UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| | |
x | | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 |
OR |
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: 001-33894

MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| | |
British Columbia | | 98-0459178 |
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
Unit 1 – 15782 Marine Drive | | |
White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
White Rock, British Columbia, Canada V4B 1E6 | | V4B 1E6 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(604) 536-2711
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, No Par Value
NYSE Amex
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YesoNox
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Act. YesoNox
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNoo
Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part
III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K.o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “Accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filero
Accelerated Filerx
Non-Accelerated Filero Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YesoNox
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was US$77,584,935 based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as reported by the NYSE Amex on June 30, 2008. The registrant began trading on the NYSE Amex on January 3, 2008.
The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 27, 2009was 64,821,664
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference to Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
1
PRELIMINARY NOTES
2
GLOSSARY OF MINING TERMS
4
PART I
9
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
9
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES
13
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
23
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
35
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
36
PART II
36
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
36
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
42
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
43
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
52
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
52
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
52
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
54
PART III
58
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
58
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
58
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
58
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
58
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
59
PART IV
59
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
59
SIGNATURES
62
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These statements include, but are not limited to, comments regarding:
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· | the establishment and estimates of mineral reserves and resources; |
· | grade; |
· | expenditures; |
· | exploration; |
· | permits; |
· | closure costs; |
· | future financing; |
· | liquidity; |
· | estimates of environmental liabilities; |
· | our ability to obtain financing to fund our estimated expenditure and capital requirements; |
· | factors impacting our results of operations; |
· | application of Sarbanes-Oxley 404 reporting requirements and our ability to meet those reporting requirements; and |
· | the impact of adoption of new accounting standards. |
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
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· | unexpected changes in business and economic conditions; |
· | significant increases or decreases in gold prices; |
· | changes in interest and currency exchange rates; |
· | unanticipated grade changes; |
· | metallurgy, processing, access, availability of materials, equipment, supplies and water; |
· | determination of reserves; |
· | results of current and future exploration activities; |
· | results of pending and future feasibility studies; |
· | joint venture relationships; |
· | political or economic instability, either globally or in the countries in which we operate; |
· | local and community impacts and issues; |
· | timing of receipt of government approvals; |
· | accidents and labor disputes; |
· | environmental costs and risks; |
· | competitive factors, including competition for property acquisitions; |
· | availability of external financing at reasonable rates or at all; and |
· | the factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors.” |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks
1
and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Risk Factors and Uncertainties”, “Description of the Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” of this Annual Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law.
PRELIMINARY NOTES
Reporting Currency, Financial and Other Information
All amounts in this Annual Report are expressed in Canadian Dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, the United States Dollar is denoted as “US$.”
Financial information is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“US GAAP”) which do not differ in any material respects from GAAP in Canada.
Information in Part I and II of this report includes data expressed in various measurement units and contains numerous technical terms used in the gold mining industry. To assist readers in understanding this information, a conversion table and glossary are provided below.
Exchange Rate Information
The table below sets forth the average rate of exchange for the Canadian Dollar at the end of the five most recent calendar years ended December 31st. The table also sets forth the high and low rate of exchange for the Canadian Dollar at the end of the six most recent months. For purposes of this table, the rate of exchange means the noon exchange rate as reported by the Bank of Canada on its web site at www.bankofcanada.ca. The table sets forth the number of Canadian Dollars required under that formula to buy one United States Dollar. The average rate means the average of the noon exchange rates on each day of each month during the period.
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31 |
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
Average for Period | 1.07 | 1.07 | 1.13 | 1.21 | 1.30 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Feb 2009 | Jan 2009 | Dec 2008 | Nov 2008 | Oct 2008 | Sept 2008 |
High for Period | 1.25 | 1.24 | 1.25 | 1.23 | 1.19 | 1.06 |
Low for Period | 1.24 | 1.22 | 1.23 | 1.21 | 1.17 | 1.05 |
The noon rate of exchange on March 27, 2009as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was $1.2392 (US$1.00 = Cdn$0.81).
2
Metric Conversion Table
For ease of reference, the following conversion factors are provided:
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Metric Unit | U.S. Measure | U.S. Measure | Metric Unit |
| | | |
1 hectare | 2.471 acres | 1 acre | 0.4047 hectares |
1 metre | 3.2881 feet | 1 foot | 0.3048 metres |
1 kilometre | 0.621 miles | 1 mile | 1.609 kilometres |
1 gram | 0.032 troy oz. | 1 troy ounce | 31.1 grams |
1 kilogram | 2.205 pounds | 1 pound | 0.4541 kilograms |
1 tonne | 1.102 short tons | 1 short ton | 0.907 tonnes |
1 gram/tonne | 0.029 troy ozs./ton | 1 troy ounce/ton | 34.28 grams/tonne |
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The following abbreviations are used herein:
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Ag | | = silver | | M m | | = meter |
Au | | = gold | | m(2) | | = square meter |
Au g/t | | = grams of gold per tonne | | m(3) | | = cubic meter |
g | | = gram | | Ma | | = million years |
ha | | = hectare | | Oz | | = troy ounce |
km | | = kilometer | | Pb | | = lead |
km(2) | | = square kilometers | | T | | = tonne |
kg | | = kilogram | | t | | = ton |
lb | | = pound | | Zn | | = zinc |
m | | = meter | | | | |
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CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES
The mineral estimates in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) -CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended. These definitions differ from the definitions in United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 under the United States Securities Act of 1993, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.
In addition, the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain descriptions of our mineral deposits that may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
4
GLOSSARY OF MINING TERMS
We estimate and report our resources and we will estimate and report our reserves according to the definitions set forth in NI 43-101. We will modify and reconcile the reserves as appropriate to conform to SEC Industry Guide 7 for reporting in the U.S. The definitions for each reporting standard are presented below with supplementary explanation and descriptions of the parallels and differences.
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NI 43-101 Definitions | | |
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indicated mineral resource | | The term “indicated mineral resource” refers to that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be established with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. |
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inferred mineral resource | | The term “inferred mineral resource” refers to that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. |
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measured mineral resource | | The term “measured mineral resource” refers to that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. |
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mineral reserve | | The term “mineral reserve” refers to the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. The study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that might occur when the material is mined. |
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mineral resource | | The term “mineral resource” refers to a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. |
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opt | | Troy ounce per ton |
5
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probable mineral reserve | | The term “probable mineral reserve” refers to the economically mineable part of an indicated, and in some circumstances a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. |
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proven mineral reserve1 | | The term “proven mineral reserve” refers to the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. |
| | |
qualified person2 | | The term “qualified person” refers to an individual who is an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years of experience in mineral exploration, mine development, production activities and project assessment, or any combination thereof, including experience relevant to the subject matter of the project or report and is a member in good standing of a self-regulating organization. |
|
SEC Industry Guide 7 Definitions |
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exploration stage | | An “exploration stage” prospect is one which is not in either the development or production stage. |
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development stage | | A “development stage” project is one which is undergoing preparation of an established commercially mineable deposit for its extraction but which is not yet in production. This stage occurs after completion of a feasibility study. |
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mineralized material | | The term “mineralized material” refers to material that is not included in the reserve as it does not meet all of the criteria for adequate demonstration for economic or legal extraction. |
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probable reserve | | The term “probable reserve” refers to reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation. |
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production stage | | A “production stage” project is actively engaged in the process of extraction and beneficiation of mineral reserves to produce a marketable metal or mineral product. |
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proven reserve | | The term “proven reserve” refers to reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well-established. |
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6
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reserve | | The term “reserve” refers to that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. Reserves must be supported by a feasibility study done to bankable standards that demonstrates the economic extraction. (“Bankable standards” implies that the confidence attached to the costs and achievements developed in the study is sufficient for the project to be eligible for external debt financing.) A reserve includes adjustments to the in-situ tonnes and grade to include diluting materials and allowances for losses that might occur when the material is mined. |
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1For Industry Guide 7 purposes this study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction is justified. 2Industry Guide 7 does not require designation of a qualified person. |
Additional definitions for terms used in this Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
Argillite:
Low grade metamorphic clay rich sedimentary rock (shale, mudstone, siltstone).
Block model:
The representation of geologic units using three-dimensional blocks of predetermined sizes.
Breccia:
A rock in which angular fragments are surrounded by a mass of fine-grained minerals.
CIM:
Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Cut off or cut-off grade:
When determining economically viable mineral reserves, the lowest grade of mineralized material that qualifies as ore, i.e. that can be mined at a profit.
Diatreme:
Brecciated rock formed by volcanic or hydrothermal eruptive activity, generally in a pipe or funnel like orientation.
EM:
An instrument that measures the change in electro-magnetic conductivity of different geological units below the surface of the earth.
Fault:
A rock fracture along which there has been displacement
Feasibility study:
Group of reports that determine the economic viability of a given mineral occurrence.
Formation:
A distinct layer of sedimentary or volcanic rock of similar composition.
G/t or gpt:
Grams per metric tonne.
Geophysicist:
One who studies the earth; in particular the physics of the solid earth, the atmosphere and the earth’s magnetosphere.
Geotechnical work:
Tasks that provide representative data of the geological rock quality in a known volume.
Grade:
Quantity of metal per unit weight of host rock.
Gravity:
A methodology using instrumentation allowing the accurate measuring of the difference between densities of various geological units in situ.
Host rock:
The rock containing a mineral or an ore body.
Mapping or geologic mapping:
The recording of geologic information such as the distribution and nature of rock units and the occurrence of structural features, mineral deposits, and fossil localities.
Mineral:
A naturally formed chemical element or compound having a definite chemical composition and, usually, a characteristic crystal form.
Mineralization:
A natural occurrence in rocks or soil of one or more metal yielding minerals.
Mining:
The process of extraction and beneficiation of mineral reserves to produce a marketable metal or mineral product. Exploration continues during the mining process and, in many cases, mineral reserves are expanded during the life of the mine operations as the exploration potential of the deposit is realized.
National Instrument 43-101:
Canadian standards of disclosure for mineral projects.
7
Open pit:
Surface mining in which the ore is extracted from a pit or quarry, the geometry of the pit may vary with the characteristics of the ore body.
Ore:
Mineral bearing rock that can be mined and treated profitably under current or immediately foreseeable economic conditions.
Ore body:
A mostly solid and fairly continuous mass of mineralization estimated to be economically mineable.
Outcrop:
That part of a geologic formation or structure that appears at the surface of the earth.
Porphyry:
An igneous rock characterized by visible crystals in a fine–grained matrix.
Quartz:
A mineral composed of silicon dioxide, SiO2 (silica).
Reclamation:
The process by which lands disturbed as a result of mining activity are modified to support beneficial land use.Reclamation activity may include the removal of buildings, equipment, machinery and other physical remnants of mining, closure of tailings storage facilities, leach pads and other mine features, and contouring, covering and re-vegetation of waste rock and other disturbed areas.
SEC Industry Guide 7:
U.S. reporting guidelines that apply to registrants engaged or to be engaged in significant mining operations.
Sedimentary rock:
Rock formed at the earth’s surface from solid particles, whether mineral or organic, which have been moved from their position of origin and re-deposited, or chemically precipitated.
Strike:
The direction, or bearing from true north, of a vein or rock formation measured on a horizontal surface.
Strip:
To remove overburden in order to expose ore.
Vein:
A thin, sheet like crosscutting body of hydrothermal mineralization, principally quartz.
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PART I
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), references to “Midway,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean Midway Gold Corp., its predecessors and consolidated subsidiaries, or any one or more of them, as the context requires.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General development of Midway Gold Corp.
Midway Gold Corp. was incorporated under the Company Act (British Columbia) on May 14, 1996, under the name Neary Resources Corporation. On October 8, 1999, Midway changed its name to Red Emerald Resource Corp. On July 10, 2002, it changed its name to Midway Gold Corp. Midway became a reporting issuer in the Province of British Columbia upon the issuance of a receipt for a prospectus on May 16, 1997. The common shares were listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange (a predecessor of the TSX Venture Exchange) on May 29, 1997. On July 1, 2001, Midway became a reporting issuer in the Province of Alberta pursuant to Alberta BOR#51-501. Midway’s shares are currently listed on the NYSE Amex and Tier 1 of the TSX.V under the symbol “MDW.”
Midway is an exploration stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and, if warranted, development of gold and silver mineral properties in North America. It is our objective to identify mineral prospects of merit, conduct preliminary exploration work, and if results are positive, conduct advanced exploration and, if warranted, development work. Our mineral properties are located in Nevada and Washington. The Midway, Spring Valley, Pan and Golden Eagle gold properties are exploratory stage projects and have identified gold mineralization and the Thunder Mountain, Roberts Creek, Gold Rock (formerly the Monte) Creek and Burnt Canyon projects are earlier stage gold and silver exploration projects.
The corporate organization chart for Midway as of the date of this Annual Report is as follows:

Our registered and corporate office in Canada is located at Unit 1 - 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, B.C. V4B 1E6, and our corporate office phone number is 604-536-2711. Our operations office in the United States is located at 600 Lola Street, Suite 10, Helena, Montana 59601. Our agent for service of process is Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 370 17th Street, Suite 4700 Republic Plaza, Denver, Colorado, 80202, and our registered agent’s phone number is 303-629-3400. We maintain a website at www.midwaygold.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report.
9
Financial Information about Segments
Segmented information is contained in note 13 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” contained within this Annual Report as is incorporated herein by reference.
Narrative Description of Business
Midway is focused on exploring and developing high-grade, quality precious metal resources in stable mining areas. Midway’s principal properties are the Spring Valley, Midway and Pan gold and silver mineral properties located in Nevada and the Golden Eagle gold mineral property located in the Washington. Midway owns certain other mineral exploration properties located in Nevada.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors –In this Annual Report we use the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, which are geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines adopted by CIM, as CIM Standards in Mineral Resources and Reserve Definition and Guidelines adopted by the CIM. US investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
Spring Valley Property, Pershing County, Nevada
The Spring Valley project is located 20 miles northeast of Lovelock, Nevada. Spring Valley is a diatreme/porphyry hosted gold system covered by gravel. Gold has been intercepted continuously from a depth of 50 to 1400 feet, suggesting a large mineral system.
On March 2, 2009 the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate at December 31, 2008 of 87,750,000 tons at a grade of 0.021 opt containing 1,835,615 ounces of gold using a cut off grade of 0.006 opt gold.
On October 17, 2008 the Company signed a term sheet with the US subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”) for an exploration agreement and option to joint venture the Spring Valley project. A definitive agreement was executed on March 10, 2009 and exploration by Barrick is expected to begin soon.
See “Item 2. Description of Properties” for additional information.
Midway Property, Nye County, Nevada
The Midway property is located in Nye County, Nevada, approximately 24 kilometers northeast of the town of Tonopah, 335 kilometers northwest of Las Vegas and 380 kilometers southeast of Reno. It is a high-grade epithermal quartz-gold vein system, on the Round Mountain – Goldfield gold trend. An underground decline is being permitted to bulk sample and test a group of high grade veins. Bulk sampling and metallurgical testing will help determine the true grade of the veins, provide a large sample for metallurgical testing and a drill platform to delineate reserves, and move the project toward production.
Midway hopes to be permitted for the bulk sample in late 2009 or early 2010.
See “Item 2. Description of Properties” for additional information.
Pan Gold Project, White Pine County, Nevada
The Pan Gold property is located at the northern end of the Pancake mountain range in western White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 22 miles southeast of Eureka, Nevada, and 50 miles west of Ely, Nevada.
The Pan project is a sediment-hosted gold deposit located along the prolific Battle Mountain/Eureka gold trend. Gold occurs in four shallow oxide deposits, along a 2-mile strike length of a faulted anticline.
10
The project has a Measured and Indicated resource of 18,961,000 tons at 0.019 opt containing 361,400 ounces of gold and an Inferred mineral resource of 8,302,000 tons at 0.017 opt containing 140,600 ounces of gold as of January 2005 at a cut-off grade of 0.01 opt gold.
Midway completed 26,245 feet in 49 RC drill holes in 2008 including confirmation drilling to update the mineral resource and step-out and exploration drilling. Midway plans to update the resource estimate in 2009.
See “Item 2. Description of Properties” for additional information.
Golden Eagle Project
In 2008 the Company purchased a 100% interest in the Golden Eagle property located in Ferry County, Washington from Kinross Gold and Hecla.
The Golden Eagle property hosts a large hot springs gold deposit that is partially covered by glacial gravels. In 1996 a previous operator delineated an open pit deposit on private ground. Beneath this deposit are several underground high-grade vein exploration targets. These targets are adjacent to the Republic Knob Hill veins which produced high-grade gold, from underground veins, for Hecla for over 20 years. We will also review options to process sulfide mineralization, hosted in the historic resource in view of newer technologies and the economics afforded by a higher gold price. The ability to explore the deeper targets combined with the strategic access to Kinross’ nearby mill is a bonus that could add value to any new oxide ounces discovered on the property.
Since acquisition the Company has begun compiling and reviewing the historic data base of 847 drill holes containing 165,775 feet of mostly core drilling to create a modern gold model.
See “Item 2. Description of Properties” for additional information.
Roberts Gold, Gold Rock, Burnt Canyon and Thunder Mountain Projects
The Roberts Gold (formerly the Afgan project) is a sediment-hosted gold deposit located on the Battle Mountain/Eureka gold trend. Midway developed a new target concept in 2008 using geophysics and surface exploration, concluding that volcanic rocks of the Northern Nevada rift may cover favorable host rocks in a gravel fill area. The Afgan claim holdings on the southern part of the property were returned to the leaseholder due to a lack of target host rocks on that ground. The Company is seeking a joint venture partner for this project.
In the center of theGold Rock property, lies the Ez Junior gold mine, which when it was operated by Echo Bay Mines and Alta Gold produced 1.10 Mt 0.068 opt gold (74,945 ounces gold). The mine was shut down in 1994, due to lower gold prices. This is a sediment hosted gold system in highly prospective host rocks within a 14 square mile land position along the Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. A historic database of 577 holes containing 224,985 feet of drilling was recently acquired outlining continuous gold in drill holes along 9,200 feet of length along an anticline that was mined in part by the Ez Junior mine. Surface work, geophysics and historic data have identified a number of exploration targets, on this prospective land package. At the very south end of the claim group, before the entire land package was assembled, 11 RC drill holes (3,525 feet) were drilled on the Anchor target during 2008. The most significant intercept was 60 feet of 0.01 4 opt gold starting at 25 feet in AR08-08. Four other holes found strongly anomalous gold in the Pilot formation, a regionally favorable host rock. A review of the historic gold deposit is planned and additional target and data compilation for the property is in progress.
The 2008 surface exploration and geophysics program on theBurnt Canyon project identified targets in this volcanic hosted epithermal system. Disseminated gold identified in rock chip and soil sampling at five different areas have been selected as drill targets. The project lies between high grade veins in the Seven Troughs district and the Wildcat gold deposit to the north. The Company is seeking a joint venture partner for this project.
In 2008, Midway drilled 1,120 feet in 4 RC holes on theThunder Mountain project testing for high-grade veins hosted in rhylotic volcanic rocks. The work was to complement development work at the Midway project, located six miles to the northwest. In 2007 drilling by the Company intercepted high grade gold in silicified breccias hosted rhyolite tuff containing 70 feet of 0.105 opt gold beginning at a 55 foot depth (Press Release October 18, 2007).
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Results from 2008 included 40 feet of 0.135 opt gold at 70 foot depth, and two veins were intercepted with the most significant intercept reporting 5.5 feet (true thickness) of 0.389 opt gold in the Beckie vein (Press (Press Release May 1, 2008). These favourable results and alteration and favourable geologic settings attracted a joint venture proposal by Kinross Gold USA. Continued exploration on the Thunder Mountain project is now being funded by Kinross Gold USA pursuant to an agreement. Kinross has added over 100 claims to the project area and in late December 2008 Kinross completed a first pass drill program comprising 7 RC drill holes containing 3,440 feet. The drilling off-set the known Beckie zone and targeted three other areas in the project. Assays are pending.
See “Item 2. Description of Properties” for additional information.
Employee relations
As of December 31, 2008, we had 9 employees, including 4 employees at our principal executive office in Helena, Montana and 1 employee based in Nevada.
Reclamation
We generally are required to mitigate long-term environmental impacts by stabilizing, contouring, re-sloping and revegetating various portions of a site after mining and mineral processing operations are completed. These reclamation efforts are conducted in accordance with detailed plans, which must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Government Regulation
Mining operations and exploration activities are subject to various national, state, provincial and local laws and regulations in the United States, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances and other matters. We have obtained or have pending applications for those licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct our exploration and other programs. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and the regulations passed thereunder in the United States. There are no current orders or directions relating to us with respect to the foregoing laws and regulations. For a more detailed discussion of the various government laws and regulations applicable to our operations and potential negative affects of these laws an d regulations please see "Item 1A.—Risk Factors" below.
Environmental Regulation
Our gold projects are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in general, are becoming more restrictive. Our policy isto conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment. We believe that our operations are conducted in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Changes to current local, state or federal laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate could require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or reclamation costs. Although we are unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of our projects.
During 2008, there were no material environmental incidents or material non-compliance with any applicable environmental regulations. We estimate that we will not incur material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during the current fiscal year.
Gold Price History
The price of gold is volatile and is affected by numerous factors all of which are beyond our control such as the sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, inflation, recession, fluctuation in the relative
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values of the US dollar and foreign currencies, changes in global and regional gold demand, and the political and economic conditions of major gold-producing countries throughout the world.
The following table presents the high, low and average afternoon fixed prices in U.S. dollars for gold per ounce on the London Bullion Market over the past five years:
| | | | | | |
Year | | High | | Low | | Average |
2004 | | 454 | | 375 | | 410 |
2005 | | 537 | | 411 | | 445 |
2006 | | 725 | | 525 | | 603 |
2007 | | 841 | | 608 | | 695 |
2008 | | 1,011 | | 713 | | 872 |
2009 (to March 27) | | 968 | | 810 | | 908 |
Data
Source: www.kitco.com
Seasonality
Seasonality in Nevada and Washington is not a material factor to the Company for its projects. Certain surface exploration work may need to be conducted when there is no snow but it is not a significant issue for the Company.
Competition
We compete with major mining companies and other natural mineral resource companies in the acquisition, exploration, financing and development of new prospects. Many of these companies are larger and better capitalized than we are. There is significant competition for the limited number of gold acquisition and exploration opportunities. Our competitive position depends upon our ability to successfully and economically explore, acquire and develop new and existing mineral prospects. Factors that allow producers to remain competitive in the market over the long term include the quality and size of their ore bodies, costs of operation, and the acquisition and retention of qualified employees. We also compete with other mining companies for skilled mining engineers, mine and processing plant operators and mechanics, geologists, geophysicists and other technical personnel. This could result in higher turnover and greater labor costs.
Available information
We make available, free of charge, on or through our Internet website, at www.midwaygold.com, links to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our internet address is www.midwaygold.com. Our code of business conduct and ethics is located on our website. To the extent permitted, we intend to post on our website any amendments to, or waivers from, our code of business conduct and ethics. Our internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Risks related to Midway’s business
Readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in our common shares.
Our failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations, and the trading price of our common shares may
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decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business.
Estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements inherently subject to error. Unforeseen events and uncontrollable factors can have a significant impact on mineralized material estimates and actual results may differ from estimates.
We have a history of losses and will require additional financing to fund exploration and, if warranted, development.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been prepared on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of its assets and the settlement of its liabilities in the normal course of operations. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is uncertain and dependent upon obtaining the financing necessary to meet its financial commitments and to complete the development of its properties and/or realizing proceeds from the sale of one or more of the properties. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the continued financial support from its shareholders, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary equity financing to continue operations, confirmation of the Company’s interests in the underlying properties, and the attainment of profitable operations. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had cash of $2,416,438, working capi tal of $1,156,536, and has accumulated losses of $53,235,472 since inception.
Management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements to fund its proposed exploration program and continued operations will exceed the amount of cash on hand at December 31, 2008. Accordingly, the Company does not have sufficient funds to meet planned expenditures over the next twelve months, and will need to seek additional debt or equity financing to meet its planned expenditures. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to raise sufficient cash to fund its future exploration programs and operational expenditures. The Company has 12,500,000 share purchase warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $0.28 that expire on May 12, 2009. The market price at December 31, 2008 was $0.59 and there is a reasonable expectation that these warrants will be exercised to raise $3,500,000 of which $1,000,000 will be dedicated to repay the balance of the promissory note. By the first week of May the Company will assess the situation and should the share pu rchase warrants not be exercised the Company will further reduce its staffing and curtail its budget to the available remaining cash until additional funds can be raised through the sale of equity. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Our auditor’s report on our 2008 consolidated financial statements include an additional explanatory paragraph that states that our recurring losses from operation raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have not commenced commercial production on any of our mineral properties. We have no revenues from operations and anticipate we will have no operating revenues until we place one or more of our properties into production. All of our properties are in the exploration stage, which means that we have known mineral reserves on our properties. We currently do not have sufficient funds to fully complete exploration and development work on any of our properties, which means that we will be required to raise additional capital, enter into joint venture relationships or find alternative means to finance placing one or more of our properties into commercial production, if warranted. We anticipate raising additional funds in 2009 to continue our exploration at recent levels. . If the Company fails to raise additional funds it will curtail its activities and may risk being unable to maintain its interests in its mineral properties.
Failure to obtain sufficient financing may result in the delay or indefinite postponement of exploration, and, development or production on one or more of our properties and any properties we may acquire in the future or even a loss of property interests. This includes our leases over claims covering the principal deposits on our properties, which may expire unless we expend minimum levels of expenditures over the terms of such leases. We cannot be certain that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable or acceptable to us. Future financings may cause dilution to our shareholders.
We have no history of producing metals from our mineral properties.
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We have no history of producing metals from any of our properties. Our properties are all exploration stage properties in various stages of exploration. Our Midway, Spring Valley, Pan and Golden Eagle properties are exploratory stage exploration projects with identified gold mineralization, and our Thunder Mountain, Roberts Creek, Burnt Canyon and Gold Rock projects are each early stage exploration projects. Advancing properties from exploration into the development stage requires significant capital and time and successful commercial production from a property, if any, will be subject to completing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of the mine, processing plants, roads, and other related works and infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with developing and establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including:
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completion of feasibility studies to verify reserves and commercial viability, including the ability to find sufficient gold reserves to support a commercial mining operation;
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the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of further exploration, preparing feasibility studies, permitting and construction of infrastructure, mining and processing facilities;
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the availability and costs of drill equipment, exploration personnel, skilled labor and mining and processing equipment, if required;
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the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements, if required;
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compliance with environmental and other governmental approval and permit requirements;
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the availability of funds to finance exploration, development and construction activities, as warranted;
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potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, local groups or local inhabitants which may delay or prevent development activities; and
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potential increases in exploration, construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies.
The costs, timing and complexities of exploration, development and construction activities may be increased by the location of our properties and demand by other mineral exploration and mining companies. It is common in exploration programs to experience unexpected problems and delays during drill programs and, if warranted, development, construction and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations and we may not succeed in establish mining operations or profitably producing metals at any of our properties.
Increased costs could affect our financial condition.
We anticipate that costs at our projects that we may explore or develop, will frequently be subject to variation from one year to the next due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, metallurgy and revisions to mine plans, if any, in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities such as fuel, rubber and electricity. Such commodities are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.
A shortage of equipment and supplies could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
We are dependent on various supplies and equipment to carry out our mining exploration and, if warranted, development operations. The shortage of such supplies, equipment and parts could have a material adverse effect on our ability to carry out our operations and therefore limit or increase the cost of production.
Mining and resource exploration is inherently dangerous and subject to conditions or events beyond our control, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and plans.
Mining and mineral exploration involves various types of risks and hazards, including:
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environmental hazards;
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power outages;
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metallurgical and other processing problems;
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unusual or unexpected geological formations;
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flooding, fire, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and rock-bursts;
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inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment, or labor;
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metals losses; and
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periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions.
These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties, personal injury, environmental damage, delays in mining, increased production costs, monetary losses and possible legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from production, is not generally available to us or to other companies within the mining industry. We may suffer a material adverse effect on our business if we incur losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.
The figures for our resources are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.
Unless otherwise indicated, mineralization figures presented in this Annual Report and in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by independent geologists and our internal geologists. When making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon such estimated calculations as to the mineral reserves and grades of mineralization on our properties. Until ore is actually mined and processed, mineral reserves and grades of mineralization must be considered as estimates only.
Estimates can be imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. We cannot assure you that:
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these estimates will be accurate;
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resource or other mineralization estimates will be accurate; or
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this mineralization can be mined or processed profitably.
Any material changes in mineral resource estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and a property’s return on capital.
Because we have not completed feasibility studies on any of our properties and have not commenced actual production, mineralization estimates, including resource estimates, for our properties may require adjustments or downward revisions. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by our feasibility studies and drill results. Minerals recovered in small scale tests may not be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.
The resource estimates contained in this report have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for gold, silver or other commodities may render portions of our mineralization and resource estimates uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization or adversely affect the commercial viability determinations we reach. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of our ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on our share price and the value of our properties.
There are differences in U.S. and Canadian practices for reporting reserves and resources.
Our reserve and resource estimates are not directly comparable to those made in filings subject to SEC reporting and disclosure requirements, as we generally report reserves and resources in accordance with Canadian practices. These practices are different from the practices used to report reserve and resource estimates in reports and other materials filed with the SEC. It is Canadian practice to report measured, indicated and inferred resources, which are generally not permitted in disclosure filed with the SEC by United States issuers. In the United States, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves.
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Further, “inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of “contained ounces” is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC only permits issuers to report “resources” as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization, reserves and resources contained in this report, or in the documents incorporated herein by reference, may not be comparable to information made public by other United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
Our exploration activities on our properties may not be commercially successful, which could lead us to abandon our plans to develop the property and our investments in exploration.
Our long-term success depends on our ability to identify mineral deposits on our existing properties and other properties we may acquire, if any, that we can then develop into commercially viable mining operations. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently nonproductive. These risks include unusual or unexpected geologic formations, and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor. The success of gold, silver and other commodity exploration is determined in part by the following factors:
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the identification of potential mineralization based on surficial analysis;
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availability of government-granted exploration permits;
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the quality of our management and our geological and technical expertise; and
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the capital available for exploration and development work.
Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and analysis, to develop metallurgical processes to extract metal, and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, which include, without limitation, the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices, which fluctuate widely; and government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. We may invest significant capital and resources in exploration activities and abandon such investments if we are unable to identify commercially exploitable mineral reserves. The decision to abandon a project may have an adverse effect on the market value of our securi ties and the ability to raise future financing.
We may encounter archaeological issues and claims relating to our Midway property, which may delay our ability to conduct further exploration or developmental activities or could affect our ability to place the property into commercial production, if warranted
Our exploration and development activities may be delayed due to the designation of a portion of the Midway property as a site of archaeological significance. A cultural inventory of the Midway project has identified a prehistoric site associated with a dune field in the Ralston Valley, adjacent to the Midway property. An intensive cultural and geomorphological inspection was conducted of the project area to determine archaeologically significant areas. Techniques and methods used during the inventory were sufficient to identify most cultural resources and features in the area. Should sufficient mineral resources be identified on the Midway property, a complete archaeological inventory and evaluation would be required, including the possibility of curating the site.
Our Midway property is in close proximity to a municipal water supply, which may delay our ability to conduct further exploration or developmental activities or could affect our ability to place the property into commercial production, if warranted
The Midway property lies within a basin from which the town of Tonopah obtains its municipal water supply. To date, Midway's exploration activities have not been restricted due to the proximity of the activities to this basin. As Midway's exploration and development activities expand, there is an increased risk that the activities may interfere with the water supply. As part of the mining development work on the Midway property, Midway completed a hydrologic review of the basin and will establish a strategy for preventing exploration and development activities from interfering with the water supply. Any damage to, or contamination of, the water supply caused by Midway's activities could result in Midway incurring significant liability. We cannot predict the magnitude of such liability or
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the impact of such liability on our business, prospects or financial condition. Midway has applied for water right permits in the Ralston Basin, which is currently under protest by the town of Tonopah. Midway is currently negotiating with the town about any future pumping of water in the basin. Midway is currently reviewing and negotiating dewatering options with the town of Tonopah that would be agreeable and beneficial for both parties. If Midway were not able to secure dewatering rights for the Midway project, the project may be restricted and could affect our ability to place the property into commercial production, if warranted.
Changes in the market price of gold, silver and other metals, which in the past has fluctuated widely, will affect the profitability of our operations and financial condition.
Our profitability and long-term viability depend, in large part, upon the market price of gold and other metals and minerals produced from our mineral properties. The market price of gold and other metals is volatile and is impacted by numerous factors beyond our control, including:
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expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;
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the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and certain other currencies;
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interest rates;
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global or regional political or economic conditions;
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supply and demand for jewelry and industrial products containing metals; and
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sales by central banks and other holders, speculators and producers of gold and other metals in response to any of the above factors.
We cannot predict the effect of these factors on metal prices. Gold and silver prices have fluctuated during the last several years. The price of gold (London Fix) has ranged from US$712.50 to US$1,011.25per ounce during the period from January 1 through December 31, 2008, closing at US$869.75on December 30, 2008. The price of gold (London Fix) has ranged from $608 to $842 per ounce during the period from January 1 through December 31, 2007, closing at $836 on December 31, 2007. During 2006 gold had a high of $725 and a low of $525 to end the year at $632 per ounce on December 31, 2006.
A decrease in the market price of gold and other metals could affect the commercial viability of our properties and our anticipated development of such properties in the future. Lower gold prices could also adversely affect our ability to finance exploration and development of our properties.
We do not maintain insurance with respect to certain high-risk activities, which exposes us to significant risk of loss
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Hazards such as unusual or unexpected formations or other conditions are often encountered. Midway may become subject to liability for pollution, cave-ins or hazards against which it cannot insure or against which it cannot maintain insurance at commercially reasonable premiums. Any significant claim would have a material adverse effect on Midway's financial position and prospects. Midway is not currently covered by any form of environmental liability insurance, or political risk insurance, since insurance against such risks (including liability for pollution) is prohibitively expensive. Midway may have to suspend operations or take cost interim compliance measures if Midway is unable to fully fund the cost of remedying an environmental problem, if it occurs.
We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production
Our current and future operations, including development activities and commencement of production, if warranted, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, permission to develop a decline beneath a state highway, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in property exploration and the development or operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. We cannot predict if all permits which we may require for continued exploration, development or construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms or that suc h laws and regulations. Costs related
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to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.
Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties.
We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business
Our current and future operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations, including:
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laws and regulations governing mineral concession acquisition, prospecting, development, mining and production;
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laws and regulations related to exports, taxes and fees;
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labor standards and regulations related to occupational health and mine safety;
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environmental standards and regulations related to waste disposal, toxic substances, land use and environmental protection; and
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other matters.
Companies engaged in exploration activities often experience increased costs and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits may result in enforcement actions, including the forfeiture of claims, orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities requiring operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or costly remedial actions. We may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of its mineral exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of such laws, regulations and permits.
Existing and possible future laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of exploration companies, or more stringent implementation, could have a material adverse impact on our business and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in exploration.
Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.
All phases of our operations are subject to environmental regulation in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays and may cause material changes or delays in our operations and future activities. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on our properties or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.
Land reclamation requirements for our properties may be burdensome and expensive.
Although variable depending on location and the governing authority, land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) in order to minimize long
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term effects of land disturbance.
Reclamation may include requirements to:
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control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents; and
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reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance land forms and vegetation.
In order to carry out reclamation obligations imposed on us in connection with our potential development activities, we must allocate financial resources that might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. We plan to set up a provision for our reclamation obligations on our properties, as appropriate, but this provision may not be adequate. If we are required to carry out unanticipated reclamation work, our financial position could be adversely affected.
Increased competition could adversely affect our ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future.
The mining industry is intensely competitive. Significant competition exists for the acquisition of properties producing or capable of producing, gold or other metals. We may be at a competitive disadvantage in acquiring additional mining properties because we must compete with other individuals and companies, many of which have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us. We may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in our efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition for exploration resources at all levels is currently very intense, particularly affecting the availability of manpower, drill rigs, mining equipment and production equipment. Increased competition could adversely affect our ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future.
We compete with larger, better capitalized competitors in the mining industry.
The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases, including financing, technical resources, personnel and property acquisition. It requires significant capital, technical resources, personnel and operational experience to effectively compete in the mining industry. Because of the high costs associated with exploration, the expertise required to analyze a project’s potential and the capital required to develop a mine, larger companies with significant resources may have a competitive advantage over us. We face strong competition from other mining companies, some with greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us. As a result of this competition, we may be unable to maintain or acquire financing, personnel, technical resources or attractive mining properties on terms we consider acceptable or at all.
Midway may enter into joint venture and option agreements with other parties, which could decrease our ownership interest and control over such properties
We may, in the future, be unable to meet its share of costs incurred under option or joint venture agreements to which it is a party and we may have our interest in the properties subject to such agreements reduced or terminated as a result. Furthermore, if other parties to such agreements do not meet their share of such costs, we may be unable to finance the cost required to complete recommended programs. In many joint ventures or option arrangements, we would give up control over decisions to commence work and the timing of such work, if any.
Our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest as a result of their relationships with other companies.
Certain or our officers and directors are also directors, officers or shareholders of other companies that are similarly engaged in the business of acquiring, developing and exploiting natural resource properties. For example, Alan Branham, our President, CEO and Director, also serves as a director for Rocky Mountain Resources Corp.; Doris Meyer, our CFO and Corporate Secretary, also serves as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of AuEx Ventures Inc., Crescent Resources Corp., Kalimantan Gold Corporation Limited, Miranda Gold Corp., Potash North Resource Corporation, Regency Gold Corp., Rolling Rock Resources Corporation, Sunridge Gold Corp. and Tournigan Energy Ltd. and in addition is also a director of Kalimantan Gold Corporation Limited, Regency Gold Corp. and Sunridge Gold Corp., George Hawes, also serves as a director for Proginet Corporation and Rocky
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Mountain Resources Corp. Consequently, there is a possibility that our directors and/or officers may be in a position of conflict in the future.
We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management to meet the needs of our anticipated growth, and the failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition
We are dependent on a relatively small number of key employees, including Alan Branham, our President and CEO and Doris Meyer, our CFO. The loss of Mr. Branham or Ms. Meyer could have an adverse effect on Midway. Midway does not have any key person insurance with respect to any of its key employees.
Our results of operations could be affected by currency fluctuations
We arrange our equity funding and pay most of our administrative costs in Canadian dollars. However our properties are all located in the United States and most costs associated with these properties are paid in U.S. dollars. There can be significant swings in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar. There are no plans at this time to hedge against any exchange fluctuations in currencies.
Title to our properties may be subject to other claims, which could affect our property rights and claims.
There are risks that title to our properties may be challenged or impugned. Most of our properties are located in Nevada and may be subject to prior unrecorded agreements or transfers or native land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of our properties which, if successful, could impair development and/or operations. This is particularly the case in respect of those portions of the our properties in which we hold our interest solely through a lease with the claim holders, as such interest is substantially based on contract and has been subject to a number of assignments (as opposed to a direct interest in the property).
Several of the mineral rights to our properties consist of "unpatented" mining claims created and maintained in accordance with the U.S. General Mining Law. Unpatented mining claims are unique property interests, and are generally considered to be subject to greater title risk than other real property interests because the validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain. This uncertainty arises, in part, out of the complex federal and state laws and regulations under the U.S. General Mining Law, including the requirement of a proper physical discovery of valuable minerals within the boundaries of each claim and proper compliance with physical staking requirements. Also, unpatented mining claims are always subject to possible challenges by third parties or validity contests by the federal government. The validity of an unpatented mining or millsite claim, in terms of both its location and its maintenance, is dependent on strict compliance with a complex body of U.S. federal and state statutory and decisional law. In addition, there are few public records that definitively determine the issues of validity and ownership of unpatented mining claims. Should the Federal government impose a royalty or additional tax burdens on the properties that lie within public lands, the resulting mining operations could be seriously impacted, depending upon the type and amount of the burden.
Midway may be a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes.
Midway may be a passive foreign investment company, or "PFIC," for United States Federal income tax purposes. If so, Midway will continue to be so until it generates sufficient revenue from its mineral exploration and extraction activities. However, the actual determination of PFIC status is fundamentally factual in nature and cannot be made until the close of the applicable taxable year. If Midway is a PFIC, any gain recognized by a U.S. holder of common shares of Midway upon a sale or other disposition of common shares of Midway may be ordinary (rather than capital), and any resulting United States federal income tax may be increased by an interest charge. Rules similar to those applicable to dispositions generally will apply to certain excess distributions in respect of a common share of Midway. A United States person generally may take steps to avoid these unfavourable United States federal income tax consequences.
Recent market events and general economic conditions
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The recent unprecedented events in global financial markets have had a profound impact on the global economy. Many industries, including the gold mining industry, are impacted by these market conditions.Notwithstanding various actions by the U.S. and foreign governments, concerns about the general condition of the capital markets, financial instruments, banks, investment banks, insurers and other financial institutions could cause the broader credit markets to further deteriorate and stock markets to decline substantially. In addition, general economic indicators have deteriorated, including declining consumer sentiment, increased unemployment and declining economic growth and uncertainty about corporate earnings.
These unprecedented disruptions in the current credit and financial markets have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. These disruptions could, among other things, make it more difficult for us to obtain, or increase its cost of obtaining, capital and financing for its operations. A continued or worsened slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to, consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of the financial markets, interest rates, and tax rates may adversely affect our growth and profitability. Specifically:
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The global credit/liquidity crisis could impact the cost and availability of financing and our overall liquidity;
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the volatility of gold prices may impact our revenues, profits and cash flow;
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volatile energy prices, commodity and consumables prices and currency exchange rates impact potential production costs; and
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the devaluation and volatility of global stock markets impacts the valuation of our equity securities
These factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Midway’s Securities
We do not intend to pay cash dividends.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on Midway’s common shares. We currently intend to retain future earnings to finance the operation, development and expansion of our business.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on Midway’s common shares in the foreseeable future. Payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of Midway’s board of directors and will depend on Midway’s financial condition, results of operations, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. Accordingly, investors will only see a return on their investment if the value of Midway’s securities appreciates.
The market for our common shares has been volatile in the past, and may be subject to fluctuations in the future.
The market price of Midway’s common shares has ranged from a high of $3.22 and a low of $0.18 during the twelve month period ended March 16, 2009. We cannot assure you that the market price of our common shares will not significantly fluctuate from its current level. The market price of our common shares may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in operating results, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, or other events or factors. In addition, the financial markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations for a number of reasons, including the failure of the operating results of certain companies to meet market expectations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many exploration companies that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations, or any industry-specific market fluctuations, may adversely affec t the market price of our common shares. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, class action securities litigation has been instituted against such a company. Such litigation, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which would have a
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material adverse affect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
If we raise additional funding through equity financings, then our current shareholders will suffer dilution.
We believe the only realistic source of future funds presently available to us is through the sale of equity capital. Any sale of equity capital will result in dilution to existing shareholders. The only other alternative for the financing of further exploration would be the offering by us of an interest in our properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further exploration thereof.
We are a foreign corporation and have officers and directors resident outside the United States, which could make it difficult for you to effect service of process or enforce a judgment by a U.S. court.
We are incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and some of our directors and officers are residents in jurisdictions outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or upon certain of our directors or officers who are not residents of the United States, or to realize in the United States upon judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities under the laws of the United States. A judgment of a U.S. court predicated solely upon such civil liabilities would probably be enforceable in Canada by a Canadian court if the U.S. court in which the judgment was obtained had jurisdiction, as determined by the Canadian court, in the matter.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors –In this Annual Report we use the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, which are geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines adopted by CIM, as CIM Standards in Mineral Resources and Reserve Definition and Guidelines adopted by the CIM. US investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
Map of properties
The map below shows the location of Midway’s properties located in Nevada, USA. These properties are described in further detail below.
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Spring Valley Project
Location and means of access
The Spring Valley property is located in Pershing County, Nevada, approximately 20 miles northeast of the town of Lovelock. The property is situated in the Spring Valley Mining District, three miles north of Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation’s Rochester Mine and is accessed on Nevada State Highway 50, which extends eastward from US Interstate 80.
Title
Midway has controlled the property since 2003 through direct ownership of unpatented lode mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”)and through mining leases. Unpatented mining claims are kept active through payment of a maintenance fee due to the BLM and each county the claims are located in on 31 August of each year. Certain areas of the Spring Valley project are subject to Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalties ranging from 1% to 7% on different claim groups within the project package.
In addition, Midway owns the surface rights on 544.2 acres of fee ground in Section 3, T28N, R34E MDBM. Newmont Mining Company holds a lease on the mineral rights to this ground. This ground is part of the Santa Fe checkerboard land package Newmont acquired in 1997.
In 2008, the Company paid the following lease payments to maintain certain mineral leases in the Spring Valley project:
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On September 1, 2008 Midway paid its annual payment of US$100,000 ($104,179) to Echo Bay Exploration Inc. to maintain its option to acquire 28 unpatented mining claims called the SV claims contiguous to the Spring Valley Claims. Echo Bay retained a 2% royalty on NSR from commercial production on these claims.
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On April 25, 2008 Midway paid its annual payment of US$36,000 ($36,362) to Lamonte J. Duffy to maintain its option to purchase 12 unpatented lode mining claims. The owner retained a 3% NSR Royalty. Alternatively Midway can purchase these claims for US$600,000 with any payments already paid credited against the total.
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On July 1, 2008 Midway paid in advance its US$1,000 a month option payment totaling US$6,000 to George D. Duffy to maintain its option to purchase 2 unpatented lode mining claims. Alternatively Midway can purchase these claims for US$500,000 with any payments already paid credited against the total.
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On July 18, 2008 Midway paid its annual payment of US$20,000 to Dave Rowe and Randall Stoebert ($20,836) to maintain its option to purchase 97 unpatented mining claims. Alternatively Midway can purchase these claims for $600,000 with any payments already paid credited against the total. Mr. Rowe and Mr. Stoebert retained a 3% NSR royalty from commercial production on these claims.
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On October 30, 2008 Midway paid its annual payment of US$5,000 ($6,062) to Dale and Diana Chabino to maintain its option to purchase 2 unpatented lode mining claims. Alternatively Midway can purchase these claims for US$100,000 with any payments already paid credited against the total. Mr. Chabino and Mrs. Chabino retained a 3% NSR royalty from commercial production on these claims.
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On May 5, 2006, the Company purchased land and mineral rights of 920 gross acres, 320 acres net surface, 770 acres net mineral, (the “Seymork Parcel”) from Seymork Investments Ltd. (“Seymork”) for US$200,000, subject to a 3% NSR royalty on any production and sale of metals from the claims. On June 11, 2008 the Court settled a long standing title dispute to this ground validating the Company’s claim to the Seymork Parcel. The settlement allowed the Company to purchase two promissory notes secured against the property for approximately US$598,000 ($609,788) in July 2008. In the future, the Company may elect to sell up to 27.6 square miles of interests in lands included in the purchase (9.1 square miles of net surface, 19 square miles net minerals) but not needed for development of the Spring Valley project to recover a portion of the cost.
Over the years Midway has staked additional claims and purchased rights to additional claims outright within and adjacent to the Spring Valley property. During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$1,392 ($1,405).
Exploration completed by Midway
Midway staff geologists took over the execution of the exploration program from Global Geologic Services Inc. in late 2004 and we discovered the Porphyry and Sill zones in 2005. During the 2004-2005 drill campaign, Midway drilled 90 reverse circulation holes totaling 44,965 feet and 21 diamond drill holes totaling 10,008.7 feet. Midway focused on definition of the Sill and Porphyry zones and drilling of exploration targets in the east and west margins of the Property, including the West Diatreme and Ring Zone targets. All core holes from this campaign were drilled in the resource area (Pond, Sill and Porphyry zones) as were 65 of the 90 RC holes. In January 2006, Midway commissioned AMEC E&C Services, Inc. (“AMEC”) to develop a mineral resource estimate conforming to NI43-101 that included results of 93,165.7 feet of drilling in 164 holes completed up to January 2006.
In 2006, we completed 66,616 feet of drilling in 90 holes with 88 of the holes drilled outside the defined resource expanding it to the north (North Hill and Porphyry deposits) and the West (West Diatreme and Valley Breccia deposits). The 2006 exploration program was designed to step out from the current resource around the edge of the diatreme to expand the known resource as well as testing for a much larger porphyry gold target at deeper levels. At
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the time of AMEC’s June 2006 resource estimation the deposit covered a mineralized zone of 0.6 miles long by 0.3 miles wide that was continuous to a depth of 984 feet. Exploration in 2006 expanded the gold zones to an area of almost 1 mile long by 0.6 miles wide that is continuous mineralized to a depth of 1,400 feet. Additional project work included a 3,000 soil sample grid survey, detailed stream sediment sampling, gravity and Self Potential geophysical surveys, mapping and rock chip sampling of 17 square miles of claim holdings all directed towards expanding the potential size of this growing mineral resource.
Exploration at the end of 2006 had identified distinct gold zones at Spring Valley: the North Hill, West Diatreme, Porphyry, Pond, Sill, Valley Breccia and Limerick Hagen zones. Surface exploration programs in 2006 identified more than 12 new targets for follow up work.
In August 2007, Midway completed the purchase of the key Schmidt lease in Spring Valley by paying the final US$3,000,000 due. This payment was the final advance royalty payment for the bulk of the current discovery on the Schmidt lease and completes the final payment of royalty payments on the first 500,000 ounces of gold produced from this central claim package.
In 2007, we drilled 102,000 feet in the greater Spring Valley project area to expand the West Diatreme and North Hill zones and to test the deep porphyry potential. Limited infill drilling was completed on the Pond, Porphyry and Sill zones. These zones form a coherent gold trend 3,500 feet long and 3,500 feet wide that has been tested to a depth of 1,400 feet. The mineralization remains open to the northeast, southwest and at depth. An additional 10,850 feet was drilled on the Limerick, American Canyon, King David and Golden Gate satellite targets. Drilling is planned to follow-up gold and silver intercepts on three of these targets.
An updated resource estimate was announced for Spring Valley in January, 2008. The new Inferred mineral resource estimate was made by AMEC. The model left a large number of grade blocks outside of the L-G optimization shell, and Midway worked with AMEC to refine the grade model and to identify areas where additional drilling could bring known mineralization into the resource.
Drilling from February to August 2008 completed 87 holes including 63,565 feet of RC and 8,985 feet of core drilling targeting significant mineralization recognized outside the current resource. Nearly 75% of these new holes had significant gold intercepts. Drilling has now identified a coherent gold zone 5,000 feet long by 2,500 feet wide and extends to a depth of 1,400 feet. Known mineralization remains open to the north, southwest and at depth. Gold intercepts for 20 holes were reported on July 8, 2008, including 5 feet of 1.114 opt gold within 75 feet of 0.119 opt gold in SV08-417 and 140 feet of 0.021 opt gold in SV 08-403 and 80 feet of 0.031 opt gold in SV 08-410. New gold discovered in the Big Leap zone on the north end of the deposit was reported on September 11, 2008. Intercepts in this zone included 5 feet of 0.667 opt gold with 110 feet of 0.061 opt gold in hole SV08-436 and SV 08-432 with 25 feet of 0.294 opt gold within 40 feet of 0.19 0 opt gold. The Big Leap zone has been intercepted over 1400 feet along strike, is 200 to 400 feet wide, and is still open to both the north and south and at depth. Two outlying targets, the Fitting and Limerick areas, were tested with a total of 22 exploration drill holes with no significant results. Results from deep core drilling tested a gold bearing porphyry intrusive as announced on January 19, 2009. The more significant intercepts were in hole SV08-396C including 3 feet of 0.101 opt gold from 425 feet to 428 feet and 9.9 feet of 0.215 opt gold from 1,135.1 feet to 1,145 feet. Hole SV08-397C reported 5 feet of 0.114 opt gold from 909 feet to 914 feet and 4 feet of 0.117 opt gold from 977 feet to 981 feet.
On March 2, 2009 the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate of 87,750,000 tons grading 0.021 opt containing 1,835,615 ounces of gold at a cut-off grade of 0.006 opt using a $715 Lerchs-Grossman Optimization Shell. This updated estimate represents an 85% increase in contained gold at Spring Valley and includes the 2008 drill holes. It incorporates portions of the West Diatreme, North Hill and newly discovered Big Leap zones that were not included in the last resources estimate prepared by AMEC at December 15, 2007. Gold mineralization remains open for expansion to the north, south, and at depth.
This resource estimate is in compliance with Canada’s NI 43-101 and in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. It was conducted under the supervision of Eric LeLacheur (CPG), Spring Valley Project Manager, and Don Harris (M.Sc., CPG), Vice President-Advanced Projects (Midway), who are the Qualified Persons responsible for the resource.
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Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors –In this Annual Report we use the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, which are geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines adopted by CIM, as CIM Standards in Mineral Resources and Reserve Definition and Guidelines adopted by the CIM. US investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
The current resource estimate includes drill results from 450 holes up to December 31, 2008 in the Pond, Sill, Porphyry, Valley Breccia, North Hill, West Diatreme, and Big Leap Zones. Mineralized domains were established by interpretation of geological, structural and assay information on sections. Assays within the domains were composited into 10 foot intervals. Search distances and directions were established using spherical variograms on the composites within the domains. A capping threshold of 1.00 opt gold was utilized, and assays greater than 1.00 opt gold were set to 1.00 opt gold. This cap is slightly lower than that used by AMEC. Higher grade composites between 0.25 and 1.0 opt were given a restricted range of 100 feet to limit high grade influences. A density of 12.6 cubic feet per short ton was applied to all bedrock material, and 14.0 cubic feet per short ton was applied to alluvium overburden. A three dimensional block model was generated using Surpac®, a commercially available mine planning software package. Composited assays were used to estimate tons and gold grades within domains using an inverse distance cubed (ID3) estimation method. Resources reported are included within a Lerchs-Grossmann (L-G) optimization shell using a $715 per ounce gold price. The L-G shell is an economic test that simulates a break even pit using current mining costs.
A Technical Report by Midway supporting disclosure of this mineral resource will be filed on the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com by April 16, 2009. The Technical Report updates the project as of December 31, 2008, and outlines work on the resource and progress to date.
Agreement with Barrick Gold
On March 10, 2009, Midway, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MGC Resources Inc., executed an Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement, effective March 9, 2009 (the “EDM Agreement”), with Barrick Gold Exploration Inc. (“Barrick”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation, regarding the exploration, development and possible joint venture of Midway’s Spring Valley Gold Project in Pershing County, Nevada (the “Project”).
Exploration Period
Under the terms of the EDM Agreement, MGC granted to Barrick the exclusive right to explore and develop the Project. During this exploration period, Barrick has the exclusive right to earn a 60% interest in the Project by spending US$30,000,000 on the property (US$4,000,000 guaranteed in the first year ending December 31, 2009) over a five-year period ending December 31, 2013. During this five-year period, outside of the mandatory first year expenditure, Barrick shall have the sole right to determine the nature, scope, extent and method of all operations in relation to the property, without having to consult or gain the approval of the Midway. Barrick will be required to provide Midway with certain information and reports and access to the Project to conduct inspections of operations during this period.
After vesting at 60%, Barrick may increase its interest by 10% (70% total) by spending an additional US$8,000,000 on or before December 31, 2014. At Midway’s election, Barrick may also earn an additional 5% (75% total) by carrying Midway to a production decision and arranging financing for Midway’s share of mine construction expenses with the carrying and financing costs plus interest to be recouped by Barrick once production has been established.
Midway will coordinate geologic and administrative activities during the earn-in period for a negotiated administrative fee.
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Joint Venture
Under the terms of the EDM Agreement, Midway shall have a period of 120 days from the last of the following events to occur to elect to enter into a joint venture agreement with Barrick with respect to the Project: (i) upon receipt of notice from Barrick that it has not elected to earn the additional 10% interest by spending an additional US$8,000,000; (ii) upon receipt of notice from Barrick that it has timely incurred the additional US$8,000,000 expenditure on the Project to earn the additional 10% interest; (iii) upon receipt of notice from Barrick that it has elected but failed to timely incur the additional US$8,000,000 expenditure on the Project. If Midway fails to notify Barrick within the 120-day period, Midway will be deemed to have elected to enter into the joint venture with Barrick.
If Midway elects or is deemed to have elected to enter into the joint venture agreement with Barrick, initial capital accounts will be established in accordance with Barrick’s earned interest in the Project and Barrick will become the manager of the joint venture
If Midway elects not to enter into the joint venture, then either: (i) within 365 days of Midway’s notice electing not to enter into the joint venture, Barrick will exercise its option to purchase Midway’s interest in the Project for US$40,000,000 and a 2% net smelter royalty return (NSR) on production from the Project; or (ii) Barrick will elect not to exercise its option to purchase Midway’s interest in the Project and the joint venture will be formed with Midway being deemed to have elected the carry option and any operations costs incurred by Barrick in the 365-day election period will be treated as Midway’s development costs.
The EDM Agreement also provides for the adjustment of a party’s participating interest in the joint venture upon default in making agreed-upon contributions to adopted programs and budgets or upon contributing less to a program and budget than a percentage equal to the party’s participating interest.
Further, the EDM Agreement provides that if Midway’s participation interest falls below 10%, Midway shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the joint venture and all of Midway’s participating interests will be assigned to Barrick, with Midway reserving a 2% NSR.
Under the EDM Agreement, a party’s whose recalculated participating interest is reduced to 10% shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the joint venture and shall relinquish its entire participating interest. Such relinquished participating interest shall be deemed to have accrued automatically to the other party. The reduced party shall have the right to receive 10% of net proceeds, if any, to a maximum amount of 75% percent of the reduced party’s equity account balance as of the effective date of the withdrawal. Upon receipt of such amount, the reduced party shall thereafter have no further right, title, or interest in the Project or under the EDM Agreement.
Barrick is required to conduct and fund exploration in 2009 on the Spring Valley project at a minimum level of US$4,000,000. Barrick has informed Midway its program will include 45,000 feet of infill core and reverse circulation drilling and approximately twelve holes will be drilled for metallurgical testing purposes
Pan Project
Location and means of access
The Pan Gold property is located at the northern end of the Pancake mountain range in western White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 22 miles southeast of Eureka, Nevada, and 50 miles west of Ely, Nevada.
Access to the Pan Gold property is via a seven mile dirt road that heads south-southeast from US Highway 50, at a point about 17 miles southeast of Eureka, Nevada. Eureka has a population of about 2,000.
The Pan Gold property is situated within the high desert of the Basin and Range physiographic province. Elevations in the immediate project area range from about 6,450 ft to a high of 7,400 ft above sea level. Climatologic records are not available for immediate Pan Gold area, but the town of Eureka averages about 12 inches of precipitation per year, with average temperatures ranging from 28° F in the winter months to 70° F in the summer months. Daytime
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temperatures exceeding 90° F during July and August are not uncommon. Sagebrush is the dominant vegetation at the site, with Juniper and Pinon Pine occurring at some of the higher elevations.
The nearest power line is adjacent to US Highway 50 approximately five miles to the north. Water to support exploration drilling is available from a well used for watering livestock that is in close proximity to the Pan property.
Title
Midway has controlled the property since April 2007 through direct ownership of unpatented lode mining claims administered by the BLMand through mining leases.
Midway assumed the January 7, 2003 mineral lease agreement with Gold Standard Royalty Corporation (“GSRC”). On or before January 5 of each year Midway must pay an advance minimum royalty of the greater of US$60,000 or the US dollar equivalent of 174 ounces of gold valued by the average of the London afternoon fixing for the third calendar quarter preceding January 1 of the year in which the payment is due. The minimum advance royalties will be creditable against a sliding scale NSR production royalty of between 2.5% and 4%. Midway must incur a minimum of US$65,000 year work expenditures, including claim maintenance fees, during the term of the mining lease. On January 1, 2008 the Company paid US$118,343 and on January 1, 2009 the Company paid US$151,658.
Subsequent to acquiring Pan-Nevada Midway staked additional claims adjacent to the Pan property some of which fall within the one mile area of interest of the GSRC mining lease and will be subject to the NSR royalty to GSRC. Midway has staked additional claims around the project, increasing the land holdings to over 13 square miles.
Mineral Resources
Prior to Midway acquiring the Pan project, M. Gustin, B.Sc. (Geol), Ph.D. (Econ Geol.), of Mine Development Associates had estimated mineral resources to NI 43-101 reporting standards for the Pan project. The resources were reported in a technical report entitled “Pan Gold Project – Updated Technical Report – White Pine County, Nevada USA” which we refer to as the “Pan Technical Report” dated January 15, 2005. This report was filed on the profile of Pan-Nevada Gold Corporation atwww.sedar.com on February 7, 2005.
Measured and Indicated Resources for the Pan Gold Project
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Au Cutoff (oz/ton) | North Pan | South Pan | Total Measured & Indicated |
Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) | Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) | Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) |
0.010 | 12,212,000 | 0.018 | 6,749,000 | 0.021 | 18,961,000 | 0.019 |
0.015 | 6,437,000 | 0.024 | 4,529,000 | 0.025 | 10,966,000 | 0.024 |
0.020 | 3,528,000 | 0.030 | 2,842,000 | 0.030 | 6,370,000 | 0.030 |
0.030 | 1,165,000 | 0.043 | 1,040,000 | 0.040 | 2,204,000 | 0.042 |
0.040 | 549,000 | 0.053 | 415,000 | 0.050 | 964,000 | 0.052 |
0.050 | 295,000 | 0.060 | 153,000 | 0.061 | 448,000 | 0.060 |
Inferred Resources for the Pan Gold Project
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Au Cutoff (oz/ton) | North Pan | South Pan | Total Inferred |
Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) | Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) | Tons | Au Grade (oz/ton) |
0.010 | 2,817,000 | 0.017 | 5,485,000 | 0.017 | 8,302,000 | 0.017 |
0.015 | 1,446,000 | 0.023 | 3,172,000 | 0.020 | 4,619,000 | 0.021 |
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| | | | | | | | |
0.020 | 789,000 | 0.028 | 1,124,000 | 0.026 | 1,912,000 | 0.027 |
0.030 | 262,000 | 0.036 | 257,000 | 0.036 | 519,000 | 0.036 |
0.040 | 79,000 | 0.045 | 44,000 | 0.045 | 123,000 | 0.045 |
0.050 | 14,000 | 0.051 | 8,000 | 0.053 | 22,000 | 0.052 |
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors –In this Annual Report we use the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, which are geological and mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines adopted by CIM, as CIM Standards in Mineral Resources and Reserve Definition and Guidelines adopted by the CIM. US investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
Mineral resources for the Pan Gold project were classified based on the distance of the model blocks to the composite data. All classified blocks required a minimum of two composites to receive an estimated gold grade and lie within the gold domain boundaries. Measured resource blocks received an interpolated grade in the first estimation pass and lie within 40 feet of the nearest Pan-Nevada composite. Indicated resource blocks consist of all other blocks assigned a grade by the first estimation. Inferred resource blocks are those model blocks inside of the interpreted gold domain boundaries that were estimated by the second estimation pass.
Measured, Indicated and Inferred mineral resources for the Pan Gold project are shown in the tables above. Measured resources are restricted to a short radius around Pan-Nevada composites due to the lack of documentation regarding the sampling, sample preparation, analytical procedures, and laboratory QA/QC practices of all previous operators.
A cutoff of 0.010 oz Au/ton was applied to the Pan model blocks for the purposes of tabulating the mineral resources. Higher cutoffs are also shown to provide grade-distribution information. The cutoff grade was chosen in consideration of parameters that reflect potential open-pit mining and heap-leach processing of the mineralization. These parameters include that the resources are entirely oxidized, metallurgical testing, while not comprehensive enough for the purposes of final feasibility work, suggests that the resources are amenable to heap-leach processing, and the resources are contained within continuous zones whose shallow depths and configurations suggest potential open-pit extraction can reasonably be assumed. As no economic studies have been completed at Pan, MDA derived the cutoff on the basis of comparable mining operations in Nevada. The North and South Pan estimations were checked by comparing: (1) estimated block grades and drill ho le assays on cross sections; (2) the inverse distance cubed and kriging estimates of North and South Pan, respectively, to nearest neighbor calculations; and (3) the grade distributions of the coded assays, composites, estimated block grades, and nearest neighbor grades.
Exploration
The Pan project is a sediment-hosted gold deposit on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend in Nevada. It is an oxide deposit exposed on the surface with simple metallurgy. In 2007 Midway drilled 35,510 feet in 113 holes. Four new gold zones were discovered at Nana, Barite, Wendy, and Boulders. Drill results at Boulders extended gold north for 1,300 feet under volcanic outcrop at North Pan. Drill results at Barite and Wendy extended gold at South Pan by 400 feet south and 300 feet east respectively. The Nana zone, 4,000 feet northwest of North Pan, represents a new exploration opportunity. All four of these new discoveries remain open for expansion along strike and dip.
A large scale soil survey identified four previously unknown gold-arsenic anomalies with no previous exploration drilling. Results from a recently completed detailed gravity survey have also outlined several new targets areas. As a result, additional claims were staked bringing the property position to 15 square miles.
In 2008 Midway completed 26,245 feet of drilling in 49 RC holes. Drilling at South Pan found additional near surface oxide gold mineralization. The Wendy zone was expanded to the east where it extends under volcanic cover and step-out drilling at Nana encountered more new gold—both zones are open for expansion. Three target areas outside the resource were tested with no significant results. Fourteen new holes in the resource area were targeted to verify results from previous operators, of which most intercepted higher grades and greater thicknesses than
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previously reported (Press Release July 9, 2008). Preliminary investigations suggest that assay techniques used by a previous operator may have under-estimated gold values in some of the holes. If confirmed by additional drilling, then portions of the deposit could show improved grades. A new higher-grade gold zone has also been identified over 800 feet in length at North Pan with true widths ranging from 10 to 25 feet and grades ranging from 0.07 to 0.51 opt gold.
At a minimum Midway’s staff will prepare an internal updated mineral resource estimate in 2009 which will guide the next exploration step for the Pan project. Pending additional financing from the exercise of share purchase warrants or an equity private placement in 2009 and based on the results of the updated mineral resource estimate the next step would either be infill and exploration drilling or the Company would commission an independently prepared preliminary assessment report (scoping study). The amount of drilling required will determine the cost of the program.
Midway Project
Location and means of access
The Midway property is located in Nye County, Nevada, approximately 24 kilometers northeast of the town of Tonopah, 335 kilometers northwest of Las Vegas and 380 kilometers southeast of Reno. The property is over the northeastern flank of the San Antonio Mountains and in the Ralston Valley.
Title
Midway has controlled the property since 2001 through direct ownership of unpatented lode mining claims administered by the BLMand through mining leases subject to a sliding scale NSR royalty of between 2% to 7% from commercial production based on changes in gold prices.
In addition, the surface rights to 560 acres in Section 32 are held by the Town of Tonopah. The remaining 80 acres of surface rights in Section 32 are held as two 40-acre parcels by two owners, each of whom lives on their parcel. We hold the federal mineral rights of the entirety of Section 32 in unpatented claims.
On August 15, 2008 the Company paid the annual minimum advance royalty, recoverable from commercial production of US$300,000.
Drilling
Between May 1 and September 5, 2002, Midway completed 26,689.5 feet of drilling in 69 holes, mostly HQ core. Newmont entered into a joint venture on the Midway property in September 2002 and undertook extensive regional exploration programs including numerous regional and detailed geophysical surveys, including electromagnetic (“EM”), airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, and ground radiometric, gravity and Controlled Source Audio Magneto Telluric (“CSAMT”) surveys. Newmont also mapped the Northwest and Thunder Mountain areas and completed rock and stream sediment geochemical surveys. From September 2002 to August 2003 the Newmont/Midway joint venture drilled a total of 67,703.5 feet in 121 holes in the greater Discovery area, the Thunder Mountain target area, and in the northwestern portion of the property.
From August 2003 to February 2005, the Newmont/Midway joint venture drilled 23 angle holes for a total of 16,042 feet, including one hole that was abandoned at a depth of seven meters. Seven of the holes were drilled by reverse circulation methods, while the remainder was HQ core holes with reverse circulation pre-collars; a total of 10,195 feet of reverse circulation and 5,847 feet of core were drilled. Of the 22 holes that were completed, five were drilled in the 121 Zone and 17 were drilled in largely untested areas in the greater Discovery area to the south of the Discovery zone. The five holes drilled in the 121 Zone were primarily designed to test for high-grade zones of restricted widths deep in the Palmetto Formation, lying below similar zones intercepted by previous operators; results of this deeper testing did not prove up continuity and geometry although intercepts of 0.18 to 1.90 ounce per ton gold over lengths of 1.3 to 5 feet were intersected in three of the holes. Of the remaining holes, three returned intercepts exceeding 0.087 ounce per ton gold.
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In 2005, Midway drilled 8,987 feet in 16 reverse circulation holes to test for extensions adjacent to the known resource areas. The program resulted in the discovery of the Dauntless Zone that could be a potential feeder zone for the main Discovery Zone. Hole MW399 encountered 175 feet of 0.349 ounces per ton gold in drill hole MW399, which includes a vein assaying 15 feet of 3.163 ounces per ton gold, and 135 feet of 0.058 ounces per ton gold in MW402.
In 2006, we drilled 26,450 feet in 56 reverse circulation and core holes. Gold was intersected in all six zones tested. In this phase, the Dauntless zone was extended 650 feet along strike. The zone varies from 23 to 66 feet in true width and is composed of two to three distinct southwest dipping sub-parallel veins. The veins vary in grade from 0.029 to 1.16 ounces per ton gold starting within 165 feet of the surface and are open along strike to the north and south. The Enterprise and Cross zones have each been tested by at least five drill holes that have encountered veins with gold. Limited gold was also encountered in the Hornet and Nautilus and the 121 South zones.
Following drilling, we developed three-dimensional vein models of the Midway high-grade gold zones. Twelve veins were identified in the Discovery and Dauntless zones that were drilled at a nominal 50 foot centers. Drill testing of these 12 veins is adequate to design an underground exploration bulk sample test. An additional 58 high-grade (>0.15 ounces of gold per ton) veins have been identified by drilling in the project, but they are not yet fully explored.
During the third quarter of 2006, we hired a mining engineer from the Colorado School of Mines to develop plans for an underground exploration decline. The decline would allow bulk sampling of the Discovery and Dauntless gold zones for metallurgical testing and allow better access for exploration of the gold zones at Midway.
In December 2006, we drilled and installed 14 monitor wells to study the dewatering costs for the underground decline when four of the holes encountered gold. In an extension of the Dauntless zone, monitor well hole MW06-47H intercepted 10 feet of 0.306 ounces per ton gold. The vein is estimated to be four feet true width and is approximately 130 feet south of the Dauntless zone. These tests indicate that gold persists in vein zones peripheral to the Discovery zone. The hydrology holes will determine water characterization for planning and permitting of an underground exploration decline into the Discovery and Dauntless deposits.
In April 2007, we completed a 450 foot water well in the Discovery area. Pumping tests were conducted to determine the dewatering needs for an underground exploration decline. An initial 72 hour pumping test was completed and a second 30 day pump test is currently in progress. These tests are needed for the water rights and discharge permits.
In 2007, a three-dimensional analysis of 132 holes in the Discovery Zone found most high-grade intercepts were in narrow vertical veins. The veins occur in sub-parallel clusters, 10 to 20 feet apart, with an average width of 6 feet. In a portion of the Dauntless Foot Wall vein, the maximum width is 22 feet. High-grade gold occurs where the veins cross an unconformity between underlying argillite and overlying volcanic. Veins hosted in the argillite are well-defined veins and breccias. Where they pass upward into the volcanics, veins splay out to form numerous thinner sub-parallel veins in a braided stockwork zone. Visible gold is common in these veins. The re-analysis of the Midway veins has greatly improved our understanding of the gold system. We now recognize a boiling horizon, which deposited the higher grade gold and the structural control of gold shows that many past drill holes missed the key gold horizon along the vei ns. This gives us an opportunity to significantly expand the gold mineralization on the project.
In 2008, initial mining plans were submitted to the BLM and NDEP for an underground decline providing access for collection of a bulk sample and high-grade verification at the Midway Project. Drilling for hydrology and geotechnical testing was completed on 12 RC holes for 1,234 feet and 9 core holes for 2,321 feet. While drilling these holes, two new high grade veins were discovered (Press Release May 14, 2008). Final permit submission is pending approvals from the State Water Engineer. Hydrologic testing suggests that pumping up to 2,000 gallons per minute may be required to dewater the project. Midway is currently negotiating a plan to properly dispose of this water with the Town of Tonopah and the State Water Engineer. Permitting efforts will continue in 2009 as Midway reviews potential capital benefits from mining the bulk sample on a smaller scale. Five holes were drilled to test the
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waste rock storage sites. No gold was noted in the tests and the waste sites will be used as needed. Funding of the remaining cost of permitting is estimated to be US$285,000 is expected to be from working capital. The Company will need to raise the capital to fund the cost of the bulk sample.
Midway processing test work by SGS Lakefield Research Limited (Canada) showed up to 94% gold recovery using gravity and cyanide from a 73-lb. composite sample of Discovery vein material grading 0.188 opt gold. Further work by Gekko Systems Metallurgical Laboratory (Australia) indicates that without using cyanide, a gravity and flotation process could achieve 86.7% gold recovery and 66.3% silver recovery, based on a 242-lb. composite sample, grading 0.662 opt gold and 0.475 opt silver.
We completed a cost analysis to convert the high-grade veins, intercepted by previous drilling, into reserves and this underground bulk sample plan is the most effective way to advance the project. This allows us the opportunity to determine the true grade of the veins and help to delineate reserves and move toward production. The actual date of beginning the decline will depend upon the length of time it takes to receive regulatory approval, which typically takes 8 to 18 months. In addition, we have several hurdles to overcome such as processing site, financing, and availability of contract mining equipment and personnel but the high-grade nature of the deposit and simple metallurgy make the underground bulk sample a logical next step in the exploration and development.
The decline will be an inclined adit (underground tunnel) that will be driven to develop access 200 feet below high grade portions of the Midway, Rochefort and Dauntless veins (see table below and map attached). From these three veins a 50,000 ton bulk sample will be taken and processed. Gold recovered from the bulk samples will offset a portion of the development costs. The decline will also provide a platform to explore and develop 77 high-grade vein intercepts currently identified on the project. In the event that exploration results support a development decision, then underground workings and permits will be in place to begin full scale mining.
The Plan of Operations includes 75 new acres of disturbance which will be reclaimed at the end of the project. If mining proceeds, most mine workings will be filled in with rock from the development work. Any ore or bulk samples will be transported off-site for testing so there will be no processing facility or chemicals on the site. A water treatment plant will treat water discharged from the mine workings. The BLM and NDEP review an environmental analysis of the proposed Plan of Operations which includes public comment periods. In addition, there are 18 other permits required from a variety of federal, state, and local authorities.
| | | | |
Discovery Zone Vein | Weighted Average Grade (opt gold) | Average Width (ft) | Vertical (ft) | Strike Length (ft) |
Midway Vein | 4.387 | 5.9 | 280 | 370 |
Rochefort | 1.296 | 4.0 | 324 | 422 |
Dauntless East | 0.772 | 4.6 | 349 | 443 |
Dauntless HW | 0.991 | 8.6 | 231 | 150 |
Dauntless FW | 0.478 | 12.4 | 198 | 152 |
The Midway project is located at the intersection of the well-known Round Mountain/Goldfield trend and the Walker Lane. It is a low-sulfidation epithermal gold system with near-vertical quartz-adularia-gold veins. Bonanza gold veins occur in a series of en echelon vein clusters along a 1.5 mile northwest-trending band of mineralization. The best previously reported gold intercept was 2.5 feet of 119 opt gold in 17 feet that averaged 34.7 opt gold in core hole MW210 from the Midway vein.
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The map below shows the location of Midway’s property located in Washington, USA. This property is described in further detail below.

Golden Eagle Project
Location and means of access
The Golden Eagle property is approximately 211 acres of private land located in Ferry County, Washington. The property is accessed by driving two miles northwest of the town of Republic, Washington along the Knob Hill county road.
Title
On August 1, 2008 the Company issued 600,000 common shares at US$2.50 per common share for proceeds of US$1,500,000 by way of a private placement to Kinross Gold USA Inc. (“Kinross”) and concurrently purchased a 75% interest in the Golden Eagle, Washington, project from Kinross at a cost of US$1,500,000 ($1,537,950). The Company then purchased a 25% interest in the Golden Eagle project from Hecla Limited at a cost of US$483,333 ($500,200). Kinross retained a 2% net smelter returns royalty and was granted a first right of refusal to toll mill ore from the Golden Eagle property at their Kettle River Mill.
Midway completed the acquisition of the Golden Eagle property through a wholly-owned subsidiary created to hold the property.
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Exploration
In 2008, Midway acquired the Golden Eagle project and began compiling and reviewing the historic database of 847 drill holes containing 165,775 feet of mostly core drilling, to create a modern gold model. In 1996, Santa Fe Pacific Gold estimated that the Golden Eagle deposit contained 32.19 million tons grading 0.069 ounce per ton (opt) gold in a historic resource as part of an internal scoping study.A qualified person has not reviewed this resource and the historical estimate should not be relied upon. The project is comprised entirely of private land in the historic Republic gold district.
Efforts in 2009 will primarily be conducted by Midway staff and funded from working capital and will be directed toward key issues, including metallurgy testing, for moving the project towards a new scoping study, including a NI 43-101 compliant resource, high-grade target identification, evaluation of processing methods, and reviewing permitting. Staff is compiling and reviewing the historic data base of 847 drill holes containing 165,775 feet of mostly core drilling to create a modern gold model. Pending additional financing from the exercise of share purchase warrants or an equity private placement in 2009 and the internal review of the project by staff the next step would be to commission an independent NI 43-101 compliant updated mineral resource estimate an expected cost of up to US$125,000.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Other than as set forth in this item, neither we nor any of our property is currently subject to any material legal proceedings or other regulatory proceedings.
In May 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary MGC Resources Inc. (“MGC") purchased additional property (the “Seymork Parcel”) from Seymork Investments Ltd. (“Seymork”) for US$200,000 to expand the Spring Valley project in Nevada. The Seymork Parcel represented about 4% of the surface area of the Spring Valley project at that time. In 1998, the transfer of Emma Wagner’s ("Wagner") interest in the Seymork Parcel to Seymork, as well as a transfer of the interest held by Wagner’s deceased husband’s estate to Seymork, was formally approved by a Nevada court. As part of the consideration for the court-approved transaction, Seymork executed two promissory notes, one in favor of Wagner and one in favor of the estate of Wagner’s deceased husband. Two deeds of trust relating to the Seymork Parcel were also executed and recorded to secure payment of the promissory notes. Both notes were later assigned to a group represented by Wallace D. Stephens (collectively "Stephens"). The promissory notes were not repaid and, in March 2006, Stephens sought to foreclose its interest against Seymork. In June 2006, Wagner brought a cross claim in the lawsuit against Seymork alleging that Wagner was the rightful owner of the Disputed Property, and claiming that the conveyance to Seymork was not a sale but that Seymork had agreed to hold the Seymork Parcel in trust for Wagner. MGC joined the lawsuit in order to protect its interests in the Seymork Parcel. On June 11, 2008 a Nevada court settled the long standing title dispute to this ground validating the Company’s claim to the Seymork Parcel. The settlement allowed the Company to purchase the two promissory notes secured against the property for approximately US$598,000 in July 2008.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common shares began trading on the NYSE Amex on January 3, 2008 under the trading symbol “MDW” and our common shares continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX.V”) under the trading symbol “MDW.” As of March 27, 2009, 64,821,664 common shares were issued and outstanding, and we had approximately 379 shareholders of record. In many cases, shares are registered through intermediaries, making the precise number of shareholders difficult to obtain.
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As of March 27, 2009, the closing price per share for our common shares as reported by the NYSE Amex was US$0.46 and as reported by the TSX Venture Exchange was 0.57.
Our common shares are quoted on the TSX.V under the symbol “MDW”. The following table sets out the market price range of Midway’s common shares on the TSX.V for the periods indicated.
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Period | High Cdn$ | Low Cdn$ |
2008
| | | | | |
First Quarter | | 4.68 | | 2.80 | |
Second Quarter | | 2.89 | | 1.68 | |
Third Quarter | | 2.05 | | 0.75 | |
Fourth Quarter | | 1.10 | | 0.18 | |
2007
| | | | | |
First Quarter | | 3.45 | | 2.65 | |
Second Quarter | | 3.48 | | 2.57 | |
Third Quarter | | 3.72 | | 2.14 | |
Fourth Quarter | | 3.89 | | 2.91 | |
| |
The above quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Dividend Policy
We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common shares since our inception and we expect for the foreseeable future to retain all of our earnings from operations for use in expanding and developing our business. Future dividend decisions will consider our then current business results, cash requirements and financial condition.
Repurchase of Securities
During 2008, neither the Company nor any affiliate of the Company repurchased common shares of the Company registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
As of December 31, 2008, we had one equity compensation plan under which our common shares have been authorized for issuance to our officers, directors, employees and consultants, namely our Stock Option Plan adopted by the Board of Directors on May 6, 2003 as amended on May 12, 2008 (the “Stock Option Plan”). The Stock Option Plan has been approved by our shareholders.
The following summary information is presented for the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2008.
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| | | |
| Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a) |
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) |
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders | 3,094,167 | $2.26 | 3,387,999 |
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Stock Option Plan Information
The following is a summary of important Stock Option Plan provisions. It is not a comprehensive discussion of all of the terms and conditions of the Stock Option Plan. The information provided below may be modified or altered by some provisions in the Stock Option Plan. Readers are advised to review the full text of the Stock Option Plan to fully understand all terms and conditions of the Stock Option Plan.
Purpose
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to advance the interests of the Company and its shareholders by enhancing the ability of the Company to attract and retain the best available talent and to encourage the highest level of performance by senior officers, key employees, directors and consultants of the Company and of its subsidiaries through ownership of common shares in the Company.
Persons Eligible
The Stock Option Plan provides for the issuance of stock options to any director, senior officer, employee, company that is wholly-owned by a director, senior officer or, subject to applicable laws and the policies of any exchanges on which the Company’s common shares are listed, a consultant, as the board of directors of the Company may from time to time designate as a participant under the Stock Option Plan.
Administration
The Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board which has authority to (a) grant options priced in accordance with the Stock Option Plan; (b) to prescribe the form of certificate evidencing grants of options to participants and any other instruments required under the Stock Option Plan and to change such forms from time to time; (c) subject to the limitations specified in the Stock Option Plan, to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations for the administration of the Stock Option Plan; (d) to interpret and administer the Stock Option Plan and to decide all questions and settle all controversies that may arise in connection with the Stock Option Plan; (e) to determine who is eligible to receive options pursuant to the eligibility criteria set forth in the Stock Option Plan; and (f) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Stock Option Plan. The grant and exercise of any options under the Stock Option Plan is subject to c ompliance with the applicable requirements of each stock exchange on which the shares are or become listed and of any governmental authority or regulatory body to which the Company is subject.
Shares Available under the Stock Option Plan
Options granted under the Stock Option Plan give the holder thereof the right to buy a specified number of common
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shares at a fixed price before a specified date in the future. Depending upon the successful financial performance of the Company, such common shares will hopefully provide the holder thereof an opportunity to buy common shares at a price below the prevailing market price.
Each option granted to participants will be subject to individual terms specified by the Board in the participant’s option agreement.
In order to comply with all applicable federal, provincial or state income tax laws or regulations, the Company may take such action as it deems appropriate to ensure that all applicable federal or state payroll, withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and absolute responsibility of a participant, are withheld or collected from such participant.
The Board of Directors amended the Stock Option Plan on May 12, 2008 to add an appendixcalled the Stock Incentive Plan for United States Resident Employees (the “U.S. Plan”) to supplement and be a part of the Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the U.S. Plan is to enable the Company to grant Incentive Stock Options, as that term is used in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder to qualifying employees who are citizens or residents of the United States of America. This does not change the aggregate number of options that can be granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to allow the Company to grant options to directors, officers, employees and consultants, as additional compensation, and as an opportunity to participate in the success of the Company. The granting of such options is intend ed to align the interests of such persons and those of the shareholders. Options will be exercisable over periods of up to 10 years as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company and are required to have an exercise price no less than the market price prevailing on the date the option is granted less applicable discount, if any, permitted by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and approved by the Board of Directors. Market price means the last closing price per share on the TSX Venture Exchange on the trading day immediately precedent the day on which the Company announces the grant of the option or, if the grant is not announced, on the date of grant.
Pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, the Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issue of options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries or employees or companies providing management or consulting services to the Company or its subsidiaries. The principal features of the Stock Option Plan are as follows:
1.
The maximum number of common shares to be issued pursuant to the Stock Option Plan shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company at the time of the stock option grant.
2.
Subject to adjustment as provided in the U.S. Plan appended to and forming part of the Stock Option Plan, the aggregate number of common shares that may be issued under the U.S. Plan shall be 3,000,000; provided , however , that the aggregate number of common shares authorized under the U.S. Plan for use in granting Incentive Stock Options shall, at all times, be a part of and subject to the limitations set forth in the Stock Option Plan, and shall be adjusted proportionately to reflect any adjustments to the number of shares authorized under the Stock Option Plan.
3.
The maximum number of shares under option to the benefit of one person under the Stock Option Plan may not exceed 5%, on an annual basis, of the total of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company (on an undiluted basis) at the time of grant (in the case of a consultant, the annual maximum is 2%).
4.
If the holder of the option is engaged in investor relation activities for the Company, the total number of shares under option may not exceed 2% of the total of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company (on an undiluted basis) at the time of grant.
5.
The options granted will have a maximum term of ten years from the date of grant. The option is non-assignable and non-transferable.
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6.
If an optionee ceases to be employed by the Company (other than as a result of termination with cause) or ceases to act as director or officer of the Company, any option held by such optionee may be exercised within 90 days after the date that such optionee ceases to be employed by the Company or ceases to act as director or officer of the Company, as the case may be, or within 30 days if the optionee is engaged in investor relation activities and ceases to be employed to provide investor relation activities.
7.
In the event of death of an optionee, the optionee's heirs or administrators may exercise any portion of that outstanding option up to a period of one year from the date of the optionee's death for the termination date of the option, whichever is earlier.
8.
Any common shares subject to an option which for any reason are cancelled or terminated without having been exercised shall again be available for grant under the Stock Option Plan.
In the event of a stock split, consolidation or reclassification or other change in the Company’s capital, other than an issue of common shares or by way of stock dividend, the number and exercise price of options will be adjusted by the Board to preserve the rights of the participants substantially proportionate to those existing prior to such event.
Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 2008.
Terms and Conditions of Stock Options
Option Agreement. All options shall be granted under the Stock Option Plan by means of an option agreement between the Company and each participant in the form as may be approved by the Board, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by the execution of the option agreement by any one director or officer of the Company.
Vesting and Term. With the exception of any options granted to a consultant who performs Investor Relations Activities (as defined in the Stock Option Plan), all options granted to each participant under the Stock Option Plan will become vested on the grant date, or at such other time as may be established by the Board at the time of the grant in compliance with the policies of any exchange on which the common shares are traded. The Board will, at the time of grant, determine the vesting date or dates of any options granted to a consultant who performs Investor Relations Activities (as defined in the Stock Option Plan) provided that such options must vest in stages over 12 months with no more than ¼ of the options vesting in any three-month period. Pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, the term of any option granted shall not exceed ten (10) years, or five (5) years if the Company ceases to be a Tier 1 issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange at the ti me of grant.
Exercise Price. The exercise price to each participant for each common share shall be as determined by the Board, but shall in no event be less than (a) the last closing price of the shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on the last business day before the date on which the option is granted or, if no common shares are traded on such day, then the minimum exercise price shall be the last closing price prior theretoless (b) a discount, which shall not exceed the amount set forth below, subject to a minimum price of Cdn$0.10:
| |
Closing Price | Discount |
up to Cdn$0.50 | 25% |
$0.51 to $2.00 | 20% |
Above $2.00 | 15% |
Non-Assignable. Options granted under the Stock Option Plan shall not be transferable or assignable by a participant other than by will or pursuant to the laws of succession.
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Third Party Transactions. In the event of a consolidation or merger in which the Company is not the surviving company, or in the event its outstanding common shares are converted into securities of another entity or exchanged for other consideration, or in the event of an offer for common shares being made by a third party that constitutes a take-over bid as that term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia) or would constitute a take-over bid as that term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia) but for the fact that the offeree is not in British Columbia, all outstanding options will immediately vest and all options granted to the participant under the Stock Option Plan and held by the participant will continue to be exercisable after the Company has sent notice to each of the participants to exercise the options only for a period of 30 days from the date of such notice or until the expiration of the option, if earlier. After such time, the options will terminate;provided,however, that if such transaction does not close, all such options will be deemed not to have vested nor expired.
Exercise of Stock Options
Any exercise of an option must be in writing, signed by the participant and delivered or mailed to the Company with payment in full by cash or certified cheque, payable to the Company, for the number of common shares for which the option is exercised.
Upon any such exercise of an option, the Company shall cause the transfer agent and registrar of the common shares to promptly deliver to such participant or the legal representative of such participant, as the case may be, a share certificate in the name of such participant or the legal representative of such participant, as the case may be, representing the number of common shares specified in the notice.
Common shares shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such common shares shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any applicable United States federal or state laws, Canadian laws, and such rules and regulations thereunder as the Company or the Board deems applicable. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body the authority deemed by the Company to be necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of any common shares under the Stock Option Plan, or the unavailability of an exemption from registration for the issuance and sale of any common shares under the Stock Option Plan, shall relieve the Company from any liability with respect to the non-issuance or sale of such common shares and any purchase price paid to the Company will be returned to the participant.
Termination, Retirement, Resignation or Death of Participant
If any participant ceases to be eligible for a grant of options under the Stock Option Plan for any reason (a “Termination”), except the death of a participant or by reason of retirement pursuant to an established retirement policy of the Board or dismissal from employment or service for cause, all options granted to the participant under the Stock Option Plan and then held by the participant will, to the extent such options were vested and exercisable immediately prior to Termination, continue to be exercisable by the Participant for a period of 90 days following Termination or until the expiration date of the option if earlier.
If Termination is by reason of retirement pursuant to an established retirement policy of the Board, all options held by the retiring participant will become vested and exercisable, to the extent not already vested and exercisable immediately prior to retirement, and they continue to be exercisable until their original expiration date.
Any options granted to a participant who is engaged in Investor Relations Activities (as defined in the Stock Option Plan) will expire within 30 days after such participant ceases to be employed to provide Investor Relations Activities (as defined in the Stock Option Plan).
In the event of the death of a Participant, all options granted to the participant under the Stock Option Plan and held by the participant immediately before death will, to the extent such options were vested and exercisable at that time, continue to be exercisable by the legal representative of the participant for a period of one (1) year following the death of the participant or until the expiration date of the option if earlier.
Amendment of the Plan
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The Board reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to amend, modify or terminate the Stock Option Plan at any time. The Stock Option Plan and any amendments thereto, are subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the NYSE Amex and any other stock exchange or regulatory body having jurisdiction over the securities of the Company and ratification by the shareholders of the Company at each annual general meeting of the Company.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Our unregistered sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2008, have previously been reported on Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph below shows Midway Gold Corp.’s cumulative total return based on an initial investment of $100 in Midway’s common stock, as compared with the AMEX Composite Index and the AMEX Gold BUGS Index. The chart shows performance marks as of the last trading day during each of the last five years. This performance chart assumes: (1) $100 was invested on December 31, 2004 in Midway common stock at a priceof$0.92, the AMEX Composite Index and the AMEX Gold Miners Index; and (2) all dividends are reinvested.
| | | | | |
| 31-Dec-2004 | 30-Dec-2005 | 29-Dec-2006 | 31-Dec-2007 | 31-Dec-2008 |
Midway Gold Corp. | $100.00 | $144.57 | $285.88 | $422.84 | $50.00 |
AMEX Composite Index | $100.00 | $122.64 | $143.27 | $168.00 | $97.44 |
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| | | | | |
AMEX Gold Miners Index | $100.00 | $128.59 | $157.08 | $190.11 |
$140.43 |
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data of Midway for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflected in the following table, have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Midway. On April 17, 2007, Midway acquired Pan-Nevada Gold Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary Apex Energy (U.S.) Inc.; accordingly the statement of operations of Midway for the year ended December 31, 2007, includes the results of Pan-Nevada for the period from April 17, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. GAAP | | |
| | 2008 | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
Statements of Operations Data | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenue | $ | Nil | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | |
Interest income | | 118 | | 331 | | | 197 | | | 42 | | | 9 | |
Net loss for the year | | 16,165 | | 10,666 | | | 7,241 | | | 4,403 | | | 2,995 | |
Basic and diluted loss per common share | $ | (0.31) | $ | (0.24) | | $ | (0.23 | ) | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance Sheets Data | | |
Total assets | $ | 50,587 | $ | 57,413 | | $ | 16,695 | | $ | 8,143 | | $ | 6,960 | |
Working capital | | 1,157 | | 8,005 | | | 8,127 | | | 1,094 | | | 357 | |
Mineral properties | | 46,971 | | 47,453 | | | 7,679 | | | 6,601 | | | 6,167 | |
Promissory note due within 12 months | | 1,000 | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Net assets | | 41,117 | | 48,693 | | | 16,088 | | | 7,164 | | | 6,615 | |
Stockholders’ equity | | 41,117 | | 48,693 | | | 16,088 | | | 7,164 | | | 6,615 | |
Weighted average number of shares Outstanding (000’s) | | 52,792 | | 43,992 | | | 32,000 | | | 24,064 | | | 19,037 | |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors –In this Annual Report we use the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, which are geological and mining
43
terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines adopted by CIM, as CIM Standards in Mineral Resources and Reserve Definition and Guidelines adopted by the CIM. US investors in particular are advised to read carefully the definitions of these terms as well as the “Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates” above.
Company Overview
Midway is a precious metals exploration company focused on the creation of value for shareholders by exploring and developing quality precious metal resources in stable mining areas.
Midway operates from an office in Helena, Montana and from field offices in Lovelock and Tonopah Nevada. These offices support the Spring Valley, Midway and Pan Projects, respectively. These offices also support work on five other exploration projects, located on four of the major Nevada gold trends. Midway currently controls certain mineral rights on the Cortez, Humboldt and Round Mountain Gold Trends.
Business Strategy and Development
We have four advanced exploration projects: the Spring Valley, the Pan and the Midway projects in Nevada and the Golden Eagle project in Washington and four early stage exploration targets in Nevada. Midway plans to continue to attempt to expand these new gold discoveries through exploration. Below is a summary of our work completed in 2008 and our expectations for our projects in 2009.
Spring Valley Project
The Spring Valley project is a diatreme/porphyry hosted gold system beneath pediment gravels. Drilling from February to August 2008 completed 87 holes including 63,565 feet of RC and 8,985 feet of core drilling targeting significant mineralization recognized outside the current resource. Nearly 75% of these new holes had significant gold intercepts. Drilling has now identified a coherent gold zone 5,000 feet long by 2,500 feet wide and extends to a depth of 1,400 feet. Known mineralization remains open to the north, southwest and at depth. Gold intercepts for 20 holes were reported on July 8, 2008, including 5 feet of 1.114 opt gold within 75 feet of 0.119 opt gold in SV08-417 and 140 feet of 0.021 opt gold in SV 08-403 and 80 feet of 0.031 opt gold in SV 08-410. New gold discovered in the Big Leap zone on the north end of the deposit was reported on September 11, 2008. Intercepts in this zone included 5 feet of 0.667 opt gold with 110 feet of 0.061 opt gold in hole SV08-436 and SV 08-432 with 25 feet of 0.294 opt gold within 40 feet of 0.190 opt gold. The Big Leap zone has been intercepted over 1400 feet along strike, is 200 to 400 feet wide, and is still open to both the north and south and at depth. Two outlying targets, the Fitting and Limerick areas, were tested with a total of 22 exploration drill holes with no significant results. Results from deep core drilling tested a gold bearing porphyry intrusive as announced on January 19, 2009. The more significant intercepts were in hole SV08-396C including 3 feet of 0.101 opt gold from 425 feet to 428 feet and 9.9 feet of 0.215 opt gold from 1,135.1 feet to 1,145 feet. Hole SV08-397C reported 5 feet of 0.114 opt gold from 909 feet to 914 feet and 4 feet of 0.117 opt gold from 977 feet to 981 feet.
Barrick has the exclusive right to earn a 60% interest in the Spring Valley project by spending US$30,000,000 on the property over five years. Barrick may increase its interest by 10% (70% total) by spending an additional US$8,000,000 in the year immediately after vesting at 60%. At Midway’s election, Barrick may also earn an additional 5% (75% total) by carrying Midway to a production decision and arranging financing for Midway’s share of mine construction expenses with the carrying and financing costs plus interest to be recouped by Barrick once production has been established. Midway will coordinate geologic and administrative activities during the earn-in period for a negotiated administrative fee. See “Item 2. Description of Properties – Spring Valley Project” for a more detailed description of the agreement with Barrick.
Barrick is required to conduct and fund exploration in 2009 on the Spring Valley project at a minimum level of US$4,000,000. Barrick has informed Midway its program will include 45,000 feet of infill core and reverse circulation drilling and approximately twelve holes will be drilled for metallurgical testing purposes
Pan Project
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A large scale soil survey identified four previously unknown gold-arsenic anomalies with no previous exploration drilling. Results from a recently completed detailed gravity survey have also outlined several new targets areas. As a result, additional claims were staked bringing the property position to 15 square miles.
In 2008 Midway completed 26,245 feet of drilling in 49 RC holes. Drilling at South Pan found additional near surface oxide gold mineralization. The Wendy zone was expanded to the east where it extends under volcanic cover and step-out drilling at Nana encountered more new gold—both zones are open for expansion. Three target areas outside the resource were tested with no significant results. Fourteen new holes in the resource area were targeted to verify results from previous operators, of which most intercepted higher grades and greater thicknesses than previously reported (Press Release July 9, 2008). Preliminary investigations suggest that assay techniques used by a previous operator may have under-estimated gold values in some of the holes. If confirmed by additional drilling, then portions of the deposit could show improved grades. A new higher-grade gold zone has also been identified over 800 feet in length at North Pan with true widths ranging from 10 to 2 5 feet and grades ranging from 0.07 to 0.51 opt gold.
At a minimum Midway’s staff will prepare an internal updated mineral resource estimate in 2009 which will guide the next exploration step for the Pan project. Pending additional financing from the exercise of share purchase warrants or an equity private placement in 2009 and based on the results of the updated mineral resource estimate the next step would either be infill and exploration drilling or the Company would commission an independently prepared preliminary assessment report (scoping study). The amount of drilling required will determine the cost of the program.
Midway Project
In 2008, initial mining plans were submitted to the BLM and NDEP for an underground decline providing access for collection of a bulk sample and high-grade verification at the Midway Project. Drilling for hydrology and geotechnical testing was completed on 12 RC holes for 1,234 feet and 9 core holes for 2,321 feet. While drilling these holes, two new high grade veins were discovered (Press Release May 14, 2008). Final permit submission is pending approvals from the State Water Engineer. Hydrologic testing suggests that pumping up to 2,000 gallons per minute may be required to dewater the project. Midway is currently negotiating a plan to properly dispose of this water with the Town of Tonopah and the State Water Engineer. Permitting efforts will continue in 2009 as Midway reviews potential capital benefits from mining the bulk sample on a smaller scale.
Midway processing test work by SGS Lakefield Research Limited (Canada) showed up to 94% gold recovery using gravity and cyanide from a 73-lb. composite sample of Discovery vein material grading 0.188 opt gold. Further work by Gekko Systems Metallurgical Laboratory (Australia) indicates that without using cyanide, a gravity and flotation process could achieve 86.7% gold recovery and 66.3% silver recovery, based on a 242-lb. composite sample, grading 0.662 opt gold and 0.475 opt silver.
We completed a cost analysis to convert the high-grade veins, intercepted by previous drilling, into reserves and this underground bulk sample plan is the most effective way to advance the project. This allows us the opportunity to determine the true grade of the veins and help to delineate reserves and move toward production. The actual date of beginning the decline will depend upon the length of time it takes to receive regulatory approval, which typically takes 8 to 18 months. In addition, we have several hurdles to overcome such as processing site, financing, and availability of contract mining equipment and personnel. The high-grade nature of the deposit and simple metallurgy make the underground bulk sample a logical and attractive next step in the exploration and development of the gold deposit.
The decline will be an inclined adit (underground tunnel) that will be driven to develop access 200 feet below high grade portions of the Midway, Rochefort and Dauntless veins (see table below and map attached). From these three veins a 50,000 ton bulk sample will be taken and processed. Gold recovered from the bulk samples will offset a portion of the development costs. The decline will also provide a platform to explore and develop 77 high-grade vein intercepts currently identified on the project. In the event that exploration results support a development decision, then underground workings and permits will be in place to begin full scale mining.
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Golden Eagle Project
On August 1, 2008 the Company issued 600,000 common shares at US$2.50 per common share for proceeds of US$1,500,000 by way of a private placement to Kinross Gold USA Inc. (“Kinross”) and concurrently purchased a 75% interest in the Golden Eagle, Washington, project from Kinross at a cost of US$1,500,000. The Company then purchased a 25% interest in the Golden Eagle project from Hecla Limited at a cost of US$483,333. Kinross retained a 2% net smelter returns royalty and was granted a first right of refusal to toll mill ore from the Golden Eagle property at their Kettle River Mill.
Midway completed the acquisition of the Golden Eagle property through a wholly-owned subsidiary created to hold the property.
In 2008, Midway acquired the Golden Eagle project and began compiling and reviewing the historic database of 847 drill holes containing 165,775 feet of mostly core drilling, to create a modern gold model. In 1996, Santa Fe Pacific Gold estimated that the Golden Eagle deposit contained 32.19 million tons grading 0.069 ounce per ton (opt) gold in a historic resource as part of an internal scoping study.A qualified person has not reviewed this resource and the historical estimate should not be relied upon.
Efforts in 2009 will be conducted by Midway staff and funded from working capital and will be directed toward key issues, including metallurgy testing, for moving the project towards a new scoping study, including a NI 43-101 compliant resource, high-grade target identification, evaluation of processing methods, and reviewing permitting. Staff is compiling and reviewing the historic data base of 847 drill holes containing 165,775 feet of mostly core drilling to create a modern gold model. Pending additional financing from the exercise of share purchase warrants or an equity private placement in 2009 and the internal review of the project by staff the next step would be to commission an independent NI 43-101 compliant updated mineral resource estimate an expected cost of up to US$125,000.
Exploration projects:
The Roberts Gold (formerly the Afgan project) is a sediment-hosted gold deposit located on the Battle Mountain/Eureka gold trend. Midway developed a new target concept in 2008 using geophysics and surface exploration, concluding that volcanic rocks of the Northern Nevada rift may cover favorable host rocks in a gravel fill area. The Afgan claim holdings on the southern part of the property were returned to the leaseholder due to a limited target host rocks potential. The Company is seeking a joint venture partner for this project.
The Gold Rock property is a 14 square mile land position with known gold deposits located on the Battle Mountain-Eureka trend. This is a sediment hosted gold system in highly prospective host rocks. A historic database of 577 holes containing 224,985 feet of drilling was acquired outlining continuous mineralization along 9,200 feet of length. Surface work, geophysics and historic data review have identified a number of exploration targets. A total of 3,525 feet in 11 RC drill holes were drilled on the Anchor target during 2008. The most significant intercept was 60 feet of 0.014 opt gold starting at 25 feet in AR08-08. Four other holes found strongly anomalous gold in the Pilot formation, a regionally favorable host rock. Target and data compilation is in progress.
The 2008 surface exploration and geophysics program on the Burnt Canyon project identified targets in this volcanic hosted epithermal system. Disseminated gold identified in rock chip and soil sampling at five different areas have been selected as drill targets. The project lies between high grade veins in the Seven Troughs district. The Company is seeking a joint venture partner for this project.
In 2008, Midway drilled 1,120 feet in 4 RC holes on the Thunder Mountain project testing for high-grade veins to complement the mineralization at the Midway project, located six miles to the northwest to follow up 2007 drilling which intercepted higher grade gold in silicified breccias hosted rhyolite tuff containing 70 feet of 0.105 opt gold beginning at a 55 foot depth (Press Release October 18, 2007). Results from 2008 included 40 feet of 0.135 opt gold at 70 foot depth, and two veins were intercepted with the most significant intercept reporting 5.5 feet (true thickness) of 0.389 opt gold in the Beckie vein (Press (Press Release May 1, 2008). Continued exploration on the Thunder Mountain project is being funded by Kinross Gold USA pursuant to an agreement. Kinross has added to the claim position in the project area and in late December 2008 Kinross completed a first pass drill program
46
comprising 7 RC drill holes containing 3,440 feet. The drilling off-set the known Beckie zone and targeted three other areas in the project. Assays are pending.
Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $16,165,394 (2007 – $10,666,106; 2006 - $7,241,228).
Significant differences in costs between the years are as follows:
Exploration expenses in the year ended December 31, 2008 were $9,085,990 (2007 – $10,038,930; 2006 - $6,432,052). The details of the expenses in each year may be found in the schedule to the audited consolidated annual financial statements. In the year ended December 31, 2008 $1,632,453 (2007 – $1,720,167; 2006 - $1,991,058) was spent at the Midway project, $5,012,151 (2007 - $6,313,919; 2006 - $4,362,326) at the Spring Valley project, $1,685,881 (2007 - $1,916,690; 2006 - $nil) at the Pan Project; $43,022 (2007 - $nil) at the Golden Eagle project, $73,418 (2007 - $1,641) at the Burnt Canyon project, $43,081 at the Thunder Mountain Project, $4,881 at the Maggie project, $93,298 at the Afgan/Roberts Creek project, $399,622 at the Gold Rock project and $98,183 (2007 - $86,513; 2006 - $78,668) on investigation of other potential acquisitions. Exploration levels are determined by the success of previous exploration programs on each project and avail able cash to fund additional programs. Exploration salaries and labor include the non-cash estimated fair value of stock based compensation for stock options granted to technical employees in the period of $258,158 (2007 - $292,110; 2006 - $364,088).
Included in consulting fees was $90,000 (2007 - $110,000; 2006 - $122,500) paid to Golden Oak Corporate Services, a company wholly owned by Doris Meyer, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Corporate secretary for financial reporting and corporate compliance services. Also included in 2008 was a $100,000 fee paid to an investment banker for advice in the failed business combination with Golden Predator Mines Inc.
Investor relations and travel costs combined were $259,458 for the year (2007 - $368,081; 2006 - $349,058). Management travelled to and participated in several investor shows in North America. In 2008, Midway focussed its investor relations efforts on increasing the market’s awareness of Midway by travelling to meet potential investors for one-on-one meetings and attended fewer retail investor conferences.
Professional fees paid to lawyers and auditors in the year ended December 31, 2008 was $610,497 (2007 - $374,777; 2006 - $148,945). In 2008 the Company incurred significant legal and auditing costs related to a failed business transaction with Golden Predator Mines Inc. In 2007 the Company incurred significant legal and auditing costs due to the Company’s preparation to register itself as a reporting issuer with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the USA. Activities in 2006 related to expanded Canadian disclosure requirements and the review of property acquisitions and maintenance matters in the USA.
Salary payments are to Midway’s staff based in Helena, Montana and the salary amounts reported include the estimated fair value of stock based compensation for stock options granted to employees, directors and officers in the period of $258,158 (2007 - $1,210,802; 2006 - $628,312).
Transfer agent and filing fees increased to $129,524 (2007 - $72,006; 2006 - $26,121) have increased from the levels in 2006 primarily because of costs associated the with Company’s dual-listing on January 3, 2008 on the NYSE Amex and maintenance of its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Decreases in interest income in the current year are a result of the decreased interest rates and lower levels of cash on deposit. The income tax recovery of $1,777,000 (2007 - $757,000; 2006 - $621,000) and an unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) of $1,669,594 (2007 – ($1,211,933); 2006 – ($5,287)) which is included within the foreign exchange loss (gain) of $1,473,709 (2007 - ($1,108,258); 2006 - $22,983) relate to the US dollar denominated future income tax liability recorded upon the acquisition of Pan-Nevada.
Results of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2007
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The net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $5,237,707 (2007 – $2,330,207).
Significant differences in costs between the quarters are as follows:
Exploration expenses in the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $486,054 (2007 - $1,847,327). In the three months ended December 31, 2008 $111,999 (2007 - $156,762) was spent at the Midway project, $246,674 (2007 - $1,258,908) at the Spring Valley project, $76,633 (2007 - $424,763) and $50,748 combined at the Company’s other exploration projects and property investigations. Exploration levels are determined by the success of previous exploration programs on each project and available cash to fund additional programs. Exploration salaries and labor for the three months ended December 31, 2007 include the non-cash estimated fair value of stock based compensation for stock options granted or recoveries from forfeitures of unvested options to technical employees in the period of $(13,626) (2007 - $112,308l).
Including in consulting fees was $22,500 (2007 - $22,500) paid to Golden Oak Corporate Services, a company wholly owned by Doris Meyer, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Corporate secretary for financial reporting and corporate compliance services for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
Investor relations and travel costs combined were $43,297 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 (2007 - $100,450). Management travelled to and participated in several investor shows in North America. Midway has focussed its investor relations efforts on increasing the market’s awareness of Midway by travelling to meet potential investors and reducing the number of retail investor shows it attends.
Professional fees paid to lawyers and auditors increased in the three months ended December 31, 2008 of $211,491 (2007 - $122,255) include an accrual for the fiscal year 2008 audit and the remainder was related to the final costs of the failed business transaction with Golden Predator Mines Inc.
Salary payments are to Midway’s staff based in Helena, Montana totalled $222,786 in the three months ended December 31, 2008 (2007 - $210,899). The category include the estimated fair value of stock based compensation for stock options granted to employees, directors and officers in the period of $17,233 (2007 - $72,571).
Interest income in the three months ended December 31, 2008 was $10,727 (2007 - $83,018).
In the three months ended December 31, 2008, the income tax recovery of $1,130,000 (2007 - $102,000) and an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $1,097,385 (2007 - $122,067) relate to the US dollar denominated future income tax liability recorded with the acquisition of Pan-Nevada.
Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2008 Quarter Ended In | | 2007 Quarter Ended In | |
| | Dec | | Sept | | June | | March | | Dec | | Sept | | June | | March | |
| | ($ in thousands, except per share and total cash cost per ounce data) | |
Revenue from the sale of minerals | | $ | Nil- | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | nil | |
Net loss | | | 5,238 | | | 3,682 | | | 4,261 | | | 2,984 | | | 2,330 | | | 3,547 | | | 3,404 | | | 1,385 | |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | | | 0.10 | | | 0.07 | | | 0.08 | | | 0.06 | | | 0.05 | | | 0.08 | | | 0.08 | | | 0.04 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 Quarter Ended In | |
| | Dec | | Sept | | June | | March | |
| |
Revenue from the sale of minerals | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | | $ | Nil | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | 1,834 | | | 2,147 | | | 1,837 | | | 1,424 | |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | | | 0.06 | | | 0.06 | | | 0.06 | | | 0.05 | |
Notes and Factors Affecting Comparability of Quarters:
(1)
The Company is a mineral exploration company at the development stage and has no operating revenues.
(2)
Stock based compensation costs are a non-cash expense and represent an estimate of the fair value of stock options granted. These expenses are often the largest item included in the Statement of Operations and they represent a significant source of variation in loss from quarter to quarter. Stock based compensation is allocated between salaries and benefits and mineral exploration expenditures.
(3)
Costs for the June 30 quarter tend to be higher due to printing and mailing of shareholder material for the Company’s annual general meeting and costs of conducting this meeting.
(4)
Costs for the December 31 quarter also tend to be higher due to accruals for the annual audit. Administratively, management tends to critically review all exploration projects in detail at this time of year and makes decisions about which projects it wishes to continue and which projects it will abandon.
(5)
The effect of the change in accounting policy to expense all exploration expenses instead of capitalizing them was taken in the fourth quarter of 2006 in this MD&A and the net loss shown for each quarter is as previously reported.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The Company began the year with cash on hand of $8,325,280. During 2008 the Company expended $10,855,737 on operations, invested a total of $3,932,599 in mineral property and equipment and raised $7,879,494 from the issue of shares for cash and $2,000,000 from the issue of a promissory note of which $1,000,000 was paid back in 2008 to end at December 31, 2008 with cash on hand of $2,416,438.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of its assets and the settlement of its liabilities in the normal course of operations. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is uncertain and dependent upon obtaining the financing necessary to meet its financial commitments and to complete the development of its properties and/or realizing proceeds from the sale of one or more of the properties. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the continued financial support from its shareholders, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary equity financing to continue operations, confirmation of the Company’s interests in the underlying properties, and the attainment of profitable operations. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had cash of $2,416,438, working capital of $1,156,536, and has accu mulated losses of $53,235,472 since inception. Our auditor’s report on our 2008 consolidated financial statements include an additional explanatory paragraph that states that our recurring losses from operation raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements to fund its proposed exploration program and continued operations will exceed that amount. Accordingly, the Company does not have sufficient funds to meet planned expenditures over the next twelve months, and will need to seek additional debt or equity financing to meet its planned expenditures. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to raise sufficient cash to fund its future exploration programs and operational expenditures. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Recently, the poor conditions in the U.S. housing market and the credit quality of mortgage backed securities continued and worsened in 2008, causing a loss of confidence in the broader U.S. and global credit and financial markets and resulting in the collapse of, and government intervention in, major banks, financial institutions and insurers and creating a climate of greater volatility, less liquidity, widening of credit spreads, a lack of price transparency, increased credit losses and tighter credit conditions. These disruptions in the current credit and financial markets have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. These disruptions could, among other things, make it more
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difficult for us to obtain, or increase our cost of obtaining, capital and financing for our operations in the future. Our access to additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.
We expect to rely upon additional financing to fund our planned operating budget throughout the current fiscal year. If costs increase substantially or we incur greater losses than expected, our exploration activities and other operations will be reliant upon equity financings to continue into the future. The current market conditions could make it difficult or impossible for us to raise necessary funds to meet our capital requirements. If we are unable to obtain financing through equity investments, we will seek multiple solutions including, but not limited to, credit facilities or debenture issuances.
On November 12, 2008 we issued 12,500,000 common shares and 12,500,000 common share purchase warrants for proceeds of $2,750,000. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.28 per share until May 12, 2009. At March 27, 2009 Midway’s share price closed at $0.57 on the TSX Venture Exchange well above the $0.28 exercise price of the warrants. If all the warrants are exercised the proceeds will be $3,500,000. The Company agreed with Golden Predator Inc. that 50% of the proceeds of any warrants exercised pursuant to this private placement will be applied to the remaining $1,000,000 owed on the promissory note until it is paid.
In 2008, we issued a total of 479,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for cash proceeds of $733,250.
As of March 27, 2009, in addition to the 12,500,000 share purchase warrants outstanding there are 3,094,167 stock options at prices ranging from $0.80 to $3.36. While it is probable that some of these options will be exercised, it is not possible to predict the timing or the amount of funds which might be received.
Midway plans to raise capital in 2009 to fund its continued exploration and development.
Contractual Obligations
There are no contractual obligations other than those described in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payments due by period (in thousands) |
Contractual Obligations | | Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1 to 3 years | | 3 to 5 years | | More than 5 years |
Long-term debt obligations | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
Operating lease obligations | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
Purchase obligations | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Off-balance sheet arrangements
There are no off balance sheet arrangements.
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Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Environmental Compliance
Our current and future exploration and development activities, as well as our future mining and processing operations, are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in the countries in which we conduct our activities. These laws and regulations govern the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. We expect to be able to comply with those laws and do not believe that compliance will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position. We intend to obtain all licenses and permits required by all applicable regulatory agencies in connection with our mining operations and exploration activities. We intend to maintain standards of environmental compliance consistent with regulatory requirements.
Midway has an obligation to reclaim its properties after the surface has been disturbed by exploration methods at the site. As of December 31, 2008, we have accrued US$93,494 ($98,514) related to reclamation and other closure requirements at our properties, compared to US$70,466 from December 31, 2007. These liabilities are covered by a combination of surety bonds and restricted cash totaling $517,711 at December 31, 2008 (2007 - $349,239). We have accrued as a current liability what management believes is the present value of our best estimate of the liabilities as of December 31, 2008; however, it is possible that our obligations may change in the near or long term depending on a number of factors.
Critical accounting policies
Critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements include our estimate of recoverable value on our property, plant and equipment, site reclamation and rehabilitation as well as the value assigned to stock-based compensation expense. These estimates involve considerable judgment and are, or could be, affected by significant factors that are out of our control.
The factors affecting stock-based compensation include estimates of when stock options might be exercised and the stock price volatility. The timing for exercise of options is out of our control and will depend, among other things, upon a variety of factors including the market value of Midway shares and financial objectives of the holders of the options. We used historical data to determine volatility in accordance with Black-Scholes modeling, however the future volatility is inherently uncertain and the model has its limitations. While these estimates can have a material impact on the stock-based compensation expense and hence results of operations, there is no impact on our financial condition.
Midway’s recoverability evaluation of its mineral properties and equipment is based on market conditions for minerals, underlying mineral resources associated with the assets and future costs that may be required for ultimate realization through mining operations or by sale. Midway is in an industry that is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties, including exploration risk, development risk, commodity price risk, operating risk, ownership and political risk, funding and currency risk, as well as environmental risk. Bearing these risks in mind, Midway has assumed recent world commodity prices will be achievable. We have considered the mineral resource reports by independent engineers on the Midway, Spring Valley and Pan projects in considering the recoverability of the carrying costs of the mineral properties. All of these assumptions are potentially subject to change, out of our control, however such changes are not determinable. Accordingly, there is al ways the potential for a material adjustment to the value assigned to mineral properties and equipment.
Midway has an obligation to reclaim its properties after the surface has been disturbed by exploration methods at the site. As a result Midway has recorded a liability for the fair value of the reclamation costs it expects to incur. The Company estimated applicable inflation and credit-adjusted risk-free rates as well as expected reclamation time frames. To the extent that the estimated reclamation costs change, such changes will impact future reclamation
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expense recorded.
Recent United States Accounting Pronouncements:
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS 141 and SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements”, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”). FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. FAS 141R and FAS 160 shall be applied prospectively on or after an entity& #146;s fiscal year that begins on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact that FAS 141R and FAS 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect that it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Midway has no publicly or privately traded securities or market instruments aside from our own equity. The only publicly traded securities are the common shares of Midway, which trade on NYSE Amex and TSX.V. Other than a promissory note due for payment in July 2009 as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, we have no other debt instruments subject to interest payments, sales contracts, swaps, derivatives, or forward agreements or contracts, or inventory.
Midway has no currency or commodity contracts, and we do not trade in such instruments.
Midway has no cash flow or revenue from operations. Our operating funds are currently provided by equity issuances. We have to date always raised funds in Canadian dollars although we incur the majority of our expenditures in Canadian and United States dollars. The shares of Midway are listed for trading on NYSE Amex and TSX.V and accordingly our ability to raise equity funds and the price at which such issues are sold is directly related to the activity and price of our shares on such exchange. In addition, as we incur expenditures in both Canadian and United States currencies we have exposure to foreign currency gains or losses. We do not currently enter into any contracts or arrangements to hedge against currency fluctuations.
We have no debt instruments which are subject to interest payments.
We periodically access the capital markets with the issuance of new shares to fund operating expenses, and we do not maintain significant cash reserves over periods of time that could be materially affected by fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Midway Gold Corp., Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants are filed as part of this Item 8 and are included in this Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
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| | Page | |
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants | | | F-2 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 | | | F-3 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | | F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | | F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | | F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | | | F-6 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | | | F-11 | |
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There have been no disagreements with KPMG LLP, our independent registered chartered accountants, regarding any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosure.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation the CEO and the CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) ma terial information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of Midway is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
·
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
·
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
·
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detections of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
The Company's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is ineffective based on those criteria and two material weaknesses were identified as outlined below.
The SEC has defined a material weakness as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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1.
Financial Reporting
The Company’s accounting personnel have limited expertise in US generally accepted accounting principles relating to in depth analysis and review of complex accounting transactions and implementation of new standards that may be material to the Company’s financial statements.
2.
Segregation of Duties
The Company has limited accounting personnel with which to enable effective segregation of duties over transaction processes with respect to financial reporting matters and internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, certain personnel with financial transaction initiation and reporting responsibilities have incompatible duties that allow for the creation, review and recording of journal entries without adequate independent review and authorization.
These control deficiencies, which are pervasive in impact, did not result in a misstatement to the financial statements; however, there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual financial statements would not have been prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by KMPG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company's annual financial statements included in this Annual Report, as stated in their report which appears in the annual financial statements herein.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, no changes occurred in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. However, subsequent to the end of the period, management did identify material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which require management to effect changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. For a discussion of these weaknesses, please see “Controls and Procedures – Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” above.
Remediation plans
The Company will take steps to restrict certain personnel with financial transaction initiation and reporting responsibilities from being able to create and record journal entries without adequate independent review and authorization.
The Company will require its accounting personnel to increase its US GAAP knowledge by attendance at training seminars to allow them to identify issues and seek expert accounting advice where necessary.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP OF MIDWAY SHARES
The following discussion of the treatment of future distributions from Midway, and the sale or exchange of Midway shares, is subject to the PFIC rules discussed below. Midway may be treated as a passive foreign investment company, or "PFIC," for United States Federal income tax purposes.
Definition of a PFIC
Code Section 1297 defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the United States and, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income”, or (ii) the average percentage, by fair market value, of its assets that produce or that are held for the production of “passive income” is at least 50%. For this purpose, “passive income” includes interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, and other similar types of income. The tax
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rules generally applicable to a PFIC are very complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Each “United States person” who holds Midway shares (“U.S. Holder”) as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) is strongly urged to consult his, her or its own tax advisor with respect to such rules.
Status of Midway as PFIC
Midway may be a PFIC for United States Federal income tax purposes. However, the actual determination of PFIC status is fundamentally factual in nature and cannot be made until the close of the applicable taxable year. Moreover, there can be no assurances that unanticipated events will not cause Midway to qualify or fail to qualify as a PFIC or that any determination concerning Midway's current or expected PFIC status will not be challenged by the IRS. See “Taxation under the PFIC Rules” below.
If a foreign corporation is a PFIC at any time during a U.S. Holder's holding period (and was not a qualified electing fund (“QEF”) as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally continue to be subject to the rules regarding excess distributions and dispositions of PFIC stock discussed below, even if the foreign corporation ceases to be a PFIC, unless certain gain recognition elections are made to eliminate or “purge” the PFIC taint.
Taxation under the PFIC Rules
There are three separate taxation regimes under the PFIC rules: the QEF regime; the mark-to-market regime; and the excess distribution regime (which is the default regime). A U.S. Holder who holds (actually or constructively) marketable or unmarketable stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is subject to United States federal income taxation under one of these three regimes. The impact of the PFIC rules on a U.S. Holder will depend upon which of these regimes applies to such U.S. Holder.
The QEF Regime
If a U.S. Holder so elects (an “Electing U.S. Holder”), and the PFIC agrees to annually supply certain information to the U.S. Holder, the Electing U.S. Holder's shares in the PFIC may be treated as an investment in a QEF. Under the QEF regime, the Electing U.S. Holder is treated as receiving an annual distribution of his, her or its pro rata share of: (i) the PFIC's “net capital gain” (the excess of net long-term capital gain for a taxable year over net short-term capital loss for such year); and (ii) the PFIC's “ordinary earnings” (the excess of earnings and profits for such taxable year over net capital gain for such year). An Electing U.S. Holder's pro rata share of a PFIC's net capital gains or ordinary earnings is the amount that would have been distributed with respect to the Electing U.S
Holder's stock if, on each day during the taxable year, the PFIC had distributed to each of its shareholders a pro rata share of that day's ratable share of the PFIC's ordinary earnings and net capital gain for that year. For the Electing U.S. Holder's taxable year in which (or with which) the PFIC's taxable year ends, the amount treated as a distribution to the Electing U.S. Holder of net capital gain will be taxable to the Electing U.S. Holder as long-term capital gain, and the amount treated as a distribution to the Electing U.S. Holder of ordinary earnings will be taxable to the Electing U.S. Holder as ordinary income. These amounts are taxable to the Electing U.S. Holder regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed. The adjusted tax basis of the Electing U.S. Holder in the shares of a PFIC with respect to which a QEF election is in effect is increased by any amount included in the Electing U.S. Holder's income under the QEF rules and d ecreased by any amount distributed with respect to the PFIC shares that is not includible in income because it has been previously taxed under the QEF rules noted above.
The timely QEF election also allows the Electing U.S. Holder to: (i) generally treat any gain realized on the disposition of his, her or its shares of the PFIC (or deemed to be realized on the pledge of their shares) as capital gain; (ii) treat his, her or its share of the PFIC's net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain instead of ordinary income; and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether, or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his, her or its share of PFIC's annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge. If the Electing U.S. Holder is not a corporation, such an interest charge would be treated as “personal interest” that is not deductible.
The tax reporting requirements with respect to which a U.S. Holder must comply will depend upon whether the QEF election is made for the first taxable year of a corporation beginning after 1986 that such corporation was a PFIC
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and that includes any portion of the U.S. Holder's holding period of the PFIC shares. If the U.S. Holder makes a QEF election in such first year (i.e., a timely QEF election), then the U.S. Holder may make the QEF election by filing the appropriate documents at the time the U.S. Holder timely files a tax return for such first year and must recognize the amounts of income noted above. If, however, the U.S. Holder makes the QEF election subsequent to such first year, then in addition to complying with the reporting and recognition rules of the QEF regime, the U.S. Holder must also report and recognize income pursuant to the excess distribution regime (discussed in “The Excess Distribution Regime” below). In such circumstances, the U.S. Holder may consider making an additional election for the taxable year for which the QEF election is made to recognize any gain that he, she or it would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder had sold the PFIC share s on the qualification date. The “qualification date” is the first day of the PFIC's first tax year in which it qualified as a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. This additional election can only be made if such U.S. Holder's holding period for the PFIC shares includes the qualification date. By making such additional election and recognizing such gain, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF election and will have prevented the application of the excess distribution regime.
If a corporation that was previously a PFIC no longer qualifies as a PFIC in a subsequent year, a timely QEF election will remain in effect, although not applicable, during those years that such corporation is not a PFIC. Consequently, during those years that the corporation is not a PFIC, the Electing U.S. Holder will not be required to include in its income it’s pro rata share of net capital gains and ordinary earnings of the PFIC or satisfy the reporting requirements of that election for that year. If such corporation subsequently re-qualifies as a PFIC, the QEF election previously made is still valid, and the Electing U.S. Holder will be required to satisfy the reporting requirements of that election.
Because of the complexity of these rules, U.S. Holders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding the availability of and procedure for making a QEF election and regarding the recognition of gain or earnings and profits under these rules.
The Mark-to-Market Regime
Under the mark-to-market regime, a U.S. Holder who holds (actually or constructively) marketable stock of a foreign corporation that qualifies as a PFIC, may annually elect to mark such stock to the market (a “mark-to-market election”). PFIC stock generally is marketable if: (1) it is regularly traded on a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities Exchange Commission or on the national market system established under Section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; or (2) it is regularly traded on any exchange or market that the Treasury Department determines to have rules sufficient to ensure that the market price accurately represents the fair market value of the stock. If such an election is made, such U.S. Holder will not be subject to the special taxation rules of Code Section 1291 described below for the taxable year for which the mark-to-market election is made.
A U.S. Holder who makes a mark-to-market election includes in income each taxable year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC shares at the close of the taxable year over such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. Similarly, the U.S. Holder deducts in each taxable year an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares over the fair market value of such shares as of the close of the taxable year, or (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the mark-to-market gains for the PFIC shares previously included in income by such U.S. Holder for prior tax years, over (B) the mark-to-market losses for the PFIC shares that were previously allowed as deductions for prior tax years. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares will be increased to reflect any amounts included in income, and decreased to reflect any amounts deducted, as a result of a mark-to-mark et election. A mark-to-market election only applies for the taxable year in which the election was made, and for each subsequent taxable year, unless the PFIC shares ceased to be marketable or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election.
Because of the complexity of these rules, U.S. Holders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding the availability of and procedure for making a mark-to-market election and regarding the recognition of income and deductions under these rules.
The Excess Distribution Regime
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If a U.S. Holder does not make a timely QEF election or a mark-to-market election during a year in which the U.S. Holder holds (actually or constructively) shares of a PFIC (a “Non-electing U.S. Holder”), then special taxation rules under Code Section 1291, generally referred to as the excess distribution regime, will apply. Under this regime, tax liability arises only when an actual distribution is made by a PFIC, or when the Non-electing U.S. Holder directly or indirectly disposes of shares of the PFIC.
A Non-electing U.S. Holder will be taxed on any excess distributions. An “excess distribution” can arise either from (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reasons of a pledge) by the Non-electing U.S. Holder of his, her or its PFIC shares, or (ii) certain portions of any actual distribution made by the PFIC to the Non-electing U.S. Holder (as specifically defined in the Code, that portion of the actual distribution made during a taxable year that exceeds 125% of the average of actual distributions received in the three preceding taxable years; any amount not in excess of 125% of the average of actual distributions received in the three preceding taxable years will generally be subject to taxation as a dividend as described in “Taxation of Dividends” below).
Once the total amount of the excess distribution has been determined, it is allocated ratably to all days in the holding period of the Non-electing U.S. Holder for his, her or its PFIC Shares. This allocation can result in excess distributions allocated to three types of periods: (i) those amounts allocated to days in prior taxable years for which the corporation was not a PFIC (or, to days in taxable years prior to January 1, 1987) (the “pre-PFIC period”); (ii) those amounts allocated to days in prior taxable years for which the corporation was a PFIC (the “prior-year PFIC period”); and (iii) those amounts allocated to days in the current taxable year (the “current-year PFIC period”). Those amounts allocated to days in the pre-PFIC period and the current-year PFIC period are totaled and included in the Non-electing U.S. Holder's income in the current taxable year as ordinary income. Those amounts allocated to days in the prior-year PFIC period are not included in the Non-electing U.S. Holder's income. Instead, those amounts are subject to taxation at the highest applicable tax rate for any prior year to which an amount is allocated, and the amount allocated to a prior year is also subject to an interest charge as if the amount were an underpayment of taxes for the year in question.
If a corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-electing U.S. Holder holds shares of such PFIC, then the corporation will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such shares, even if it no longer meets the definition of a PFIC. A Non-electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize a gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed above for Non-electing U.S. Holders) as if such shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which the corporation was a PFIC; this election has the effect of eliminating or purging the PFIC taint.
General Provisions – Not Specific to Taxing Regime
Because Midway may be a PFIC for its current taxable year and for one or more of its future taxable years, each U.S. Holder is urged to consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect their tax situation, including any ability to make, and the tax consequences of making, a QEF election or a mark-to-market election.
In addition, certain special, generally adverse, rules will apply with respect to the shares of a corporation while such corporation is a PFIC, whether or not the U.S. Holder has elected to treat the corporation as a QEF. For example, under Code Section 1298(b)(6), a U.S. Holder who uses PFIC stock as security for a loan (including a margin loan) will, except as may be provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such shares.
Furthermore, for any periods of time during which Midway is a PFIC, each U.S. Holder will be required annually to file an IRS Form 8621 (Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund) with such U.S. Holder's timely filed income tax return (or directly with the IRS if the U.S. Holder is not required to file an income tax return). A U.S. Holder choosing to make a QEF election also must include with its income tax return a shareholder election statement and the PFIC annual information statement that Midway will provide.
Taxation of Dividends
The following discussion assumes that Midway is a PFIC for the current taxable year. As noted above, the actual determination of PFIC status is fundamentally factual in nature and cannot be made until the close of the applicable
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taxable year. Subject to the PFIC rules, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of a distribution made to a U.S. Holder by Midway in respect of Midway shares owned by such U.S. Holder, including any amounts of Canadian tax withheld on the distribution, will be treated as dividend income to such U.S. Holder to the extent paid out of Midway's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. That dividend income will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations under Code Section 243. Further, the dividend income received by an individual will not be eligible for the preferential tax rates that are generally applicable to certain dividend income of an individual, estate or trust. Code Section 1(h)(11) generally allows dividend income received during the taxable year from U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (but not from PFICs) to be taxed at the same preferential tax rate that applies to long-term capital gains of individuals, estates or trusts.
To the extent a distribution made to a U.S. Holder by Midway in respect of Midway shares owned by such U.S. Holder exceeds the U.S. Holder's allocable share of Midway's current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be applied first to reduce the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in his, her or its Midway shares, and any remaining excess will constitute gain from the deemed sale or exchange of such shares.
Dividends paid by Midway in Canadian dollars will be included in the income of a U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt thereof by the depositary, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividends paid in Canadian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, U.S. Holders generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.
If the U.S. Holder establishes that an amount actually distributed by a PFIC with respect to which a QEF election is in effect is paid out of earnings and profits of the PFIC that were previously included in the U.S. Holder's income under the QEF rules, such amount is treated as a distribution that is not a dividend. Accordingly, such amounts are not included in the gross income of the U.S. Holder.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder may generally elect to treat Canadian withholding taxes as either a deduction from gross income or, subject to certain limitations, a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of that U.S. Holder. The maximum foreign tax credit allowable generally is equal to the U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability for the taxable year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the U.S. Holder's taxable income from sources outside the United States and the denominator of which is the U.S. Holder's taxable income from all sources for the taxable year. That foreign tax credit limitation is applied separately to different “baskets” of income. For purposes of applying the foreign tax credit limitation, dividends generally are included in the “passive income” basket or, if received by certain holders and certain other conditions are met, the “financial services income 148; basket for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2006 or the “general category” basket for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding directors of Midway is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the sections entitled “Information on the Board of Directors and Executive Officers”, (“Corporate Governance”, “Board Committees” and “Other Governance Matters” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”).
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the information set forth under the section entitled “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Reference is made to the information set forth under the section entitled “Beneficial Ownership Table” in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Reference is made to the information contained under the section entitled “Interests of Insiders and Others in Material Transactions” contained in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Reference is made to the information contained under the section entitled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” contained in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Documents filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference:
(1)
Our consolidated financial statements are listed on the “Index to Financial Statements” on Page F-1 to this report.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules (omitted because they are either not required, are not applicable, or the required information is disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements or related notes).
(3)
The following exhibits are filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference.
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Exhibit Number | Description |
2.1 | Amended and Restated Arrangement Agreement between Midway Gold Corp. and Pan-Nevada Gold Corporation, dated February 26, 2007, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
3.1 | Notice of Articles, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
3.2 | Articles, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
4.1 | Form of Stock Certificate, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
4.2 | Form of Warrant Certificate issued in connection with the November 2006 Private Placement, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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4.3 | Form of Subscription Agreement for May 2006 Private Placement, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
4.4 | Form of Subscription Agreement for November 2006 Private Placement, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.1 | Option Amendment Agreement between Paul G. Schmidt and Mary Ann Schmidt and Thomas C. Patton and Linda Sue Patton and Midway Gold Corp., dated November 2, 2004, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.2 | Purchase and Sale Agreement between Paul G. Schmidt and MGC Resources Inc., dated August 15, 2003, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.3 | Purchase and Sale Agreement between Echo Bay Exploration Inc. and MGC Resources Inc. dated September 1, 2003, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.4 | Sale Deed between Nevada Land and Resource Company LLC and MGC Resources Inc., dated October 5, 2005, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.5 | Purchase and Sale Agreement between Coeur Rochester, Inc. and MGC Resources Inc., dated January 25, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.6 | Mineral Lease Agreement and Option to Purchase between Lamonte J. Duffy and MGC Resources Inc., dated April 25, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.7 | Sale Deed between Seymork Investments Ltd. and MGC Resources Inc., dated May 5, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.8 | Mineral Lease Agreement and Option to Purchase between Dave Rowe, Randall Stoeberl and MGC Resources Inc., dated July 18, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.9 | Mineral Lease Agreement and Option to Purchase between Lamonte J. Duffy and MGC Resources Inc., dated October 25, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.10 | Mineral Lease Agreement and Option to Purchase between Dale Chabino and Diana Chabino and MGC Resources Inc., dated October 30, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
60
| |
10.11 | Mineral Lease Agreement between the Lyle Campbell Trust and Pan-Nevada Resources Corporation dated January 7, 2003, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.12 | Mineral Lease Agreement and Option to Purchase between George D. Duffy and MGC Resources Inc. dated June 1, 2007, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.13 | Stock Option Plan of Midway Gold Corp., previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.14 | Stock Option Plan of Midway Gold Corp. – Form of Stock Option Agreement, previously filed with Amendment No.1 to the initial registration statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.15 | Employment Agreement between Alan Branham and Midway Gold Corp. previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.16 | Contracting Agreement between Doris Meyer, Golden Oak Corporate Services Ltd. and Midway Gold Corp. dated December 1, 2006, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.17 | Consulting Agreement between Kelly Hyslop and Midway, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.18 | Consulting Agreement between John Watson, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
10.19 | Assignment agreement with Martin H. Webster, Donald H. Jones, Michael C. Agran, Virginia Genest, Wallace Stephens, and Sandra Newmark dated June 25, 2008, previously filed on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2008 |
10.20 | Letter of Intent with Kinross dated May 28, 2008, previously filed on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2008 |
10.21 | Letter of Intent with Hecla dated May 28, 2008, previously filed on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2008 |
10.22 | Terms Sheet between MGC and Barrick Gold dated October 17, 2008, previously filed on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2008 |
10.23 | 2008 Stock Option Plan, previously filed on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 15, 2009 |
10.24 | Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement dated effective March 10, 2009, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2009 |
61
| |
14.1 | Code of Ethics, previously filed with the initial registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
23.1 | Consent of KPMG LLP |
23.2 | Consent of Michael M. Gustin (Mine Development Associates) |
23.3 | Consent of Eric LeLacheur and Don Harris |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
62
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| |
| MIDWAY GOLD CORP. |
March 30, 2009 |
By: /s/ Alan D. Branham Alan D. Branham President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | |
| | | | |
Name | | Title | | Date |
| | | | |
/s/ George T. Hawes George T. Hawes | |
Director | |
March 30, 2009 |
| | | | |
/s/ Daniel Wolfus Daniel Wolfus | |
Director | |
March 30, 2009 |
| | | | |
/s/ Frank Yu Frank Yu | |
Director | |
March 30, 2009 |
| | | | |
/s/ Doris A. Meyer Doris A. Meyer | | Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |
March 30, 2009 |
63
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| | | |
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants | | F-2 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 | | F-3 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 | | F-6 | |
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | | F-7 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | | F-11 | |
64

MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
F- 1

KPMG LLP | | Telephone | | (604) 691-3000 |
Chartered Accountants | | Fax | | (604) 691-3031 |
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street | | Internet | | www.kpmg.ca |
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 | | | | |
Canada | | | | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
| The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Midway Gold Corp. |
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Midway Gold Corp. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cashflows, comprehensive loss and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe the our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Midway Gold Corp. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has insufficient funds to meet planned expenditures over the next twelve months that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Midway Gold Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 17, 2009 expressed an adverse opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
KPMG LLP (signed)
| Vancouver, Canada February 17, 2009 |
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership is the Canadian member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

KPMG LLP | | Telephone | | (604) 691-3000 |
Chartered Accountants | | Fax | | (604) 691-3031 |
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street | | Internet | | www.kpmg.ca |
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 | | | | |
Canada | | | | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
| The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company”) |
We have audited Midway Gold Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Midway Gold Corp.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying (title of management’s report). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership is the Canadian member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Midway Gold Corp. |
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management's assessment: (1) accounting personnel have limited expertise in US generally accepted accounting principles; and (2) lack of segregation of duties over the initiation and recording of journal entries.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Midway Gold Corp. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cashflows, comprehensive loss and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated February 17, 2009, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
In our opinion, because of the effect of the aforementioned material weaknesses on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statements referring to corrective actions taken after December 31, 2008, relative to the aforementioned material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.
KPMG LLP (signed)
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada February 17, 2009 |
F- 2
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | |
| | | December 31, 2008 | | December 31, 2007 |
| | | | | |
Assets | | | | |
| | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,416,438 | $ | 8,325,280 |
| Amounts receivable | | 86,451 | | 108,364 |
| Prepaid expenses | | 30,577 | | 89,462 |
| | | 2,533,466 | | 8,523,106 |
Investments (note 3) | | 346,675 | | 850,000 |
Reclamation deposit | | 517,711 | | 349,239 |
Equipment (note 4) | | 218,325 | | 237,326 |
Mineral properties (note 5) | | 46,971,127 | | 47,452,905 |
| | $ | 50,587,304 | $ | 57,412,576 |
| | | | | |
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | | | |
| | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 369,012 | $ | 518,424 |
| Accrued interest payable (note 7) | | 7,918 | | - |
| Promissory note (note 7) | | 1,000,000 | | - |
| | | 1,376,930 | | 518,424 |
| | | | | |
Future income tax liability (note 12) | | 8,093,661 | | 8,201,067 |
| | | | | |
Stockholders' equity (note 6) | | | | |
| Common stock authorized - unlimited, no par value | | | | |
| Issued - 64,821,664 (2007 - 49,682,664) | | 88,181,641 | | 80,507,539 |
| Additional paid in capital | | 6,170,544 | | 5,375,624 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | - | | (120,000) |
| Deficit accumulated during the exploration stage | | (53,235,472) | | (37,070,078) |
| | | 41,116,713 | | 48,693,085 |
| | $ | 50,587,304 | $ | 57,412,576 |
| | | | | |
Nature of operations and going concern (note 1) | | | | |
Commitments (note 5) | | | | |
Contingency (note 8) | | | | |
Subsequent events (notes 5(b), 5(c) and 14) | | | | |
Approved on behalf of the Board:
“George Hawes” Director
“Alan Branham” Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | | Year ended December 31, 2007 | | Year ended December 31, 2006 | | Cumulative period from inception (Mar 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | | | | (unaudited) |
Expenses | | | | | | | | |
| Consulting | $ | 223,518 | $ | 121,133 | $ | 37,625 | $ | 523,433 |
| Depreciation | | 126,399 | | 67,650 | | 19,282 | | 490,368 |
| Gain on sale of subsidiary | | - | | - | | - | | (2,806,312) |
| Interest and bank charges | | 40,256 | | 5,131 | | 12,242 | | 857,583 |
| Investor relations | | 123,027 | | 243,989 | | 282,034 | | 1,025,584 |
| Legal, audit and accounting | | 610,497 | | 374,777 | | 148,945 | | 1,850,787 |
| Management fees | | - | | - | | - | | 265,000 |
| Mineral exploration expenditures (schedule) | | 9,085,990 | | 10,038,930 | | 6,432,052 | | 42,860,796 |
| Mineral property interests written off (note 5) | | 4,246,565 | | - | | - | | 4,271,754 |
| Office and administration (note 9) | | 184,189 | | 169,790 | | 147,396 | | 1,099,379 |
| Salaries and benefits | | 1,076,408 | | 1,613,624 | | 862,719 | | 5,952,823 |
| Transfer agent and filing fees | | 129,524 | | 72,006 | | 26,121 | | 393,273 |
| Travel | | 136,431 | | 124,092 | | 67,024 | | 668,542 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | 15,982,804 | | 12,831,122 | | 8,035,440 | | 57,453,010 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expenses): | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | (1,473,709) | | 1,108,258 | | (22,983) | | (167,413) |
| Interest income | | 117,886 | | 330,873 | | 196,195 | | 827,612 |
| Loss on sale of equipment | | (1,769) | | (1,115) | | - | | (2,884) |
| Loss on sale of investments (note 3) | | (9,773) | | - | | - | | (9,773) |
| Investment write down (note 3) | | (592,225) | | (30,000) | | - | | (622,225) |
| Other income | | - | | - | | - | | 87,221 |
| | | (1,959,590) | | 1,408,016 | | 173,212 | | 112,538 |
Net loss before income tax | | 17,942,394 | | 11,423,106 | | 7,862,228 | | 57,340,472 |
| Income tax recovery (note 12) | | 1,777,000 | | 757,000 | | 621,000 | | 4,105,000 |
Net loss | $ | 16,165,394 | $ | 10,666,106 | $ | 7,241,228 | $ | 53,235,472 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.23 | | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | | 52,791,751 | | 43,992,302 | | 32,000,213 | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | | Year ended December 31, 2007 | | Year ended December 31, 2006 | | Cumulative period from inception (Mar 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
Cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | | | |
Operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Net loss | $ | (16,165,394) | $ | (10,666,106) | $ | (7,241,228) | $ | (53,235,472) |
| Items not involving cash: | | | | | | | | |
| | Depreciation | | 126,399 | | 67,650 | | 19,282 | | 490,368 |
| | Stock-based compensation | | 501,028 | | 1,502,912 | | 992,400 | | 4,983,893 |
| | Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) | | 1,669,594 | | (1,211,933) | | (5,287) | | 163,374 |
| | Unrealized loss on investment | | 592,225 | | 30,000 | | - | | 622,225 |
| | Non-cash interest expense | | - | | - | | - | | 234,765 |
| | Income tax recovery | | (1,777,000) | | (757,000) | | (621,000) | | (4,105,000) |
| | Gain on sale of subsidiary | | - | | - | | - | | (2,806,312) |
| | Loss on sale of equipment | | 1,769 | | 1,115 | | - | | 2,884 |
| | Loss on sale of investments | | 9,773 | | - | | - | | 9,773 |
| | Write off of mineral property interests | | 4,246,565 | | - | | - | | 4,271,754 |
| Change in non-cash working capital items: | | | | | | | | |
| | Amounts receivable | | 21,913 | | (6,067) | | (31,709) | | (69,947) |
| | Prepaid expenses | | 58,885 | | (8,975) | | (45,424) | | (50,619) |
| | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (149,412) | | (112,226) | | 254,305 | | 464,017 |
| | Accrued interest payable | | 7,918 | | - | | - | | 7,918 |
| | | | (10,855,737) | | (11,160,630) | | (6,678,661) | | (49,016,379) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Investment activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds on sale of subsidiary | | - | | - | | - | | 254,366 |
| Proceeds on sale of equipment | | 919 | | 694 | | - | | 1,613 |
| Proceeds on sale of mineral property | | - | | 233,459 | | - | | 233,459 |
| Proceeds on sale of investments | | 21,327 | | - | | - | | 21,327 |
| Mineral property acquisitions | | (3,676,287) | | (3,832,280) | | (989,701) | | (19,910,811) |
| Deferred acquisition costs | | - | | - | | (23,316) | | (23,316) |
| Purchase of equipment | | (110,086) | | (240,163) | | (78,763) | | (1,696,693) |
| Reclamation deposit | | (168,472) | | (104,061) | | (26,890) | | (933,094) |
| | | | (3,932,599) | | (3,942,351) | | (1,118,670) | | (22,053,149) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
| Advance from Red Emerald Ltd. | | - | | - | | - | | 12,010,075 |
| Common stock issued, net of issue costs | | 7,879,494 | | 14,859,422 | | 15,085,188 | | 54,151,286 |
| Promissory note | | 2,000,000 | | - | | - | | 2,000,000 |
| Repayment of promissory note | | (1,000,000) | | - | | - | | (1,000,000) |
| Convertible debenture | | - | | - | | - | | 6,324,605 |
| | | | 8,879,494 | | 14,859,422 | | 15,085,188 | | 73,485,966 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (5,908,842) | | (243,559) | | 7,287,857 | | 2,416,438 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | 8,325,280 | | 8,568,839 | | 1,280,982 | | - |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 2,416,438 | $ | 8,325,280 | $ | 8,568,839 | $ | 2,416,438 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Supplementary information - note 11 | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | | Year ended December 31, 2007 | | Year ended December 31, 2006 |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period before other comprehensive loss | | 16,165,394 | | 10,666,106 | $ | 7,241,228 |
| Unrealized loss on investment | | 502,225 | | 120,000 | | - |
| Investment write-down | | (622,225) | | - | | - |
Comprehensive loss | $ | 16,045,394 | $ | 10,786,106 | $ | 7,241,228 |
F- 6
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | | |
| | Number of shares | Common stock | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit during the exploration stage | Total stockholders' equity |
Balance, May 14, 1996 (date of inception) | - | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placements | 700,000 | 168,722 | - | - | - | 168,722 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (114,800) | (114,800) |
Balance, December 31, 1996 | 700,000 | 168,722 | - | - | (114,800) | 53,922 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Initial public offering | 2,025,000 | 590,570 | - | - | - | 590,570 |
| Principal shares | 750,000 | 7,500 | - | - | - | 7,500 |
| Private placement | 1,000,000 | 1,932,554 | 321,239 | - | - | 2,253,793 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 1,000,000 | 2,803,205 | - | - | - | 2,803,205 |
| Acquisition of mineral property interest | 1,000,000 | 2,065,500 | - | - | - | 2,065,500 |
| Finders fee | 150,000 | 309,825 | - | - | - | 309,825 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (2,027,672) | (2,027,672) |
Balance, December 31, 1997 | 6,625,000 | 7,877,876 | 321,239 | - | (2,142,472) | 6,056,643 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 100,000 | 332,124 | (32,124) | - | - | 300,000 |
| Acquisition of mineral property interest | 200,000 | 246,000 | - | - | - | 246,000 |
| Finders fee | 150,000 | 224,250 | - | - | - | 224,250 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (1,943,674) | (1,943,674) |
Balance, December 31, 1998 | 7,075,000 | 8,680,250 | 289,115 | - | (4,086,146) | 4,883,219 |
Consolidation of shares on a two for one new basis | (3,537,500) | - | - | - | - | - |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (2,378,063) | (2,378,063) |
Balance, December 31, 1999 | 3,537,500 | 8,680,250 | 289,115 | - | (6,464,209) | 2,505,156 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (4,718,044) | (4,718,044) |
Balance, December 31, 2000 | 3,537,500 | 8,680,250 | 289,115 | - | (11,182,253) | (2,212,888) |
Net earnings | - | - | - | - | 2,427,256 | 2,427,256 |
Balance, December 31, 2001 | 3,537,500 | 8,680,250 | 289,115 | - | (8,754,997) | 214,368 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placement | 4,824,500 | 2,133,786 | 246,839 | - | - | 2,380,625 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 4,028,000 | 1,007,000 | - | - | - | 1,007,000 |
| Exercise of stock options | 32,000 | 12,800 | - | - | - | 12,800 |
| Financing shares issued | 31,250 | 35,000 | - | - | - | 35,000 |
| Acquisition of mineral property interest | 4,500,000 | 3,600,000 | - | - | - | 3,600,000 |
| Share issue costs | - | (544,260) | - | - | - | (544,260) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 27,000 | - | - | 27,000 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (1,657,651) | (1,657,651) |
Balance, December 31, 2002, carried forward | 16,953,250 | 14,924,576 | 562,954 | - | (10,412,648) | 5,074,882 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 7
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY - CONTINUED
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | | |
| | Number of shares | Common stock | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit during the exploration stage | Total stockholders' equity |
Balance, December 31, 2002 brought forward | 16,953,250 | 14,924,576 | 562,954 | - | (10,412,648) | 5,074,882 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placement | 700,000 | 638,838 | 201,162 | - | - | 840,000 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 294,500 | 73,625 | - | - | - | 73,625 |
| Share issue costs | - | (19,932) | - | - | - | (19,932) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 531,000 | - | - | 531,000 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (1,352,679) | (1,352,679) |
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 17,947,750 | 15,617,107 | 1,295,116 | - | (11,765,327) | 5,146,896 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placement | 2,234,400 | 2,122,269 | 175,407 | - | - | 2,297,676 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 213,500 | 300,892 | (46,267) | - | - | 254,625 |
| Exercise of stock options | 250,000 | 157,000 | (27,000) | - | - | 130,000 |
| Share issue costs | - | (183,512) | - | - | - | (183,512) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 941,478 | - | - | 941,478 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (2,994,702) | (2,994,702) |
Balance, December 31, 2004 | 20,645,650 | 18,013,756 | 2,338,734 | - | (14,760,029) | 5,592,461 |
| Private placement | 4,075,800 | 3,266,095 | 773,335 | - | - | 4,039,430 |
| Exercise of stock options | 165,500 | 124,364 | (31,964) | - | - | 92,400 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 1,743,000 | 1,543,844 | (4,844) | - | - | 1,539,000 |
| Share issue costs | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Stock based compensation | - | (184,660) | 488,075 | - | - | 303,415 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (4,402,715) | (4,402,715) |
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 26,629,950 | 22,763,399 | 3,563,336 | - | (19,162,744) | 7,163,991 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placements | 5,725,000 | 10,760,355 | 944,645 | - | - | 11,705,000 |
| Exercise of stock options | 306,000 | 325,530 | (111,330) | - | - | 214,200 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 3,227,000 | 4,182,991 | (768,491) | - | - | 3,414,500 |
| Acquisition of mineral property interest | 40,000 | 88,000 | - | - | - | 88,000 |
| Share issue costs | - | (248,512) | - | - | - | (248,512) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 992,400 | - | - | 992,400 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (7,241,228) | (7,241,228) |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | 35,927,950 | 37,871,763 | 4,620,560 | - | (26,403,972) | 16,088,351 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placement | 2,000,000 | 5,400,000 | - | - | - | 5,400,000 |
| Pan-Nevada acquisition | 7,764,109 | 25,000,431 | 2,028,074 | - | - | 27,028,505 |
| Exercise of stock options | 595,000 | 1,485,415 | (694,515) | - | - | 790,900 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 3,395,605 | 10,777,930 | (2,081,407) | - | - | 8,696,523 |
| Share issue costs | - | (28,000) | - | - | - | (28,000) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 1,502,912 | - | - | 1,502,912 |
Unrealized loss on investments | - | - | - | (120,000) | - | (120,000) |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (10,666,106) | (10,666,106) |
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 49,682,664 | 80,507,539 | 5,375,624 | (120,000) | (37,070,078) | 48,693,085 |
Shares issued: | | | | | | |
| Private placement | 14,521,500 | 6,174,441 | 956,509 | - | - | 7,130,950 |
| Acquisition of mineral property interest | 30,000 | 88,500 | - | - | - | 88,500 |
| Exercise of stock options | 479,000 | 1,186,462 | (453,212) | - | - | 733,250 |
| Exercise of share purchase warrants | 108,500 | 364,404 | (209,405) | - | - | 154,999 |
| Share issue costs | - | (139,705) | - | - | - | (139,705) |
Stock based compensation | - | - | 501,028 | - | - | 501,028 |
Unrealized loss on investments | - | - | - | (502,225) | - | (502,225) |
Investment write-down | - | - | - | 622,225 | - | 622,225 |
Net loss | - | - | - | - | (16,165,394) | (16,165,394) |
Balance, December 31, 2008 | 64,821,664 | $ 88,181,641 | $ 6,170,544 | $ - | $ (53,235,472) | $ 41,116,713 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 8
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | Year ended December 31, 2007 | Year ended December 31, 2006 | Cumulative period from inception (May 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
Exploration costs incurred are summarized as follows: | | | (unaudited) |
Midway project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | $ 57,592 | $ 50,745 | $ 159,184 | $ 307,069 |
| Communication | - | - | 2,995 | 9,513 |
| Drilling | 477,456 | 375,239 | 933,246 | 2,042,150 |
| Engineering and consulting | 557,951 | 788,543 | 639,829 | 3,965,342 |
| Environmental | 76,182 | 51,425 | 36,973 | 220,157 |
| Field office and supplies | 58,281 | 54,645 | 45,381 | 200,645 |
| Legal | 34,142 | 28,326 | - | 72,887 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 34,448 | 41,848 | 57,357 | 367,349 |
| Reclamation costs | 422 | 5,700 | 16,231 | 27,766 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | - | 7,091 | 20,803 |
| Salaries and labour | 276,938 | 212,890 | - | 489,325 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 59,041 | 110,806 | 92,771 | 372,426 |
| | | 1,632,453 | 1,720,167 | 1,991,058 | 8,095,432 |
Spring Valley project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 817,314 | 1,185,019 | 777,730 | 3,329,900 |
| Communication | - | - | 3,816 | 10,307 |
| Drilling | 2,765,189 | 3,365,985 | 1,935,887 | 10,261,511 |
| Engineering and consulting | 301,294 | 324,761 | 1,041,001 | 2,376,269 |
| Environmental | 14,705 | 139,044 | 108,923 | 300,445 |
| Equipment rental | �� - | - | - | 64,651 |
| Field office and supplies | 125,574 | 156,898 | 109,102 | 545,819 |
| Legal | 142,415 | 166,634 | - | 309,049 |
| Operator fee | - | - | - | 108,339 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 96,414 | 92,126 | 120,240 | 451,097 |
| Reclamation costs | 16,064 | 38,810 | 21,338 | 83,689 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | 791 | 22,738 | 29,724 |
| Salaries and labour | 530,581 | 596,749 | - | 1,127,330 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 202,601 | 247,102 | 221,551 | 843,661 |
| | | 5,012,151 | 6,313,919 | 4,362,326 | 19,841,791 |
Pan-Nevada projects | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 240,665 | 344,131 | - | 574,367 |
| Drilling | 597,247 | 719,399 | - | 1,250,540 |
| Engineering and consulting | 284,894 | 128,547 | - | 377,229 |
| Environmental | 9,241 | 5,816 | - | 14,860 |
| Field office and supplies | 30,372 | 45,929 | - | 70,508 |
| Legal | 985 | 21,836 | - | 9,318 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 79,229 | 191,283 | - | 203,307 |
| Reclamation costs | 21,260 | 46,840 | - | 67,563 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | 6,077 | - | 5,738 |
| Salaries and labour | 375,955 | 307,238 | - | 672,819 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 46,033 | 99,594 | - | 136,463 |
| | | 1,685,881 | 1,916,690 | - | 3,382,712 |
Burnt Canyon project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 21,921 | - | - | 21,921 |
| Engineering and consulting | 23,765 | - | - | 23,765 |
| Field office and supplies | 81 | 324 | - | 405 |
| Legal | 2,214 | - | - | 2,214 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 20,786 | - | - | 20,786 |
| Salaries and labour | 2,923 | - | - | 2,923 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 1,728 | 1,317 | - | 3,045 |
| | | 73,418 | 1,641 | - | 75,059 |
| Sub-total balance carried forward | 8,403,903 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 31,394,994 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 9
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES - CONTINUED
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | Year ended December 31, 2007 | Year ended December 31, 2006 | Cumulative period from inception (May 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | (unaudited) |
| Sub-total balance brought forward | 8,403,903 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 31,394,994 |
Thunder Mountain project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 5,959 | - | - | 14,568 |
| Drilling | 35,396 | - | - | 77,956 |
| Engineering and consulting | - | - | - | 705 |
| Environmental | 108 | - | - | 1,717 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 19 | - | - | 12,472 |
| Reclamation costs | - | - | - | 2,377 |
| Salaries and labour | 1,544 | - | - | 2,047 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 55 | - | - | 55 |
| | | 43,081 | - | - | 111,897 |
Maggie Creek project | | | | |
| Environmental | - | - | - | 197 |
| Field office and supplies | 4,412 | - | - | 4,630 |
| Legal | 461 | - | - | 461 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 8 | - | - | 14,275 |
| | | 4,881 | - | - | 19,563 |
Afgan project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 13,422 | - | - | 20,255 |
| Communication | 10,034 | - | - | 10,034 |
| Drilling | 3,025 | - | - | 69,131 |
| Engineering and consulting | 19,303 | - | - | 30,136 |
| Environmental | 4,665 | - | - | 4,665 |
| Field office and supplies | 1,989 | - | - | 3,893 |
| Legal | | | | 3,351 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 25,489 | - | - | 54,648 |
| Reclamation costs | 3,795 | - | - | 4,332 |
| Salaries and labour | 8,829 | - | - | 19,203 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 2,747 | - | - | 8,599 |
| | | 93,298 | - | - | 228,247 |
Gold Rock project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 22,085 | | | 22,085 |
| Drilling | 96,168 | | | 99,764 |
| Engineering and consulting | 83,958 | | | 109,337 |
| Environmental | 534 | | | 534 |
| Field office and supplies | 12,460 | | | 16,131 |
| Legal | 1,547 | | | 11,699 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 130,159 | | | 153,938 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | | | 339 |
| Salaries and labour | 36,817 | | | 36,817 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 15,894 | | | 19,206 |
| | | 399,622 | - | - | 469,850 |
Golden Eagle project | | | | |
| Engineering and consulting | 26,635 | | | 26,635 |
| Field office and supplies | 260 | | | 260 |
| Legal | 10,083 | | | 10,083 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 6,044 | | | 6,044 |
| | | 43,022 | - | - | 43,022 |
| Sub-total balance carried forward | 8,987,807 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 32,267,573 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 10
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES - CONTINUED
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | Year ended December 31, 2007 | Year ended December 31, 2006 | Cumulative period from inception (May 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | (unaudited) |
| Sub-total balance brought forward | 8,987,807 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 32,267,573 |
Pioche/Mineral Mountain project | | | | |
| Acquisition costs and option payments | - | - | - | 40,340 |
| Assays and analysis | - | - | - | 13,037 |
| Drilling | - | - | - | 232,205 |
| Engineering and consulting | - | - | - | 38,212 |
| Field office and supplies | - | - | - | 16,236 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | - | - | - | 49,750 |
| Reclamation costs | - | - | - | 32,683 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | - | - | - | 21,124 |
| | | - | - | - | 443,587 |
Black Prince project | | | | |
| Communication | - | - | - | 938 |
| Drilling | - | - | - | 77,167 |
| Engineering and consulting | - | - | - | 78,698 |
| Equipment rental | - | - | - | 10,800 |
| Field office and supplies | - | - | - | 3,397 |
| Geological and geophysical | - | - | - | 63,481 |
| Legal and accounting | - | - | - | 1,163 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | - | - | - | 13,249 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | - | - | 1,179 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | - | - | - | 7,255 |
| Recoveries | - | - | - | (40,000) |
| | | - | - | - | 217,327 |
Ruby Violet project | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | - | - | - | 20,499 |
| Communication | - | - | - | 108,762 |
| Drilling | - | - | - | 467,372 |
| Engineering and consulting | - | - | - | 3,120,317 |
| Equipment rental | - | - | - | 337,577 |
| Field office and supplies | - | - | - | 277,119 |
| Foreign exchange gain | - | - | - | (38,134) |
| Freight | - | - | - | 234,956 |
| Interest on convertible loans | - | - | - | 1,288,897 |
| Legal and accounting | - | - | - | 453,269 |
| Marketing | - | - | - | 91,917 |
| Mining costs | - | - �� | - | 693,985 |
| Processing and laboratory supplies | - | - | - | 941,335 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | - | - | - | 298,752 |
| Security | - | - | - | 350,584 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | - | - | - | 392,031 |
| Utilities and water | - | - | - | 59,425 |
| | | - | - | - | 9,098,663 |
| Sub-total balance carried forward | 8,987,807 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 42,027,150 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 11
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(An exploration stage company)
SCHEDULE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES - CONTINUED
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
| | | | | | |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2008 | Year ended December 31, 2007 | Year ended December 31, 2006 | Cumulative period from inception (May 14, 1996) to December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | (unaudited) |
| Sub-total balance brought forward | 8,987,807 | 9,952,417 | 6,353,384 | 42,027,150 |
| | | | | | |
Property investigations | | | | |
| Assays and analysis | 19,736 | 11,990 | 22,057 | 160,769 |
| Drilling | - | - | - | 169,129 |
| Engineering and consulting | 15,503 | 37,598 | 21,359 | 210,183 |
| Environmental | 5,132 | 8,486 | 2,145 | 22,761 |
| Field office and supplies | 1,773 | 2,520 | - | 17,472 |
| Legal | 10,660 | 292 | - | 10,952 |
| Property maintenance and taxes | 14,130 | 5,646 | 30,923 | 123,230 |
| Reclamation costs | 1,471 | 90 | (5,828) | 2,639 |
| Reproduction and drafting | - | 1,172 | 2,085 | 4,942 |
| Salaries and labour | - | 3,674 | - | 3,674 |
| Travel, transportation and accommodation | 29,778 | 15,045 | 5,927 | 107,895 |
| | | 98,183 | 86,513 | 78,668 | 833,646 |
| | | | | | |
| | | $ 9,085,990 | $ 10,038,930 | $ 6,432,052 | $ 42,860,796 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 12
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
1.
Nature of operations and going concern:
Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company” or “Midway”) was incorporated on May 14, 1996 under the laws of the Province of British Columbia and its principal business activities are the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties.
The Company is in the process of exploring and developing its mineral properties and has not yet determined whether its mineral properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts shown for mineral properties is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable ore reserves in its mineral properties, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete development, confirmation of the Company’s interest in the underlying mineral claims and upon future profitable production from or proceeds from the disposition of its mineral properties.
Going concern uncertainty
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of its assets and the settlement of its liabilities in the normal course of operations. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is uncertain and dependent upon obtaining the financing necessary to meet its financial commitments and to complete the development of its properties and/or realizing proceeds from the sale of one or more of the properties. The continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the continued financial support from its shareholders, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary equity financing to continue operations, confirmation of the Company’s interests in the underlying properties, and the attainment of profitable operations. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had cash of $2,416,438, working capital of $1,156,536, and has accumulate d losses of $53,235,472 since inception.
Management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements to fund its proposed exploration program and continued operations will exceed the amount of cash on hand at December 31, 2008. Accordingly, the Company does not have sufficient funds to meet planned expenditures over the next twelve months, and will need to seek additional debt or equity financing to meet its planned expenditures. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to raise sufficient cash to fund its future exploration programs and operational expenditures. The Company has 12,500,000 share purchase warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $0.28 that expire on May 12, 2009. The market price at December 31, 2008 was $0.59 and there is a reasonable expectation that these warrants will be exercised to raise $3,500,000 of which $1,000,000 will be dedicated to repay the balance of the promissory note. By the first week of May the Company will assess the situation and should the share purchase warrants not be exercised the Company will further reduce its staffing and curtail its budget to the available remaining cash until additional funds can be raised through the sale of equity. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
2.
Significant accounting policies:
(a)
Basis of presentation:
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Previously, the Company prepared its financial statements under Canadian GAAP. There are no major differences between Canadian and US GAAP, which affect the Company. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
F- 13
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
The Company meets the definition of a development stage enterprise under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 7, “Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises” (SFAS 7). Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a mining company in the exploration stage should not refer to itself as a development stage company in its financial statements, even though such company should comply with SFAS 7. Under SFAS 7, the Company is required to provide additional disclosures from its date of inception, or the date the Company was reactivated to undertake development stage activities. To comply with the requirements of SFAS 7, the statement of operations, stockholder equity and comprehensive loss and cash flows include cumulative amounts from May 14, 1996 to December 31, 2008.
(b)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. To limit its credit risk exposure for amounts in excess of federally insured limits, the Company places its deposits with financial institutions of high credit standing.
(c)
Equipment:
Equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over three to five years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the assets.
(d)
Mineral properties:
Costs of exploring, carrying and retaining unproven properties are expensed as incurred. The Company also considers the provisions of EITF 04-02 “Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets” which concluded that mineral rights are tangible assets. Accordingly, the Company capitalizes certain costs related to the acquisition of mineral rights.
(e)
Asset retirement obligations:
The Company records the fair value of the liability for closure and removal costs associated with the legal obligations upon retirement or removal of any tangible long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. The initial recognition of any liability will be capitalized as part of the asset cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life. The Company accrues its ongoing surface disturbance asset retirement obligations within accounts payable and accrued liabilities (December 31, 2008 $98,514).
(f)
Impairment of long-lived assets:
Following the guidance in SFAS 144, the Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date and documents such impairment testing. The tests include an evaluation of the assets and events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company's continued right to explore the area, exploration reports, assays, technical reports, drill results and the Company's continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property, whether sufficient work has been performed to indicate that the carrying amount of the mineral property cost carried forward as an asset will not be fully recovered, even though a viable mine has been discovered.
F- 14
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued):
The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that would have a value beyond proven and probable reserves would be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.
The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.
(g)
Stock-based compensation:
The Company has a stock option plan that is described in note 7(c).
Following the guidance in SFAS No. 123R (revised), “Share-Based Payment” the Company measures and records to the financial statements the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award, recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for such award. SFAS 123R requires estimates of forfeitures of unvested instruments at the grant date in determining the total compensation to be recognized. Stock based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of consideration received or equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliable and are periodically re-measured until counter party performance is complete.
The offset to the recorded stock based compensation cost is to additional paid-in capital. Consideration received on the exercise of stock options is recorded as share capital and the related additional paid-in capital is transferred to share capital.
(h)
Income taxes:
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Under this method future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases (temporary differences), and losses carried forward. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when the temporary differences are likely to reverse. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is included in operations in the period in which the change is enacted. The amount of future income tax assets recognized is limited to the amount of the benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company has adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company has determined that the adoption of FIN 48 does not have an impact on its results of operations or financial position.
F- 15
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued):
(i)
Net loss per share:
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss for the period attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share takes into consideration shares of common stock outstanding (computed under basic loss per share) and potentially dilutive shares of common stock. Diluted net loss per share is not presented separately from basic net loss per share as the conversion of outstanding stock options and warrants into common shares would be anti-dilutive. At December 31, 2008, the total number of potentially dilutive shares of common stock excluded from basic net loss per share was 15,244,167 (December 31, 2007 – 3,331,668, December 31, 2006 – 5,421,000).
(j)
Foreign currency translation:
Transactions and account balances originally stated in currencies other than the Canadian dollar have been translated into Canadian dollars as follows:
§
Revenue and expense items at the rate of exchange in effect on the dates they occur.
§
Non-monetary assets and liabilities at the rate of exchange in effect on the dates the assets were acquired or the liabilities were incurred.
§
Monetary assets and liabilities at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
Exchange gains and losses are recorded in operations in the period in which they occur, except for exchange gains and losses related to translation of monetary assets and liabilities associated with mineral properties, which are deferred and included in mineral properties.
(k)
Share capital:
The Company records proceeds from share issuances, net of issue costs. Shares issued for consideration other than cash are valued at the quoted market price on the date the agreement to issue the shares was reached and announced for business combinations and at the date of issuance for other non-monetary transactions.
(l)
Warrants:
The Company accounts for warrants using the fair value method. Under this method, the value of warrants issued is measured at fair value at the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model and recorded as share capital if and when the warrants are exercised.
(m)
Estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include the determination of impairment of mineral properties and equipment, useful lives for amortization, valuation allowances for future income tax assets, the assumptions used in determining fair value of non-cash stock-based compensation and determination of reclamation and environmental obligations. Financial results, as determined by actual events, may differ from these estimates.
F- 16
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued):
Recently adopted accounting policies
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”), clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures on fair value measurements. We have adopted SFAS 157 and FASB Staff PositionFAS 157-2:Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 for financial instruments as required at January 1, 2008 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; however, we are required to provide additional disclosure as part of our consolidated financial statements. We will adopt SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities on January 1, 2009 as required and do not expect the provisions to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
The valuation of investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities. The Company’s Level 1 assets include the valuation of the common shares available for sale with no trading restrictions as determined using a market approach based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market. Level 1 assets also include the valuation of warrants that are considered derivatives and are marked to market each reporting period based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The Company’s Level 2 assets include the valuation of common shares with trading restrictions that will be removed within one year of the financial period reporting date as determined using a market approach and based upon quoted prices for identical assets in an active market adjusted by a discount to market comparable to the discount allowed by the TSX Venture Stock Exchange for private plac ements.
The determination of fair value for financial reporting purposes as at December 31, 2008 and utilizing the applicable framework is as follows:
| | | | |
Financial Instrument | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Significant other observable inputs | Significant unobservable inputs | Total |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
Available-for-sale securities | $156,675 | $90,000 | $ | $246,675 |
Derivatives | 100,000 | | | 100,000 |
Total | $256,675 | $90,000 | $ | $346,675 |
F- 17
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
2. Significant accounting policies (continued):
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This Statement applies to all entities, including not-for-profit organizations. Most of the provisions of this Statement apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. FAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and is applicable beginning in the Company’s first quarter beginning January 1, 2008 and it had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company has not made any elections under FAS No. 159 for any assets.
(n)
Recent United States Accounting Pronouncements:
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS 141 and SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements”, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”). FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests. FAS 141R and FAS 160 shall be applied prospectively on or after an entity’s fiscal year that begins on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact that FAS 141R and FAS 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect that it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
(o)
Comparative figures:
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current year.
3.
Investments
As consideration for the Company’s sale of the Jessup project to Rye Patch Gold Corp. (“Rye Patch”) the Company was issued 2,000,000 common shares of Rye Patch and 1,000,000 common share purchase warrants (the “Warrants’) on September 28, 2007. The Warrants entitle the Company to purchase one common share of Rye Patch at an exercise price of $1.00 until September 28, 2009. The Company sold 155,500 common shares of Rye Patch during the year. At December 31, 2008 the Company had 1,044,500 common shares of Rye Patch with no trading restrictions, 400,000 will become available to sell by March 28, 2009 and the final 400,000 will become available to sell by September 28, 2009.
| | | | |
| December 31, 2008 |
| Number of shares or warrants | Cost | Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | Fair value |
| | ($) | ($) | ($) |
Available for sale - common shares (a) | 1,844,500 | 830,025 | (583,350) | 246,675 |
Warrants (b) | 1,000,000 | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
Total investments | | 930,025 | (583,350) | 346,675 |
(a)
As at December 31, 2008, all of the Rye Patch common shares are marked to market.
(b)
Warrants are considered derivatives thus are marked to market each reporting period with gains or losses recorded in the Statement of Operations.
F- 18
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
3.
Investments (continued)
| | | | |
| December 31, 2007 |
| Number of shares or warrants | Cost | Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) | Fair value |
| | ($) | ($) | ($) |
Restricted common shares (a) | 800,000 | 360,000 | - | 360,000 |
Available for sale - common shares | 1,200,000 | 540,000 | (120,000) | 420,000 |
Warrants (b) | 1,000,000 | 100,000 | (30,000) | 70,000 |
Total investments | | 1,000,000 | (150,000) | 850,000 |
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company realized a loss of $9,773 on the sale of 155,500 common shares of Rye Patch. The Company recognized an unrealized loss on the common shares of $502,225 and an unrealized gain of $30,000 on the warrants of Rye Patch for the difference in the fair value at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The Company considers that the decline in market value of this investment meets the characteristics of an “other than temporary impairment” and adjustments to fair value were recorded in earnings as investment write-down and re-classed from accumulated other comprehensive loss.
4.
Equipment:
| | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2008 | | December 31, 2007 |
| Cost | Accumulated depreciation | Net book value | | Cost | Accumulated depreciation | Net book value |
| | | | | | | |
Computer equipment | $ 234,071 | $ 130,741 | $ 103,330 | | $ 185,177 | $ 55,696 | $ 129,481 |
Office equipment | 62,717 | 26,398 | 36,319 | | 47,219 | 17,155 | 30,064 |
Field equipment | 66,569 | 22,073 | 44,496 | | 46,506 | 9,458 | 37,048 |
Trucks | 89,389 | 55,209 | 34,180 | | 67,629 | 26,896 | 40,733 |
| $ 452,746 | $ 234,421 | $ 218,325 | | $ 346,531 | $ 109,205 | $ 237,326 |
5.
Mineral properties:
The continuity of expenditures on mineral properties is as follows:
| | | | |
Mineral property | December 31, 2007 | Additions | Written off | December 31, 2008 |
Midway | $ 6,394,704 | $ 317,082 | $ - | $ 6,711,786 |
Spring Valley | 4,879,825 | 784,692 | - | 5,664,517 |
Pan | 31,961,798 | 127,645 | - | 32,089,443 |
Afgan | 4,168,784 | 105,263 | (4,181,111) | 92,936 |
Gold Rock | 23,248 | 240,497 | - | 263,745 |
Maggie Creek | - | 9,902 | (9,902) | - |
Burnt Canyon | 24,546 | 45,934 | - | 70,480 |
Maiden Gold | - | 55,552 | (55,552) | - |
Golden Eagle | - | 2,078,220 | - | 2,078,220 |
| $ 47,452,905 | $ 3,764,787 | $ (4,246,565) | $ 46,971,127 |
F- 19
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
5.
Mineral properties (continued):
(a)
Midway property, Nye County, Nevada:
Through a series of agreements, amendments and payments the Company has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Midway property subject only to a sliding scale royalty on Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty from any commercial production of between 2% to 7%, based on changes in gold prices. To maintain the option the Company must pay an advance minimum royalty, recoverable from commercial production, of US$300,000 per year ($312,539) on each August 15.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$4,525 ($4,543).
(b)
Spring Valley property, Nevada:
On March 9, 2009 the Company signed an exploration and option to joint venture agreement with Barrick Gold Exploration Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation, on the Spring Valley gold project that superseded a term sheet executed on October 17, 2008. Barrick is granted the exclusive right to earn a 60% interest in the project by spending US$30,000,000 on the property (US$4,000,000 guaranteed in the first year) over five years. Barrick may increase its interest by 10% (70% total) by spending an additional US$8,000,000 in the year immediately after vesting at 60%. At the Company’s election, Barrick may also earn an additional 5% (75% total) by carrying the Company to a production decision and arranging financing for the Company’s share of mine construction expenses with the carrying and financing costs plus interest to be recouped by Barrick once production has been established. The Company will coordinate geologic and administrative activities under the direction of Barrick, billing monthly at cost plus an administrative fee of 5%.
Through a series of agreements, amendments and payments the Company has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the property package comprising the Spring Valley project subject to NSR royalties ranging from 1% to 7% on different claim groups within the property package.
The Company owns the original core package of 44 unpatented claims (the “Spring Valley Claims”). The vendor retained a NSR royalty from commercial production over 500,000 ounces on a sliding scale increasing from 2% to 7% based on changes in gold prices. In addition, the vendor is entitled to a 1% overriding royalty on NSR from commercial production on all lands owned by the Company or an affiliate and located outside, but within a one half (1/2) mile perimeter of the Spring Valley Claims.
The Company has had an option to purchase 28 claims contiguous to the Spring Valley Claims since September 1, 2003 subject to the vendor’s 2% NSR royalty. The Company paid an option payment of US$100,000 ($104,179) on September 1, 2008 with a final option payment of US$100,000 due by September 1, 2009.
On April 25, 2006, the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement and option to purchase 12 unpatented lode mining claims for US$600,000. The Company paid US$12,000 on signing, US$24,000 on April 25, 2007 and US$36,000 on April 25, 2008 ($36,362) and each year thereafter to maintain the option. The option payments can be credited against the purchase price. The owner retained a 3% NSR royalty.
On July 18, 2008 Midway paid its annual payment of US$20,000 to Dave Rowe and Randall Stoebert ($20,836) to maintain its option to purchase 97 unpatented mining claims. Alternatively Midway can purchase these claims for $600,000 with any payments already paid credited against the total. Mr. Rowe and Mr. Stoebert retained a 3% NSR royalty from commercial production on these claims.
F- 20
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
5.
Mineral properties (continued):
(b)
Spring Valley property, Nevada (continued):
On October 30, 2006, the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement and option to purchase 2 unpatented lode mining claims for a series of annual payments as advances upon a 3% NSR royalties payable. The Company paid US$2,000 on execution, US$4,000 on October 30, 2007, US$5,000 on October 30, 2008 ($6,062) and must pay US$6,000 on each October 30 annually thereafter. The Company has the option to purchase each claim for a price of US$100,000. Any advance royalties paid will be credited against the purchase price.
On June 1, 2007 the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement and option to purchase 2 unpatented lode mining claims for US$500,000. To maintain the option the Company must make monthly payments of US$1,000 (paid through to December 2008) ($6,060) and one-time payments of US$25,000 by June 1, 2009, US$150,000 by June 1, 2012, US$150,000 by June 1, 2014 and US$55,000 by June 1, 2017. All payments shall be credited towards the purchase price.
On May 5, 2006, the Company purchased land and mineral rights of 920 gross acres, 320 acres net surface, 770 acres net mineral, (the “Seymork Parcel”) from Seymork Investments Ltd. (“Seymork”) for US$200,000, subject to a 3% NSR royalty on any production and sale of metals from the claims. On June 11, 2008 the Court settled a long standing title dispute to this ground validating the Company’s claim to the Seymork Parcel. The settlement allowed the Company to purchase two promissory notes secured against the property for approximately US$598,000 ($609,788 in July 2008). In the future, the Company may elect to sell up to 27.6 square miles of interests in lands included in the purchase (9.1 square miles of net surface, 19 square miles net minerals) but not needed for development of the Spring Valley project to recover a portion of the cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$1,392 ($1,405).
(c)
Pan Property, Nevada:
The Company assumed the January 7, 2003 mineral lease agreement with Gold Standard Royalty Corporation (“GSRC”) (formerly the Lyle Campbell Trust) for a 100% interest in the Pan property. On or before January 5 of each year the Company must pay an advance minimum royalty of the greater of US$60,000 or the US dollar equivalent of 174 ounces of gold valued by the average of the London afternoon fixing for the third calendar quarter preceding January 1 of the year in which the payment is due. The minimum advance royalties will be creditable against a sliding scale NSR production royalty of between 2.5% and 4%. The Company must incur a minimum of US$65,000 year work expenditures, including claim maintenance fees, during the term of the mining lease. On January 1, 2008 the Company paid US$118,343 ($118,826). Subsequent to the year end the Company paid US$151,658 on January 1,2009.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$8,783 ($8,819) some of which fall within the one mile area of interest of GSRC mining lease and will be subject to the NSR royalty to GSRC.
F- 21
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
5.
Mineral properties (continued):
(d)
Afgan Property, Nevada:
Pursuant to the acquisition of Pan-Nevada described in Note 3, the Company assumed the January 7, 2003 mineral lease agreement with GSRC for a 100% interest in the Afgan property. On or before January 5 of each year the Company must pay an advance minimum royalty of the greater of US$40,000 or the US dollar equivalent of 116 ounces of gold valued by the average of the London afternoon fixing for the third calendar quarter preceding January 1 of the year in which the payment is due. The minimum advance royalties will be creditable against a sliding scale NSR production royalty of between 2.5% and 4%. The Company must incur a minimum of US$60,000 year work expenditures, including claim maintenance fees, during the term of the mining lease. The Company paid US$78,896 on January 1, 2008 ($79,218) and subsequently terminated this lease and wrote off this portion of the property costs in the year. The Company wrote off the $4,101,893 fa ir value assigned to this project on the April 16, 2007 acquisition of Pan-Nevada Gold Corporation for a total write down of $4,181,111.
In August 2007, Midway acquired 104 unpatented claims from WFW Resources, LLC of Elko, Nevada, for a US$52,000 property payment and annual advance royalty payments of US$25,000 per year ($26,045) for years 2 to 5 and US$50,000 per year for years 6 to 10 with a NSR royalty of 4%. The royalty can be bought down to 1% NSR depending upon the price of gold.
(e)
Gold Rock (formerly the Monte) Property, Nevada:
The Company assumed the March 20, 2006 mineral lease agreement with GSRC for a 100% interest in the Gold Rock property. The Company must pay an advance minimum royalty of US$30,000 in 2008 ($30,123) and US$45,000 by January 5, 2009. By January 5, 2010 and annually thereafter US$60,000 thereafter or the US dollar equivalent of 108.05 ounces of gold valued by the average of the London afternoon fixing for the third calendar quarter preceding January 1 of the year in which the payment is due. The minimum advance royalties will be creditable against a sliding scale NSR production royalty of between 2.5% and 4%. The Company must incur a minimum of US$75,000 year work expenditures, including claim maintenance fees, during the term of the mining lease.
On January 15, 2007 the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with Anchor Mineral, Inc. of Kansas, for unpatented mining claims adjoining the Gold Rock project. To maintain the option the Company must pay advance minimum royalty payments creditable against a 3.5% NSR production royalty of US$6,000 paid June 1, 2008 ($6,060), US$10,000 by January 15, 2009, US$20,000 by January 15, 2010, US$30,000 by January 15, 2001 and thereafter the greater of US$30,000 or the gold equivalent price which is determined by multiplying US$30,000 by a factor of the closing price of gold on the last business day in December 2010 over the closing price of gold on January 15, 2007.
On January 24, 2008 the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with Messrs. Pert and Moyle of Nevada for 13 unpatented mining claims over the Easy Junior deposit area. The Company paid a first annual minimum royalty of US$50,000 ($50,205) and will be required to make annual minimum royalty payments of US$50,000 for years 2 to 6; US$60,000 for years 7 to 11 and US$75,000 for year 12 and thereafter for the remainder of the fifteen year lease. The minimum advance royalty payments may be creditable against a production NSR sliding scale royalty ranging from 2% to 6% based on the gold price. The Company has an option to outright purchase the claims for US$5,000,000 with any minimum advance royalty payments creditable against the purchase price.
F- 22
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
5.
Mineral properties (continued):
(e)
Gold Rock (formerly the Monte) Property, Nevada (continued):
On February 13, 2008 the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with Mr. Pankow of Nevada for two unpatented mining claims adjacent to the Gold Rock project. The Company paid a first annual minimum royalty of US$7,750 ($7,782) and will be required make annual minimum royalty payments of US$7,750 for years 2 to 6; US$9,250 for years 7 to 11 and US$11,500 for year 12 and thereafter for the remainder of the fifteen year lease. The minimum advance royalty payments may be creditable against a production NSR sliding scale royalty ranging from 2% to 5% based on the gold price. The Company has an option to outright purchase the claims for US$775,000 with any minimum advance royalty payments creditable against the purchase price.
On February 13, 2008 the Company was assigned an existing lease on 10 unpatented claims adjoining the Gold Rock property by William Sheriff, a director of the Company at the time, in consideration of 30,000 common shares at a value of US$86,215 ($88,500) issued on March 31, 2008. The Company assumed the obligations of the February 15, 2004 underlying lease with Ronny Jordan and paid Mr. Jordan the first annual lease payment of US$10,000 ($10,041). During the term of the lease annual minimum royalty payments of US$15,000 will be required each February 15 thereafter. The Company may elect at any time during the life of the agreement to purchase half of the property for US$1,000,000 and the remaining half may be purchased for another US$1,500,000 with all royalty payments paid prior to the purchase creditable against the purchase price. A 2.5% NSR royalty was retained by Ronny Jordan and a 0.5% NSR royalty was retained by William Sheriff.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$47,594 ($47,786) some of which fall within the one mile area of interest of the GSRC mining lease or the Anchor Minerals Lease and will be subject to the NSR royalty to either GSRC or Anchor Minerals.
(f)
Maggie Creek Property, Nevada:
The Company assumed the January 7, 2003 mineral lease agreement with GSRC for a 100% interest in the Maggie Creek property. On or before January 5 of each year the Company must pay an advance minimum royalty of the greater of US$5,000 or the US dollar equivalent of 14.5 ounces of gold valued by the average of the London afternoon fixing for the third calendar quarter preceding January 1 of the year in which the payment is due. The minimum advance royalties will be creditable against a sliding scale NSR production royalty of between 2.5% and 4%. The Company paid US$9,862 ($9,902) on January 1, 2008 and subsequently wrote this property off during the year.
(h)
Burnt Canyon Property, Nevada:
On November 19, 2007, the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement and option to purchase unpatented lode mining claims for a series of annual payments as advances upon a 3% NSR royalty payable. The Company paid US$25,000 on execution, US$25,000 by November 19, 2008 ($30,312), US$30,000 by November 19, 2009, US$40,000 by November 19, 2010 and US$50,000 by November 19, 2011 and year thereafter. The Company has the option to purchase the claims for a price of US$1,000,000. Any advance royalties paid will be credited against the purchase price.
On May 1, 2008, the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement and option to purchase 20 unpatented lode mining claims for a series of annual payments as advances upon the 2% NSR royalty payable. The Company paid US$10,000 ($10,100) on execution, US$10,000 by each of May 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010, US$15,000 by May 1, 2011 and US$20,000 by May 1, 2012 and each year thereafter. The Company has the option to purchase these claims for a total purchase of US$2,500,000. Any advance royalties paid will be credited against the purchase price.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company staked additional claims at a cost of US$5,500 ($5,522).
F- 23
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
5.
Mineral properties (continued):
(h)
Maiden Gold, Montana:
On April 4, 2008 the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with Patrick D. Henry and Daniel Bauer for patented mining claims and unpatented mining claims located in Fergus County, Montana. The Company paid a first annual minimum royalty of US$45,000 and a US$10,000 signing bonus and would have been required to make annual minimum royalty payments. The Company was not able to secure the rest of the necessary property package and abandoned this effort and wrote off the $55,552 in acquisition costs.
(j)
Golden Eagle, Washington:
On August 1, 2008 the Company issued 600,000 common shares at US$2.50 per common share for proceeds of US$1,500,000 by way of a private placement to Kinross Gold USA Inc.; purchased a 75% interest in the Golden Eagle, Washington, project from Kinross Gold USA Inc. at a cost of US$1,500,000 ($1,537,950) and purchased a 25% interest in the Golden Eagle project from Hecla Limited at a cost of US$483,333 ($500,200). Kinross retained a 2% net smelter returns royalty and was granted a first right of refusal to toll mill ore from the Golden Eagle property at their Kettle River Mill.
Midway completed the acquisition of the Golden Eagle property through a wholly-owned subsidiary created to hold the property. Title transfer costs were US$32,843 ($40,070).
6.
Share capital:
(a)
The Company’s authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares.
(b)
Share issuances:
(i)
During 1996, the Company issued 420,000 common shares at $0.25 per share by way of a non-brokered private placement for proceeds of $98,722 net of issue costs. In addition the Company issued 280,000 flow-through common shares at $0.25 per share by way of a non-brokered private placement for proceeds of $70,000.
(ii)
During 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering of 2,000,000 common shares at $0.35 per share for proceeds of $590,570, net of issue costs. In connection with this offering, the Company’s agent received a selling commission of 10% or $0.035 per share and was issued 25,000 shares as a corporate finance fee.
(iii)
During 1997, the Company issued 1,000,000 units at $2.50 per unit by way of a private placement for proceeds of $2,253,793 net of issue costs. Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase to purchase one additional common share at $3.00 per share until February 14, 1998. The proceeds of the financing of $2,500,000 were allocated $2,178,761 as to the common shares and $321,239 as to the warrants. During 1998 100,000 of the warrants were exercised and 900,000 expired. In connection with this private placement, the Company’s agent received a selling commission of 7.5% of the proceeds of the units sold or $0.1875 per unit and a corporate finance fee of $15,000.
(iv)
During 1997, the Company issued 750,000 common shares as performance shares for proceeds of $7,500 that were held in escrow in accordance with the rules of the regulatory authorities of British Columbia. The shares were released 25% in each of 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.
F- 24
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(v)
During 1997, pursuant to an equity participation agreement to acquire an interest in Gemstone Mining Inc. (“Gemstone”), a Utah Corporation that by agreement the creditors of Gemstone were issued 1,000,000 units of the Company on conversion of a debt of $2,065,500 (US$1,500,000). Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase to purchase one additional common share at US$2.00 per share that was immediately exercised for proceeds of $2,803,205 (US$2,000,000). The first one-third tranche of a conditional finders’ fee was satisfied by the issue of 150,000 common shares in connection with the acquisition of Gemstone.
(vi)
During 1998, the Company issued 100,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants for proceeds of $300,000.
(vii)
During 1998, the Company issued 200,000 common shares in connection with the acquisition of Gemstone as well as the second tranche of finder’s fee in connection with that acquisition. The Company’s option to acquire Gemstone expired on January 31, 1998 and the remaining one-third tranche were not issued.
(viii)
During 1999, the Company consolidated its issued share capital on a two old for one new basis and changed its name from Neary Resources Corporation to Red Emerald Resource Corp.
(ix)
During 2002, the Company issued 3,500,000 units at $0.25 per unit for proceeds of $875,000 by way of a short form offering document under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.25 per share until October 19, 2002. The Company also issued 150,000 common shares as a finance fee in connection with this offering, and issued the agent 875,000 share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.25 per share until April 19, 2004. During 2002 the Company issued 1,134,500 special warrants at $1.25 per special warrant for proceeds of $1,418,125. Each Special Warrant automatically converted to a unit comprising one common share and one share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.55 per share until November 6, 2003. The proceeds of the financing of $1,418,125 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $1,171,286 to common shares and $246,839 as to the warrants. During 2003 all of the warrants expired unexercised. In connection with the offering the Company paid the agent a 10% commission totaling $113,450, issued the agent 40,000 common shares as a finance fee in connection with this offering, and issued the agent 170,175 share purchase warrant exercisable at $1.55 per share until July 5, 2003.
(x)
During 2002, the Company issued 4,028,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants for proceeds of $1,007,000.
(xi)
During 2002, the Company issued 32,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for proceeds of $12,800.
(xii)
During 2002, the Company issued 31,250 common shares as additional consideration to a director who loaned the Company $780,000 bearing interest at 12% per annum. The loan and interest was repaid prior to December 31, 2002.
(xiii)
During 2002, the Company acquired Rex Exploration Corp. (“Rex”) in exchange for 4,500,000 common shares of the Company.
(xiv)
During 2003, the Company issued 700,000 units at $1.20 per unit for proceeds of $840,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.50 until May 25, 2004. The proceeds of the financing of $840,000 were allocated $638,838 as to common shares and $201,162 as to the warrants. During 2004 161,000 of the warrants were exercised and 539,000 expired. Share issue expenses were $19,932.
F- 25
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(xv)
During 2003, the Company issued 294,500 common shares pursuant to the exercise of share purchase warrants for proceeds of $73,625.
(xvi)
In January 2004, the Company issued 400,000 units at $2.00 per unit for proceeds of $800,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $2.35 per share for a six month period. The proceeds of the financing of $800,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $624,593 to common shares and $175,407 as to the warrants. All of the warrants expired unexercised in 2004. The Company issued 40,000 common shares as a finder’s fee for this private placement.
(xvii)
In August 2004, the Company issued 1,020,000 units at $0.75 per unit for proceeds of $765,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.80 per share until August 25, 2005. All of the warrants were subsequently exercised. The Company issued 55,650 common shares as a finder’s fee for this private placement.
(xviii)
In December 2004, the Company issued 700,000 units at $0.85 per unit for proceeds of $595,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.00 per share until December 20, 2005. All of the warrants were subsequently exercised. The Company issued 18,750 common shares as a finder’s fee for this private placement.
(xix)
In February 2005, the Company issued 2,500,000 units at $0.85 per unit for proceeds of $2,125,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.00 per share until February 16, 2006. The proceeds of the financing of $2,125,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $1,598,457 to common shares and $526,543 as to warrants. There were 23,000 warrants exercised in fiscal year 2005 and the balance exercised in fiscal year 2006. The Company issued 75,800 common shares for $64,430 and paid $69,700 in cash as a finder’s fee and incurred $26,709 in additional issue costs for this private placement.
(xx)
In July 2005, the Company issued 1,000,000 units at $1.15 per unit for proceeds of $1,150,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.15 per share until July 27, 2006. The proceeds of the financing of $1,150,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $995,193 to common shares and $154,807 as to warrants. All of the warrants were exercised in fiscal year 2006. The Company incurred $15,560 in issue costs.
(xxi)
In August 2005, the Company issued 500,000 units at $1.40 per unit for proceeds of $700,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half nontransferable share purchase warrant that entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $1.45 per share until August 22, 2006. The proceeds of the financing of $700,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $608,015 to common shares and $91,985 as to warrants. All of the warrants were exercised in fiscal year 2006. The Company incurred $8,261 in issue costs.
(xxii)
In January 2006, the Company issued 40,000 common shares at a value of $88,000 pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement to purchase mining claims for the Spring Valley project.
F- 26
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(xxiii)
In May 2006, the Company issued 3,725,000 units at $1.80 per unit for proceeds of $6,705,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half nontransferable share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at $2.70 per share until May 16, 2007. The proceeds of the financing of $6,705,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $5,998,846 to common shares and $706,154 as to warrants. The Company incurred $65,216 in issue costs. By May 16, 2007 1,725,000 of the warrants were exercised and 137,500 expired unexercised.
(xxiv)
In November 2006, the Company issued 2,000,000 units at $2.50 per unit for proceeds of $5,000,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half nontransferable share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at $3.00 per share until November 10, 2007. The proceeds of the financing of $2,000,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $1,761,509 to common shares and $238,491 as to warrants. The Company paid $88,750 in finders’ fees and incurred $94,546 in issue costs for this private placement. By November 10, 2007 908,782 of the warrants were exercised and 91,218 expired unexercised.
(xxv)
On April 16, 2007, the Company issued 7,764,109 common shares at a value of $25,000,431, 308,000 stock options at a value of $608,020 and 870,323 share purchase warrants at a value of $1,420,054 in connection with the acquisition of Pan-Nevada Gold Corporation. By December 31, 2007, 154,000 of the stock options had been exercised and 761,823 share purchase warrants had been exercised. By December 31, 2008 the remaining 108,500 share purchase warrants were exercised and 84,000 stock options had been exercised. On October 11, 2008 the final 70,000 stock options expired not exercised.
(xxvi)
On August 24, 2007, the Company issued 2,000,000 common shares at $2.70 per common share for proceeds of $5,400,000 by way of a private placement. The Company incurred $28,000 in share issue costs.
(xxvii)
On March 31, 2008, the Company issued 30,000 common shares at a value of $88,500 pursuant to a lease assignment of mining claims for the Gold Rock project. The Company incurred $1,489 in share issue costs.
(xxviii)
On June 12, 2008, the Company issued 1,421,500 common shares at $2.00 per common share for proceeds of $2,843,000 by way of a private placement. The Company incurred $75,371 in share issue costs.
(xxix)
On August 1, 2008 the Company issued 600,000 common shares at US$2.50 per common share for proceeds of $1,537,950 (US$1,500,000) by way of a private placement with Kinross Gold USA Inc. (see note 5 (j)). The Company incurred $39,450 in share issue costs.
(xxx)
On November 12, 2008 the Company issued 12,500,000 units at $0.22 per unit for proceeds of $2,750,000 by way of a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.28 per share until May 12, 2009. The proceeds of the financing of $2,750,000 were allocated on a relative fair value basis as $1,793,491 to common shares and $956,509as to warrants. The Company incurred $23,395in issue costs for this private placement. The Company agreed with Golden Predator that 50% of the proceeds of any warrants exercised pursuant to this private placement will be applied to the remaining $1,000,000 owed on the promissory note until it is paid (see note 8).
(xxxi)
In addition to the stock options reported in paragraph xxv, during 2008, the Company issued 395,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for proceeds of $613,250.
F- 27
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(c)
Stock options:
The Company has an incentive share option plan (the ��Plan”) that allows it to grant incentive stock options to its officers, directors, employees and consultants. The Plan was amended on May 12, 2008 to add an appendixcalled the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan for United States Resident Employees (the “U.S. Plan”) to supplement and be a part of the Plan. The purpose of the U.S. Plan is to enable the Company to grant Incentive Stock Options, as that term is used in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder to qualifying employees who are citizens or residents of the United States of America. This does not change the aggregate number of options that can be granted pursuant to the Plan. The purpose of the Plan permits the Company’s directors to grant incentive stock options for the purchase of shares of the Com pany to persons in consideration for services. Stock options must be non-transferable and the aggregate number of shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options may not exceed 10% of the issued shares of the Company at the time of granting and may not exceed 5% to any individual (maximum of 2% to any consultant). The exercise price of stock options is determined by the board of directors of the Company at the time of grant and may not be less than the closing price of the Company’s shares on the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the option is granted and publicly announced, less an applicable discount, and may not otherwise be less than $0.10 per share. Options have a maximum term of ten years and terminate 90 days following the termination of the optionee’s employment, except in the case of death or disability, in which case they terminate one year after the event.
| | | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2007 | Granted | Exercised | Cancelled or expired | Balance December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | |
February 11, 2008 | $1.43 | 84,000 | - | (84,000) | - | - |
September 5, 2008 | $1.24 | 100,000 | - | - | (100,000) | - |
October 11, 2008 | $1.07 | 70,000 | - | - | (70,000) | - |
September 14, 2009 | $0.80 | 242,500 | - | (20,000) | - | 222,500 |
February 4, 2010 | $0.85 | 80,000 | - | - | - | 80,000 |
June 24, 2010 | $1.30 | 500,000 | - | (275,000) | - | 225,000 |
March 9, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | (25,000) | - | 75,000 |
March 22, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | - | - | 100,000 |
May 4, 2011 | $2.00 | 30,000 | - | - | - | 30,000 |
June 11, 2011 | $2.53 | 385,000 | - | (75,000) | - | 310,000 |
August 30, 2011 | $2.63 | 40,000 | - | - | - | 40,000 |
November 30, 2011 | $2.70 | 140,000 | - | - | - | 140,000 |
January 23, 2012 | $3.00 | 25,000 | - | - | - | 25,000 |
March 7, 2012 | $2.93 | 100,000 | - | - | - | 100,000 |
April 26, 2012 | $3.20 | 200,000 | - | - | (100,000) | 100,000 |
July 31, 2012 | $2.71 | 975,000 | - | - | (158,333) | 816,667 |
October 30, 2012 | $3.36 | 100,000 | - | - | - | 100,000 |
November 16, 2012 | $3.25 | 40,000 | - | - | (13,333) | 26,667 |
December 6, 2012 | $3.32 | 15,000 | - | - | - | 15,000 |
April 13, 2014 | $2.04 | 400,000 | - | - | - | 400,000 |
May 12, 2013 | $2.00 | - | 50,000 | - | - | 50,000 |
May 23, 2013 | $2.00 | - | 75,000 | - | - | 75,000 |
July 16, 2013 | $2.00 | - | 215,000 | - | (51,667) | 163,333 |
| | 3,726,500 | 340,000 | (479,000) | (493,333) | 3,094,167 |
| | | | | | |
Weighted average exercise price | | $2.18 | $2.00 | $1.53 | $2.22 | $2.26 |
| | | | | | |
At December 31, 2008, all but 350,000 of the 3,094,167 stock options were exercisable and the intrinsic value of the vested stock options was $nil as the quoted price of our common stock was below their exercise price. |
F- 28
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(c)
Stock options (continued):
| | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2006 | Granted | Exercised | Balance December 31, 2007 |
| | | | | |
March 7, 2007 | $1.40 | 150,000 | - | (150,000) | - |
July 12, 2007 | $1.43 | - | 21,000 | (21,000) | - |
July 12, 2007 | $1.07 | - | 42,000 | (42,000) | - |
August 11, 2007 | $1.43 | - | 91,000 | (91,000) | - |
February 11, 2008 | $1.43 | - | 84,000 | - | 84,000 |
September 5, 2008 | $1.24 | 200,000 | - | (100,000) | 100,000 |
October 11, 2008 | $1.07 | - | 70,000 | - | 70,000 |
September 14, 2009 | $0.80 | 308,500 | - | (66,000) | 242,500 |
February 4, 2010 | $0.85 | 80,000 | - | - | 80,000 |
June 24, 2010 | $1.30 | 575,000 | - | (75,000) | 500,000 |
October 4, 2010 | $1.70 | 30,000 | - | (30,000) | - |
March 9, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | - | 100,000 |
March 22, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | - | 100,000 |
May 4, 2011 | $2.00 | 30,000 | - | - | 30,000 |
June 11, 2011 | $2.53 | 405,000 | - | (20,000) | 385,000 |
August 30, 2011 | $2.63 | 40,000 | - | - | 40,000 |
November 30, 2011 | $2.70 | 140,000 | - | - | 140,000 |
January 23, 2012 | $3.00 | - | 25,000 | - | 25,000 |
March 7, 2012 | $2.93 | - | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
April 26, 2012 | $3.20 | - | 200,000 | - | 200,000 |
July 31, 2012 | $2.71 | - | 975,000 | | 975,000 |
October 30, 2012 | $3.36 | - | 100,000 | | 100,000 |
November 16, 2012 | $3.25 | - | 40,000 | | 40,000 |
December 6, 2012 | $3.32 | - | 15,000 | | 15,000 |
April 13, 2014 | $2.04 | 400,000 | - | - | 400,000 |
| | 2,558,500 | 1,763,000 | (595,000) | 3,726,500 |
| | | | | |
Weighted average exercise price | | $1.62 | $2.59 | $1.33 | $2.18 |
| | | | | |
At December 31, 2007, all but 503,332 of the 3,726,500 stock options were exercisable. |
F- 29
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(c)
Stock options (continued):
| | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2006 | Granted | Exercised | Balance December 31, 2007 |
| | | | | |
March 7, 2007 | $1.40 | 150,000 | - | (150,000) | - |
July 12, 2007 | $1.43 | - | 21,000 | (21,000) | - |
July 12, 2007 | $1.07 | - | 42,000 | (42,000) | - |
August 11, 2007 | $1.43 | - | 91,000 | (91,000) | - |
February 11, 2008 | $1.43 | - | 84,000 | - | 84,000 |
September 5, 2008 | $1.24 | 200,000 | - | (100,000) | 100,000 |
October 11, 2008 | $1.07 | - | 70,000 | - | 70,000 |
September 14, 2009 | $0.80 | 308,500 | - | (66,000) | 242,500 |
February 4, 2010 | $0.85 | 80,000 | - | - | 80,000 |
June 24, 2010 | $1.30 | 575,000 | - | (75,000) | 500,000 |
October 4, 2010 | $1.70 | 30,000 | - | (30,000) | - |
March 9, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | - | 100,000 |
March 22, 2011 | $2.00 | 100,000 | - | - | 100,000 |
May 4, 2011 | $2.00 | 30,000 | - | - | 30,000 |
June 11, 2011 | $2.53 | 405,000 | - | (20,000) | 385,000 |
August 30, 2011 | $2.63 | 40,000 | - | - | 40,000 |
November 30, 2011 | $2.70 | 140,000 | - | - | 140,000 |
January 23, 2012 | $3.00 | - | 25,000 | - | 25,000 |
March 7, 2012 | $2.93 | - | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
April 26, 2012 | $3.20 | - | 200,000 | - | 200,000 |
July 31, 2012 | $2.71 | - | 975,000 | | 975,000 |
October 30, 2012 | $3.36 | - | 100,000 | | 100,000 |
November 16, 2012 | $3.25 | - | 40,000 | | 40,000 |
December 6, 2012 | $3.32 | - | 15,000 | | 15,000 |
April 13, 2014 | $2.04 | 400,000 | - | - | 400,000 |
| | 2,558,500 | 1,763,000 | (595,000) | 3,726,500 |
| | | | | |
Weighted average exercise price | | $1.62 | $2.59 | $1.33 | $2.18 |
| | | | | |
At December 31, 2007, all but 503,332 of the 3,726,500 stock options were exercisable. |
The Company uses the simplified method to estimate the expected life of stock options because there is not enough historical share option exercise experience upon which to estimate expected terms with any greater degree of certainty. The simplified method is the average of the vesting term and the contract life.
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $501,028 in the year ended December 31, 2008 for options vesting in that period of which $242,870 was included in salaries and benefits in the statement of operations and $258,158 was included in salaries and labour in the schedule of mineral exploration expenditures. There is a balance of $79,239 that will be recognized over the next two fiscal years as the options vest. The fair value of each stock option grant was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 3.25 years; volatility ranging from 64% to 67%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate ranging from 2.71% to 3.24%.
During 2007, the Company granted 1,455,000 options with an estimated fair value of $2,054,048 and recorded stock-based compensation expense for the vested portions of those stock options of $1,502,912 in the statement of operations of which $1,210,802 is included in salaries and benefits and $292,110 has been included in engineering and consulting exploration costs. The remaining fair value of $551,136 will be recorded as the options vest over the next two fiscal years. The fair value of each stock option grant was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life from 2.5 to 3.25 years; volatility ranging from 68% to 78%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate ranging from 3.85% to 4.61%.
F- 30
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(c)
Stock options (continued):
Pan-Nevada in April 2007 the Company issued 308,000 stock options to Pan-Nevada option holders. The Company recorded the $608,020 fair value of these options as a part of the cost to acquire Pan-Nevada. The fair value of each option grant was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 4 to 10 months; volatility of 68%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate of 4.13%.
During 2006, the Company granted 815,000 options and based on their estimated fair value at their grant dates, recorded stock-based compensation expense of $992,400 in the statement of operations of which $628,312 is included in salaries and benefits and $364,088 has been included in engineering and consulting exploration costs. The fair value of each option grant was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 2.5 years; volatility ranging from 81% to 82%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate ranging from 3.88% to 4.27%.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $0.93 (2007 - $1.41; 2006 - $1.22).
The intrinsic value of vested stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008 is calculated on the difference between the exercise prices of the underlying options and the quoted price of our common stock as of the reporting date.
(d)
Share purchase warrants:
The continuity of share purchase warrants is as follows:
| | | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2007 | Issued | Exercised | Expired | Balance December 31, 2008 |
| | | | | | |
May 23, 2008 | $1.43 | 108,500 | - | (108,500) | - | - |
May 12, 2009 | $0.28 | - | 12,500,000 | - | - | 12,500,000 |
| | 108,500 | 12,500,000 | (108,500) | - | 12,500,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2006 | Issued | Exercised | Expired | Balance December 31, 2007 |
| | | | | | |
May 16, 2007 | $2.70 | 1,862,500 | - | (1,725,000) | (137,500) | - |
July 19, 2007 | $1.96 | - | 418,822 | (418,822) | - | - |
November 10, 2007 | $3.00 | 1,000,000 | - | (908,782) | (91,218) | - |
May 23, 2008 | $1.43 | - | 451,501 | (343,001) | - | 108,500 |
| | 2,862,500 | 870,323 | (3,395,605) | (228,718) | 108,500 |
F- 31
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
6.
Share capital (continued):
(d)
Share purchase warrants:
| | | | | | |
Expiry date | Exercise price per share | Balance December 31, 2005 | Issued | Exercised | Expired | Balance December 31, 2006 |
| | | | | | |
February 16, 2006 | $1.00 | 2,477,000 | - | (2,477,000) | - | - |
July 27, 2006 | $1.15 | 500,000 | - | (500,000) | - | - |
August 22, 2006 | $1.45 | 250,000 | - | (250,000) | - | - |
May 16, 2007 | $2.70 | - | 1,862,500 | - | - | 1,862,500 |
November 10, 2007 | $3.00 | - | 1,000,000 | - | - | 1,000,000 |
| | 3,227,000 | 2,862,500 | (3,227,000) | - | 2,862,500 |
On November 12, 2008 the Company issued 12,500,000 warrants as part of a unit by way of a private placement. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.28 per share until May 12, 2009. The Company recorded a relative fair value of $956,509as to warrants. The fair value of each warrant issued was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 6 months; volatility of 168%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate of 1.84%.
On April 16, 2007, with the acquisition of Pan-Nevada, the Company issued 870,323 share purchase warrants to Pan-Nevada warrant holders. The Company recorded the $1,420,054 fair value of these warrants as a part of the cost to acquire Pan-Nevada. The fair value of each warrant issued was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life of 3 to 18 months; volatility of 68%; no dividend yield; and a risk free interest rate of 4.13%.
7.
Promissory note:
On July 17, 2008, the Company and Golden Predator Mines Inc. (“Golden Predator”) entered into a term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) describing the principal terms of a business combination between the two companies. Completion of the transaction was subject to receipt of a favourable fairness opinion, completion of due diligence investigations, the parties entering into a definitive agreement, securities law compliance and obtaining all necessary court, regulatory, stock exchange, board and shareholder approvals. On September 15, 2008 the Term Sheet expired and the business combination was not completed.
Pursuant the Term Sheet, Golden Predator agreed to provide a loan facility of $5 million to the Company, which the Company could draw upon in instalments of $1 million. On August 28, 2008 the Company drew $2 million of the facility and issued a promissory note that will mature with interest at the Canadian prime rate plus 2% on July 16, 2009. On November 12, 2008 the Company and Golden Predator mutually agreed to release each other from all matters related to the Term Sheet, remove all restrictions and reporting obligations for the use of proceeds of the Promissory Note and the Company agreed to early pay Golden Predator $1,000,000 of the Promissory Note together with $27,274 interest accrued to that date. Finally the Company agreed that 50% of the proceeds of any warrants exercised pursuant to the private placement closed on November 12, 2008 will be applied to the Promissory Note until it is paid. Otherwise the Promi ssory Note will be paid when it matures on July 16, 2009.
F- 32
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
8.
Contingency:
In May 2006, the Company’s wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary MGC Resources Inc. (“MGC") purchased additional property (the “Seymork Parcel”) from Seymork Investments Ltd. (“Seymork”) for US$200,000 to expand the Spring Valley project in Nevada. The Seymork Parcel represented about 4% of the surface area of the Spring Valley project at that time. In 1998, the transfer of Emma Wagner’s ("Wagner") interest in the Seymork Parcel to Seymork, as well as a transfer of the interest held by Wagner’s deceased husband’s estate to Seymork, was formally approved by a Nevada court. As part of the consideration for the court-approved transaction, Seymork executed two promissory notes, one in favor of Wagner and one in favor of the estate of Wagner’s deceased husband. Two deeds of trust relating to the Seymork Parcel were also executed and recorded to secure payment of the promissory notes. Both notes were later assigned to a group represented by Wallace D. Stephens (collectively "Stephens"). The promissory notes were not repaid and, in March 2006, Stephens sought to foreclose its interest against Seymork. In June 2006, Wagner brought a cross claim in the lawsuit against Seymork alleging that Wagner was the rightful owner of the Disputed Property, and claiming that the conveyance to Seymork was not a sale but that Seymork had agreed to hold the Seymork Parcel in trust for Wagner. MGC joined the lawsuit in order to protect its interests in the Seymork Parcel. On June 11, 2008 a Nevada court settled the long standing title dispute to this ground validating the Company’s claim to the Seymork Parcel. The settlement allowed the Company to purchase the two promissory notes secured against the property for approximately US$598,000 in July 2008 (note 5(b)).
9.
Related party transactions:
(a)
During the year ended December 31, 2008 $90,000 (2007 - $110,000; 2006 - $122,500) was paid for office facilities and administrative services to a company with an officer in common.
(b)
Recovery of office costs from a company managed by common directors and officers $22,348 (2007 - $25,784; 2006 - $nil).
(c)
During the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company issued a director, at the time, 30,000 common shares pursuant to a mineral property agreement described in note 5(e).
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2008 is $16,204 (December 31, 2007 - $24,056; December 31, 2006 - $587) payable to the companies referred to in this note and other directors and officers and a total of $11,909 is included in accounts receivable at December 31, 2007 (2006 - $1,589) is due from these related parties.
These transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
10.
Financial instruments:
In all material respects, the carrying amounts for the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accrued interest payable and promissory note approximate their fair values due to the short term nature of these instruments. Investments as at December 31, 2008 are recorded at fair value (note 3).
11.
Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows:
The significant non-cash transactions for the year ended December 31, 2008 consisted of the issue of 30,000 common shares for an option payment for a mineral property in the amount of $88,500 (note 5), the transfer of $453,212 for the fair value of stock options exercised and the transfer of $209,405 for the fair value of share purchase warrants exercised from paid in additional capital to share capital.
F- 33
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
12.
Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows (continued):
The significant non-cash transaction for the year ended December 31, 2007 consisted of the issue of 7,764,109 common shares, 308,000 stock options and 870,323 share purchase warrants for the acquisition of Pan-Nevada (note 3), the transfer of $694,515 for the fair value of stock options exercised and the transfer of $2,081,407 for the fair value of share purchase warrants exercised from paid in additional capital to share capital.
The significant non-cash transaction for the year ended December 31, 2006 consisted of the issue of 40,000 common shares for an option payment for a mineral property in the amount of $88,000 (note 6) and the transfer of $111,330 for the fair value of stock options exercised and the transfer of $768,491 for the fair value of share purchase warrants exercised from paid in additional capital to share capital.
13.
Income taxes:
The majority of the difference between the actual tax recovery and the expected B.C. statutory corporate income tax recovery follows:
| | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2006 |
Canadian statutory income tax rate | | 31.00% | | 34.12% | | 34.12% |
|
Income tax benefit at statutory rate | | (5,571,429) | | (3,897,564) | | (2,682,592) |
Permanent differences | | 704,349 | | (608,436) | | 722,592 |
Tax recovery on write-down of mineral properties | | (1,158,000) | | - | | - |
Unrecognized tax losses and other | | 4,248,080 | | 3,749,000 | | 1,339,000 |
|
Income tax recovery | | $ (1,777,000) | | $(757,000) | | (621,000) |
F- 34
MIDWAY GOLD CORP.
(an exploration stage company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(expressed in Canadian dollars)
The significant components of the Company’s future income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
| | 2008 | | 2007 |
Future income tax assets: | | | | |
Canada: | | | | |
Equipment, mineral properties and other | | $ 146,503 | | $(346,000) |
Non-capital losses carried forward | | 1,458,188 | | 1,303,000 |
Capital losses carried forward | | 823,767 | | 852,000 |
United States: | | | | |
Mineral properties | | 10,016,928 | | 5,757,000 |
Losses carried forward | | 882,841 | | 716,000 |
Total future income tax assets | | 13,328,227 | | 8,282,000 |
Valuation allowance | | (13,328,227) | | (8,282,000) |
Future income tax assets, net | | - | | - |
|
Future income tax liabilities: | | | | |
United States: | | | | |
Mineral properties | | (8,093,661) | | (8,201,067) |
Future income tax liabilities | | (8,093,661) | | (8,201,067) |
Net future income tax assets (liabilities) | | $ (8,093,661) | | $(8,201,067) |
At December 31, 2008, the Company has available losses for tax purposes in Canada and the United States of approximately $5,795,000 (2007 - $4,827,000) and $3,163,000 (2007 - $2,106,000), respectively, which can be applied to reduce taxable income until 2027. The Company also has Canadian capital losses of approximately $6,303,000 which are without expiry.
14.
Segment disclosures:
The Company considers itself to operate in a single segment, being mineral exploration and development. Geographic information is as follows:
| | | | |
| | Canada | United States | Total |
December 31, 2008: | | | |
| Long-lived assets | 346,800 | 47,707,038 | 48,053,838 |
| | | | |
December 31, 2007: | | | |
| Long-lived assets | 850,000 | 48,039,470 | 48,889,470 |
| | | | |
December 31, 2006: | | | |
| Long-lived assets | 23,354 | 7,938,349 | 7,961,703 |
| | | | |
15.
Subsequent events:
Subsequent to December 31, 2008 the board of directors granted 1,415,000 stock options pursuant to the Plan at an exercise price of $0.56 and a five year term expiring on January 7, 2004. In addition 491,667 stock options expired unexercised.
F- 35
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| | |
Exhibit No. | | Exhibit Name |
| | |
23.1 | | Consent of KPMG LLP |
| | |
23.2 | | Consent of Michael M. Gustin (Mine Development Associates) |
| | |
23.3 | | Consent of Eric LeLacheur and Don Harris |
| | |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act |
| | |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act |
| | |
32.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
32.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
65
| | | | | | |
| | |
| KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3 Canada | | Telephone (604) 691-3000 Fax (604) 691-3031 Internet www.kpmg.ca |
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
Midway Gold Corp.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 001-33894) on Form 10-K of Midway Gold Corp. of our reports dated February 17, 2009, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Midway Gold Corp. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, comprehensive loss, and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, which reports appear in the December 31, 2008 annual report on Form 10-K of Midway Gold Corp.
Our report dated February 17, 2009 contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has insufficient funds to meet planned expenditures over the next twelve months which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of that uncertainty.
(Signed) KPMG LLP
Vancouver, Canada
March 30, 2009
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership is the Canadian
member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.
66
EXHIBIT 23.2
Consent of Michael M. Gustin
Reference is made to the Annual Report of Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2009 (the “Annual Report”).
I hereby consent to the references to my name under the heading “Description of Properties – Pan Property – Mineral Resources” in the Annual Report which the Company used, or directly quoted from, in preparing summaries concerning the Company’s mineral resources which appear in such Annual Report and the incorporation therein of such references to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-148796)
/s/“Michael M. Gustin”
Michael M. Gustin
Mine Development Associates
March 30, 2009
67
EXHIBIT 23.3
Consent of Eric LeLacheur and Don Harris
Reference is made to the Annual Report of Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2009 (the “Annual Report”).
We, Eric LeLacheur and Don Harris both of the State of Nevada, hereby consent to the references to my name under the heading “Description of Properties – Spring Valley – Exploration” in the Annual Report which the Company used, or directly quoted from, in preparing summaries concerning the Company’s mineral resources which appear in such Annual Report and the incorporation therein of such references to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-148796)
/s/ Eric LeLacheur
Eric LeLacheur
/s/ Don Harris
Don Harris
March 30, 2009
68
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Alan D. Branham, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Midway Gold Corp.:
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| |
Date: March 30, 2009 | /s/ Alan D. Branham Alan D. Branham President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
69
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Doris A. Meyer, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Midway Gold Corp.:
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| |
Date: March 30, 2009 | /s/ Doris A. Meyer Doris A. Meyer Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |
70
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company”) does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 (the “Report”) that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| |
Date: March 30, 2009 | /s/ Alan D. Branham Alan D. Branham President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
71
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Midway Gold Corp. (the “Company”) does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 (the “Report”) that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| |
Date: March 30, 2009 | /s/ Doris A. Meyer Doris A. Meyer Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
72