852,256 | ||||||||
Financial liabilities | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,697,302 | 1,697,302 | 1,396,939 | 1,396,939 | ||||||||
Obligation under capital lease | 328,336 | 328,336 | - | - |
18
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
15. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT’D) |
Fair value estimates are made at the balance sheet date, based on relevant market information and other information about financial instruments.
The fair value of the investment is based on the last bid price on the stock market at the end of the period. Since this evaluation is based on quoted prices in active markets, it’s considered a level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
16. | ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION |
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Balance, beginning of year | - | - | ||||
Increase | 160,000 | - | ||||
Balance, end of year | 160,000 | - |
The Company has recorded an asset retirement obligation, which reflects the present value of the estimated amount of undiscounted cash flow required to satisfy the asset retirement obligation in respect of the Matoush property. The primary component of this obligation is the removal of equipment currently used at the site. If the Company decides not to go into production on the property, it is assumed that the asset retirement obligation will be incurred in 2012. Should the Company decide to proceed with a production decision on the Matoush property, the obligation will be realized further into the future. The credit adjusted risk free rate at which the estimated cash flows have been discounted to arrive at the obligation is 9% and the discounted amount of inflation-adjusted estimated future cash flows is $160,000.
17. | RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
During the period ended December 31, 2009:
a) | BBH Geo-Management inc. (“BBH”) charged: | ||
i) | consultant and subcontractor fees for $2,937,000 ($2,572,000 in 2008) included in the deferred expenditures; | ||
ii) | management fees: | ||
1) | for $632,000 ($1,381,000 in 2008) included in deferred expenditures; | ||
2) | for $12,000 ($128,000 in 2008) included in property and equipment; | ||
3) | the management fee applicable to the Matoush property was reduced to 5% as of August 1st, 2008. | ||
iii) | professional fees, legal and audit expenses, investor relations and rent for a total amount of $741,000 ($659,000 in 2008); | ||
iv) | legal fees of $2,000 ($11,000 in 2008) included in share issue cost. | ||
b) | An officer, in function up until June 9, 2009, charged accounting fees of $7,000 ($38,000 in 2008) included in professional fees; | ||
c) | A company controlled by an officer, in function since June 9, 2009, charged accounting fees of $35,000 included in professional fees; | ||
d) | A limited partnership company in which an officer and director is also a partner, charged legal fees amounting to $21,000 ($35,000 in 2008) included in legal and audit expenses and $27,000 ($10,000 in 2008) included in capital stock as issue costs. |
BBH is a related party to the Company since:
i) | The president and director of BBH is also the president and a director of the Company; | |
ii) | An officer of BBH is also an officer and director of the Company. |
19
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
17. | RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONT’D) |
The Company renewed its service agreement with BBH Géo-Management Inc. on August 1, 2008, for a three-year period ending on July 31, 2011. The agreement provides for a fixed monthly charge of $5,200 for office rent, office equipment and computers to be reviewed each year on July 31.
At December 31, 2009, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include an amount of $397,000 ($157,000 in 2008) owed to related-parties. These transactions occurred in the normal course of business and were measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties. The payment conditions are the same as for the other suppliers of the Company except for BBH for which the invoices are payable upon receipt.
18. | INCOME TAXES |
The income tax allowance differs from the amount resulting from the application of the combined Canadian statutory income tax rate as follows:
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | ||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (2,008,274 | ) | (2,562,549 | ) | (2 127 900 | ) | |||
Combined canadian statutory income tax rate | 30.9% | 30,9% | 31.52% | ||||||
Income tax benefit at the combined statutory income tax rate | (620,600 | ) | (791,828 | ) | (670,714 | ) | |||
Share issue costs | (210,000 | ) | (219,251 | ) | (212,691 | ) | |||
Stock-based compensation | 167,800 | 336,666 | 434,140 | ||||||
Write-off of deferred expenditures and mining properties | - | 110,217 | - | ||||||
Change in the fair value of the investment | (3,100 | ) | 81,885 | - | |||||
Change in income tax rate | 420,562 | (186,749 | ) | - | |||||
Non-capital losses expired | 157,000 | 72,182 | 53,225 | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance | - | - | (1,555,500 | ) | |||||
Adjustment pursuant to a notice of assessment | - | - | 582,245 | ||||||
Non taxable mining duties credit (restatement) | (860,000 | ) | (408,000 | ) | (368,000 | ) | |||
Capital gain on warrants expired | 836,722 | - | - | ||||||
Non-deductible and other expenses | (413,384 | ) | (23,122 | ) | (236,026 | ) | |||
Future income tax benefit | (525,000 | ) | (1,028,000 | ) | (1,973,321 | ) |
The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to material future income tax assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
2009 | 2008 | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Future income tax asset | ||||||
Net operating losses | 2,002,000 | 1,860,800 | ||||
Financial expenses | 324,000 | 470,600 | ||||
Property and equipment | 217,000 | 140,300 | ||||
2,543,000 | 2,471,700 | |||||
Future income tax liability | ||||||
Mining properties and deferred expenditures | (3,836,000 | ) | (4,347,700 | ) | ||
Future income tax liability | (1,293,000 | ) | (1,876,000 | ) |
20
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
18. | INCOME TAXES (CONT’D) |
At December 31, 2009, the Company had non-capital losses and unused share issue costs that could be deferred to later periods and used to reduce future taxable income.
During 2009, the Company has not recognized a future income tax liability on the $2,500,000 private placement as the renunciations of the flow through financing were made subsequent to the year end. If the Company has sufficient unused tax loss carry forward to offset all or part of this future income tax liability and no future income tax assets have been previously recognized for these carry forwards, a portion of such unrecognized losses is recorded as share issue costs up to the amount of the future income tax liability that was previously recognized on the renounced expenditures.
These non-capital losses expire as follows:
Federal | Provincial | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Non-capital losses: | ||||||
2010 | 537,000 | 517,000 | ||||
2011 | 643,000 | 643,000 | ||||
2015 | 710,000 | 654,000 | ||||
2026 | 1,547,000 | 1,547,000 | ||||
2027 | 1,627,000 | 1,627,000 | ||||
2028 | 1,636,000 | 1,636,000 | ||||
2029 | 775,000 | 775,000 | ||||
7.475,000 | 7,399,000 |
19. | CHANGES IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL ITEMS |
Supplemental cash flow information | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||
$ | $ | $ | ||||
(Restated) | (Restated) | |||||
Acquisition of mining properties in exchange of common shares | 34,400 | 416,840 | 6,745,500 | |||
Tax credits receivable presented in reduction of deferred expenditures | 6,899,869 | 8,851,668 | 8,664,378 | |||
Stock-based compensation included in deferred expenditures | 169,945 | - | - | |||
Future income tax included in the cost of mining properties | - | - | 2,809,321 | |||
Deferred expenditures included in accounts payable | 828,820 | 1,159,377 | 489,370 | |||
Amortization of property and equipment included in deferred expenditures | 540,336 | 468,392 | 321,810 | |||
Future income tax included in common share issue costs | 786,000 | 2,152,000 | - | |||
Common share issue costs paid for through the issuance of warrants | - | - | 701,875 | |||
Property and equipment recorded pursuant to a capital lease obligation | 328,336 | - | - | |||
Property and equipment recorded pursuant to an asset retirement obligation | 160,000 | - | - | |||
Interest cashed | 69,145 | 430,977 | 963,895 | |||
Tax credits payable presented in accounts payable | 438,547 | - | - |
21
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
20. | COMMITMENTS |
2010 | 2011 | 2012 and | |||||||
thereafter | |||||||||
$ | $ | $ | |||||||
Operating leases | 139,623 | 61,120 | - |
21. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
On January 27, 2010, the Company closed a private placement with Sentient Executive GP III, Limited acting for two funds from Cayman Islands ("Sentient") of 100,000 units for an amount of $95,000 and $14,905,000 of convertible notes accompanied by common share purchase warrants. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one warrant. Each tranche of $1,000 in notes is accompanied by 527 warrants. Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share for $1.00 during a 24-month period following the closing, and for $1.05 during the subsequent period of 24 to 36 months after the closing. The notes do not bear interest and are unsecured. They mature five years plus one month after closing. They are convertible into shares by the holder during this period at a price of $0.95 per share, and are not redeemable by the Company, except under certain conditions. The Company has agreed to pay Sentient transaction fees equal to 5% of the gross proceeds of the private placement. These transaction fees in the amount of $750,000 will be paid in the corresponding number of units.
22. | COMPARATIVE FIGURES |
Certain comparative figures have been restated to conform to the financial statements’ presentation adopted in the current year.
23. | THE EFFECT OF APPLYING UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Canada. The effect of applying United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) on net earnings would be as follows:
2009 | 2008(Restated) | 2007(Restated) | |||||||
Net loss per Canadian GAAP as reported | $ | 1,483,274 | $ | 1,534,549 | $ | 154,579 | |||
Deferred expenditures(1) | $ | 10,346,812 | $ | 12,607,929 | $ | 10,099,561 | |||
Deferred tax expenses (recovery)(2) | $ | (1,027,280 | ) | $ | (661,834 | ) | - | ||
Net loss and comprehensive income for the year, according to U.S. GAAP | $ | 10,802,806 | $ | 13,480,644 | $ | 10,254,140 | |||
Net loss per share per Canadian GAAP, as reported | $ | $ 0.012 | $ | 0.013 | $ | 0.001 | |||
Effect of adjustments: | |||||||||
Properties and deferred expenditures (1) | $ | 0.090 | $ | 0.110 | $ | 0.090 | |||
Deferred tax expenses (recovery) (2) | $ | (0.010 | ) | $ | (0.010 | ) | - | ||
Loss per share according to U.S. GAAP | $ | 0.092 | $ | $0.113 | $ | 0.091 |
22
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
(1) Properties and deferred expenditures are accounted for in accordance with Canadian GAAP as disclosed in note 3. Under Canadian GAAP, the property’s potential for development is sufficient to permit the capitalization of exploration expenditures incurred as property acquisition costs and deferred expenditures and the management intends to pursue the development. Under U.S. GAAP, a final feasibility study showing economically recoverable proven and probable reserves is required for capitalization of exploration expenditures. Accordingly, the exploration related costs must be expensed as incurred.
(2)Under Canadian GAAP, shares issued as flow-through shares are recorded at their face value when issued. When the entity acquires assets the carrying value may exceed the tax basis as a result of the enterprise renouncing the deductions to the investors. The tax effect of the temporary difference is recorded as a share issue cost. Under US GAAP, the proceeds from issuance should be allocated between the offering of shares and the sale of tax benefits. The allocation is made based on the difference between the quoted price of the existing shares and the amount the investor pays for the shares. A liability is recognized for this difference. The liability is reversed when tax benefits are renounced and a deferred tax liability is recognized at that time. Income tax expense is the difference between the amount of the deferred tax liability and the liability recognized on issuance. Amounts received upon the issuance of flow-through shares and not spent on exploration costs are presented separately as exploration funds. Exploration funds must be excluded from cash in the statement of cash flows and presented in investing activities. Amounts raised by the issuance of flow-through shares and spent on exploration costs amounted to $4,878,996, $3,147,744, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Amounts received for share issuances and not spent on exploration costs amounted to $2,473,260, $4,852,256, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
The effect of the application of the above adjustments on the balance sheet of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007 would be to decrease deferred expenditures by $36,304,887 to $0 in 2009 and $25,958,075 to $0 in 2008(1). There would be an increase to liabilities in the ending amount of $653,188 as of December 31, 2009 and $1,020,218 as of December 31, 2008.(2). This would result in an ending decrease to shareholders’ equity in the amounts of $36,958,075 and $26,978,293 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
The effect on cash flows would be to decrease cash flows from operating activities by $10,346,812 in 2009, $12,607,929 in 2008 and $10,099,561 in 2007 and increase cash flows used in investing activities by $10,489,412 in 2009, $12,607,929 in 2008 and $10,099,561 in 2007.
Changes in U.S. GAAP Significant Accounting Policies and Restatement
As a result of the restatement items identified in Note 4 and also the Company’s internal review of the financial statements,the company determined to make the following accounting policy change under U.S. GAAP and has restated its financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 to conform to this change.
Prior to this change, the Company had expensed the acquisition costs of mining properties, the mining rights and exploration fees for U.S. GAAP financial reporting. As codified in ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, the Company has modified its accounting policy, and restated 2008 and 2007 in order to capitalize the acquisition of mining properties and mining rights until the mining property is sold, abandoned, or otherwise determined to be impaired. If the acquired mineral rights relate to unproven properties, the company does not amortize the capitalized mining costs, but evaluates them periodically for impairment.
The impact of these restatements on previously issued U.S. GAAP financial information is as follows:
23
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
Impact of restatements on previous US GAAP | 2008 | 2007 | ||||
financial reporting : | ||||||
Reduction of net loss | $ | 1,446,402 | $ | 9,953,314 | ||
Reduction of loss per share | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.10 | ||
Increase to Mining Properties | $ | 10,571,154 | $ | 10,044,314 | ||
Increase in Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 11,082,716 | $ | 10,044,314 | ||
Decrease in cash used in Operating Activities | $ | 1,038,402 | $ | 8,983,338 | ||
Increase in cash used in Investing Activities | $ | 1,038,402 | $ | 8,983,338 |
Recently Issued U.S. Accounting Pronouncements
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 (as codified in ASC topic 740 “Income Taxes”) (“ASC 740”) for US GAAP purposes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 requires that we recognize in the financial statements, only those tax positions that are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained as of the adoption date, based on the technical merits of the position. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740, the Company performed a review of the material tax positions in accordance with recognition and measurement standards established by ASC 740. Based on this review the provisions of ASC 740 had no effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations at either December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
In May 2009, the FASB issued new standards for subsequent events, which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The new standards are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted the new standards during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and, as the pronouncement only requires additional disclosures, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We have evaluated events that occurred subsequently to December 31, 2009, for recognition or disclosure in the Company’s financial statements and notes to its financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued amended standards for determining whether to consolidate a variable interest entity. These new standards amend the evaluation criteria to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and require ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. The provisions of the new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and interim periods within those fiscal years. These standards will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption of the new standards will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2009, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which was effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The Codification became the single authoritative source for GAAP. Accordingly, previous references to GAAP accounting standards are no longer used in the Company’s disclosures, including these Notes to the Financial Statements. The codification in not expected to affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.
In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06,“Fair Value Measurements Disclosures,” which amends Subtopic 820-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to require new disclosures for fair value measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements. More specifically, this update will require (a) an entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 fair value measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers; and (b) information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements to be presented separately (i.e. present the activity on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). This update clarifies existing disclosure
24
STRATECO RESOURCES INC., an exploration stage company |
Notes to financial statements |
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 |
requirements for the level of disaggregation used for classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value and requires disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will materially expand its financial statement footnote disclosures.
25