UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2007
o | 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 0-50218
BEKEM METALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Utah | | 87-0669131 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | | Identification No.) |
| | |
170 Tchaikovsky Street, 4th Floor | | |
Almaty, Kazkahstan | | 050000 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
+7 (7272) 582-386
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 any shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filed, an accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):
| Large accelerated Filer o | Accelerated Filer o | Non-accelerated Filer x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes o No x
As of August 7, 2007, the registrant had 124,750,239 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.
BEKEM METALS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements | |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 | 3 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Six Months and Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 | 4 |
| | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 | 5 |
| | |
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 6 |
| |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 13 |
| |
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 27 |
| |
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 28 |
| |
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION | |
| |
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 29 |
| |
Item 6. Exhibits | 29 |
| |
Signatures | 29 |
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | June 30, | | | | December 31, | |
| | | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | | | $ | 4,168,557 | | | | $ | 8,583,680 | |
Trade accounts receivable | | | | | 5,686 | | | | | 2,776 | |
VAT recoverable | | | | | 188,634 | | | | | 186,915 | |
Inventories | | | | | 428,407 | | | | | 377,018 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | | | 279,451 | | | | | 139,293 | |
Deferred compensation | | | | | 483,766 | | | | | 757,920 | |
Total Current Assets | | | | | 5,554,501 | | | | | 10,047,602 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and mineral interests (net of accumulated depreciation of $198,635 and $144,030 ) | | | | | 14,622,565 | | | | | 13,870,563 | |
Non-current deferred compensation | | | | | 467,234 | | | | | 1,202,587 | |
Other assets | | | | | 416,940 | | | | | 169,130 | |
Total Assets | | | | $ | 21,061,240 | | | | $ | 25,289,882 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | | $ | 726,470 | | | | $ | 530,665 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | | 245,953 | | | | | 274,739 | |
Due to related party | | | | | 4,665 | | | | | 9,644 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | | | 977,088 | | | | | 815,048 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | | | (597,666 | ) | | | | 488,277 | |
Asset retirement obligation | | | | | 1,028,484 | | | | | 951,355 | |
Total Liabilities | | | | | 1,407,906 | | | | | 2,254,680 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding | | | | | — | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, and 124,750,239 and 125,172,011 shares issued and outstanding | | | | | 124,750 | | | | | 125,172 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | | | 28,203,239 | | | | | 29,025,272 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | | | (8,613,112 | ) | | | | (6,085,026 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | | | (61,543 | ) | | | | (30,216 | ) |
Total Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | 19,653,334 | | | | | 23,035,202 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | $ | 21,061,240 | | | | $ | 25,289,882 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | For the three months ended | | For the six months ended | |
| | | | June 30, | | June 30, | |
| | | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
Revenue | | | | $ | 36,655 | | | | $ | 4,885 | | $ | 36,655 | | | | $ | 69,527 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of product sold | | | | | 34,800 | | | | | 36,461 | | | 34,800 | | | | | 65,871 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | | | 1,437,371 | | | | | 564,550 | | | 2,693,233 | | | | | 922,088 | |
Research and development costs | | | | | — | | | | | 93,402 | | | — | | | | | 386,411 | |
Exploratory costs | | | | | 561,608 | | | | | 57,336 | | | 1,395,804 | | | | | 118,265 | |
Accretion expense on asset retirement obligations | | | | | 20,458 | | | | | 18,599 | | | 40,369 | | | | | 36,143 | |
Depreciation expense | | | | | 40,115 | | | | | 17,570 | | | 66,781 | | | | | 35,728 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Operating Expenses | | | | | 2,094,352 | | | | | 787,918 | | | 4,230,987 | | | | | 1,564,506 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss From Operations | | | | | (2,057,697 | ) | | | | (783,033 | ) | | (4,194,332 | ) | | | | (1,494,979 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income (Expense) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | | | — | | | | | (300,314 | ) | | (1,018 | ) | | | | (365,212 | ) |
Grant compensation expense | | | | | 2,427 | | | | | — | | | (187,052 | ) | | | | — | |
Translation adjustment | | | | | (55,663 | ) | | | | (81,748 | ) | | (139,387 | ) | | | | (125,210 | ) |
Exchange loss | | | | | 211,847 | | | | | 650,093 | | | 691,979 | | | | | 890,148 | |
Other income (expense) | | | | | 20,583 | | | | | (35,764 | ) | | 214,217 | | | | | (71,711 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Other Expense | | | | | 179,194 | | | | | 232,267 | | | 578,739 | | | | | 328,015 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss Before Taxes | | | | | (1,878,503 | ) | | | | (550,766 | ) | | (3,615,593 | ) | | | | (1,166,964 | ) |
Deferred tax benefit | | | | | 572,196 | | | | | — | | | 1,087,507 | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss | | | | $ | (1,306,307 | ) | | | $ | (550,766 | ) | $ | (2,528,086 | ) | | | $ | (1,166,964 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic Loss per Common Share | | | | $ | (0.01 | ) | | | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | | | $ | (0.01 | ) |
Weighted-Average Shares used in | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic Loss per Common Share | | | | | 115,517,459 | | | | | 10,088,888 | | | 115,517,459 | | | | | 10,088,888 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | | | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | $ | (2,528,086 | ) | | | $ | (1,166,964 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | | | 66,781 | | | | | 23,216 | |
Accretion expense on asset retirement obligations | | | | | 40,369 | | | | | 36,143 | |
Interest expense from debt discount | | | | | — | | | | | 5,020 | |
Deferred tax benefit | | | | | (1,112,615 | ) | | | | — | |
Foreign currency exchange gain and translation adjustment | | | | | (33,713 | ) | | | | (890,148 | ) |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | | | | | 147,415 | | | | | 40,166 | |
Stock grant compensation expense | | | | | 212,160 | | | | | — | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade accounts receivable | | | | | (3,341 | ) | | | | 14,298 | |
Inventories | | | | | (36,630 | ) | | | | (10,108 | ) |
VAT recoverable | | | | | 5,410 | | | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | | | (463,696 | ) | | | | (357,687 | ) |
Accounts payable | | | | | 187,034 | | | | | 229,263 | |
Accrued expenses | | | | | (625,373 | ) | | | | — | |
Deferred grant revenue | | | | | — | | | | | 2,415 | |
Net Cash From Operating Activities | | | | | (4,144,285 | ) | | | | (2,074,386 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property and equipment | | | | | (434,744 | ) | | | | (1,940,755 | ) |
Purchase of intangible assets | | | | | (7,016 | ) | | | | — | |
Restricted cash | | | | | 100,000 | | | | | — | |
Change in related party receivables/payables | | | | | (29,877 | ) | | | | (416,880 | ) |
Net Cash From Investing Activities | | | | | (371,637 | ) | | | | (2,357,635 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from notes payable | | | | | — | | | | | 3,968,114 | |
Payments on notes payable | | | | | — | | | | | (481,558 | ) |
Proceeds from notes payable related parties | | | | | — | | | | | 1,008,031 | |
Net Cash From Financing Activities | | | | | — | | | | | 4,494,587 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | | | | | 100,799 | | | | | 128,803 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Cash | | | | | (4,415,123 | ) | | | | 191,369 | |
Cash at Beginning of Period | | | | | 8,583,680 | | | | | 89,366 | |
Cash at End of Period | | | | $ | 4,168,557 | | | | $ | 280,735 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forfeiture of an executive officer’s shares | | | | $ | 822,455 | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Interim Financial Information — The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they are condensed and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and reclassifications considered necessary for a fair and comparable presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recent audited financial statements of Bekem Metals, Inc. included in its annual report on Form 10-KSB filed for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.
Basis of Presentation
On October 24, 2005, Bekem Metals, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “us,” “we,” the “Company”, “BMI” or “Bekem”) entered into an Acquisition Agreement with Kazakh Metals, Inc., a British Virgin Islands international business company (“KMI”), under which BMI acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of KMI in exchange for the issuance of 61,200,000 common shares.
The KMI shareholders received 61.1% of the BMI common stock outstanding after the transaction and therefore KMI was considered the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements include financial statements of KMI for all periods presented.
Brisa Equities Corporation, a British Virgin Islands holding company (“Brisa”), together with other entities its owners control, is the controlling shareholder of KMI and was also the controlling shareholder of BMI. Accordingly, the transaction was considered to be between entities under common control and did not result in a change in control of BMI. Following the transaction, entities over which the controlling shareholder maintained voting and investment control held 51,600,000 BMI common shares, which represented 51.5% of the 100,088,888 outstanding common shares.
The acquisition of the portion of the net liabilities of BMI relating to the common shares owned by the controlling shareholder was recorded at historical cost of $(161,998). The acquisition of the common shares of BMI purchased from the minority shareholders of BMI were recorded at $345,000, which was the estimated fair value of those shares on the date of acquisition. KMI accounted for the purchase of BMI similar to a pooling.
Bekem Metals, Inc. – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Condesa and Kaznickel, since the date of its acquisition by Condesa, and the accounts of BMI since its acquisition by Condesa. Condesa was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on March 5, 2004. Condesa acquired BMI in a reverse acquisition, on January 28, 2005. On July 24, 2006, Condesa transferred its interest in Kaznickel to Bekem, making Kaznickel a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bekem. On September 30, 2006 Bekem sold Condesa to a third party for a nominal value. Condesa is included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and to the date of disposal.
6
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Kazakh Metals, Inc. – The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of KMI and its wholly-owned subsidiary, KKM, which it acquired on May 31, 2005 in a purchase business combination.
Name Change – On February 9, 2005, the Board of Directors of EMPS Research Corporation approved, and the stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares of the company approved and ratified by written consent, a change in the Company’s name from EMPS Research Corporation to Bekem Metals, Inc. On March 16, 2005, the Company filed an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to affect the change.
Currency Translation – The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries operating in Kazakhstan is U.S. dollars for Kaznickel and Kazakh tenge for KKM. Results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities of Kaznickel are translated into U.S. dollars, using historical exchange rates and monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates on the date of the financial statements. Translation differences are included in results of operations. All balance sheet accounts of KKM are translated at exchange rates on the date of the financial statements and translation differences are included in stockholders’ equity as cumulative translation adjustments.
Nature of Business
The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and production of mineral resource properties. Kaznickel owns the right to the Gornostayevskoye (“Gornostai”) nickel and cobalt deposit located in the East Kazakhstan Oblast in northeast Kazakhstan. The subsoil use contract and license is for exploration and production of cobalt and nickel ores and is valid through February 26, 2026. KKM holds exploration and production subsoil use contracts and licenses from the government of Kazakhstan to a 575,756 acre parcel, located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Aktobe, Kazakhstan. This deposit is referred to as the Kempirsai deposit. The subsoil use contracts and licenses grant KKM the right to explore for and produce nickel and cobalt from deposits located within the territory through October 12, 2011, which may be extended upon agreement between KKM and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources (“MEMR”) of the Republic of Kazakhstan. KKM also holds a subsoil use contract and a license to explore for and produce Mamyt brown coal from a deposit located within 40 kilometers of its cobalt and nickel deposit. This subsoil use contract and license expires on December 11, 2018 with further possible extensions.
Business Condition – The Company has no proven mineral reserves that conform to U.S. accounting standards and has had only limited nickel ore and Mamyt brown coal production from its Kempirsai deposit since its acquisition on May 31, 2005. The Gornostai deposit has not yet entered the development stage with respect to its mineral interests and has no production. There has been only limited revenue from the Kempirsai operations, and the Company has incurred net losses of ($2,528,086) and ($1,166,964) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $4,577,413 at June 30, 2007. Management expects that the Company will need significant additional capital to fund construction of a processing plant in 2007-2008. The Company anticipates it will need to raise additional capital through the sale of its equity securities or debt securities. Certain shareholders of the Company have indicated a willingness to provide the
7
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Company a line of credit. The Company has no formal agreement with said shareholders to provide this line of credit and the shareholders are under no obligation to enter into any agreement or make available any funds to the Company.
Kempirsai Production Stage – The Kempirsai, or KKM, operations are considered to be in the production stage.
Gornostai Exploration Stage – The Gornostai, or Kaznickel, operations are considered to be in the exploration stage. Since its inception on March 4, 2004, the Company has devoted a substantial amount of effort in raising capital, acquiring Kaznickel, and exploring the Gornostai deposit under its exploration contract. This mineral property has not yet reached development or production stage and accordingly, no revenues from production have been recorded.
Corrected prior periods financials
During the course of preparing the financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company identified certain prior period misstatements whose impact was not material, either individually or in aggregate, to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 or the period ended March 31, 2007. However, these misstatements were considered material to the Company’s financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007. As a result, the Company corrected the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the period ended March 31, 2007. The corrected statements of income as of December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 are included in these financial statements. These misstatements relate to recognizing an incorrect amount of deferred compensation. The effect of correcting these misstatements resulted in an increase in deferred compensation expense, an increase in accumulated deficit, and an increase in net loss of $48,740 and $60,924 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the period ended March 31, 2007, respectively.
NOTE 2 - CASH
Cash consists of the following:
| | June 30, | | | | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
Current accounts (USD) | | $ | 411,847 | | | | $ | 479,947 | |
Current accounts (Tenge) | | | 54,318 | | | | | 38,379 | |
Bank deposit (USD) | | | 1,240,832 | | | | | 8,065,354 | |
Bank deposit (Tenge) | | | 2,461,560 | | | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 4,168,557 | | | | $ | 8,583,680 | |
Bank deposit accounts are located in a Kazakhstani Bank (Center Credit Bank). Bank deposits earn interest from 3% to 8% annually. Bank deposits include cash of $108,000 restricted in its use until December 20, 2007.
8
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 3 – INVENTORY
Inventory consists of the following:
| | | | June 30, | | | | December 31, | |
| | | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
Ore | | | | $ | 146,268 | | | | $ | 109,058 | |
Fuel | | | | | 154,808 | | | | | 15,254 | |
Materials | | | | | 127,893 | | | | | 183,360 | |
Spare parts | | | | | 63,647 | | | | | 69,346 | |
Obsolesence reserve | | | | | (64,209 | ) | | | | — | |
| | | | $ | 428,407 | | | | $ | 377,018 | |
Ore represents 124,798 tons and 108,707 tons of the 0.85% nickel ore located in the ore warehouse as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
Brown coal represents 20,351 tons and 21,028 tons located in the coal warehouse as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINERAL INTERESTS
Property, plant and mineral interests consist of the following:
| | | | June 30, | | | | December 31, | |
| | | | 2007 | | | | 2006 | |
Buildings | | | | $ | 2,292,023 | | | | $ | 2,156,326 | |
Machinery and equipment | | | | | 3,783,083 | | | | | 3,474,858 | |
Other fixed assets | | | | | 113,557 | | | | | 69,665 | |
Unproved mineral interests - net | | | | | 8,632,537 | | | | | 8,313,744 | |
| | | | | 14,821,200 | | | | | 14,014,593 | |
Accumulated depreciation | | | | | (198,635 | ) | | | | (144,030 | ) |
Net Property and Equipment | | | | $ | 14,622,565 | | | | $ | 13,870,563 | |
Unproved mineral interests represent the acquisition costs of the mineral interests upon the purchase business combinations with Kaznickel and with KKM. The government of Kazakhstan retains the title to the property upon which the Company’s mineral rights pertain; however, the Company’s mineral interests are considered to be tangible assets.
9
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Gornostai Deposit
Kaznickel acquired its interest in the Contract on Exploration and Development of Gornostai Cobalt and Nickel Deposit (the “Contract”) issued by the MEMR dated February 26, 2004. By virtue of the Contract, Kaznickel acquired the right to exploit the mineral property including the right to explore, develop and produce the nickel and cobalt mineral resources on the Deposit through February 26, 2026. The Company has the right to re-negotiate the contract at that time for an additional 30 years. The government of Kazakhstan retains the title to the property; however, the Company’s mineral interests are considered to be tangible assets. The Company capitalized the acquisition costs of its mineral interest upon the purchase business combination with Kaznickel. The allocated purchase price included a capitalized amount of an acquired asset retirement obligation. While the property is not in production, the asset retirement cost is depleted over the life of the contract from the date of acquisition.
The Contract provides the Company certain rights and also imposes certain obligations and commitments. The rights include exploration through February 2008, and development and production of minerals through February 26, 2026. The Company may transfer its right to third parties in accordance with Kazakh laws and regulations and has a right to renegotiate an extension of the Contract. Significant rights, obligations and commitments of the Contract include monetary commitments for exploration of $1,576,480 in 2007, and expenditures to support social projects amounting to $300,000 during the production stage. In addition, the Company was required to pay a fee of $2,000 upon award of the Contract, and a fee for the use of Kazakh owned technical data of $735,400 of which $4,179 was paid on award of the Contract and $731,221 will be due upon a finding of commercial deposits. Royalties of 0.5% of ores extracted and sold will be required. The Contract subjects the Company to pay regular income tax of 30 percent and requires an excess profits tax of 15 to 60 percent if its net profits exceed 20 percent of gross profit. Obligations also include the establishment and funding of a reclamation fund that includes the cost of removing buildings and equipment used in the Deposit area. The Company is also required to comply with Kazakh environmental laws and regulations.
Kempirsai Deposit
Bekem acquired two contracts to explore for and extract minerals in connection with the purchase of KKM. One contract is for the exploration and extraction of nickel and cobalt ore through October 12, 2011 from deposits located in an approximately 575,756 acre site in the northwest area of the Republic of Kazakhstan approximately 130 kilometers northeast of the city of Aktobe, Kazakhstan, near the town of Badamsha, referred to as the “Kempirsai” deposit. The other contract is for the exploration and extraction of Mamyt brown coal through December 11, 2018 at a site located within 40 kilometers of the Kempirsai deposit. The contracts may be extended upon agreement between KKM and the Geology and Minerals Resources Committee of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Kempirsai contract requires the Company to pay royalty payments equal to 2.21% of gross ore sales. The Mamyt brown coal contract requires a royalty payment equal to nine tenths of one percent (0.9%) of gross coal sales. Both contracts require the Company to pay an excess profits tax ranging from 4 to 30 percent based upon the reaching of an internal rate of return (as defined in the contracts) ranging from 22 to 30 percent. The allocated purchase price of the mineral interest included a capitalized amount of an acquired asset retirement obligation. The asset retirement cost is depleted over the life
10
BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
of the contract from the date of acquisition. Obligations also include the establishment and funding of a reclamation fund that includes the cost of removing buildings and equipment used. The Company is also required to comply with Kazakh environmental laws and regulations.
NOTE 5 – OTHER ASSETS
As of June 30, 2007 other assets primarily represented deferred stripping costs of $164,351 related to the Mamyt brown coal deposit and stripping costs of $187,724 related to the Kempirsai nickel ore deposit which will be charged to costs when the brown coal and nickel ore is produced and sold.
NOTE 6 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Concentration of Risk Relating to Foreign Mining Operations – All of the Company’s properties are located within the Republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asia. In addition to general industry risks of nickel and cobalt price fluctuations, and potential lack of economic viability of the claims, the Company has a concentration of risk related to its foreign properties and interests which are subject to political uncertainty, changes in government, unilateral renegotiation of licenses, claims or contracts, nationalization, or other uncertainties. In addition, the validity of mining claims which constitute the Company’s property holdings in Kazakhstan, may, in certain cases, be uncertain and are subject to being contested.
Kazakhstan Business Environment – Kazakhstan, as an emerging market, has a legal and regulatory infrastructure that is not as mature and stable as those usually existing in more developed free market economies. As a result, operations carried out in Kazakhstan can involve risks and uncertainties that are not typically associated with developed markets. The instability associated with the ongoing transformation process to a market economy can lead to changes in the business conditions in which the Company currently operates. Changes in the political, legal, tax or regulatory environment could adversely impact the Company’s operations.
Tax Matters – The local and national tax environment in the Republic of Kazakhstan is subject to change and inconsistent application, interpretation and enforcement. Non-compliance with Kazakhstan laws and regulations, as interpreted by the Kazakh authorities, can lead to the imposition of fines, penalties and interest.
Environmental Matters – Extensive national, regional and local environmental laws and regulations in Kazakhstan affect the Company’s operations. These laws and regulations set various standards regulating certain aspects of health and environmental quality provide for user fees, penalties and other liabilities for the violation of these standards and establish, in some circumstances, obligations to remediate current and former facilities and off-site locations. The Company believes it is currently in compliance with all existing Republic of Kazakhstan environmental laws and regulations. However, as new environmental laws and legislation are enacted and the old laws are repealed, interpretation, application and enforcement of the laws may become inconsistent. Compliance in the future could require significant expenditures, which may adversely affect the Company’s operations.
Due to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan – In connection with the Company’s acquisition of the exploration contract covering the Gornostai deposit, the Company is required to repay the Republic of
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BEKEM METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Kazakhstan for historical costs incurred in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements. The repayment terms of this obligation will not be determined until the Company applies for and is granted a contract by the Republic of Kazakhstan to engage in commercial production. That amount is expected to be $731,221 and has not been recorded as a liability. Under the current contract, once the Company determines the property contains commercially producible reserves, and desires to commence commercial production, it must apply for such right prior to the expiration of its exploration and development rights in February 2026. The Company anticipates it will apply for a commercial production contract within the next 1-3 years. Of course, there is no guarantee when or if the Company will discover commercially producible reserves within the Gornostai deposit. Should the Company decide not to pursue a commercial production contract, then it can relinquish the Gornostai deposit to the Republic of Kazakhstan in satisfaction of this obligation.
The Company is required, under its subsoil use contracts and licenses, to submit a proposed annual work program to the MEMR for approval. Failure to meet the minimum work program requirements could cause the Company to lose its subsoil use contracts and licenses.
Operating leases – Bekem leases approximately 400 square feet of office space located at 324 South 400 West, Suite 225, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 for its administrative and registered office in the United States. The Company pays annual rents of approximately $7,800 for this space pursuant to a lease agreement that expires December 31, 2007 with an option to extend the lease for an additional year.
The Company also maintains a representative office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where it leases approximately 1,575 square feet of office space. The lease agreement expires on December 31, 2007. In April 2007, our monthly lease payment increased from $5,250 to $6,125. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the owner of the space could terminate the lease at any time and require the Company to vacate the premises.
Kaznickel LLP rents an office (approximately 1,840 square feet) in Semei, Kazakhstan, for approximately $4,000 per month. Semei is the closest city to the Gornostai deposit. Kaznickel also rents approximately 4,450 square feet of warehouse space in Semei for $4,000 per month. Kaznickel uses this space to store test ore. These spaces are leased on a year-to-year basis. Also, Kaznickel LLP rents an office (approximately 350 square feet) in Astana, Kazakhstan, for approximately $1,600 per month. This lease agreement terminates August 1, 2007 and will not be renewed as Kaznickel is closing its Astana office effective August 1, 2007.
In April 2007, KKM increased the size of its offices in Aktobe, Kazakhstan from 1,260 square feet to 1,900 square feet. As a result, KKM’s monthly lease payment increased from $4,000 per month to $5,400 per month. This space is leased on a year-to-year basis.
NOTE 7 - STOCK GRANT FORFEITURE
The Company's president and CEO resigned in May 2007 and as a result, his shares of stock, in connection with the stock grant of October 2006, were forfeited. The expense related to the amortization of this deferred compensation which was recorded in the first quarter of 2007, was reversed in the second quarter. Common stock and additional paid in capital were also adjusted to eliminate his shares.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
For a complete understanding, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes to the Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Forward Looking Information and Cautionary Statement
Certain statements contained herein including, but not limited to those relating to our plan of operations, future potential revenue, future expenses, future development of our mineral properties, the development and commercial viability of our processing technology, our ability to obtain future governmental approvals, expansion of our operations, our ability to generate cash flow, future demand for nickel, cobalt and brown coal, future commodity prices, integration of new technologies into operations, credit facilities, future capital expenditures and working capital, sufficiency of future working capital, borrowings and capital resources and liquidity, expectations of timing, satisfaction of contingencies, the impact of any change in accounting policies on our financial statements, future acquisitions, management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, financial results, opportunities, growth, business plans and strategy and other statements that are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. When used in this document, words like “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “budget,” “plan,” “forecast,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” or “anticipates” and similar expressions or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or discussions of strategy that involve risk and uncertainties are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, market factors, market prices (including regional basis differentials) of nickel, cobalt and brown coal, results of future exploration and extraction activities, future production and costs, unsettled political conditions, civil unrest and governmental actions, foreign currency fluctuations, and environmental and labor laws and other factors detailed herein. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and we assume no obligation to update this information. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
We are engaged in the exploration and mining of nickel, cobalt and brown coal in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We carry out our operations through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kaznickel LLP (“Kaznickel”) and Kyzyl Kain Mamyt LLP (“KKM”).
The primary asset of Kaznickel is a subsoil use contract issued by the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This contract grants Kaznickel the exclusive right to explore for and engage in test production of nickel, cobalt and other minerals in a 12,232 acre area in northeastern Kazakhstan referred to herein as the Gornostai deposit.
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KKM holds a subsoil use contract for a 575,756 acre territory in northwestern Kazakhstan referred to herein as the Kempirsai deposit. The contract grants KKM the right to extract and process nickel and cobalt ore from the Kempirsai deposit, which is comprised of the Kara-Obinskoe and Novo-Shandashinskoe deposits. KKM also holds a subsoil use contract to produce brown coal from the Mamyt coal deposit, which is located within 40 kilometers of the Kempirsai deposit.
The following table provides additional information regarding our subsoil use contracts:
Territory Name | Size of Territory | Primary Minerals | License Type | License or Contract # | License and Subsoil Use Contract Term |
| | | | | |
Gornostai | 12,232 acres | Nickel and cobalt ore | Exploration and Production | 1349 | Exploration period expires Feb. 26, 2008 unless extended. Production period expires Feb. 26, 2026 unless extended. |
| | | | | |
Kempirsai | 575,756 acres | Nickel and cobalt ore | Production | MG #420 MG #426 | Expire Oct, 12, 2011 unless extended. |
| | | | | |
Mamyt | 116 acres | Brown coal | Production | MG #9-D | Expires Dec, 11 2018 unless extended. |
We are currently at the exploration stage on the Gornostai deposit. To retain our subsoil use contract during exploration stage we are required to satisfy a minimum work program that is approved by the Geology Committee of the MEMR. We are currently in the third year of a three-year work program. Under this program, we are required to engage in an exploratory drilling program designed to identify and evaluate the mineral resources contained within the contract territory. In 2007, we are required to drill test holes totaling at least 12,961 meters. We plan to drill approximately 615 test holes totaling 15,700 meters during 2007. As of the six-month period end, we have drilled a total of 15,020 meters (603 holes). We completed our planned exploratory drilling program in July 2007.
The objective of our drilling program is to complete a detailed study of the structural characteristics of what we believe to be the two largest ore bodies in the Gornostai deposit, as well as certain other ore bodies where high grade nickel deposits have been located. The drilling was conducted on a 50 x 50-100 meter grid, which will make it possible to convert indicated and inferred resources to proved and probable reserves as development of the property progresses.
When we complete exploration of the Gornostai deposit, assuming we make commercial discoveries, we will apply to the MEMR to move to commercial production.
As noted above, our subsoil use contract for the Kempirsai nickel and cobalt deposit and Mamyt brown coal deposit grant us commercial production rights. The Kempirsai deposit was discovered in 1938 and at its peak in the late 1980’s produced almost five million tons of ore annually. Since the mid-1990’s, however, mining activity at the deposit has been insignificant.
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We also have minimum work program requirements under our subsoil use contracts for the Kempirsai nickel ore and Mamyt brown coal deposits. Our current work program calls for us to extract the following amounts of ore and brown coal:
| Tons of Ore | Tons of Brown Coal |
2007 | 175,000 | 60,000 |
2008 | 350,000 | 200,000 |
2009 | 1,000,000 | 200,000 |
2010 | 1,000,000 | 200,000 |
2011 | 1,000,000 | 200,000 |
2012 | | 200,000 |
2013 | | 200,000 |
2014 | | 200,000 |
2015 | | 200,000 |
2016 | | 200,000 |
2017 | | 200,000 |
2018 | | 200,000 |
Should we fail to complete the minimum work program imposed by any of our subsoil use contracts in a given year, the MEMR could review the work program, request an update and amendment to the work program, impose fines and penalties upon us or even revoke our subsoil use contracts and licenses.
We currently have no processing facilities at either the Gornostai or Kempirsai deposits to process the ores we will mine. We are currently investigating the viability of constructing a pyrometallurigcal processing plant at our Kempirsai deposit. We are also in the process of testing and developing a proprietary hydrochlorination processing technology. We have retained the services of an independent engineering firm to conduct a pre-feasibility study reviewing different technologies to determine the best processing technology, optimal processing capacity, construction costs and timelines, etc. to allow us to determine the type of processing facility we will construct at the Kempirsai deposit. We expect the pre-feasibility study to be completed by the end of 2007.
Results of Operations
Since inception we have generated limited revenue from operations. We have spent millions of dollars to date and anticipate that we will spend significant additional capital before we begin to realize significant revenue from operations.
In July 2006 we realized net proceeds of approximately $26,600,000 through a private placement of our equity securities. As of June 30, 2007, we had spent approximately $22,400,000 of those funds. Approximately $12,200,000 was used to repay loans, $2,500,000 was used to meet our minimum working program obligations, approximately $2,200,000 was spent developing our hydrochlorination technology and $5,500,000 was used for working capital. At June 30, 2007, we had cash on hand of $4,168,557 We expect the cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations through the end of the current fiscal year. We anticipate the need to seek significant additional funding by the end of fiscal 2007 to continue our operations and our efforts to exploit our
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mineral resources. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funding in the future on favorable terms, or at all. At this time, we have no commitments from any parties to provide us additional funding.
Three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006
During the three months period ended June 30, 2007, we earned revenue of $36,655 primarily from the sale of ore. By comparison during the second quarter 2006 we realized $4,885 in revenue from coal sales. We do not expect to realize significant revenue from operations during the remainder of the current fiscal year.
We realized cost of ore sold of $34,800 during second quarter 2007. By comparison during the second quarter 2006 we realized $36,461 in cost of coal sold. As we do not expect to engage in significant production during 2007, we do not expect to incur significant cost of products sold.
| General and Administrative Expenses |
Our general and administrative expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2007 increased to $1,437,371 from $564,550 during the three months ended June 30, 2006. This increase in general and administrative expenses in the second quarter 2007 is mainly attributable to a $340,000 increased salary expense and related employee taxes resulting from an increase in the number of personnel we employ and salary increases for existing employees, as KKM hired a number of people to carry out development and testing of the pilot plant, additional geologists, metallurgists and ecology supervisors. We also hired additional in-house accounting, finance, legal and information technology personnel. We do not expect to hire a significant number of additional employees until such time as operations or funding so justify. Therefore, we do not expect to experience significant increases in salaries and related taxes during the remainder of the 2007 fiscal year. Also, during second quarter we experienced a $270,000 increase in transportation and current repair services related to modernization works at KKM’s facilities. Another contributing factor to the increase in general and administrative expenses was a $147,000 increase in professional fees, primarily attributable to increased legal and accounting fees and costs associated with a resource estimation prepared by a third party consulting firm. We believe this increase in professional fees was more a matter of timing and the one-time cost of the resource estimation than a trend and we expect professional fees to return to more traditional levels in upcoming quarters.
Research and Development Costs
We engaged in no research and development in connection with the development and testing of our hydrochlorination processing technology during the second quarter 2007. By comparison, during the second quarter 2006 we spent $93,402 in research and development costs, primarily in connection with the development of our hydrochlorination processing pilot plant. We have budgeted and expect to spend $200,000 for testing of our pilot plant by the end of 2007.
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As a result of our aggressive exploratory drilling program, during the three months ended June 30, 2007 we completed drilling of 250 test holes (246 test holes in the South section of the Gornostai deposit and 4 test holes in the North section of the Gornostai deposit) we incurred $561,608 in exploratory costs during the three months ended June 30, 2007. By comparison, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, we had drilled 53 test holes in the South section of the Gornostai deposit and incurred exploratory costs of $57,336. Our exploratory drilling program for our 2007 fiscal year calls for us to drill a total of 615 test holes to an aggregate depth of 15,700 meters. In July 2007 we completed our exploratory drilling program for 2007.
Accretion expense increased $1,859 during the three months ended June 30, 2007. Because we do not expect to engage in significant mining and production activities during 2007, we believe accretion expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
During the second quarter 2007 depreciation expenses increased to $40,115 from $17,570 during the second quarter 2006. This increase resulted primarily from equipment acquisitions made during the past year. We believe depreciation expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
As a result of the 155% increase in general and administrative expense and the 880% increase in exploratory costs, which were only partially offset by a decrease in research and development costs, our total operating expenses increased from $787,918 during the three months ended June 30, 2006 to $2,094,352 during three months ended June 30, 2007. We expect total operating expenses during the balance of 2007 to continue to be significantly higher as compared to 2006.
During the three months ended June 30, 2007 we experienced a loss from operations of $2,057,697 compared to a loss of $783,033 during the three months ended June 30, 2006. This increase in loss from operations during the second quarter 2007 is the result of the increase in total operating expenses during the second quarter 2007. We expect we will continue to generate losses from operations until such time as we begin significant ore production.
For the foregoing reasons, during the three months ended June 30, 2007 we experienced a net loss of $1,306,307 compared to a net loss of $550,766 during the three months ended June 30, 2006. We anticipate we
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will continue to experience increasing net losses until we are able to engage in significant nickel and cobalt ore extraction, processing and sales. We do not expect to be engaged in significant ore extraction and processing prior to the 2009 fiscal year.
Six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we realized $36,655 in revenue from the sale of ore. By comparison, during the six months ended June 30, 2006 we realized earned revenue of $69,527. We do not anticipate realizing significant revenue during 2007.
We realized cost of ore sold of $34,800 during the first half of 2007. By comparison during the first half of 2006 we realized $65,871 in cost of coal sold. As we do not expect to engage in significant production during 2007, we do not expect to incur significant cost of products sold.
| General and Administrative Expenses |
Our general and administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased to $2,693,233 from $922,088 during the six month ended June 30, 2006. This increase in general and administrative expenses during the six month ended June 30, 2007 is mainly attributable to a $883,000 increase salary and related taxes as a result of an increase in the number of personnel we employ and salary increases for existing employees, as KKM hired a number of personnel to carry out development and testing of the pilot plant, additional geologists, metallurgists and ecology supervisors. We also hired additional in-house accounting, finance, legal and information technology personnel. We do not expect to hire a significant number of additional employees until such time as operations or funding so justify. Therefore, we do not expect to experience significant increases in salaries and related taxes during the remainder of the 2007 fiscal year. Also, during second quarter we had a $270,000 increase in transportation and repair services related to modernization works at KKM’s facilities. Another contributing factor to the increase in general and administrative expenses was a $447,000 increase in professional fees, primarily attributable to increased legal and accounting fees and costs associated with a resource estimation prepared by a third party consulting firm. We believe this increase in professional fees was more a matter of timing and the one-time cost of the resource estimation than a trend and we expect professional fees to return to more traditional levels in upcoming quarters.
Research and Development Costs
We engaged in no research and development in connection with the development and testing of our hydrochlorination processing technology during the six months ended June 30, 2007. During the six months ended June 30, 2006 we spent $386,411 in research and development costs, primarily in connection with the development of our pilot plant. During the 2007 fiscal year we have budgeted and planned to spend $200,000 in testing our pilot plant.
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As a result of our aggressive exploratory drilling program for 2007, during the first six months of 2007 we completed drilling of 603 test holes (599 test holes in the South section and 4 test holes in the North section of the Gornostai deposit) to an aggregate depth of 15,020 meters (14,720 meters in the South section and 300 in the North section). We incurred $1,395,804 in exploratory drilling costs through June 30, 2007. By comparison, during the six months ended June 30, 2006, we drilled 91 test holes in the South section the Gornostai deposit and incurred exploratory costs of $118,265. Our exploratory drilling program for our 2007 fiscal year calls for us to drill a total of 615 test holes to an aggregate depth of 15,700 meters. We completed our exploratory drilling program in July 2007.
Accretion expense increased $4,226 during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Because we do not expect to engage in significant mining and production activities during 2007, we believe accretion expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the six months ended June 30, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 depreciation expenses increased to $66,781 from $35,728 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase resulted primarily from equipment acquisitions made during the past year. We believe depreciation expense will continue at rates consistent with those realized during the six months ended June 30, 2007 through the balance of the current fiscal year.
As a result of the 192% increase in general and administrative expense and the 1,080% increase in exploratory costs, which were only partially offset by a decrease in research and development costs, our total operating expenses increased from $1,564,506 during the six months ended June 30, 2006 to $4,230,987 during six months ended June 30, 2007. We expect total operating expenses during the balance of 2007 to remain significantly higher as compared to 2006.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 we experienced a loss from operations of $4,194,332 compared to a loss of $1,494,979 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase in loss from operations during the first and second quarters 2007 is the result of the increase total operating expenses and the reduction in revenue during 2007 as compared to 2006. We expect we will continue to generate losses from operations until such time as we begin significant ore production.
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Net Loss
For the foregoing reasons, during the six months ended June 30, 2007 we experienced a net loss of $2,528,086 compared to a net loss of $1,166,964 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. We anticipate we will continue to experience increasing net losses until we are able to engage in significant nickel and cobalt ore extraction, processing and sales. We do not expect to be engaged in significant ore extraction and processing prior to the 2009 fiscal year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our capital resources have consisted primarily of funds we have borrowed from related and non-related parties and funds we raised through a private placement of our equity securities in July 2006. These funds, however, represent only a portion of the funds we will need to complete exploration and development and move to commercial production. As of June 30, 2007, we have $4,168,557 of the approximately $26,600,000 in net proceeds we realized from the private placement. We have used the money raised in the private offering to reduce debt, acquire equipment, continue exploration and fund operations. We anticipate the need for substantial additional capital resources, which will likely consist primarily of funds raised in financing activities or debt, by the end of fiscal 2007. If we do not obtain additional funding, we will be required to limit our activities until such time as additional funds are raised.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, cash was primarily used to fund operations and repay notes payable. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.
For the Six Months Ended June 30 | 2007 | 2006 |
| | |
Net cash used in operating activities | $ (4,144,285) | $ (2,074,386) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (371,637) | (2,357,635) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | - | 4,494,587 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 100,799 | 128,803 |
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH | $ (4,415,123) | $ 191,369 |
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 net cash used in operating activities was $4,144,285 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $2,074,386 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase in net cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to increases in salary and related taxes, exploratory costs and professional fees.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 net cash used in investing activities was $371,637. By comparison, during the six months ended June 30, 2006 we used net cash in investing activities of $2,357,635. We used more cash in investing activity in 2006 primarily resulting from the purchase of equipment for KKM’s pilot plant.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007 no cash was generated in financing activities compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $4,494,587 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. This decrease in net cash used in financing activities is explained by availability of capital from our private placement.
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Plan of Operations
As of June 30, 2007 we had cash on hand of $4,168,557. As discussed above, we have budgeted to spend all of these funds in operations and development activities during remaining six months of 2007. Following is a brief description of how we anticipate allocating our cash on hand during the next six months.
Drilling and core analysis
We allocated approximately $258,750 to the completion of our drilling and exploration program for the remainder of the 2007 fiscal year. This included drilling of 360 meters (4 test holes) of the North section and 232 meters (9 test holes) of the South section of the Gornostai deposit. Drilling of these test holes was completed in July 2007. Exploration costs include geologist fees and costs for site supervisors, geological data processors, core sample takers, topographers, site procurement specialists, etc. We have satisfied our 2007 minimum work program requirements for the Gornostai deposit. We do not expect to engage in additional drilling activities during the remainder of 2007. Currently, we are analyzing the results of our drilling and exploration works in order to prepare and submit an exploration report to the MEMR for finalizing the reserve estimates and obtaining permission for commercial production of the nickel ore from the Gornostai deposit.
Hydrochlorination processing technology testing
During next six months we expect to spend approximately $200,000 for continued testing at our pilot plant of the mineral concentrating capability of our proprietary hydrochlorination processing technology and to formulate required procedures, protocols and operational guidelines.
Feasibility Study
We anticipate spending approximately $940,000 for the preparation of pre-feasibility (“PFS”) and feasibility (“FS”) studies for the construction of a processing plant at the Kempirsai deposit. This amount could increase if we retain a western consulting firm. The preparation of the FS will depend on the ore processing technology to be selected by BMI by the end of 2007.
Field modernization
We have allocated approximately $1,000,000 during 2007 for modernization of vehicles and equipment at the Kempirsai deposit to allow us to increase our ore extracting capabilities. As of June 30, 2007 we had spent approximately $270,000 to modernize vehicles and equipment at the Kempirsai deposit.
Administrative Expenses
We plan to allocate approximately $1,707,000 for administrative expenses during the next six months, which include expenses of maintaining offices in the United States and Kazakhstan, for salaries and taxes.
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Professional Fees
We expect to incur approximately $63,000 in expenses for services of our financial auditors and securities attorneys during the next six months.
Additional Activities
We are currently considering alternatives to a hydrochlorination processing plant to allow us to begin to generate cash flow from the Kempirsai deposit. We do not currently have sufficient cash on hand to fund these activities, nor have we budgeted for these items in our 2007 budget. Therefore, to undertake these activities we will need to obtain additional capital either through equity or debt financing. We plan to seek this funding through private equity investments or debt financing to be obtained from banks or shareholders. We currently have no firm commitment from any party to provide us additional funding.
We are considering the economic viability of a pyrometallurgical processing plant to produce ferronickel at our Kempirsai deposit. As noted above, we have allocated $940,000 in our 2007 budget for the preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. Assuming the results of those studies are positive, we would like to move to the design phase of a commercial pyrometallurgical plant, including obtaining detailed engineering and design for plant construction. This would include flowsheet design and pilot testing. We estimate the cost to do this will be roughly $2.5 million.
Summary of Material Contractual Commitments
| The following table lists our significant commitments as of June 30, 2007: |
Contractual Commitments | Total | Payments Due by Fiscal Year |
Less than 1 year | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | After 5 years |
| | | | | |
Monetary commitments for exploration | 70,619 | 70,619 | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Due to the government of Republic of Kazakhstan(1) | 731,221 | -0- | 731,221 | -0- | -0- |
Training | 37,400 | 37,400 | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Social projects(2) | 417,906 | -0- | -0- | 300,000 | 117,906 |
Asset retirement obligation(3) | 951,333 | -0- | -0- | -0- | 951,333 |
Operating leases | 80,025 | 80,025 | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Total | $ 2,288,504 | $188,044 | $ 731,221 | $ 300,000 | $ 1,069,239 |
(1) In connection with our acquisition of the exploration contract covering the Gornostai deposit, we are required to repay the Republic of Kazakhstan for historical costs incurred by it in undertaking geological and geophysical studies and infrastructure improvements. The repayment terms of this obligation will not be determined until such time as we apply for and are granted a contract to engage in commercial production by the Republic of Kazakhstan. Under our current contract once we determine the property contains commercially producible reserves, if we wish to commence commercial production, we must apply for such right prior to the expiration of our exploration and development rights in February 2026. We anticipate that we will apply for a commercial production contract within the next 1-3 years. Of course, there is no guarantee when or if we will discover commercially producible reserves within the Gornostai deposit. Should we decide not to pursue a commercial production contract, we can relinquish the Gornostai deposit to the Republic of Kazakhstan in satisfaction of this obligation.
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(2) Under the terms of our subsoil use contracts, we are required to make provide funding for social projects relating to employees of KKM, including improvements to living conditions, etc., in the amount of $117,906. We are also required to donate $300,000 for the ongoing development of Astana and Kurchatov, which are cities in Kazakhstan.
(3) Under the terms of our subsoil use contracts, we are required to remove all operating equipment and remediate the property. This remediation work can be done during the term of the subsoil use contract or upon completion of the terms of the contract.
For us to maintain our rights to the Gornostai, Kempirsai and Mamyt deposits we must satisfy the work program requirements of the MEMR. Each year we must submit a proposed annual work program under each subsoil use contract or license to the MEMR. This annual work program must be reviewed and approved by the MEMR.
In July 2007 we completed the minimum exploratory drilling requirements for 2007 associated with the Gornostai deposit.
As part of the minimum work program requirements for the Kempirsai deposit we are required to extract 175,000 tons of nickel ore during 2007. As of June 30, 2007 we have extracted and placed into storage 16,956 tons of nickel ore, or 10% of the required amount for 2007, because sales of nickel ore, if any, are expected in the fourth quarter of 2007. We anticipate that we will meet the minimum nickel ore extraction requirements by the end of 2007.
As part of the minimum work program requirements for the Mamyt brown coal deposit we are required to extract 60,000 tons of brown coal during 2007. As of June 30, 2007, we had not extracted any brown coal because we have had no buyers for our coal. At this time we are negotiating several tenders for the sale of our brown coal. Depending upon the outcome of these tenders, we may or we may not meet our minimum brown coal extraction requirements by the end of 2007. If we do not believe we will meet our minimum extraction requirement by year-end, we will discuss this matter with the MEMR and attempt to negotiate a revision to our brown coal extraction requirements.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
| As of June 30, 2007 we had no off-balance sheet financing arrangements. |
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the recorded values of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues recognized and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Our estimates and assumptions affect our recognition of deferred expenses, bad debts, income taxes, the carrying value of our long-lived assets and our provision for certain contingencies. We evaluate the reasonableness of these estimates and assumptions continually based on a combination of historical information and other information that comes to our attention that may vary our outlook for the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions.
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We suggest that our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, as described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-KSB for December 31, 2006, be read in conjunction with this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We believe the critical accounting policies that most impact our consolidated financial statements are described below.
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates and units-of-production depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; asset impairments; write-down of inventory to net realizable value; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; reserves for contingencies and litigation; and the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Currency Translation – The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries operating in Kazakhstan is U.S. dollars for Kaznickel and Kazakh tenge for KKM. Results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities of Kaznickel are translated into U.S. dollars, using historical exchange rates and monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates on the date of the financial statements. Translation differences are included in results of operations. All balance sheet accounts of KKM are translated at exchange rates on the date of the financial statements and translation differences are included in stockholders’ equity as cumulative translation adjustments.
Revenue Recognition – For its operating mine, revenues currently arise from the limited sale of ore and Mamyt brown coal. Revenue is recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title to product transfers to the customer, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Produced, but unsold minerals or ore are recorded as inventory until sold.
Trade Receivables — In the normal course of business, the company extends credit to its customers on a short-term basis. The principal customers are local companies and government agencies. Although credit risks associated with these customers are considered minimal, the company routinely reviews its accounts receivable balances and makes provisions for doubtful accounts.
Related Party Receivables – Related party receivables consists of short-term advances to employees. No allowance has been provided due to the historic short-term nature and recoverability of such advances.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of — Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
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asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. At December 31, 2006, we reviewed our long-lived assets as disclosed above and determined no impairment was necessary.
Income taxes – Income taxes are calculated using the liability method of tax accounting. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are computed based on temporary differences between the tax basis and carrying amount on the balance sheet for assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets and liabilities are calculated using tax rates anticipated to apply in the periods that the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization – Expenditures for new facilities or equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciate such costs over the estimated future lives of such facilities or equipment. These lives do not exceed the estimated mine life based on proven and probable reserves as the useful lives of these assets are considered to be limited to the life of the relevant mine.
Costs incurred to develop new properties are capitalized as incurred, where it has been determined that the property can be economically developed based on the existence of proven and probable reserves. At our surface mines, these costs include costs to further delineate the ore body and remove overburden to initially expose the ore body. All such costs are amortized using the units-of-production (“UOP”) method over the estimated life of the ore body based on recoverable minerals to be mined from proven and probable reserves.
Major development costs incurred after the commencement of production are amortized using the UOP method based on estimated recoverable minerals to be mined from proven and probable reserves. Depending upon whether the development is expected to benefit the entire remaining ore body, or specific ore blocks or areas only, the UOP basis is either the life of the entire ore body, or the life of the specific ore block or area.
The calculation of the UOP rate of amortization, and therefore the annual amortization charge to operations, could be materially impacted to the extent that actual production in the future is different from current forecasts of production based on proven and probable reserves. This would generally occur to the extent that there were significant changes in any of the factors or assumptions used in determining reserves. These factors could include: (i) an expansion of proven and probable reserves through exploration activities; (ii) differences between estimated and actual cash costs of mining, due to differences in grade, mineral recovery rates and foreign currency exchange rates; and (iii) differences between actual commodity prices and commodity price assumptions used in the estimation of reserves. Such changes in reserves could similarly impact the useful lives of assets depreciated on a straight-line basis, where those lives are limited to the life of the mine, which in turn is limited to the life of the proven and probable reserves.
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The expected useful lives used in depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are determined based on applicable facts and circumstances, as described above. Significant judgment is involved in the determination of useful lives, and no assurance can be given that actual useful lives will not differ significantly from the useful lives assumed for purpose of depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations.
Stripping Costs – In general, mining costs are allocated to production costs, stockpiles, and inventories, and are charged to costs applicable to sales when minerals are sold. However, the mining industry, generally, defers and amortizes certain mining costs on a units-of-production basis over the life of the mine. These mining costs, which are commonly referred to as “deferred stripping” costs, are incurred in mining activities that are normally associated with the removal of waste rock. The deferred stripping accounting method is generally accepted in the mining industry where mining operations have diverse grades and waste-to-ore ratios; however, industry practice does vary. Deferred stripping matches the costs of production with the sale of minerals, where this procedure is employed, by assigning each quantity of mineral with an equivalent amount of waste removal cost. When stripping costs are expensed as incurred, there might be greater volatility in a company’s period-to-period results of operations.
In March 2005, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-6, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry,” (EITF 04-6) which addresses the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine and refers to these costs as variable production costs that should be included as a component of inventory to be recognized in costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. As a result, capitalization of stripping costs is appropriate only to the extent product inventory exists at the end of a reporting period and the carrying value is less than the net realizable value. We adopted the provisions of EITF 04-6 on January 1, 2006. We have had very limited production activity in the recent period, so the full effect of this adoption will be felt as production increases in the future periods.
Mineral Property Rights – Mineral property acquisition costs, site restoration costs and development costs on mineral properties with proven and probable reserves are capitalized and will be depleted using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the reserves. If there are insufficient reserves to use as a basis for depleting such costs, they are written off as a mineral property or mineral interest impairment in the period in which the determination is made. Site restoration costs are depleted over the term of their expected life. Interest costs are capitalized on mineral properties and mineral interests in development. The development potential of mining properties is established by the existence of proven and probable reserves, reasonable assurance that the property can be permitted as an operating mine and evidence that there are no metallurgical or other impediments to the production of saleable metals.
Exploration costs incurred on mineral interests, other than acquisition costs, prior to the establishment of proven and probable reserves are charged to operations as incurred. Development costs incurred on mineral interests with proven and probable reserves will be capitalized as mineral properties. We regularly perform evaluations of our investment in mineral interests to assess the recoverability and / or the residual value of its investments in these assets. All mineral interests and mineral properties are reviewed for impairment whenever
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events or circumstances change which indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, utilizing established guidelines based upon undiscounted future net cash flows from the asset or upon the determination that certain exploration properties do not have sufficient potential for economic mineralization.
Our estimates of mineral prices, recoverable probable reserves, and operating, capital and reclamation costs, when available, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which may affect the recoverability of mineral property costs. Although we have made our best estimate of these factors, it is possible that changes could occur in the near term, which could adversely affect the future net cash flows to be generated from the properties.
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our primary market risks are fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not currently use derivative commodity instruments or similar financial instruments to attempt to hedge commodity price risks associated with future crude oil production.
Commodity Price Risk
Our revenues, profitability and future growth will depend substantially on prevailing prices for nickel and cobalt. When we commence commercial production, commodity prices will affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to either borrow or raise additional capital. Price will also affect our ability to produce, transport and market the nickel and cobalt we produce.
Historically, nickel and cobalt prices have been subject to significant volatility in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control. Nickel and cobalt are likely to continue to be volatile in the future and this volatility makes it difficult to predict future price movements with any certainty. Any declines in nickel and cobalt prices would reduce the revenues we could earn when we begin commercial production, and could also reduce the amount of nickel and cobalt that we can produce economically. As a result, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Our Kazakhstani subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar for Kaznickel and the Kazakh tenge for KKM as their functional currencies. To the extent that business transactions in Kazakhstan are denominated in the Kazakh Tenge we are exposed to transaction gains and losses that could result from fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar—Kazakh Tenge exchange rate. When the US dollar strengthens in relation to the Kazakh Tenge, the US dollar-reported expenses will decrease. We do not engage in hedging transactions to protect us from such risk.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (the “Certifying Officers”) are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Such officers have concluded (based upon their evaluations of these controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report) that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in this report is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Certifying Officers as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Certifying Officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the course of preparing the financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, we identified certain prior period misstatements whose impact was not material, either individually or in aggregate, to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 or the quarter ended March 31, 2007. However, these misstatements were considered material to our financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2007. These findings were communicated to our independent registered public accountants, who concurred with our view that these misstatements were immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Consistent with the guidance provided in Staff Accounting Bulletin 108, we are not required to amend our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006, or our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 to correct these misstatements. Rather, in this Quarterly Report we have corrected the balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2006. These misstatements relate to recognizing an incorrect amount of deferred compensation. The effect of correcting these misstatements resulted in an increase in deferred compensation expense, an increase in accumulated deficit, and an increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The misstatements resulted from applying an incorrect share price in the calculation of deferred compensation expense. To remedy the problem we implemented procedures to ensure that such errors are not made in the future by involving an additional level of review by an individual with greater experience and expertise in deferred compensation accounting standards. Monitoring of data, which detected the original misstatement, continues to be performed. We believe these changes will improve our control over financial reporting.
Except as otherwise discussed above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits. The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
| Exhibit 31.1 | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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| Exhibit 31.2 | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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| Exhibit 32.1 | | Certification by the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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| Exhibit 32.2 | | Certification by the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized.
BEKEM METALS, INC.
Date: August 13, 2007 | /s/ Yermek Kudabayev |
| Yermek Kudabayev Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer |
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