UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 endedJune 30, 2012
¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 333-129347
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
NEVADA | 87-0577390 |
(State of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Identification No.) |
Augusto Leguia 100, Oficina 812
Las Condes, Santiago
Chile
(Address of principal executive offices)
(562) 657-1800
(Issuer’s telephone number)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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. Yesx 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). Yesx No¨
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 Accelerate Filer¨ | Accelerated Filer¨ |
| |
Non-Accelerated Filer¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller Reporting Companyx |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes¨ Nox
61,961,189 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $.001 par value, were outstanding at August 3, 2012.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 |
Item 1. Financial Statements | 3 |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 18 |
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 20 |
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 20 |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | 21 |
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 21 |
Item 6. Exhibits | 21 |
SIGNATURES | 22 |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
As at | | June 30, 2012 | | | December 31, 2011 | |
| | | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
Current | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 889,836 | | | $ | 1,983,725 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 109,936 | | | | 80,970 | |
Receivables | | | 137,997 | | | | 62,479 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 1,137,769 | | | | 2,127,174 | |
Property and Equipment(Note 3) | | | 214,759 | | | | 151,115 | |
Mineral Properties(Note 4) | | | 651,950 | | | | 651,950 | |
Technology Rights (Note 5) | | | 2,255,554 | | | | 2,411,110 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 4,260,032 | | | $ | 5,341,349 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Current | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 393,399 | | | $ | 324,580 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock and Paid-in Capital in Excess | | | | | | | | |
of $0.001 Par Value(Note 6(a)) | | | | | | | | |
20,000,000 shares authorized | | | | | | | | |
Nil (December 31, 2011 – Nil) shares issued and outstanding | | | - | | | | - | |
Common Stock and Paid-in Capital in Excess | | | | | | | | |
of $0.001 Par Value(Note 6(b)) | | | | | | | | |
100,000,000 shares authorized | | | | | | | | |
60,946,689 (December 31, 2011 – 58,490,941) shares issued and outstanding | | | 43,790,968 | | | | 39,865,402 | |
Deficit Accumulated During the Exploration Stage | | | (39,924,335 | ) | | | (34,848,633 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Stockholders’ Equity | | | 3,866,633 | | | | 5,016,769 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 4,260,032 | | | $ | 5,341,349 | |
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| | Three months ended June 30, | | | Six months ended June 30, | | | Cumulative Period from Inception on November 13, 2001 through June 30, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2012 | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advertising and promotion | | | 22,114 | | | | 3,594 | | | | 33,529 | | | | 43,293 | | | | 423,175 | |
Amortization | | | 102,537 | | | | 87,728 | | | | 201,760 | | | | 173,899 | | | | 792,168 | |
Bank charges and interest | | | 11,779 | | | | 7,688 | | | | 19,030 | | | | 17,066 | | | | 84,466 | |
Consulting fees(Note 6(d)) | | | 54,152 | | | | 55,700 | | | | 254,466 | | | | 186,584 | | | | 2,899,409 | |
Consulting fees – directors and officers(Note 6(d)) | | | 100,200 | | | | 100,610 | | | | 808,125 | | | | 763,040 | | | | 8,090,087 | |
Engineering consulting (recovery) | | | - | | | | (507 | ) | | | - | | | | (27,113 | ) | | | 711,084 | |
Exploration(Note 4) | | | 1,254,762 | | | | 532,775 | | | | 2,068,927 | | | | 1,523,388 | | | | 9,651,825 | |
Filing fees | | | 11 | | | | 3,278 | | | | 1,898 | | | | 4,508 | | | | 82,028 | |
Insurance | | | 10,829 | | | | 8,214 | | | | 24,765 | | | | 32,954 | | | | 363,097 | |
Investor relations, net(Note 6(d)) | | | 18,000 | | | | 30,118 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 62,298 | | | | 882,664 | |
Licenses, taxes and filing fees, net | | | - | | | | 3,911 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 379,947 | |
Management fees(Note 6(d)) | | | 101,228 | | | | 94,567 | | | | 530,956 | | | | 632,043 | | | | 3,980,133 | |
Office(Note 6(d)) | | | 25,657 | | | | 7,948 | | | | 252,519 | | | | 81,813 | | | | 716,316 | |
Professional fees | | | 71,805 | | | | 41,572 | | | | 140,957 | | | | 107,089 | | | | 2,175,971 | |
Rent | | | 40,116 | | | | 21,235 | | | | 75,265 | | | | 40,430 | | | | 654,127 | |
Research and development(Note 5) | | | 204,599 | | | | 88,433 | | | | 307,574 | | | | 176,504 | | | | 751,136 | |
Telephone | | | 10,503 | | | | 6,885 | | | | 16,203 | | | | 12,200 | | | | 154,186 | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 2,392 | | | | 1,407 | | | | 4,154 | | | | 3,998 | | | | 32,379 | |
Travel and vehicle | | | 92,349 | | | | 61,407 | | | | 141,745 | | | | 117,229 | | | | 1,529,426 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss Before Other Items | | | (2,123,011 | ) | | | (1,156,562 | ) | | | (4,911,873 | )) | | | (3,951,519 | ) | | | (34,353,624 | ) |
Gain on Sale of Marketable Securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 87,217 | |
Loss on Sale of Assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (19,176 | ) |
Adjustment to Market for Marketable Securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (67,922 | ) |
Foreign Exchange | | | (93,767 | ) | | | (77,212 | ) | | | (164,730 | )) | | | (266,382 | ) | | | (716,666 | ) |
Interest Income | | | 901 | | | | 1,040 | | | | 901 | | | | 1,970 | | | | 363,347 | |
Dividend Income | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,597 | |
Change in Fair Value of Warrants(Note 6(e)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (543,150 | ) | | | (2,748,999 | ) |
Change in Fair Value of Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Note 6(a)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (240,000 | ) |
Financing Agreement Penalty | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (330,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss for Period | | | (2,215,877 | ) | | | (1,232,734 | ) | | | (5,075,702 | )) | | | (4,759,081 | ) | | | (38,021,226 | ) |
Preferred stock dividends | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,537,500 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Loss Available for Distribution | | | (2,215,877 | ) | | | (1,232,734 | ) | | | (5,075,702 | )) | | | (4,759,081 | ) | | | (39,558,726 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share(Note 7) | | | (0.04 | ) | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (0.09 | )) | | | (0.09 | ) | | | | |
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | | | 59,348,656 | | | | 56,036,757 | | | | 59,058,868 | | | | 53,719,349 | | | | | |
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| | Six months ended June 30, | | | Cumulative Period from Inception on November 13, 2001 through June 30, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for period | | $ | (5,075,702 | ) | | $ | (4,759,081 | ) | | $ | (38,021,226 | ) |
Items not involving cash | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | | 201,760 | | | | 173,899 | | | | 792,168 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 82,456 | | | | 106,684 | | | | 3,579,173 | |
Loss on sale of assets | | | - | | | | - | | | | 19,176 | |
Common stock issued for services | | | 1,280,055 | | | | 1,161,000 | | | | 7,921,335 | |
Change in fair value of warrants | | | - | | | | 543,150 | | | | 2,748,999 | |
Change in fair value of preferred stock | | | - | | | | - | | | | 240,000 | |
Financing agreement penalty | | | - | | | | - | | | | 330,000 | |
Adjustment to market for marketable securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 67,922 | |
Gain on sale of marketable securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | (87,217 | ) |
Non-cash exploration expenditures | | | - | | | | - | | | | 600,000 | |
Changes in non-cash working capital | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses | | | (28,993 | ) | | | 6,316 | | | | (119,264 | ) |
Receivables | | | (75,491 | ) | | | 21,595 | | | | (130,688 | ) |
Marketable securities | | | - | | | | - | | | | 19,295 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 68,819 | | | | (475,670 | ) | | | 327,553 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Used in Operating Activities | | | (3,547,096 | ) | | | (3,222,107 | ) | | | (21,712,774 | ) |
Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Additions to property and equipment | | | (109,848 | ) | | | 30,320 | | | | (467,877 | ) |
Additions to mineral properties | | | - | | | | - | | | | (651,950 | ) |
Cash Provided (Used) in Investing Activities | | | (109,848 | ) | | | 30,320 | | | | (1,119,827 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Repayment of long-term debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | (100,000 | ) |
Issuance of preferred stock for cash | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,000,000 | |
Issuance of common stock for cash | | | 2,563,055 | | | | 2,895,000 | | | | 18,832,101 | |
Working capital acquired on acquisition | | | - | | | | - | | | | 171 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Provided by Financing Activities | | | 2,563,055 | | | | 2,895,000 | | | | 23,732,272 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Exchange Effect on Cash | | | - | | | | - | | | | (9,835 | ) |
Inflow (Outflow) of Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | (1,093,889 | ) | | | (293,595 | ) | | | 889,836 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | | | 1,983,725 | | | | 3,766,959 | | | | - | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | | $ | 889,836 | | | $ | 3,473,364 | | | $ | 889,836 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares issued for settlement of debt | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 830,000 | |
Common shares issued to acquire technology | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,800,000 | |
Common shares issued for preferred stock | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 740,000 | |
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit )
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| | Shares of Common Stock | | | Common Stock and Paid-In Capital in Excess of Par Value | | | Shares of Preferred Stock | | | Preferred Stock and Paid-in Capital in Excess of Par Value | | | Subscriptions Receivable | | | Subscriptions Received | | | Accumulated Deficit | | | Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | | 49,766,636 | | | $ | 30,834,680 | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | (32,500 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | (25,993,779 | ) | | $ | 4,808,401 | |
Stock-based compensation(Note 6(d)) | | | - | | | | 188,097 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 188,097 | |
Share subscriptions received | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 32,500 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 32,500 | |
Common stock issued for services(Note 6(b)) | | | 2,565,000 | | | | 3,137,250 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,137,250 | |
Additional paid in capital recognized on warrant conversion(Note 6(e)) | | | - | | | | 2,550,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,550,000 | |
Warrants exercised(Note 6(e)) | | | 4,499,306 | | | | 2,325,375 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,325,375 | |
Stock options exercised(Note 6(c)) | | | 1,659,999 | | | | 830,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 830,000 | |
Net loss for the year | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (8,854,854 | ) | | | (8,854,854 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2011 | | | 58,490,941 | | | | 39,865,402 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (34,848,633 | ) | | | 5,016,769 | |
Stock-based compensation(Note 6(d)) | | | - | | | | 82,456 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 82,456 | |
Warrants exercised | | | 235,000 | | | | 117,500 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 117,500 | |
Stock options exercised | | | 100,000 | | | | 50,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 50,000 | |
Private placement | | | 1,536,248 | | | | 2,395,555 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,395,555 | |
Common stock issued for services(Note 6(b)) | | | 584,500 | | | | 1,280,055 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,280,055 | |
Net loss for the period | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (5,075,702 | ) | | | (5,075,702 | ) |
Balance, June 30, 2012 | | | 60,946,689 | | | $ | 43,790,968 | | | | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | (39,924,335 | ) | | $ | 3,866,633 | |
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 1. | NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND GOING CONCERN |
White Mountain Titanium Corporation (the “Company”) is in the business of exploring for titanium deposits or reserves on its Cerro Blanco mining concessions. The Company is an exploration stage company and its principal business is to advance exploration and development activities on the Cerro Blanco rutile (titanium dioxide) Property (“Cerro Blanco”) located in Region III of northern Chile.
The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at June 30, 2012, and for the period then ended, have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s December 31, 2011, annual report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 29, 2012. The results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management on the basis of U.S. GAAP applicable to a going concern, which assumes the Company will continue to operate for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $39,924,335 at June 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011 - $34,848,633), has not yet commenced revenue-producing operations, and has significant expenditure requirements to continue to advance its exploration and development activities on the Cerro Blanco property and its Chinuka process technology. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company closed one private placement with two closings for gross proceeds of $2,611,622 (note 6) and, accordingly, has sufficient funds for planned expenditures for the foreseeable future.
| 2. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISKS |
The Company has classified its financial instruments as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents – as held-for-trading
Receivables – as loans and receivables
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities – as other financial liabilities.
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying amounts of these instruments approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
§ Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
§ Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and
§ Level 3 - inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 2. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISKS (Continued) |
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument will fail to discharge its contractual obligations.
The Company mitigates credit risk, in respect of cash and cash equivalents, by purchasing highly liquid, short-term guaranteed investment certificates (“GIC”) held at a high credit quality Canadian financial institution and by maintaining its cash with high credit quality Canadian and Chilean financial institutions. The receivables consist of Harmonized Sales Tax due from the Government of Canada and receivable for warrants exercised, received subsequent to June 30, 2012.
.
| | June 30, 2012 | | | December 31, 2011 | |
Cash | | $ | 636,376 | | | $ | 230,373 | |
GICs | | | 253,460 | | | | 1,753,352 | |
| | $ | 889,836 | | | $ | 1,983,725 | |
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in satisfying financial obligations as they become due. The Company manages its liquidity risk by forecasting cash flows required for operations and anticipated investing and financing activities. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 totaled $889,836 and $1,983,725, respectively. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $393,399 and $324,580, respectively, all of which fall due in the next fiscal quarter.
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and other price risk.
Interest rate risk consists of two components:
| (a) | To the extent that payments made or received on the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities are affected by changes in the prevailing market interest rates, the Company is exposed to interest rate cash flow risk. |
| (b) | To the extent that changes in prevailing market interest rates differ from the interest rate in the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities, the Company is exposed to interest rate price risk. |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 2. | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISKS (Continued) |
| (d) | Market risk (Continued) |
| (i) | Interest rate risk (Continued) |
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of cash held in bank accounts and variable rate GICs. Due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in market interest rates do not have a significant impact on estimated fair values and on cash flows associated with the interest income as of June 30, 2012.
| (ii) | Foreign currency risk |
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent expenditures incurred or funds received and balances maintained by the Company are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar (primarily Canadian dollars (“CAD”) and Chilean pesos (“CLP”)). The Company has net monetary assets of $4,738 (December 31, 2011 - $62,800) denominated in CAD and net monetary liabilities of $(292,403) (December 31, 2011 – net assets of $10,600) in CLP.
As at June 30, 2012, the Company’s sensitivity analysis suggests that a change in the absolute rate of exchange in CAD by 4% will not have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and a change in the absolute rate of exchange in CLP by 6% will also not have a material impact.
The Company has not entered into any foreign currency contracts to mitigate this risk.
Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market prices, other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign currency risk. The Company is not exposed to other price risk.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| | June 30, 2012 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vehicles | | $ | 129,439 | | | $ | 64,971 | | | $ | 64,469 | |
Office furniture | | | 53,843 | | | | 16,712 | | | | 37,132 | |
Office equipment | | | 32,007 | | | | 12,434 | | | | 19,572 | |
Computer equipment | | | 8,197 | | | | 7,961 | | | | 236 | |
Computer software | | | 66,002 | | | | 27,368 | | | | 38,634 | |
Field equipment | | | 122,360 | | | | 67,644 | | | | 54,716 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 411,849 | | | $ | 197,089 | | | $ | 214,759 | |
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vehicles | | $ | 110,962 | | | $ | 58,851 | | | $ | 52,111 | |
Office furniture | | | 50,677 | | | | 11,947 | | | | 38,730 | |
Office equipment | | | 26,560 | | | | 10,183 | | | | 16,377 | |
Computer equipment | | | 8,197 | | | | 7,887 | | | | 310 | |
Computer software | | | 2,144 | | | | 1,255 | | | | 889 | |
Field equipment | | | 103,767 | | | | 61,069 | | | | 42,698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 302,307 | | | $ | 151,192 | | | $ | 151,115 | |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
On September 5, 2003, the Company, through its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary, White Mountain Chile, entered into a purchase agreement with Compañía Contractual Mineral Ojos del Salado (“Ojos del Salado”), a wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary of Phelps Dodge Corporation (“Phelps Dodge”), to acquire a 100% interest in nine exploration mining concessions totaling 1,183 hectares, collectively known as Cerro Blanco. Cerro Blanco is located in Region III of northern Chile, approximately 39 kilometers, or 24 miles, west of the city of Vallenar. Consideration for the purchase, including legal fees, was $651,950.
The purchase agreement covering Cerro Blanco was originally entered into between Ojos del Salado and Dorado Mineral Resources NL (“Dorado”) on March 17, 2000. Under that agreement, Dorado purchased the mining exploitation concessions from Ojos del Salado for $1,000,000, of which $350,000 was paid. A first mortgage and prohibitions against entering into other contracts regarding mining concessions without the prior written consent of Ojos del Salado had also been established in favor of Ojos del Salado. On September 5, 2003, White Mountain Chile assumed Dorado’s obligations under the purchase agreement, including the mortgage and prohibitions, with payment terms as described above.
Ownership in mineral properties involves certain inherent risks due to the difficulties of determining the validity of certain claims as well as the potential for problems arising from the frequent, ambiguous conveyance history characteristic of mineral properties. The Company has investigated ownership of its mineral properties, and to the best of its knowledge, ownership of its interests is in good standing. At present, the Company has determined that it has no material asset retirement obligations.
Exploration expenditures incurred by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | |
Assaying | | $ | 12,940 | | | $ | 62,737 | |
Concession fees | | | 93,226 | | | | 84,844 | |
Drilling | | | 178,038 | | | | 1,011,093 | |
Environmental | | | 253,645 | | | | 7,137 | |
Equipment rental | | | 101,508 | | | | 48,659 | |
Geological consulting fees | | | 831,027 | | | | 58,559 | |
Metallurgy | | | 33,239 | | | | - | |
Site costs | | | 533,674 | | | | 237,311 | |
Transportation | | | 31,630 | | | | 13,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Exploration expenditures for period | | $ | 2,068,927 | | | $ | 1,523,388 | |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
On October 1, 2010, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of the non-exclusive, sublicensing agreement of the titanium metal technology developed by Chinuka Limited plc (“Chinuka” or the “Chinuka Process”), giving the Company access to the Chinuka Process for the Cerro Blanco project. La Serena Technologies Ltd. (“La Serena”) executed the sublicensing agreement as holder of the Chinuka Process master license. Four million restricted shares of common stock were issued to Chinuka and La Serena (800,000 to Chinuka and 3,200,000 to La Serena); 1,000,000 of the total were delivered at the time of signing of the agreement (500,000 shares released each to Chinuka and La Serena). The balance of common stock is to be released from escrow over 24 months at the end of each subsequent fiscal quarter on the basis of 37,500 to Chinuka and 337,500 to La Serena. As of June 30, 2012, 750,000 (December, 31, 2011 - 1,125,000) shares were in escrow. The Company may cancel the sublicense agreement (and related escrow share releases) at any time following the initial release of shares. La Serena may cancel the agreement if any of the following conditions are not met:
| · | Cumulative expenditures of $5,000,000 by the Company within five years of the effective date to advance development of the Chinuka Process towards commercialization (2012 expenditures $307,574; 2011 - $176,504); |
| · | 2% gross royalty payments to La Serena on any revenue generated by the Cerro Blanco project, which is attributable to the Chinuka Process. The gross royalty payments following five years from the effective date of the agreement are subject to a minimum payment of $200,000 per year; and |
| · | Commercial production of titanium metal using the Chinuka Process and feed stock derived from the Cerro Blanco project within nine years after closing. |
The Company has valued the consideration for the technology rights on the basis of the market value of the common shares issued for technology rights on the date of issuance of $2,800,000 and is amortizing over nine years.
For the six months ended June 30, 2012, amortization of technology rights included in amortization expense is $155,556 (2011 - $155,556).
| | June 30, 2012 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Technology rights | | $ | 2,800,000 | | | | 544,446 | | | | 2,255,554 | |
| | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Technology rights | | $ | 2,800,000 | | | | 388,890 | | | | 2,411,110 | |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company designated shares of Series A preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. Each share of preferred stock was convertible into one common share at any time at the holder’s option, subject to the adjustments to the conversion ratio. The adjustment to the conversion price of these preferred shares is based on the lowest of the share price of any common shares issued, the exercise price of any options granted or reprised, or any preferred shares issued after the issuance of these preferred shares. The preferred stock was unlisted, non-retractable and non-redeemable. The preferred stockholders were entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the preferred stock are convertible. The preferred stockholders were further entitled to the same dividends and distributions as the common stockholders.
There are no preferred shares outstanding.
During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company:
| · | Issued 584,500 shares of common stock to management, employees and consultants at a fair value of $2.19 per share based on the market value at the time of the director’s approval. Total value of this share issuance was $1,280,055, and has been expensed to management fees, consulting fees, office expenses and consulting fees – directors and officers (Note 6(d)). The shares were granted under the 2010 Management Compensation Plan; |
| · | Issued 235,000 shares on the exercise of warrants at $0.50 per share and a further 100,000 shares on the exercise of stock options at $0.50 per share; and |
| · | Issued 1,536,248 units for gross proceeds of $2,611,622 by way of a private placement priced at $1.70 per unit. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and one-half warrant, each whole warrant exercisable at $1.70 per share until March 31, 2014. The Company paid commissions of $216,067. In addition, 142,409 compensation warrants were issued to agents. The terms and conditions of the selling agent warrants are essentially identical to the terms and conditions of the warrants sold to investors as part of the Units. |
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company:
| · | Issued 2,565,000 shares of common stock to management for past services at a weighted average fair value of $1.22 per share based on the market value at the time of the directors’ approval. Total value of this share issuance was $3,137,250 and has been expensed as management fees, consulting fees, office expenses, and consulting fees – directors and officers (Note 6(d)); |
| · | Issued 4,499,306 shares of common stock upon the exercise of previously issued warrants for gross proceeds of $2,325,375 (Note 6(e)); and |
| · | Issued 1,659,999 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of $830,000 (Note 6(c)). |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 6. | CAPITAL STOCK (Continued) |
The Company has a stock option plan, adopted in 2005, and a Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, adopted in 2010, (individually the “2005 Plan” and the “2010 Plan”, respectively, and, collectively, the “Plans”). Under the Plans, the Company is authorized to grant options to executive officers and directors, employees and consultants of the Company. The 2005 Plan was originally authorized to grant 3,140,000 shares; the 2010 Plan was originally authorized to issue 4,901,740 shares, which amount is increased at the end of each year to represent 10% of the total outstanding shares at year-end, up to a maximum of 3,800,000. The terms of any stock options granted under the 2005 Plan may not exceed five years and the exercise price of any stock option granted may not be discounted below the maximum discount permitted under the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The terms of any stock options granted under the 2010 Plan may not exceed ten years and the exercise price of any stock option plan is fixed by the plan administrator.
The Company has also adopted a Management Compensation Plan for the benefit of officers, directors and employees of the Company. The pool will consist of 1% of the outstanding shares at the end of each year.
During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, no stock options were granted. During 2011, options for 1,659,999 shares were exercised for gross proceeds of $830,000.
The following table represents service-based stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011:
| | June 30, 2012 | | | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Number of Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Number of Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
| | | | | | |
Outstanding - beginning of period | | | 1,080,000 | | | $ | 0.58 | | | | 2,740,000 | | | $ | 0.53 | |
Expired | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1 | ) | | $ | 0.50 | |
Exercised | | | (100,000 | ) | | | 0.50 | | | | (1,659,999 | ) | | $ | 0.50 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding – end of period | | | 980,000 | | | $ | 0.58 | | | | 1,080,000 | | | $ | 0.58 | |
Exercisable – end of period | | | 980,000 | | | $ | 0.58 | | | | 1,080,000 | | | $ | 0.58 | |
As at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the following stock options were outstanding:
| | Exercise | | | June 30, | | | December 31, | |
Expiry Date | | Price | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
August 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.50 | | | | 815,000 | | | | 915,000 | |
June 23, 2013 | | $ | 1.00 | | | | 165,000 | | | | 165,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 980,000 | | | | 1,080,000 | |
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 6. | CAPITAL STOCK (Continued) |
| (c) | Stock options (Continued) |
The shares under option at June 30, 2012 were in the following exercise price ranges:
Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Number of Shares under Option | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 0.50 | | | | 815,000 | | | $ | 798,700 | | | | 0.19 | |
$ | 1.00 | | | | 165,000 | | | | 79,200 | | | | 0.98 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 0.58 | | | | 980,000 | | | $ | 877,900 | | | | 0.32 | |
The shares under option at December 31, 2011 were in the following exercise price ranges:
Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Number of Shares under Option | | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 0.50 | | | | 915,000 | | | $ | 1,683,600 | | | | 0.67 | |
$ | 1.00 | | | | 165,000 | | | | 221,100 | | | | 1.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 0.58 | | | | 1,080,000 | | | $ | 1,904,700 | | | | 0.79 | |
| (d) | Stock-based compensation |
During the six months ended June 30, 2012, $82,456 (2011 - $41,228) was recognized as stock-based compensation for the 2,000,000 management warrants issued to directors and officers (Note 6(e)). The maximum stock-based compensation to be recognized is $944,959. The remaining unamortized balance of $553,997 (December 31, 2011 - $636,453) will be amortized through December 2015. These warrants were fair valued using a trinomial barrier pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $1.50, risk-free interest rate of 1.89%, expected life of 3.4 years, an expected volatility factor of 75.90%, a dividend yield of 0.00% and a probability exercisability of 11%. The Company estimated the exercisability of these warrants using a Monte Carlo probability calculator.During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company issued 584,500 shares of common stock at a fair value of $1,280,055 to management, employees and consultants, under the 2010 Management Compensation Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued 2,565,000 shares of common stock at a fair value of $3,137,250, valued at market value at the time of issuance, to management, employees and consultants, under the 2010 Management Compensation Plan.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 6. | CAPITAL STOCK (Continued) |
| (d) | Stock-based compensation (Continued) |
The total stock-based compensation recognized for shares issued and warrants granted for services was as follows:
| | June 30, | | | June 30, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | |
Consulting fees | | $ | 153,300 | | | $ | 90,000 | |
Consulting fees – directors and officers | | | 607,725 | | | | 576,000 | |
Management fees | | | 410,956 | | | | 538,684 | |
Office | | | 190,530 | | | | 63,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 1,362,511 | | | $ | 1,267,684 | |
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company issued warrants to purchase 6,875,000 shares of common stock. The warrants had an exercise price of $0.50 per warrant and originally expired in July and September 2009; 4,250,000 warrants were extended to April 2011. These warrants had exercise price reset features and are fair valued at each reporting date.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the 4,250,000 warrants were exercised. Accordingly, the Company recognized a $543,150 non-cash loss from the change in fair value of these warrants, and $2,550,000 was added to paid-in capital on the common stock issued upon conversion.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued 2,000,000 warrants to two officers and directors of the Company as compensation, as approved by the Board in January 2010 (Note 6(d)). These warrants are exercisable at $1.50 per share expiring December 31, 2015. These warrants vest only upon occurrence of one of the following events and are exercisable in full upon the first of the following events:
| (i) | If on or before June 30, 2011 the closing price of the common stock of the Company is at least $2.00 per share for five consecutive trading days (this vesting condition was not met); |
| (ii) | If on or before December 31, 2012 the closing price of the common stock of the Company is at least $2.50 per share for five consecutive trading days; and |
| (iii) | If on or before December 31, 2015 the closing price of the common stock of the Company is at least $3.00 per share for five consecutive trading days. |
These prices are subject to reasonable adjustment upon occurrence of certain conditions, as defined in the warrant indenture.
WHITE MOUNTAIN TITANIUM CORPORATION
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months ended June 30, 2012
(Unaudited - Expressed in US dollars)
| 6. | CAPITAL STOCK (Continued) |
Details of stock purchase warrant activity is as follows:
| | June 30, 2012 | | | December 31, 2011 | |
| | Number of Warrants | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Number of Warrants | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding - beginning of period | | | 4,010,326 | | | $ | 1.07 | | | | 8,515,111 | | | $ | 0.78 | |
Issued | | | 910,534 | | | | 1.70 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Exercised | | | (235,000 | ) | | | 0.50 | | | | (4,499,306 | ) | | $ | 0.52 | |
Expired | | | (1,775,326 | ) | | | (0.65 | ) | | | (5,479 | ) | | $ | 0.90 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding - end of period | | | 2,910,534 | | | $ | 1.56 | | | | 4,010,326 | | | $ | 1.07 | |
As at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the following share purchase warrants were outstanding:
Expiry Date | | Exercise Price | | | June 30, 2012 | | | December 31, 2011 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2012 | | $ | 0.50 | | | | - | | | | 235,000 | |
June 30, 2012 | | $ | 0.65 | | | | - | | | | 1,775,326 | |
March 31, 2014 | | $ | 1.70 | | | | 910,534 | | | | | |
December 31, 2015 | | $ | 1.50 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,910,534 | | | | 4,010,326 | |
Potentially dilutive securities not included in diluted weighted average shares outstanding include shares underlying 980,000 in outstanding options and 2,910,534 warrants.
Management has evaluated subsequent events through August 6, 2012, which represents the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. The following subsequent events have occurred:
On July 20, 2012, an option holder exercised 14,500 options. The Company issued 14,500 shares of common stock and received $7,250 for the exercise of the options.
As of July31, 2012, the Company sold 1 million shares for gross proceeds of $1,500,000 by way of a private placement priced at $1.50 per common share. The Company paid a finder’s fee of $60,000.
During the quarter we reported that we had entered into a letter of intent (“LOI”) with Hyundai Welding Co., Ltd., (“Hyundai Welding”) and Korea Resources Corporation, (“KORES”) which contains binding provisions whereby Hyundai Welding and KORES are required to provide the Company with US$10,000,000 in funding for the Cerro Blanco project (“Cerro Blanco”) in Chile in three installments of US$2,000,000 on or before July 7, 2012, US$3,000,000 on or before August 7, 2012, and US$5,000,000 on or before August 31, 2012. Subsequent to the quarter end, this was subsequently amended, due to Korean banking and regulatory requirements, to allow for the full $10,000,000 payment to be made in one payment by August 17, 2012.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations analyzes the major elements of our balance sheets and statements of operations. This section should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and our interim consolidated condensed financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and accompanying notes to these financial statements.
Forward Looking Statements
The statements contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, need for financing, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, ability to retain and recruit personnel, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “plans,” or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this report. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the cyclicality of the titanium dioxide industry, global economic and political conditions, global productive capacity, customer inventory levels, changes in product pricing, changes in product costing, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, competitive technology positions and operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, fires, explosions, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, war and terrorist activities). Mining operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to exploration and development, permitting procedures, safety precautions, property reclamation, employee health and safety, air and water quality standards, pollution and other environmental protection controls, all of which are subject to change and are becoming more stringent and costly to comply with. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those expected. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
There may also be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we do not now expect to have a material adverse impact on our business.
Overview
We are a mineral exploration company. We hold mining concessions comprised of 33 registered mining exploitation concessions, and five exploration concessions, over approximately 8,225 hectares located approximately 39 kilometers west of the City of Vallenar in the Atacama, or Region III, geographic region of northern Chile (hereinafter referred to as “Cerro Blanco”). We are in the exploration stage, which means we are engaged in the search for mineral deposits or reserves which could be economically and legally extracted or recovered. Our primary expenditures at this stage consist of acquisition and exploration costs and general and administration expenses. We also continue to fund research and development on the Chinuka Process. We have produced no revenues, have experienced losses since inception, have no operations, and currently rely upon the sale of our securities to fund our operations.
Business Developments
During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we had the following major developments:
| · | We entered into an agreement with AMEC International (Chile) S.A. (“AMEC”) to conduct a full review of earlier engineering studies prepared by Cade Idepe on the Cerro Blanco project. AMEC's scope of work involves a full review of process plant design and recovery, location of waste dumps and tailings areas and economic assessment. The review is expected to be completed by mid-year. Management anticipates that the results from this review will be incorporated into the Final Feasibility Study as well as the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The EIS is anticipated to be submitted to the Chilean mining authorities later this year. In conjunction with our environmental consultant, we intend to integrate the results of AMEC's process design and the location of tailings and waste review into the EIS study and the most recent baseline monitoring studies in respect of flora and fauna on site as well as the project's possible impact on the local communities. We have also commenced holding project information and awareness discussions with leaders of the three communities located closest to the project. |
| · | We entered into a non-binding agreement with Empresa Electrica Guacolda S.A. (“Guacolda”) for the supply of electric power, associated transmission lines and sea water for a desalination plant proposed to be built at site. The terms of the agreement will only become binding when we have all the permits in hand to commence construction of the Cerro Blanco project. We and Guacolda held discussions with respect to port storage and loading facilities for rutile concentrate. |
| · | We were notified by personnel conducting research on the Chinuka Titanium Metals Technology at the University of Cambridge that the next stage of research will involve increasing the size of the reactor vessel to produce sponge titanium using Cerro Blanco rutile concentrate and that the exact vessel dimensions and capacities are currently being determined. The Company continues to monitor White Mountain funded research being undertaken. In recent discussions with the principal researcher, it was reported that “Testing of the larger scale reactor has been completed and is ready to initiate larger scale electrolysis. In addition, a variety of other feedstocks containing either significant quantities of iron or other minerals containing niobium and tantalum are being assessed regarding their viability for treatment by the Chinuka Process.” |
| · | We applied for an access license to draw sea water for a planned desalination plant. This plant will provide both industrial and potable water to the Cerro Blanco project and possibly to other users in the region as well. Process and design engineering work is underway on the planned desalination plant which, together with the access license, will be incorporated into the final project engineering design and Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) for submittal to the Chilean mining authorities. |
| · | We completed a ground geophysics study covering the central portion of the Cerro Blanco concessions. A grid totalling approximately 232 line kilometres, each line spaced 50 metres apart, was established over concessions encompassing the four known prospects. The purpose of the study was two-fold. The first, to assist exploration personnel to site and orient drill holes planned for the upcoming Las Carolinas and La Cantera drill program as well as to identify new exploration targets. The second, to assist engineering personnel to locate the crusher, process plant, waste dumps, tailings facility and site infrastructure away from mineralized areas. As a result of the geophysics study, a project footprint has been established for final engineering design purposes and possible extensions to Las Carolinas and La Cantera as well as two new exploration target areas have been identified. Initial mapping and sampling of the two new exploration target areas is underway and a diamond drilling work program for Las Carolinas and La Cantera incorporating results from the geophysics study has been prepared and budgeted. A 31 hole diamond drilling program - 7 drill holes in Las Carolinas and 24 in La Cantera – totalling approximately 5,200 metres, is planned for completion over a three month period. We have not yet determined a commencement date for this drilling. The Company has received all necessary permits to undertake the drilling program and earth moving equipment has been assembled to start construction of drill roads and pads. |
| · | We continued to monitor the market for titanium dioxide feedstock, which remains buoyant. Various recent public articles have reported contract rutile sales at prices of $2,700 per tonne and above. An article in the March 7, 2012, edition of Industrial Minerals stated that feedstock producers were warning that welding grade rutile prices could top $4,000 per tonne in the second half of 2012 due to increasing demand and anticipated supply constraints. |
| · | As a result of a ground, geophysical magnetic survey carried out on the Cerro Blanco property in March, 2012, three new rutile target prospects were identified. The survey was contracted out to Santiago-based geophysical specialist consultancy which tested the magnetic susceptibility of rock within a surveyed grid. This technique is used extensively in Chile as an exploration tool in the copper industry and the Company wanted to test its applicability to titanium exploration. The consultant constructed a rectangular grid measuring 7.5 km by 3 km (2,250 hectares) comprised of 61 lines oriented northeast-southwest and spaced 50 metres apart. The grid covered the previously known main rutile prospects at Cerro Blanco – Las Carolinas, La Cantera, Chascones and Eli. Rock underlying the grid lines was subjected to a magnetic field and the magnetic response was measured. In the case of Cerro Blanco, rutile bearing rock typically exhibited a lower magnetic response than for example rutile deficient or iron bearing rocks. Based on an interpretation of the survey data, the consultant and the Company were able to identify three new rutile target prospects warranting further investigation. These targets are: |
| · | Target 1 Hippo Ear This target covers an area of approximately 16 hectares and is located directly south of the Las Carolinas prospect. Since completing the survey, detailed geological mapping has been completed on this target and three trenches measuring approximately 20 meters in length, 2.5 meters deep and 1.5 meters wide have been mapped and sampled. Three trenches measuring approximately 20 meters in length, 2.5 meters deep and 1.5 meters were mapped and sampled. Composite sample results over the length of the three trenches had an average grade of 1.5% TiO2. |
| · | Target 2 Algodon Prospect This target covers an area of approximately 44 hectares and is located approximately 1.5 km west of the Las Carolinas prospect. Geological reconnaissance and selective sampling of outcrop has been completed over approximately 60% of the target area. Nine samples were taken, which had an average grade of 1.54% and a maximum grade of 5.58% TiO2. |
| · | Target 3 Quartz Creek This target covers an area of approximately 77 hectares and is located directly southeast of the Las Carolinas prospect. Geological reconnaissance and systematic grid rock sampling (one sample every 25 - 30 metres) has been completed over approximately 27% of the target area. Some outcrop samples showed abundant rutile related to coarse quartz, albite and veinlets. Samples taken from the target areas listed above were submitted for XRF total rock analyses. The 47 samples submitted had an average grade of 1.41% and a maximum grade of 5.52% TiO2. Four samples had grades of over 4.0% TiO2. A further twenty-four samples were taken from the Chascones prospect with rutile mineralization observed in all samples. These samples had an average grade of 1.39% and maximum grade of 2.57% TiO2. These initial rock sampling results for the three new rutile target areas as well as the Chascones prospect are similar to historic results obtained on the Las Carolinas and La Cantera prospects which are located along strike and to the northeast of Chascones. Las Carolinas contains the Cerro Blanco project’s current estimated rutile resource and La Cantera is the next prospect scheduled for drilling. At La Cantera, an historic surface rock sampling program comprised of 149 samples had an average grade of 1.63% and maximum grade of 3.49% TiO2. |
| | A further twenty-four samples were taken from the Chascones prospect with rutile mineralization observed in all samples. These samples had an average grade of 1.39% and maximum grade of 2.57% TiO2.
These initial rock sampling results for the three new rutile target areas as well as the Chascones prospect are similar to historic results obtained on the Las Carolinas and La Cantera prospects which are located along strike and to the northeast of Chascones. Las Carolinas contains the Cerro Blanco project’s current estimated rutile resource and La Cantera is the next prospect scheduled for drilling. At La Cantera, an historic surface rock sampling program comprised of 149 samples had an average grade of 1.63% and maximum grade of 3.49% TiO2. |
| | |
| · | We entered into a letter of intent (“LOI”) with Hyundai Welding Co., Ltd., (“Hyundai Welding”) and Korea Resources Corporation, (“KORES”) which contains binding provisions whereby Hyundai Welding and KORES are required to provide the Company with US$10,000,000 in funding for the Cerro Blanco project on or before August 17, 2012. In the event that we are unable to enter into a definitive agreement with Hyundai Welding and KORES which reflects the proposed nonbinding provisions of the LOI by August 31, 2012, or if the LOI is terminated, any funds advanced under the LOI will be converted into shares of our common stock. The LOI will expire on August 31, 2012. The LOI anticipates a definitive agreement whereby Hyundai Welding and KORES would form a joint venture which would purchase an approximately 30% interest in our wholly owned Chilean subsidiary, in return for approximately US$60,000,000. |
Results of Operations
The Company recorded a net loss of $2,215,877 and $5,075,702 for the three and six months respectively ended June 30, 2012 ($0.04 and $0.09 per weighted average common share outstanding) compared to a net loss of $1,232,734 and 4,759,081 ($0.09 and $0.09 per share) for the comparable interim periods in 2011.
The losses in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are both materially affected by ASC 815 which applies to any freestanding financial instruments or embedded features that have the characteristics of a derivative and to any freestanding financial instruments that are potentially settled in an entity’s own common stock and was applicable to the 4,250,000 warrants which were exercised in 2011.
For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded a fair value loss on the warrants of $nil. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded a loss of $543,150.
Many expenses continue to be comparable for this six month period compared to the same period in 2011, reflecting the continuing activities of the Company in Chile to advance to final feasibility and the development of the Chinuka Process. The most material exceptions are as follows:
| · | Exploration expense of $1,254,762 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 (YTD: $2,068,927) (2011: $532,775 - YTD: $1,523,388) reflects the increased work being performed to meet the requirements of the final feasibility study, most particularly in the areas of environmental studies, mapping and geological analysis; |
| · | Office expenses of $25,657 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 (YTD: $252,519) (2011: $7,948 – YTD: $81,813) reflects stock-based compensation of $190,530 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (2011: $63,000), as well as the expanded activities in the Santiago office; |
| · | Research and development of $204,599 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 (YTD: $307,574) (2011: $88,433 – YTD: $176,504) reflects increased expenditures on technology with respect to the Chinuka process; and |
| · | Foreign exchange loss of $93,767 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 (YTD: $164,730) (2011: $77,212 – YTD: $266,382) reflects the volatility of the U.S. dollar compared to the Chilean Peso and Canadian dollar during the period compared to 2011. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” eliminating the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. The standard requires other comprehensive income be presented as part of a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in a statement of other comprehensive income immediately following the statement of net income. The new accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. This standard did not change the presentation of our financial statements or affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the disclosure required by this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act, during our most recent fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
There are no reportable events required pursuant to this item.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are furnished with this report:
Exhibit No. | | Description |
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31.1 | | Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer |
31.2 | | Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer |
32.1 | | Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
32.2 | | Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| White Mountain Titanium Corporation |
| | | |
Date: | August 13, 2012 | By | /s/ Michael P. Kurthanjek |
| | | Michael P. Kurtanjek, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| | | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | | |
Date: | August 13, 2012 | By | /s/ Charles E. Jenkins |
| | | Charles E. Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer |
| | | (Principal Financial Officer) |