UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number: 001-36204
Energy Fuels Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Ontario | 98-1067994 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
225 Union Blvd., Suite 600 | |
Lakewood, Colorado | 80228 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(303) 974-2140
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
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.
Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [X] No [ ]
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 Filer [ ] | Accelerated Filer [X] | Non-Accelerated Filer [ ] | Smaller Reporting Company [ ] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:
93,495,991 common shares, without par value, outstanding as of May 7, 2019.
ENERGY FUELS INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
INDEX
Page | |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | |
SIGNATURES |
2
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report and the exhibits attached hereto (the “Quarterly Report”) contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable US and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements concern Energy Fuels Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Energy Fuels”) anticipated results and progress of the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration, and, if warranted, 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.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, schedules, assumptions, 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 based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Energy Fuels believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this Quarterly Report.
Readers are cautioned that it would be unreasonable to rely on any such forward-looking statements and information as creating any legal rights, and that the statements and information are not guarantees and may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and that actual results are likely to differ (and may differ materially) and objectives and strategies may differ or change from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements or information as a result of various factors. Such risks and uncertainties include risks generally encountered in the exploration, development, operation, and closure of mineral properties and processing facilities. 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:
• | risks associated with mineral reserve and resource estimates, including the risk of errors in assumptions or methodologies; |
• | risks associated with estimating mineral extraction and recovery, forecasting future price levels necessary to support mineral extraction and recovery, and the Company’s ability to increase mineral extraction and recovery in response to any increases in commodity prices or other market conditions; |
• | uncertainties and liabilities inherent to conventional mineral extraction and recovery and/or in-situ uranium recovery operations; |
• | geological, technical and processing problems, including unanticipated metallurgical difficulties, less than expected recoveries, ground control problems, process upsets, and equipment malfunctions; |
• | risks associated with the depletion of existing mineral resources through mining or extraction, without replacement with comparable resources; |
• | risks associated with identifying and obtaining adequate quantities of alternate feed materials and other feed sources required for operation of the White Mesa Mill; |
• | risks associated with labor costs, labor disturbances, and unavailability of skilled labor; |
• | risks associated with the availability and/or fluctuations in the costs of raw materials and consumables used in the Company’s production processes; |
• | risks associated with environmental compliance and permitting, including those created by changes in environmental legislation and regulation, and delays in obtaining permits and licenses that could impact expected mineral extraction and recovery levels and costs; |
• | actions taken by regulatory authorities with respect to mineral extraction and recovery activities; |
• | risks associated with the Company’s dependence on third parties in the provision of transportation and other critical services; |
• | risks associated with the ability of the Company to extend or renew land tenure, including mineral leases and surface use agreements, on favorable terms or at all; |
• | risks associated with the ability of the Company to negotiate access rights on certain properties on favorable terms or at all; |
• | the adequacy of the Company's insurance coverage; |
• | uncertainty as to reclamation and decommissioning liabilities; |
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• | the ability of the Company’s bonding companies to require increases in the collateral required to secure reclamation obligations; |
• | the potential for, and outcome of, litigation and other legal proceedings, including potential injunctions pending the outcome of such litigation and proceedings; |
• | the ability of the Company to meet its obligations to its creditors; |
• | risks associated with paying off indebtedness at its maturity; |
• | risks associated with the Company’s relationships with its business and joint venture partners; |
• | failure to obtain industry partner, government, and other third party consents and approvals, when required; |
• | competition for, among other things, capital, mineral properties, and skilled personnel; |
• | failure to complete proposed acquisitions and incorrect assessments of the value of completed acquisitions; |
• | risks posed by fluctuations in share price levels, exchange rates and interest rates, and general economic conditions; |
• | risks inherent in the Company’s and industry analysts’ forecasts or predictions of future uranium and vanadium price levels; |
• | fluctuations in the market prices of uranium, vanadium and copper, which are cyclical and subject to substantial price fluctuations; |
• | risks associated with the Company's uranium sales, if any, being required to be made at spot prices, unless the Company is able to enter into new long-term contracts at satisfactory prices in the future; |
• | risks associated with the Company's vanadium sales, if any, generally being required to be made at spot prices; |
• | failure to obtain suitable uranium sales terms at satisfactory prices in the future, including spot and term sale contracts; |
• | failure to obtain suitable vanadium sales terms at satisfactory prices in the future; |
• | risks associated with asset impairment as a result of market conditions; |
• | risks associated with lack of access to markets and the ability to access capital; |
• | the market price of Energy Fuels’ securities; |
• | public resistance to nuclear energy or uranium extraction and recovery; |
• | risks associated with inaccurate or nonobjective media coverage of the Company's activities and the impact such coverage may have on the public, the market for the Company's securities, government relations, permitting activities and legal challenges, as well as the costs to the Company of responding to such coverage; |
• | uranium industry competition, international trade restrictions and the impacts on world commodity prices of foreign state subsidized production; |
• | risks associated with the Company's involvement in industry petitions for trade remedies, including the costs of pursuing such remedies and the potential for negative responses or repercussions from various interest groups, consumers of uranium and participants in other phases of the nuclear fuel cycle; |
• | risks related to potentially higher than expected costs related to any of the Company's projects or facilities; |
• | risks associated with the Company’s ability to recover vanadium from pond solutions at the White Mesa Mill, with potentially higher than expected costs for any such recoveries, and the Company’s ability to sell any recovered vanadium at satisfactory price levels; |
• | risks related to the Company’s ability to recover copper from our Canyon uranium project ores; |
• | risks related to securities regulations; |
• | risks related to stock price and volume volatility; |
• | risks related to our ability to maintain our listing on the NYSE American and Toronto Stock Exchanges; |
• | risks related to our ability to maintain our inclusion in various stock indices; |
• | risks related to dilution of currently outstanding shares, from additional share issuances, depletion of assets or otherwise; |
• | risks related to our lack of dividends; |
• | risks related to recent market events; |
• | risks related to our issuance of additional common shares under our At-the-Market ("ATM") program or otherwise to provide adequate liquidity in depressed commodity market circumstances; |
• | risks related to acquisition and integration issues; |
• | risks related to defects in title to our mineral properties; |
• | risks related to our outstanding debt; and |
• | risks related to our securities. |
4
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the section heading: Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Quarterly Report. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to subsequently 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. Statements relating to “Mineral Reserves” or “Mineral Resources” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources described may be profitably extracted in the future.
We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report by the foregoing cautionary statements.
5
Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Disclosure of Mineral Resources
The Company is a U.S. Domestic Issuer for United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") purposes, most of its shareholders are U.S. residents and its primary trading market is the NYSE American. However, because the Company is incorporated in Canada and also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), this Quarterly Report contains certain disclosure that satisfies the additional requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements of United States’ securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and resource estimates included in this Quarterly Report, and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, have been prepared 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 (“CIM”) classification system. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators (the “CSA”) which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of SEC Industry Guide 7, and reserve and resource information contained herein, or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report, and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by companies reporting reserve and resource information under SEC Industry Guide 7. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “resource” does not equate to the term “reserve” under SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, 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. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to report reserves; the three-year historical average price, to the extent possible, 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.
SEC Industry Guide 7 disclosure standards historically have not permitted the inclusion of information concerning “Measured Mineral Resources,” “Indicated Mineral Resources” or “Inferred Mineral Resources” or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute “reserves” by SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. United States investors should also understand that “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and 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, estimated “Inferred Mineral Resources” may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. 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 pounds” or “contained ounces” in a resource estimate is permitted and typical disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, SEC Industry Guide 7 historically only permitted issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of “reserves” are also not the same as those of SEC Industry Guide 7, and reserves reported by the Company in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as “reserves” under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable to information made public by companies that report in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7 standards.
On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted the Modernization of Property Disclosures for Mining Registrants (the “New Rule”), introducing significant changes to the existing mining disclosure framework to better align it with international industry and regulatory practice including NI 43-101. The SEC adopted a two-year transition period for registrants to come into compliance with the New Rule. Accordingly, the Company will need to bring its disclosure into compliance in 2021. At this time, the Company does not know the full effect of the New Rule on its mineral resources and reserves and therefore the disclosure related to the Company’s mineral resources and reserves may be significantly different when computed using the requirements set forth in the New Rule.
6
PART I
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
7
ENERGY FUELS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(unaudited) (Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts)
For the three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Revenues | ||||||||
Uranium concentrates | $ | — | $ | 1,238 | ||||
Vanadium concentrates | 1,168 | — | ||||||
Alternate feed materials processing and other | 502 | 16 | ||||||
Total revenues | 1,670 | 1,254 | ||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues | ||||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to uranium concentrates | — | 1,238 | ||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to vanadium concentrates | 532 | — | ||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to alternate feed materials and other | 384 | — | ||||||
Total costs and expenses applicable to revenues | 916 | 1,238 | ||||||
Other operating costs | ||||||||
Impairment of inventories | 1,176 | 1,010 | ||||||
Development, permitting and land holding | 4,342 | 1,600 | ||||||
Standby costs | 1,084 | 2,512 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | 513 | 459 | ||||||
Selling costs | 10 | 65 | ||||||
General and administration | 3,751 | 4,770 | ||||||
Total operating loss | (10,122 | ) | (10,400 | ) | ||||
Interest expense | (329 | ) | (492 | ) | ||||
Other (loss) income | (1,683 | ) | 63 | |||||
Net loss | (12,134 | ) | (10,829 | ) | ||||
Items that may be reclassified in the future to profit and loss | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (136 | ) | (463 | ) | ||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale assets | — | (224 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive loss | (136 | ) | (687 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (12,270 | ) | $ | (11,516 | ) | ||
Net loss attributable to: | ||||||||
Owners of the Company | $ | (12,127 | ) | $ | (10,822 | ) | ||
Non-controlling interests | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
$ | (12,134 | ) | $ | (10,829 | ) | |||
Comprehensive loss attributable to: | ||||||||
Owners of the Company | $ | (12,263 | ) | $ | (11,509 | ) | ||
Non-controlling interests | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
$ | (12,270 | ) | $ | (11,516 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
ENERGY FUELS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share amounts)
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 15,310 | $ | 14,640 | |||
Marketable securities | 17,454 | 27,061 | |||||
Trade and other receivables, net | 864 | 1,191 | |||||
Inventories, net | 19,138 | 16,550 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 1,257 | 1,411 | |||||
Total current assets | 54,023 | 60,853 | |||||
Inventories, net | 1,772 | 1,772 | |||||
Operating lease right of use asset | 1,142 | — | |||||
Investments accounted for at fair value | 1,166 | 1,107 | |||||
Plant, property and equipment, net | 29,017 | 29,843 | |||||
Mineral properties, net | 83,539 | 83,539 | |||||
Restricted cash | 19,682 | 19,652 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 190,341 | $ | 196,766 | |||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 6,222 | $ | 7,921 | |||
Current portion of operating lease liability | 275 | — | |||||
Current portion of warrant liabilities | — | 662 | |||||
Current portion of asset retirement obligation | 270 | 270 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 6,767 | 8,853 | |||||
Warrant liabilities | 7,142 | 5,621 | |||||
Operating lease liability | 954 | — | |||||
Deferred revenue | 2,223 | 2,724 | |||||
Asset retirement obligation | 19,347 | 18,834 | |||||
Loans and borrowings | 17,640 | 15,880 | |||||
Total liabilities | 54,073 | 51,912 | |||||
Equity | |||||||
Share capital Common shares, without par value, unlimited shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding 93,102,682 at March 31, 2019 and 91,445,066 at December 31, 2018 | 472,987 | 469,303 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (344,185 | ) | (332,058 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 3,707 | 3,843 | |||||
Total shareholders' equity | 132,509 | 141,088 | |||||
Non-controlling interests | 3,759 | 3,766 | |||||
Total equity | 136,268 | 144,854 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 190,341 | $ | 196,766 | |||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | |||||||
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
ENERGY FUELS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(unaudited)(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share amounts)
Common Stock | Deficit | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Total shareholders' equity | Non-controlling interests | Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 | 91,445,066 | $ | 469,303 | $ | (332,058 | ) | $ | 3,843 | $ | 141,088 | $ | 3,766 | $ | 144,854 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | (12,127 | ) | — | (12,127 | ) | (7 | ) | (12,134 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | (136 | ) | (136 | ) | — | (136 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash by at-the-market offering | 754,712 | 2,471 | — | — | 2,471 | — | 2,471 | |||||||||||||||||||
Share issuance cost | — | (62 | ) | — | — | (62 | ) | — | (62 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — | 1,121 | — | — | 1,121 | — | 1,121 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for exercise of stock options | 33,906 | 102 | — | — | 102 | — | 102 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for the vesting of restricted stock units | 850,150 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services | 18,848 | 52 | — | — | 52 | — | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2019 | 93,102,682 | $ | 472,987 | $ | (344,185 | ) | $ | 3,707 | $ | 132,509 | $ | 3,759 | $ | 136,268 |
Common Stock | Deficit | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Total shareholders' equity | Non-controlling interests | Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2017 | 74,366,824 | $ | 430,383 | $ | (306,813 | ) | $ | 2,289 | $ | 125,859 | $ | 3,883 | $ | 129,742 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | (10,822 | ) | — | (10,822 | ) | (7 | ) | (10,829 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | (687 | ) | (687 | ) | — | (687 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash by at-the-market offering | 711,253 | 1,176 | — | — | 1,176 | — | 1,176 | |||||||||||||||||||
Share issuance cost | — | (29 | ) | — | — | (29 | ) | — | (29 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — | 1,202 | — | — | 1,202 | — | 1,202 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for the vesting of restricted stock units | 899,192 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash paid to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting of restricted stock units | — | (914 | ) | — | — | (914 | ) | — | (914 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2018 | 75,977,269 | $ | 431,818 | $ | (317,635 | ) | $ | 1,602 | $ | 115,785 | $ | 3,876 | $ | 119,661 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
10
ENERGY FUELS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)(Expressed in thousands of US dollars)
For the three months ended | |||||||
March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (12,134 | ) | $ | (10,829 | ) | |
Items not involving cash: | |||||||
Depletion, depreciation and amortization | 314 | 327 | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 1,121 | 1,202 | |||||
Change in value of convertible debentures | 1,436 | 145 | |||||
Change in value of warrant liabilities | 732 | (364 | ) | ||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | 513 | 459 | |||||
Unrealized foreign exchange losses | 500 | (1,148 | ) | ||||
Impairment of inventories | 1,176 | 1,010 | |||||
Other non-cash expenses | 90 | 688 | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities | |||||||
Increase in inventories | (3,252 | ) | (775 | ) | |||
Decrease (Increase) in trade and other receivables | 329 | (952 | ) | ||||
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets | 154 | 224 | |||||
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (2,031 | ) | (1,797 | ) | |||
Cash paid for reclamation and remediation activities | — | (23 | ) | ||||
Changes in deferred revenue | (501 | ) | — | ||||
(11,553 | ) | (11,833 | ) | ||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||
Purchase of mineral properties and plant, property and equipment | — | (14 | ) | ||||
Maturities and sales of marketable securities | 9,950 | — | |||||
9,950 | (14 | ) | |||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||
Issuance of common shares for cash, net of issuance cost | 2,409 | 1,147 | |||||
Cash paid to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting of restricted stock units | — | (914 | ) | ||||
Repayment of loans and borrowings | — | (836 | ) | ||||
Cash received from exercise of stock option | 102 | — | |||||
2,511 | (603 | ) | |||||
CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH DURING THE PERIOD | 908 | (12,450 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held in foreign currencies | (208 | ) | (56 | ) | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period | 34,292 | 40,701 | |||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - END OF PERIOD | $ | 34,992 | $ | 28,195 | |||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||
Net cash paid during the period for: | |||||||
Interest | $ | — | $ | 156 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
11
ENERGY FUELS INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019
(unaudited)(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except share and per share amounts)
1. THE COMPANY AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Energy Fuels Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and was continued under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
Energy Fuels Inc. and its subsidiary companies (collectively “the Company” or “EFI”) are engaged in uranium extraction, recovery and sales of uranium from mineral properties and the recycling of uranium bearing materials generated by third parties. As a part of these activities the Company also acquires, explores, evaluates and, if warranted, permits uranium properties. The Company’s final uranium product, uranium oxide concentrates (“U3O8” or “uranium concentrates”), is sold to customers for further processing into fuel for nuclear reactors. The Company produces vanadium as a co-product of its uranium recovery from certain of its mines as market conditions warrant and from time to time from solutions in its tailing impoundment system.
The Company is an exploration stage mining company as defined by the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) as it has not established the existence of proven or probable reserves on any of our properties.
2. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and are presented in thousands of US dollars (“USD”) except per share amounts. Certain footnote disclosures have share prices which are presented in Canadian dollars (“Cdn$”).
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
In management’s opinion, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring items, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a basis consistent with that of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. However, the results of operations for the interim periods may not be indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and summary of significant accounting policies included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 with the following addition to the inventory policy included below.
Inventories
In-process and concentrate inventories include the cost of the material processed from the stockpile, as well as production costs incurred to extract uranium bearing fluids from the wellfields, and all costs to recover the uranium into concentrates, recover vanadium concentrates from pond solutions or process through the White Mesa Mill. Finished uranium or vanadium concentrate inventories also include costs of any finished product purchased from the market. Recovery costs typically include labor, chemical reagents and directly attributable mill and plant overhead expenditures.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
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3. | MARKETABLE SECURITIES |
The following table summarizes our marketable securities by significant investment categories as of March 31, 2019:
Cost Basis | Gross Unrealized losses | Gross Unrealized gains | Fair Value | |||||||||
Marketable debt securities(1) | $ | 16,070 | $ | — | $ | 116 | $ | 16,186 | ||||
Marketable equity securities | 948 | (571 | ) | 891 | 1,268 | |||||||
Marketable securities | $ | 17,018 | $ | (571 | ) | $ | 1,007 | $ | 17,454 |
(1) Marketable debt securities are comprised primarily of U.S. government notes, and also includes U.S. government agencies and tradeable certificates of deposits.
The following table summarizes our marketable securities by significant investment categories as of December 31, 2018:
Cost Basis | Gross Unrealized losses | Gross Unrealized gains | Fair Value | |||||||||
Marketable debt securities (1) | $ | 25,523 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | 83 | $ | 25,601 | |||
Marketable equity securities | 1,062 | (549 | ) | 947 | 1,460 | |||||||
Marketable securities | $ | 26,585 | $ | (554 | ) | $ | 1,030 | $ | 27,061 |
(1) Marketable debt securities are comprised primarily of U.S. government notes, and also includes U.S. government agencies, and tradeable certificates of deposits.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we did not recognize any significant other-than-temporary impairment losses.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities with stated contractual maturity dates, accounted for as available-for-sale securities and classified by the contractual maturity date of the securities:
Due in less than 12 months | $ | 13,051 | |
Due in 12 months to two years | 3,135 | ||
Due in greater than two years | — | ||
$ | 16,186 |
4. | INVENTORIES |
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Concentrates and work-in-progress | $ | 16,683 | $ | 14,746 | |||
Inventory of ore in stockpiles | 1,139 | 883 | |||||
Raw materials and consumables | 3,088 | 2,693 | |||||
$ | 20,910 | $ | 18,322 | ||||
Inventories - by duration | |||||||
Current | $ | 19,138 | $ | 16,550 | |||
Long term - raw materials and consumables | 1,772 | 1,772 | |||||
$ | 20,910 | $ | 18,322 |
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5. | PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES |
The following is a summary of plant and equipment:
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | ||||||||||||||||||
Plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Nichols Ranch | $ | 29,210 | $ | (12,533 | ) | $ | 16,677 | $ | 29,210 | $ | (12,021 | ) | $ | 17,189 | |||||||||
Alta Mesa | 13,656 | (2,552 | ) | 11,104 | 13,656 | (2,319 | ) | 11,337 | |||||||||||||||
Equipment and other | 13,444 | (12,208 | ) | 1,236 | 13,444 | (12,127 | ) | 1,317 | |||||||||||||||
Plant and equipment total | $ | 56,310 | $ | (27,293 | ) | $ | 29,017 | $ | 56,310 | $ | (26,467 | ) | $ | 29,843 |
The following is a summary of mineral properties:
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Mineral properties | |||||||
Uranerz ISR properties | $ | 25,974 | $ | 25,974 | |||
Sheep Mountain | 34,183 | 34,183 | |||||
Roca Honda | 22,095 | 22,095 | |||||
Other | 1,287 | 1,287 | |||||
Mineral properties total | $ | 83,539 | $ | 83,539 |
6. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following table summarizes the Company’s asset retirement obligations:
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation, beginning of period | $ | 19,104 | $ | 18,280 | |||
Revision of estimate | — | (662 | ) | ||||
Accretion of liabilities | 513 | 1,835 | |||||
Settlements | — | (349 | ) | ||||
Asset retirement obligation, end of period | $ | 19,617 | $ | 19,104 | |||
Asset retirement obligation: | |||||||
Current | $ | 270 | $ | 270 | |||
Non-current | 19,347 | 18,834 | |||||
Asset retirement obligation, end of period | $ | 19,617 | $ | 19,104 |
The asset retirement obligations of the Company are subject to legal and regulatory requirements. Estimates of the costs of reclamation are reviewed periodically by the Company and the applicable regulatory authorities. The above provision represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of future reclamation costs, discounted using credit adjusted risk-free interest rates ranging from 9.5% to 11.5% and an inflation rate of 2.0%. The total undiscounted decommissioning liability at March 31, 2019 is $41.32 million (December 31, 2018 - $41.32 million).
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The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted cash:
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Restricted cash, beginning of period | $ | 19,652 | $ | 22,127 | |||
Additional collateral posted | — | 117 | |||||
Refunds of collateral | 30 | (2,592 | ) | ||||
Restricted cash, end of period | $ | 19,682 | $ | 19,652 |
The Company has cash, cash equivalents and fixed income securities as collateral for various bonds posted in favor of the applicable state regulatory agencies in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service for estimated reclamation costs associated with the White Mesa Mill, Nichols Ranch, Alta Mesa and other mining properties. Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The restricted cash will be released when the Company has reclaimed a mineral property or restructured the surety and collateral arrangements. See Note 14 for a discussion of the Company’s surety bond commitments.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are included in the following accounts at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
March 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 15,310 | $ | 14,640 | |||
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets | 19,682 | 19,652 | |||||
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 34,992 | $ | 34,292 |
7. | LOANS AND BORROWINGS |
The Company’s convertible debentures which are measured at fair value, are $17.64 million and $15.88 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
On July 24, 2012, the Company completed a bought deal public offering of 22,000 floating-rate convertible unsecured subordinated debentures originally maturing June 30, 2017 (the “Debentures”) at a price of Cdn$1,000 per Debenture for gross proceeds of Cdn$21.55 million (the “Offering”). The Debentures are convertible into Common Shares at the option of the holder. Interest is paid in cash and in addition, unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to satisfy its obligation to pay interest on the Debentures, on the date it is payable under the indenture: (i) in cash; (ii) by delivering sufficient common shares to the debenture trustee, for sale, to satisfy the interest obligations in accordance with the indenture in which event holders of the Debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the proceeds of the sale of such common shares; or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii).
On August 4, 2016, the Company, by a vote of the Debentureholders, extended the maturity date of the Debentures from June 30, 2017 to December 31, 2020, and reduced the conversion price of the Debentures from Cdn$15.00 to Cdn$4.15 per Common Share of the Company. In addition, a redemption provision was added that will enable the Company, upon giving not less than 30 days' notice to Debentureholders, to redeem the Debentures, for cash, in whole or in part at any time after June 30, 2019, but prior to maturity, at a price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest (less any tax required by law to be deducted) on such Debentures up to but excluding the redemption date. A right (in favor of each Debentureholder) was also added which gave the Debentureholders the option to require the Company to purchase, for cash, on the previous maturity date of June 30, 2017, up to 20% of the Debentures held by the Debentureholders at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest (less any tax required by law to be deducted). In the three months ended June 30, 2017, Debentureholders elected to redeem Cdn$1.13 million ($0.87 million) under this right. No additional purchases are allowed under this right. In addition, certain other amendments were made to the Indenture, as required by the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and with respect to the addition of a U.S. Trustee in compliance therewith, as well as to remove provisions of the Indenture that no longer apply, such as U.S. securities law restrictions.
The Debentures accrue interest, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year at a fluctuating rate of not less than 8.5% and not more than 13.5%, indexed to the simple average spot price of uranium as reported on the UxC, LLC ("UxC") Weekly Indicator Price. The Debentures may be redeemed in whole or part, at par plus accrued interest and unpaid interest by the Company between June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2020 subject to certain terms and conditions, provided the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") during the 20
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consecutive trading days ending five days preceding the date on which the notice of redemption is given is not less than 125% of the conversion price.
Upon redemption or at maturity, the Company will repay the indebtedness represented by the Debentures by paying to the debenture trustee in Canadian dollars an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures which are to be redeemed or which have matured, as applicable, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
Subject to any required regulatory approval and provided no event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company has the option to satisfy its obligation to repay the Cdn$1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, in whole or in part, due at redemption or maturity, upon at least 40 days’ and not more than 60 days’ prior notice, by delivering that number of common shares obtained by dividing the Cdn$1,000 principal amount of the Debentures maturing or to be redeemed as applicable, by 95% of the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX during the 20 consecutive trading days ending five trading days preceding the date fixed for redemption or the maturity date, as the case may be.
The Debentures are classified as fair value through profit or loss where the Debentures are measured at fair value based on the closing price on the TSX (a Level 1 measurement) and changes are recognized in earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 the Company recorded a gain on revaluation of convertible Debentures of $1.44 million (March 31, 2018 – gain of $0.15 million for the three months ended).
8. | LEASES |
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, and the series of related Accounting Standards Updates that followed (collectively referred to as “ASC 842”). Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. The accounting for leases where the Company is the lessor remains largely unchanged. In addition, the new standard requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.
The Company adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment on January 1, 2019. Prior comparative periods have not been restated and continue to be reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods (ASC 840). The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which among other things, allows us to carry-forward historical lease classifications. The Company also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from nonlease components for all asset classes, and we elected the short-term lease recognition exemption whereby ROU assets and lease liabilities will not be recognized for leasing arrangements with terms less than one year.
The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets of $1.14 million, current operating lease liabilities of $0.27 million, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities of $0.96 million. Adoption of this standard had no impact on the statement of operations or retained earnings.
Lessee
The Company’s leases primarily include operating leases for corporate offices. These leases have a remaining lease term of less than one year to four years, and include options to extend the leases for up to five years. Certain of our leases include variable payments for lessor operating expenses that are not included within ROU assets and lease liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. We also sublease office space to a third party, which has a remaining term of less than one year.
Beginning January 1, 2019, operating ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Operating leases in effect prior to January 1, 2019 were recognized at the present value of the remaining payments on the remaining lease term as of January 1, 2019. Because most of the Company's leases do not provide an explicit rate of return, the Company's incremental secured borrowing rate based on lease term information available at the commencement date of the lease will be used in determining the present value of lease payments. For purposes of calculating operating lease liabilities, lease terms may be deemed to include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. The Company’s operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in General and administration expenses. Short-term leases, which have an initial term of 12 months or less, are not recorded in the condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Total lease cost includes the following components:
Three months ended March 31, 2019 | |||
Operating leases | $ | 105 | |
Short-term leases | 61 | ||
Sublease income | (28 | ) | |
Total lease expense | $ | 138 |
Total lease expense was $0.17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2019 | ||
Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases | 3.9 years | |
Weighted average discount rate of operating leases | 9.00 | % |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2019 | |||
Operating cash flow information: | |||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $ | 82 |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are as follows:
Years Ending December 31: | |||
2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019) | $ | 289 | |
2020 | 336 | ||
2021 | 343 | ||
2022 | 351 | ||
2023 | 147 | ||
Thereafter | — | ||
Total Lease Payments | $ | 1,466 | |
Less: Interest | (237 | ) | |
Present Value of Lease Liabilities | $ | 1,229 |
9. | CAPITAL STOCK |
Authorized capital stock
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value, unlimited Preferred Shares issuable in series, and unlimited Series A Preferred Shares. The Series A Preferred Shares issuable are non-redeemable, non-callable, non-voting and with no right to dividends. The Preferred Shares issuable in series will have the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions assigned to the particular series upon the Board of Directors approving their issuance.
Issued capital stock
In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company issued 754,712 Common Shares under the Company’s “at-the-market” offering (the “ATM”) for net proceeds of $2.41 million.
Share Purchase Warrants
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The following table summarizes the Company’s share purchase warrants denominated in US dollars. These warrants are accounted for as derivative liabilities as the functional currency of the entity issuing the warrants, Energy Fuels Inc., is Canadian dollars.
Month Issued | Expiry Date | Exercise Price USD$ | Warrants Outstanding | Fair value at March 31, 2019 | ||||||
September 2016 (a) | September 20, 2021 | 2.45 | 4,167,480 | 7,142 |
(a) The warrants issued in September 2016 are classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy (Note 16).
On March 14, 2019, 2,328,925 warrants issued in March 2016 expired unexercised.
10. | BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE |
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share after adjustment for the effects of all potential dilutive common shares, is as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Loss attributable to shareholders | $ | (12,127 | ) | $ | (10,822 | ) | |
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 92,152,844 | 75,209,456 | |||||
Loss per common share | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) |
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, 5.85 million (March 31, 2018 - 9.04 million) options and warrants and the potential conversion of the Debentures have been excluded from the calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
11. | SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS |
The Company, under the 2018 Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Compensation Plan”), maintains a stock incentive plan for directors, executives, eligible employees and consultants. Stock incentive awards include employee stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights ("SARs"). The Company issues new shares of common stock to satisfy exercises and vesting under all of its stock incentive awards. At March 31, 2019, a total of 9,310,268 Common Shares were authorized for stock incentive plan awards.
Employee Stock Options
The Company, under the Compensation Plan may grant options to directors, executives, employees and consultants to purchase Common Shares of the Company. The exercise price of the options is set as the higher of the Company’s closing share price on the day before the grant date or the five-day volume weighted average price. Stock options granted under the Compensation Plan generally vest over a period of two years or more and are generally exercisable over a period of five years from the grant date not to exceed 10 years. The value of each option award is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model. There were 0.35 million options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2019 (three months ended March 31, 2018 – 0.42 million options). At March 31, 2019, there were 1.68 million options outstanding with 1.40 million options exercisable, at a weighted average exercise price of $3.32 and $3.48 respectively, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.69 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of the fully vested options was $0.90 million.
The fair value of the options granted under the Compensation Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was estimated at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model, with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate | 2.620 | |
Expected life | 5.0 years | |
Expected volatility | 59.4 | * |
Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | |
Weighted-average expected life of option | 5.00 | |
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $1.54 |
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* | Expected volatility is measured based on the Company’s historical share price volatility over a period equivalent to the expected life of the options. |
The summary of the Company’s stock options at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the changes for the fiscal periods ending on those dates is presented below:
Range of Exercise Prices | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Number of Options | |||||||
Balance, December 31, 2017 | $1.77 - $15.61 | $ | 4.48 | 2,028,847 | |||||
Granted | 1.70 - 2.88 | 1.75 | 442,956 | ||||||
Exercised | 1.70 - 2.55 | 2.15 | (355,092 | ) | |||||
Forfeited | 1.70 - 6.63 | 3.96 | (213,393 | ) | |||||
Expired | 5.86 - 10.36 | 8.18 | (170,564 | ) | |||||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | $1.70 - $15.61 | $ | 3.84 | 1,732,754 | |||||
Granted | 2.92 | 2.92 | 354,844 | ||||||
Exercised | 1.70 - 2.88 | 2.40 | (33,906 | ) | |||||
Forfeited | 4.44 - 7.42 | 4.78 | (227,117 | ) | |||||
Expired | 6.77 | 6.77 | (141,800 | ) | |||||
Balance, March 31, 2019 | $1.70 - $15.61 | $ | 3.32 | 1,684,775 |
A summary of the status and activity of non-vested stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is as follows:
Number of shares | Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value | |||||
Non-vested December 31, 2018 | 297,044 | $ | 1.06 | |||
Granted | 354,844 | 1.54 | ||||
Vested | (363,016 | ) | 1.31 | |||
Forfeited | — | — | ||||
Non-vested March 31, 2019 | 288,872 | $ | 1.33 |
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants RSUs to executives and eligible employees. Awards are determined as a target percentage of base salary and generally vest over periods of three years. Prior to vesting, holders of restricted stock units do not have the right to vote the underlying shares. The RSUs are subject to forfeiture risk and other restrictions. Upon vesting, the employee is entitled to receive one share of the Company’s common stock for each RSU for no additional payment. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors issued 0.72 million RSUs under the Compensation Plan (March 31, 2018 - 1.13 million).
A summary of the status and activity of non-vested RSUs at March 31, 2019 is as follows:
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RSU | ||||||
Number of shares | Weighted Average Grant- Date Fair Value | |||||
Non-vested December 31, 2018 | 1,580,187 | $ | 1.99 | |||
Granted | 721,750 | 2.92 | ||||
Vested | (839,348 | ) | 1.99 | |||
Forfeited | (105,706 | ) | 2.24 | |||
Non-vested March 31, 2019 | 1,356,882 | $ | 2.47 |
The total intrinsic value and fair value of RSUs that vested and were settled for equity in the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $2.44 million (March 31, 2018 – $2.41 million).
Share Appreciation Rights
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors issued 2.20 million SARs under the Compensation Plan (March 31, 2018 - $nil) with a fair value of $1.25 per SAR. These SARs are intended to provide additional long-term performance-based equity incentives for the Corporation’s senior management. The SARs are purely performance based, because they only vest upon the achievement of aggressive performance goals designed to significantly increase shareholder value.
Each SAR granted entitles the holder, on exercise, to a payment in cash or shares (at the election of the Corporation) equal to the difference between the market price of the Common Shares at the time of exercise and $2.92 (the market price at the time of grant) over a five-year period, but vest only upon the achievement of the following performance goals: as to one-third of the SARs granted upon the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Common Shares on the NYSE American equaling or exceeding $5.00 for any continuous 90-calendar day period; as to an additional one-third of the SARs granted, upon the VWAP of the Corporation’s common shares on the NYSE American equaling or exceeding $7.00 for any continuous 90 calendar-day period; and as to the final one-third of the SARs granted, upon the VWAP of the Corporation’s common shares on the NYSE American equaling or exceeding $10.00 for any continuous 90 calendar-day period. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing vesting schedule, no SARs may be exercised by the holder for an initial period of one year from the Date of Grant; the date first exercisable being January 22, 2020.
The share-based compensation recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $1.12 million (three months ended March 31, 2018 - $1.20 million).
At March 31, 2019, there were $0.20 million, $1.64 million and $2.40 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to the unvested stock options, RSU awards and SARs, respectively. These costs are expected to be recognized over a period of approximately two years.
12. | INCOME TAXES |
As of March 31, 2019, the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will fully realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets. As such, the Company recognized a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018.
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13. | SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
The components of other (loss) income are as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Interest income | $ | 111 | $ | 50 | |||
Change in value of investments accounted for at fair value | 375 | (224 | ) | ||||
Change in value of warrant liabilities | (732 | ) | 364 | ||||
Change in value of convertible debentures | (1,436 | ) | (145 | ) | |||
Sale of surplus assets | — | 14 | |||||
Other | (1 | ) | 4 | ||||
Other (loss) income | $ | (1,683 | ) | $ | 63 |
14. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
General legal matters
Other than routine litigation incidental to our business, or as described below, the Company is not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings that management believes would be likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
White Mesa Mill
In January 2013, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe filed a Petition to Intervene and Request for Agency Action challenging the Corrective Action Plan approved by the State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality (“UDEQ”) relating to nitrate contamination in the shallow aquifer at the White Mesa Mill site. This challenge is currently being evaluated, and may involve the appointment of an administrative law judge to hear the matter. The Company does not consider this action to have any merit. If the petition is successful, the likely outcome would be a requirement to modify or replace the existing Corrective Action Plan. At this time, the Company does not believe any such modification or replacement would materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the scope and costs of remediation under a revised or replacement Corrective Action Plan have not yet been determined and could be significant.
On January 19, 2018, UDEQ renewed, and on February 16, 2018 reissued with minor corrections, the Company’s White Mesa Mill license for another ten years, and Groundwater Discharge Permit for another five years, after which renewal periods further applications for renewal for the license and permit will need to be submitted. During the review period for each application for renewal, the Mill can continue to operate under its then existing license and permit until such time as the renewed license or permit is issued. In March 2018, the Grand Canyon Trust, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Uranium Watch served Petitions for Review challenging UDEQ’s renewal of the license and permit. Then, in May and June 2018, Uranium Watch, the Grand Canyon Trust and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe filed with UDEQ Requests for Appointment of an Administrative Law Judge, which they subsequently agreed to suspend pursuant to a Stipulation and Agreement with UDEQ, effective June 4, 2018. The Company has met with representatives from all parties in order to determine whether the pending administrative proceedings can be settled. Discussions are ongoing. The Company does not consider these challenges to have any merit. If the challenges are successful, the likely outcome would be a requirement to modify the renewed license and/or permit. At this time, the Company does not believe any such modification would materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Canyon Project
In March, 2013, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Grand Canyon Trust, the Sierra Club and the Havasupai Tribe (the “Canyon Plaintiffs”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (the “District Court”) against the Forest Supervisor for the Kaibab National Forest and the U.S. Forest Services ("USFS") seeking an order (a) declaring that the USFS failed to comply with environmental, mining, public land, and historic preservation laws in relation to our Canyon Project, (b) setting aside any approvals regarding exploration and mining operations at the Canyon Project, and (c) directing operations to cease at the Canyon Project and enjoining the USFS from allowing any further exploration or mining-related activities at the Canyon Project until the USFS fully complies with all applicable laws. In April 2013, the Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction, which was denied by the District Court in September, 2013. On April 7, 2015, the District Court issued its final ruling on the merits in favor of the Defendants and the Company and against the Canyon Plaintiffs on all counts. The Canyon Plaintiffs appealed the District Court’s ruling on the merits to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and filed motions for an injunction pending appeal with the District Court. Those motions for an injunction pending appeal were denied by the District Court on May 26, 2015. Thereafter, Plaintiffs filed urgent motions for an injunction pending appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which were denied on June 30, 2015.
The hearing on the merits at the Court of Appeals was held on December 15, 2016. On December 12, 2017, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling on the merits in favor of the Defendants and the Company and against the Canyon Plaintiffs on all counts. The Canyon Plaintiffs petitioned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for a rehearing en banc. On October 25, 2018, the Ninth Circuit panel ruled on the petition for rehearing en banc. The panel withdrew its prior opinion and filed a new opinion, which affirmed with one exception the District Court’s decision. The one exception relates to Plaintiffs’ fourth claim, which was dismissed by the District Court for lack of standing. The Ninth Circuit panel reversed itself on its standing analysis, concluded that the Plaintiff’s have standing to assert this claim and remanded the claim back to the District Court to hear the merits of Plaintiffs’ claim. A schedule for briefing on the matter is expected to be set within the second quarter of 2019. If the Canyon Plaintiffs are successful on this claim, the Company may be required to maintain the Canyon Project on standby pending resolution of the matter. Such a required prolonged stoppage of mining activities could have a significant impact on our future operations.
On March 21, 2019, the Havasupai Tribe filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari regarding its claims in this matter with the Supreme Court of the United States, requesting that the Supreme Court hear this case. The petition was placed on the docket on March 25, 2019, and is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court. The Company does not expect the Supreme Court to grant the petition, as the Company believes the petition does not (i) raise an important federal question, (ii) identify a circuit split on the issue, or (iii) pertain to a question of federal law decided by a state court.
Daneros Project
On February 23, 2018, the BLM issued the EA, Decision Record and FONSI for the Mine Plan of Operations Modification for the Daneros Mine. On March 29, 2018, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and Grand Canyon Trust (together the“Appellants”) filed a Notice of Appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (“IBLA”) regarding the BLM’s Decision
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Record and FONSI and challenging the underlying EA, and the Company was subsequently permitted to intervene. This matter has been briefed and remains under consideration by IBLA at this time. The Company does not consider these challenges to have any merit; however, the scope and costs of amending or redoing the EA have not yet been determined and could be significant.
Surety Bonds
The Company has indemnified third-party companies to provide surety bonds as collateral for the Company’s asset retirement obligation. The Company is obligated to replace this collateral in the event of a default, and is obligated to repay any reclamation or closure costs due. The Company currently has $19.68 million posted against an undiscounted asset retirement obligation of $41.32 million (December 31, 2018 - $19.65 million posted against an undiscounted asset retirement obligation of $41.32 million).
Commitments
The Company is contractually obligated under a Sales and Agency Agreement appointing an exclusive sales and marketing agent for all vanadium pentoxide produced by the Company.
15. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
On May 17, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Robert W. Kirkwood and Benjamin Eshleman III to the Board of Directors of the Company.
Mr. Kirkwood is a principal of the Kirkwood Companies, including Kirkwood Oil and Gas LLC, Wesco Operating, Inc., and United Nuclear LLC (“United Nuclear”). United Nuclear, owns a 19% interest in the Company’s Arkose Mining Venture while the Company owns the remaining 81%. The Company acts as manager of the Arkose Mining Venture and has management and control over operations carried out by the Arkose Mining Venture. The Arkose Mining Venture is a contractual joint venture governed by a venture agreement dated as of January 15, 2008 entered into by Uranerz Energy Corporation (a subsidiary of the Company) and United Nuclear (the “Venture Agreement”).
United Nuclear contributed $nil to the expenses of the Arkose Joint Venture based on the approved budget for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Mr. Benjamin Eshleman III is President of Mesteña LLC, which became a shareholder of the Company through the Company’s acquisition of Mesteña Uranium, L.L.C (now EFR Alta Mesa LLC) in June 2016 through the issuance of 4,551,284 common shares of the Company to the direction of the Sellers (of which 4,247,570 common shares of the Company are currently held by
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the Sellers). In connection with the Purchase Agreement, one of the Acquired Companies, Leoncito Project, L.L.C. entered into an Amended and Restated Uranium Testing Permit and Lease Option Agreement with Mesteña Unproven, Ltd., Jones Ranch Minerals Unproven, Ltd and Mesteña Proven, Ltd. (collectively the “Grantors”), which requires Leoncito Project, L.L.C., to make a payment in the amount of $0.60 million to the Grantors in June 2019 (of which up to 50% may be paid in common shares of the Company at the Company’s election). As of March 31, 2019, the Company has accrued $0.55 million of this liability on the condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Grantors are managed by Mesteña LLC.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Alta Mesa Properties held by the Acquired Companies are subject to a royalty of 3.125% of the value of the recovered U3O8 from the Alta Mesa Properties sold at a price of $65.00 per pound or less, 6.25% of the value of the recovered U3O8 from the Alta Mesa Properties sold at a price greater than $65.00 per pound and up to and including $95.00 per pound, and 7.5% of the value of the recovered U3O8 from the Alta Mesa Properties sold at a price greater than $95.00 per pound. The royalties are held by the Sellers, and Mr. Eshleman and his extended family hold all of the ownership interests in the Sellers. In addition, Mr. Eshleman and certain members of his extended family are parties to surface use agreements that entitle them to surface use payments from the Acquired Companies in certain circumstances. The Alta Mesa Properties are currently being maintained on care and maintenance to enable the Company to restart operations as market conditions warrant. Due to the price of U3O8, the Company did not pay any royalty payments or surface use payments to the Sellers or to Mr. Eshleman or his immediate family members in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and does not anticipate paying any royalty payments or surface use payments to the Sellers or to Mr. Eshleman or his immediate family members during the remainder of 2019. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, surface use payments from June 2016 through December 31, 2018 have been deferred until June 30, 2019 at which time the Company will pay $1.35 million to settle this obligation. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has accrued $1.35 million of this liability on the condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
16. | FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING |
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2019. As required by accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
As of March 31, 2019, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term deposits, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Investments at fair value | $ | 1,166 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,166 | |||||||
Marketable equity securities | 1,268 | — | — | 1,268 | |||||||||||
Marketable debt securities | — | 16,186 | — | 16,186 | |||||||||||
Warrant liabilities | (7,142 | ) | — | — | (7,142 | ) | |||||||||
Convertible debentures | (17,640 | ) | — | — | (17,640 | ) | |||||||||
$ | (22,348 | ) | $ | 16,186 | $ | — | $ | (6,162 | ) |
The Company's investments are marketable equity securities which are exchange traded, and are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the investments is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.
17. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
Sale of shares in the Company's ‘At-the-Market’ program (“ATM”).
From April 1, 2019 through May 7, 2019, the Company issued 0.35 million common shares at an average price of $3.62 for proceeds of $1.28 million using the ATM.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.
While the Company has uranium extraction and recovery activities and generates revenue, it is considered to be in the Exploration Stage (as defined by SEC Industry Guide 7) as it has no Proven or Probable Reserves within the meaning of SEC Industry Guide 7. Under US GAAP, for a property that has no Proven or Probable Reserves, the Company capitalizes the cost of acquiring the property (including mineral properties and rights) and expenses all costs related to the property incurred subsequent to the acquisition of such property. Acquisition costs of a property are depreciated over its estimated useful life for a revenue generating property or expensed if the property is sold or abandoned. Acquisition costs are subject to impairment if so indicated.
All dollar amounts stated herein are in U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and currency exchange rates unless specified otherwise. References to Cdn$ refer to Canadian currency, and $ to United States currency.
Overview
We provide the raw materials for generation of clean nuclear electricity. Our primary product is a uranium concentrate (“U3O8”), or yellowcake, which when further processed will become the fuel for nuclear energy. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, nuclear energy provides nearly 20% of the total electricity, and 60% of the clean carbon-free energy, generated in the United States. The Company generates revenues from extracting and processing materials for our own account, as well as from toll processing for others.
Our uranium concentrate is produced from multiple sources:
• | Conventional recovery operations at our White Mesa Mill (the "Mill") including: |
• | Processing ore from uranium mines; |
• | Recycling of uranium bearing materials that are not derived from conventional ore ("Alternate Feed Materials"); and |
• | In-situ recovery (“ISR”) operations. |
In addition, the Company has a long history of conventional vanadium recovery at the Mill, when vanadium prices support those activities. The Company has commenced vanadium recovery from pond solutions at the Mill. The Company is also evaluating opportunities for copper recovery from our Canyon Project.
The Mill, located near Blanding Utah, processes ore mined from the Four Corners region of the United States as well as Alternate Feed Materials that can originate worldwide. We have the only operating uranium mill in the United States, which is also the last operating facility left in the U.S. with the ability to recover vanadium. The Mill is licensed to process an average of 2,000 tons of ore per day and to extract approximately 8.0 million pounds of U3O8 per year. The Mill has separate circuits to process conventional uranium and vanadium ores as well as Alternate Feed Materials.
Currently, there are no mines operating in the vicinity of the Mill, due to low uranium prices. The Mill is currently processing Alternate Feed Materials for the recovery of uranium, under multiple toll processing arrangements as well as Alternate Feed Materials for our own account. Additionally, in recent years the Mill has recovered dissolved uranium from the Mill’s tailings management system that was not fully recovered during the Mill’s prior thirty-plus years of operations (“Pond Return”). The Company is actively pursuing additional toll and Alternate Feed Materials for processing at the Mill.
The Mill also continues to pursue additional sources of feed materials. For example, a significant opportunity has arisen for the Company to potentially participate in the clean-up of abandoned uranium mines in the Four Corners Region of the U.S. Recently, the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency announced settlements in various forms in excess of $1.5 billion to fund certain clean-up activities on the Navajo Nation. Additional settlements with other parties are also pending. Our Mill is within close trucking distance and is uniquely positioned in this region to receive uranium-bearing materials from these
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cleanups and thus recycle the contained U3O8, while at the same time permanently disposing of the cleanup materials outside the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. There are no other facilities in the U.S capable of providing this service. Consequently, the Company is actively pursuing these types of opportunities.
The Company’s ISR operations consist of our currently producing Nichols Ranch Project and our standby operation at Alta Mesa. At our Nichols Ranch Project, the Company placed its ninth header house into production in March 2017. In order to save cash and resources, the Company is deferring additional wellfield development until uranium prices recover. The Alta Mesa Project will remain on standby in the current uranium price environment.
We believe the current spot price of uranium does not support production for the majority of global uranium producers and, accordingly, we believe that prices will recover at some point in the future. In addition, as discussed below, on July 18, 2018 upon petition by the Company (and Ur-Energy), the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) initiated an investigation into the effects of uranium imports on U.S. national security. This DOC investigation has the potential to result in trade remedies, including import quotas, which may generate higher prices for U.S. uranium. In anticipation of potential price recoveries, we continue to maintain and advance our resource portfolio. Once prices recover, we stand ready to resume wellfield construction at our Nichols Ranch Project, develop wellfields and resume production at our Alta Mesa facility, as well as mine and process resources from our Canyon Project, Daneros Project, La Sal Project and Whirlwind Project. The Company believes we could start bringing this new production to the market within approximately six to twelve months of a positive production decision. Longer term, we expect to resume production at our conventional mines on standby and develop our large conventional mines at Roca Honda and Henry Mountains.
Uranium Market Update
According to monthly price data from TradeTech LLC (“TradeTech”), uranium spot prices dropped 8% during the first three months of 2019 from $27.00 per pound on December 31, 2018 to $24.90 per pound on March 31, 2019, reaching a high of $29.10 per pound during the week of January 25, 2019. TradeTech price data also indicates that long-term U3O8 prices were flat, beginning the quarter at $32.00 per pound and ending the quarter at $32.00 per pound. On May 3, 2019, TradeTech reported a spot price of $25.00 per pound and a long-term price of $32.00 per pound. According to TradeTech, the January 2019 price rose due to “continued buying from producers, traders, and financial entities throughout the month, along with a definite uptick in utility buying.” (TradeTech, NMR, January 31,2019) The upward momentum seen in uranium prices abated in February, due to “muted buying interest,” especially in the U.S. where “utility buyers [were] preoccupied with government-issued questionnaires, one of which relates specifically to the ongoing Section 232 investigation.” (TradeTech, NMR, February 28, 2019). The spot price dropped further in March due to “increased pessimism of sellers due to the current discretionary nature of demand and the reticence of U.S. utilities to presently commit to spot purchases as they remain[ed] preoccupied with government- and trade-related issues, specifically the ongoing Section 232 investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).” (TradeTech, NMR, March 31, 2019). TradeTech went on to state that “[t]he looming Section 232 recommendations report, which is scheduled to be delivered by DOC to U.S. President Donald Trump on April 14, is expected by many to include a market remedy recommendation that consequently, has created market uncertainty for U.S. utilities and other market participants.” (TradeTech, NMR, March 31, 2019).
The Company believes that certain uranium supply and demand fundamentals are pointing to higher prices in the future, including significant production cuts and increased demand from utilities, financial entities, traders, and producers. However, the Company also believes that while uranium market conditions have improved over the past year, they still remain weak primarily as a result of excess uranium supplies caused by large quantities of secondary uranium supplies, excess inventories, and thus far insufficient primary production cut-backs. The Company also continues to believe that the Company’s joint filing of the "Section 232 Petition," discussed below, has injected uncertainty into the market, causing utilities and other market participants to be less aggressive in their buying and selling activities at this time.
Vanadium Market Update
According to weekly price data from Metal Bulletin, mid-point vanadium spot prices were $13.88 per pound of V2O5 on March 31, 2019. During the quarter, weekly mid-point spot prices for V2O5 as reported by Metal Bulletin dropped by approximately 19% from $15.50 per pound at the end of December 2018 to $13.88 per pound at the end of the quarter. The May 6, 2019 weekly spot price for vanadium as reported by Metal Bulletin was $9.10 per pound.
The Company believes that in 2018, global production cutbacks caused vanadium supply to fall below demand, creating a deficit in the market, leading to significant price increases. However, according to market analyst, CRU, markets fell by the end of 2018 due to “speculators … unwind[ing] their positions and markets reacted to weaker than expected demand from steelmakers in China.” (April 9, 2019). It is the Company’s belief that vanadium markets dropped further in 2019 due to lowered expectations for the Chinese economy. In the short term, the Company believes that the market dynamics that led to the increased prices in
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2018 generally still exist, including increased demand due to new Chinese rebar standards and decreased supply due to environmental regulations. Longer-term, the Company expects vanadium prices to continue to be volatile, and mainly dictated by policies in, and the economy of, China. The Company also believes there could be increased demand for vanadium in the energy storage industry.
Operations Update and Outlook for Year Ending December 31, 2019
Overview
Operations and Sales Outlook Overview
The Company plans to extract and/or recover uranium from its Nichols Ranch Project in 2019. In addition, during 2019 the Company expects to extract and/or recover vanadium, and potentially uranium, from pond solutions at its White Mesa Mill, subject to continued successful recovery and suitable sales prices.
As a result of improved vanadium market conditions in 2018, the Company began its current campaign in early 2019 to recover between two and a half and four million pounds of vanadium over a 16 to 20-month period from existing pond solutions at the White Mesa Mill, which result from past mineral processing campaigns.
As a result of current low uranium market conditions, both ISR and conventional uranium recovery are being maintained at reduced levels until such time as market conditions improve sufficiently, either as a result of potential relief under the ongoing Section 232 Investigation discussed below, or through improved uranium market fundamentals. Until such time as improvements in uranium market conditions are observed or suitable sales contracts can be entered into, the Company expects to defer further wellfield development at its Nichols Ranch Project. In addition, the Company will keep the Alta Mesa ISR Project and its conventional mining properties on standby. The Company is also seeking new sources of revenue, including new sources of Alternate Feed Materials and new fee processing opportunities at the White Mesa Mill that can be processed under existing market conditions, largely unrelated to uranium sales prices. The Company will also continue its support of the Section 232 Investigation and will evaluate additional acquisition and disposition opportunities that may arise.
Extraction and Recovery Activities Overview
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company recovered approximately 20,000 pounds of U3O8. In the year ending December 31, 2019, the Company expects to recover approximately 50,000 to 125,000 pounds of U3O8. The Company also recovered 325,000 pounds of high-purity vanadium pentoxide (“V2O5” or “black flake”), during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and expects to continue to recover approximately 160,000 to 200,000 pounds of V2O5 per month over the life of the program, subject to continued successful recovery and depending on the availability of suitable sales prices.
The Company has entered into no uranium sales commitments for 2019 thus far. Therefore, all 2019 uranium production is expected to be added to existing inventories. All V2O5 production is expected to be sold on the spot market or maintained in inventory.
Both ISR and conventional uranium extraction and/or recovery are expected to continue to be maintained at reduced levels until such time as improvements in uranium market conditions are observed or suitable sales contracts can be procured. Continued vanadium production will depend on the continued availability of suitable vanadium spot prices.
ISR Activities
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we extracted and recovered approximately 20,000 pounds of U3O8 from the Nichols Ranch Project. In the year ending December 31, 2019, the Company expects to produce approximately 50,000 to 70,000 pounds of U3O8 from Nichols Ranch.
As of March 31, 2019, the Nichols Ranch wellfields had nine header houses extracting uranium. Until such time when improvement in uranium market conditions is observed or suitable sales contracts can be procured, the Company intends to defer development of further header houses at its Nichols Ranch Project. The Company currently holds 34 fully-permitted, undeveloped wellfields at Nichols Ranch, including four additional wellfields at the Nichols Ranch wellfields, 22 wellfields at the adjacent Jane Dough wellfields, and eight wellfields at the Hank Project, which is fully permitted to be constructed as a satellite facility to the Nichols Ranch Plant.
The Company expects to continue to keep the Alta Mesa ISR Project on standby until such time as improvements in uranium market conditions are observed or suitable sales contracts can be procured.
Conventional Activities
Conventional Extraction and Recovery Activities
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During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the White Mesa Mill recovered no uranium due to its focus on vanadium recovery.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company produced 325,000 pounds of high-purity V2O5 from its Mill pond return program. The Company is currently producing at full production rates of 160,000 to 200,000 pounds of V2O5 per month. The Company expects to continue to recover V2O5 at these rates throughout 2019, subject to continued successful recovery and depending on the availability of suitable sales prices. If vanadium prices remain at current levels or decline, the Company may curtail or stop vanadium production during the year, pending improvements in vanadium prices. One of the benefits of the Mill’s vanadium pond return program is that it can be stopped and restarted relatively quickly in response to changes in vanadium market conditions.
In addition, the Company is evaluating whether uranium can be extracted, concurrent with its vanadium recovery, from the pond solutions. If the Company determines such recovery is possible, it expects that up to approximately 55,000 pounds of U3O8 could potentially be recovered at the White Mesa Mill in 2019 from those activities.
The White Mesa Mill has historically operated on a campaign basis whereby uranium and/or vanadium recovery is scheduled as mill feed, cash needs, contract requirements, and/or market conditions may warrant. The Company currently expects that planned vanadium and other processing activities will keep the Mill in operation through the end of 2019 and into 2020. The Company is also actively pursuing opportunities to process new and additional Alternate Feed Material sources and low-grade ore from third parties in connection with various uranium clean-up requirements. Successful results from these activities would allow the Mill to extend the current campaign through 2020 and beyond. In addition, if improvements in uranium market conditions are observed as a result of the Section 232 Investigation or otherwise, the Company would expect to be able to procure suitable long-term sales contracts to keep the Mill operating over a considerably longer period of time.
However, in the event the Company is unable to justify full operation of the Mill at any time, the Company would expect to place uranium and/or vanadium recovery activities at the Mill on standby at that time. While on standby, the Mill would continue to dry and package material from the Nichols Ranch Plant and continue to receive and stockpile Alternate Feed Materials for future milling campaigns. Each future milling campaign would be subject to receipt of sufficient mill feed and resulting cash flow that would allow the Company to operate the Mill on a profitable basis or to recover all or a portion of the Mill's standby costs.
Conventional Standby, Permitting and Evaluation Activities
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company continued its test-mining program targeting vanadium at the fully-permitted La Sal Complex located on the Colorado Plateau, which it completed by the end of April 2019, in addition to pursuing enhanced operational readiness targeting future commercial production. The goal of the program was to evaluate different mining approaches that selectively target high-grade vanadium zones, thereby potentially increasing productivity and mined grades for vanadium and decreasing mining costs per pound of V2O5 and U3O8. During this program, the Company refurbished the La Sal and Pandora mines within the La Sal Complex and extracted approximately 6,000 tons of mineralized material. The Company expects to continue readiness activities throughout 2019. In addition, the Company expects to complete a surface and underground drilling program at the La Sal Complex by mid-2019 in order to potentially expand the known uranium and/or vanadium resources available to mine.
During 2019, the Company plans to continue carrying out engineering, metallurgical testing, procurement and construction management activities at its Canyon Project, including additional bench and pilot plant scale metallurgical test work of the uranium/copper mineralization, and to continue pursuing any additional permitting actions that may be required to potentially recover copper at the White Mesa Mill. The timing of the Company’s plans to extract and process mineralized materials from this project will be based on the results of this additional evaluation work, along with market conditions, available financing, sales requirements, and/or permits required for copper recovery at the Mill.
The Company is selectively advancing certain permits at its other major conventional uranium projects. The Company plans to accelerate the licensing and permitting of the Roca Honda Project, a large, high-grade conventional project in New Mexico, with the Record of Decision currently scheduled to be completed in 2021. The Company will also maintain required permits at the Company’s conventional projects, including the Sheep Mountain Project and the Daneros Project. In addition, the Company will continue to evaluate the Bullfrog Property at its Henry Mountains Project. Expenditures for certain of these projects have been adjusted to coincide with expected dates of price recoveries based on the Company’s forecasts. All of these projects serve as important pipeline assets for the Company’s future conventional production capabilities, as market conditions warrant.
Sales
During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed no uranium sales. The Company currently has no remaining contracts, and is therefore fully unhedged to future uranium price increases.
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The Company continued V2O5 shipments during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 with initial quantities being allocated for conversion to ferrovanadium (“FeV”), which is currently being sold into spot metallurgical markets. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed sales of 53,000 pounds of vanadium at an average price of $20.40 per pound. The Company expects to continue to sell finished vanadium product as it is produced into the metallurgical industry, as well as other markets that demand a higher purity product, including the aerospace, chemical, and potentially the vanadium battery industries. The Company expects to sell to a diverse group of customers in order to maximize revenues and profits. The Company is continuing to produce a high-purity vanadium product of 99.6%-99.7% V2O5. The Company believes there may be opportunities to sell certain quantities of this high-purity material at a premium to reported spot prices. The Company may also retain vanadium product in inventory for future sale, depending on vanadium spot prices at the time of production.
The Company also continues to pursue new sources of revenue, including additional Alternate Feed Materials and other sources of feed for the White Mesa Mill.
Trade Petition
In January 2018, the Company participated in the joint filing of a Petition for Relief under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (as amended) from Imports of Uranium Products that Threaten National Security (the “Petition”). On July 18, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) initiated the investigation (the “Section 232 Investigation”). On April 14, 2019, the DOC completed the Section 232 Investigation and submitted a report to the President of the United States containing their findings and proposed remedy (if any). From April 14, 2019, the President has 90 days to act on DOC’s recommendations and, if necessary, take action to adjust imports or pursue other lawful, non-trade-related actions to address the national security threat. The Petition describes how uranium and nuclear fuel from state-owned and state-subsidized enterprises in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and China potentially represent a threat to U.S. national security. The Petition seeks a remedy that will set a quota to limit imports of uranium into the U.S., effectively reserving 25% of the U.S. nuclear market for U.S. uranium production. Additionally, the Petition suggests implementation of a requirement for U.S. federal utilities and agencies to buy U.S. uranium in accordance with the President's Buy American Policy. The remedies, if granted, would be expected to strengthen the U.S. uranium mining industry, bolster national defense, and improve supply diversification for U.S. utilities and their customers. The Company intends to continue its support of this action during 2019. It should be noted, however, that there can be no certainty of the outcome of the Section 232 Investigation, and therefore the outcome of this process is uncertain.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands of US dollars):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Revenues | |||||||
Uranium concentrates | $ | — | $ | 1,238 | |||
Vanadium concentrates | 1,168 | — | |||||
Alternate feed materials processing and other | 502 | 16 | |||||
Total revenues | 1,670 | 1,254 | |||||
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues | |||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to uranium concentrates | — | 1,238 | |||||
Costs and expenses applicable to vanadium concentrates | 532 | — | |||||
Costs and expenses applicable to alternate feed materials and other | 384 | — | |||||
Total costs and expenses applicable to revenues | 916 | 1,238 | |||||
Impairment of inventories | 1,176 | 1,010 | |||||
Gross loss | (422 | ) | (994 | ) | |||
Other operating costs and expenses | |||||||
Development, permitting and land holding | 4,342 | 1,600 | |||||
Standby costs | 1,084 | 2,512 | |||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | 513 | 459 | |||||
Total other operating costs and expenses | 5,939 | 4,571 | |||||
Selling, general and administration | |||||||
Selling costs | 10 | 65 | |||||
General and administration | 3,751 | 4,770 | |||||
Total selling, general and administration | 3,761 | 4,835 | |||||
Total Operating Loss | (10,122 | ) | (10,400 | ) | |||
Interest expense | (329 | ) | (492 | ) | |||
Other (loss) income | (1,683 | ) | 63 | ||||
Net loss | $ | (12,134 | ) | $ | (10,829 | ) | |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) |
Revenues
The Company’s revenues from uranium were previously based on delivery schedules under long-term contracts, which could vary from quarter to quarter. As of December 31, 2018, the Company no longer has any uranium sales contacts. Any future sales of uranium will be subject to sale in the sport market until a time when the Company can agree to terms for long-term sales contracts. In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company initiated the selling of vanadium recovered from its pond solution at the White Mesa Mill under a Sales and Agency Agreement appointing an exclusive sales and marketing agent for all vanadium pentoxide produced by the Company.
Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $1.67 million compared with $1.25 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Of the revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019, $1.17 million was related to sales of 53,000 pounds of vanadium concentrates and $0.50 million related to toll processing of uranium concentrates.
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Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 totaled $1.25 million, of which $1.24 million were sales of 50,000 pounds of U3O8 at a price of $24.75 per pound and $0.01 million related to processing of Alternate Feed Materials.
Operating Expenses
Uranium and Vanadium recovered and costs and expenses applicable to revenue
In the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recovered 20,000 pounds of U3O8 from ISR recovery activities for the Company's own account and 325,000 pounds of V2O5 from the Company's pond solutions. In the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recovered 43,000 pounds of U3O8 from ISR recovery activities, all of which were for the Company's own account.
Costs and expenses applicable to revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $0.92 million, compared with $1.24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Costs and expenses applicable to revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2019 consisted of $0.53 million from V2O5 and $0.38 million related to Alternate Feed Materials. All costs and expenses applicable to revenue for 2018 were related to uranium concentrates.
The decrease in the cost of sales was primarily attributable to having no uranium sales as well as just beginning to sell vanadium from the Company's vanadium program.
Other Operating Costs and Expenses
Development, permitting and land holding
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company spent $4.34 million for development of the Company's properties. This is primarily due to the development of the V2O5 test-mining program at the La Sal Project as well as expenses associated with ramping up V2O5 production at the White Mesa Mill.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company spent $1.60 million for development of the Canyon Project and permitting and land holding costs related to these and other projects.
While we expect the amounts relative to the items listed above have added future value to the Company, we expense these amounts as we do not have proven or probable reserves at any of the Company's projects under SEC Industry Guide 7.
Standby expense
The Company’s La Sal and Daneros Projects were placed on standby in 2012, as a result of market conditions. In February 2014, the Company placed its Arizona 1 Project on standby. In 2016 and the beginning of 2018, the White Mesa Mill was operated at lower levels of uranium recovery, including prolonged periods of standby. Costs related to the care and maintenance of the standby mines, along with standby costs incurred while the White Mesa Mill was operating at low levels of uranium recovery or on standby, are expensed.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, standby costs totaled $1.08 million compared with $2.51 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily related to increased Alternate Feed Materials processing and toll milling activities at the White Mesa Mill.
Accretion
Accretion related to the asset retirement obligation for the Company’s properties increased for the three months ended March 31, 2019 to $0.51 million compared with the prior three months ended of $0.46 million. This increase is primarily due to normal accretion activity.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs associated with marketing uranium, corporate and general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related expenses for personnel, contract and professional services, stock-based compensation expense and other overhead expenditures. General and administrative expenses totaled $3.76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $4.84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease is a result of the Company's cost cutting measures resulting in a lower head count in 2019. The Company paid $1.05 million in expenses related to the departure of executive officers consisting of severance expenses of $0.52 million and a succession bonus for the retirement of the CEO of $0.53 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018.
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Impairment of Inventories
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized $1.18 million in impairment charges related to inventory. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recognized $1.01 million inventory impairment. The impairment of inventories is due to continued lower uranium prices versus our cost to produce at the Nichols Ranch Project.
Interest Expense and Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was $0.33 million compared with $0.49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This decrease was due to the payoff of the Wyoming revenue bond loan and the put option conversion of the Company's Convertible Debentures (the "Debentures").
Other income and expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, other income and expense totaled $1.68 million expense, net. These amounts primarily consist of a loss on the change in the mark-to-market values of the Debentures of $1.44 million, the decrease in value of warrant liabilities of $0.73 million, offset by $0.38 million gain in investments accounted for at fair value and interest income of $0.11 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, other income and expense totaled $0.06 million income. These amounts primarily consist of a gain for the change in fair value of derivative liabilities of $0.36 million and interest income of $0.05 million, partially offset by a $0.22 million decrease in the value of investments accounted at fair value and by a loss in the mark-to-market values of the Debentures of $0.15 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Funding of major business and property acquisitions
Over the past six years the Company has funded major business and property acquisitions with capital provided by issuance of its common shares. In 2012 we acquired Titan Uranium Inc. and the US Mining Division of Denison, in 2013 we acquired Strathmore Minerals Corp, in 2015 we acquired Uranerz and in 2016 we acquired Mesteña, each in exchange for newly issued shares.
We intend to continue to acquire assets utilizing common shares when we can do so under attractive terms.
Shares issued for cash
On December 29, 2017, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to its U.S. registration statement, qualifying for distribution up to $30.00 million in additional common shares under the ATM. On November 5, 2018, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to its U.S. registration statement, qualifying for distribution up to $24.50 million in aggregate common shares under the ATM. Then, on the same date, the Company filed a base shelf prospectus whereby the Company may sell any combination of the "Securities" as defined thereunder in one or more offerings up to an initial aggregate offering price of $150.00 million. On May 5, 2019, the prospectus supplement to its U.S. registration statement expired, and was replaced on May 7, 2019 by a new prospectus supplement in the same amount, qualifying for distribution up to $24.50 million in aggregate common shares under the ATM.
From January 1, 2019 to May 7, 2019 a total of 1,108,885 Common Shares have been sold under the ATM, for net proceeds to the Company of $3.66 million.
Working capital at March 31, 2019 and future requirements for funds
At March 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $47.26 million, including $15.31 million in cash, $17.45 million of marketable securities, 470,000 pounds of uranium finished goods inventory and approximately 270,000 pounds of vanadium finished goods inventory. The Company believes it has sufficient cash and resources to carry out its business plan for at least the next twelve months.
The Company is actively focused on its forward-looking liquidity needs, especially in light of the current depressed uranium markets. The Company is evaluating its ongoing fixed cost structure as well as decisions related to project retention, advancement and development. If current uranium prices persist for any extended period of time, the Company will likely be required to raise capital or take other measures to fund its ongoing operations. Significant development activities, if warranted, will require that we arrange for financing in advance of planned expenditures. In addition, we expect to continue to augment our current financial resources with external financing as our long-term business needs require.
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The Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, current portion of notes payable and current taxes payable are due within the current operating year.
Cash and cash flows
Quarter ended March 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $34.99 million at March 31, 2019, compared to $34.29 million at December 31, 2018. The increase of $0.70 million was due primarily to cash provided by financing activities of $2.51 million, cash provided by investing activities of $9.95 million, offset by cash used in operating activities of $11.55 million and loss on foreign exchange on cash held in foreign currencies of $0.21 million.
Net cash used in operating activities of $11.55 million is comprised of the net loss of $12.13 million for the period adjusted for non-cash items and for changes in working capital items. Significant items not involving cash were $0.31 million of depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, $1.18 million impairment on inventory, stock based compensation expense of $1.12 million, accretion of asset retirement obligation ("ARO") of $0.51 million, $0.73 million change in warrant liabilities, $1.44 million change in value of convertible debentures, other non-cash expenses of $0.09 million, a decrease in trade and other receivables of $0.33 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.15 million, unrealized foreign exchange gain of $0.50 million, offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $2.03 million, a decrease in inventories of $3.25 million and changes in deferred revenue of $0.50 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $2.51 million consisting of $2.41 million proceeds from the issuance of stock using the Company's ATM offering and $0.10 million cash received from exercise of stock options.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $9.95 million, related to cash received from the sale of marketable securities.
Quarter ended March 31, 2018
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $28.20 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $40.70 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease of $12.50 million was due primarily to cash used in operations of $11.83 million, loss on foreign exchange on cash held in foreign currencies of $0.06 million offset by cash provided by financing activities of $0.60 million, and cash provided in investing activities of $0.01 million. Net cash used in operating activities of $11.83 million is comprised of the net loss of $10.83 million for the period adjusted for non-cash items and for changes in working capital items. Significant items not involving cash were a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.22 million, $0.33 million of depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, $1.01 million impairment on inventory, accretion of ARO of $0.46 million, other non-cash expenses of $0.69 million offset by a $1.80 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, an increase in trade and other receivables of $0.95 million, an increase in inventories of $0.78 million, $0.36 million change in warrant liabilities, and unrealized foreign exchange losses of $1.15 million. Net cash provided by financing activities totaled$0.60 million consisting primarily of $1.15 million proceeds from the issuance of stock using the Company's ATM offering offset by $0.84 million to repay loans and borrowings and $0.91 million cash paid for tax withholding. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.01 million for purchases of mineral properties and plant, property and equipment.
Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company’s accounting policies. These judgments and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances taking into account previous experience. Although the Company regularly reviews the estimates and judgments made that affect these financial statements, actual results may be materially different.
Significant estimates made by management include:
a. Exploration Stage
SEC Industry Guide 7 defines a reserve as “that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination”. The classification of a reserve must be evidenced by a bankable feasibility study using the latest three-year price average. While the Company has established the existence of mineral resources and has successfully extracted and recovered saleable uranium from certain of these resources, the Company has not established proven or probable reserves, as defined under SEC Industry Guide 7, for these operations or any of its uranium projects. As a result,
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the Company is in the Exploration Stage as defined under Industry Guide 7. Furthermore, the Company has no plans to establish proven or probable reserves for any of its uranium projects.
While in the Exploration Stage, among other things, the Company must expense all amounts that would normally be capitalized and subsequently depreciated or depleted over the life of the mining operation on properties that have proven or probable reserves.
Items such as the construction of wellfields and related header houses, additions to our recovery facilities and advancement of properties will all be expensed in the period incurred. As a result, the Company’s consolidated financial statements may not be directly comparable to the financial statements of mining companies in the development or production stages.
b. Resource estimates utilized
The Company utilizes estimates of its mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons. The information relating to the geological data on the size, depth and shape of the deposits requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of future cash flows related to resources is based upon factors such as estimates of future uranium prices, future construction and operating costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size and grade of the resource. Changes in the mineral resource estimates may impact the carrying value of mining and recovery assets, goodwill, reclamation and remediation obligations and depreciation and impairment.
d. . Depreciation of mining and recovery assets acquired
For mining and recovery assets actively extracting and recovering uranium we depreciate the acquisition costs of the mining and recovery assets on a straight line basis over our estimated lives of the mining and recovery assets. The process of estimating the useful life of the mining and recovery assets requires significant judgment in evaluating and assessing available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data, projected rates of extraction and recovery, estimated commodity price forecasts and the timing of future expenditures, all of which are, by their very nature, subject to interpretation and uncertainty.
Changes in these estimates may materially impact the carrying value of the Company’s mining and recovery assets and the recorded amount of depreciation.
e. Impairment testing of mining and recovery assets
The Company undertakes a review of the carrying values of its mining and recovery assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may exceed their estimated net recoverable amounts determined by reference to estimated future operating results and net cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of a mining or recovery asset is not recoverable based on this analysis. In undertaking this review, the management of the Company is required to make significant estimates of, among other things, future production and sale volumes, forecast commodity prices, future operating and capital costs and reclamation costs to the end of the mining asset’s life. These estimates are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may ultimately have an effect on the expected recoverability of the carrying values of mining and recovery assets.
f. Asset retirement obligations
Asset retirement obligations are recorded as a liability when an asset that will require reclamation and remediation is initially acquired. For disturbances created on a property owned that will require future reclamation and remediation the Company records asset retirement obligations for such disturbance when occurred. The Company has accrued its best estimate of its share of the cost to decommission its mining and milling properties in accordance with existing laws, contracts and other policies. The estimate of future costs involves a number of estimates relating to timing, type of costs, mine closure plans, and review of potential methods and technical advancements. Furthermore, due to uncertainties concerning environmental remediation, the ultimate cost of the Company’s decommissioning liability could differ from amounts provided. The estimate of the Company’s obligation is subject to change due to amendments to applicable laws and regulations and as new information concerning the Company’s operations becomes available. The Company is not able to determine the impact on its financial position, if any, of environmental laws and regulations that may be enacted in the future. Additionally, the expected cash flows in the future are discounted at the Company’s estimated cost of capital based on the periods the Company expects to complete the reclamation and remediation activities. Differences in the expected periods of reclamation or in the discount rates used could have a material difference in the actual settlement of the obligations compared with the amounts provided.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." ASU 2016-02 requires leases to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Under the new requirements, a lessee will
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recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and the right-of-use asset representing the right to the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from the previous GAAP.
The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach and elected not to adjust prior comparative periods. Upon adoption, the Company recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of $1.22 million at January 1, 2019. See Footnote 8 for further discussion.
Non-employee Share-Based Payment
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, which more closely aligns the accounting for employee and non-employee share-based payments. This standard more closely aligns the accounting for non-employee share-based payment transactions to the guidance for awards to employees except for specific guidance on certain inputs to an option-pricing model and the attribution of cost. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019 and adoption will not have a significant impact on our net earnings.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which amended the fair value measurement guidance by removing and modifying certain disclosure requirements, while also adding new disclosure requirements. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The amendments are effective for all companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all amendments. Further, a company may elect to early adopt the removal or modification of disclosures immediately and delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until the effective date. The Company plans to adopt all disclosure requirements effective January 1, 2020.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The Company is exposed to risks associated with commodity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and credit. Commodity price risk is defined as the potential loss that we may incur as a result of changes in the market value of uranium or vanadium. Interest rate risk results from our debt and equity instruments that we issue to provide financing and liquidity for our business. The foreign currency exchange risk relates to the risk that the value of financial commitments, recognized assets or liabilities will fluctuate due to changes in foreign currency rates. Credit risk arises from the extension of credit throughout all aspects of our business. Industry-wide risks can also affect our general ability to finance exploration, and development of exploitable resources; such effects are not predictable or quantifiable. Market risk is the risk to the Company of adverse financial impact due to change in the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments as a result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The success of the Company's campaign to recover V2O5 from existing pond solutions at the White Mesa Mill will depend, in large part, on the Company's ability to sell V2O5 at satisfactory prices in the future. The Company currently does not have any contracts in place for the sale of vanadium.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is subject to market risk related to the market price of U3O8 and V2O5. The Company's existing long term uranium contracts have expired, following the Company's April 2018 deliveries, and all uranium sales will now be required to be made at spot prices until the Company enters into new long-term contracts at satisfactory prices in the future. Future revenue beyond our current contracts will be affected by both spot and long-term U3O8 price fluctuations which are affected by factors beyond our control, including: the demand for nuclear power; political and economic conditions; governmental legislation in uranium producing and consuming countries; and production levels and costs of production of other producing companies. The Company continuously monitors the market to determine its level of extraction and recovery of uranium and vanadium in the future.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash equivalents, deposits, restricted cash, and debt. Our interest earned is not material; thus not subject to significant risk. The Company is exposed to an interest rate risk associated with its Debentures, which is based on the spot market price of U3O8. These Debentures mature in December 2020. The Company does not currently expect
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the spot market price of U3O8 to exceed $54.99 per pound prior to the Debentures’ maturity and, accordingly, does not believe there is any significant interest rate risk related to these Debentures. In the event any relief is granted under the Company’s Section 232 Petition, the spot price of uranium could potentially increase, but the risk of any resulting increase in interest rates on the Debentures would be likely offset, at least in part, by other cash-flow improvements for the Company. The Company does not use derivatives to manage interest rate risk. The following chart displays the interest rate applicable to our Debentures at various U3O8 per pound price levels.
UxC U3O8 Weekly Indicator Price | Annual Interest Rate |
Up to $54.99 | 8.5% |
$55.00–$59.99 | 9% |
$60.00–$64.99 | 9.5% |
$65.00–$69.99 | 10% |
$70.00–$74.99 | 10.5% |
$75.00–$79.99 | 11% |
$80.00–$84.99 | 11.5% |
$85.00–$89.99 | 12% |
$90.00–$94.99 | 12.5% |
$95.00–$99.99 | 13% |
$100 and above | 13.5% |
Currency Risk
The foreign exchange risk relates to the risk that the value of financial commitments, recognized assets or liabilities will fluctuate due to changes in foreign currency rates. The Company does not use any derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. As the US Dollar is the functional currency of our U.S. operations, the currency risk has been reduced. We maintain a nominal balance in foreign currency, resulting in a low currency risk relative to our cash balances. Our Debentures are denominated in Canadian Dollars and, accordingly, are exposed to currency risk.
The following table summarizes, in United States dollar equivalents, the Company’s major foreign currency (Cdn$) exposures as of March 31, 2019 ($000):
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,539 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (668 | ) | |
Loans and borrowings | (17,640 | ) | |
Total | $ | (15,769 | ) |
The table below summarizes a sensitivity analysis for significant unsettled currency risk exposure with respect to our financial instruments as at March 31, 2019 with all other variables held constant. It shows how net income would have been affected by changes in the relevant risk variables that were reasonably possible at that date.
('000s) | Change for Sensitivity Analysis | Increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income | ||
Strengthening net earnings | +1% change in US dollar | $ | (211 | ) |
Weakening net earnings | -1% change in U.S. dollar | $ | 211 |
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to cash and cash equivalents, investments available for sale, trade, and other receivables that arise from the possibility that any counterparty to an instrument fails to perform. The Company only transacts with highly-rated counterparties and a limit on contingent exposure has been established for any counterparty based on that counterparty’s credit rating. The Company’s sales are attributable mainly to multinational utilities. The Company carries credit risk insurance relating to its vanadium
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sales, which it considers to be adequate. As at March 31, 2019, the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk was the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, investments available for sale, trade receivables and taxes recoverable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
At the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2019, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit 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) material 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.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not aware of any material pending or threatened litigation or of any proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities that are, or would be, likely to have a material adverse effect upon us or our operations, taken as a whole that was not disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.
The mine safety disclosures required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K are included in Exhibit 95.1 of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 4.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibits
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The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit | |
Number | Description |
3.1 | |
3.2 | |
3.3 | |
4.1 | |
4.2 | |
4.3 | |
4.4 | |
4.5 | |
4.6 | |
4.7 | |
4.8 | |
4.9 | |
4.10 | |
4.11 | |
10.1 | |
10.2 | |
10.3 | |
10.4 | |
10.5 | |
23.1 | |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
32.2 | |
95.1 | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Schema |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations |
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(1) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Energy Fuels’ Form F-4 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2015. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Energy Fuels’ Form F-4 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2015. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Energy Fuels’ Form F-4 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2015. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Energy Fuels' Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 5, 2016. |
(5) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Energy Fuels’ Form F-4 filed on May 8, 2015. |
(6) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Fuels’ Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2016. |
(7) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Fuels’ Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2016. |
(8) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Energy Fuels' Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2016. |
(9) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Energy Fuels' Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2018. |
(10) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Energy Fuels' Form S-8 filed on June 24, 2015. |
(11) | Incorporated by reference to Schedule B to Energy Fuels' Schedule 14A filed on April 11, 2018. |
(12) | Incorporated by reference to Schedule C to Energy Fuels’ Schedule 14A filed on April 11, 2018. |
(13) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Energy Fuels’ Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 2, 2018. |
(14) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.16 to Energy Fuels’ Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 2, 2018. |
(15) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Energy Fuels’ Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2016. |
(16) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Energy Fuels' Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 29, 2017. |
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.
ENERGY FUELS INC.
(Registrant)
Dated: May 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ Mark S. Chalmers |
Mark S. Chalmers | ||
President & Chief Executive Officer | ||
Dated: May 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ David C. Frydenlund |
David C. Frydenlund | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
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