TASMAN METALS LTD.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2014
This discussion and analysis of financial position and results of operation is prepared as at July 11, 2014 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 of Tasman Metals Ltd. (“Tasman” or “the Company”). The following disclosure and associated financial statements are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Except as otherwise disclosed, all dollar figures included therein and in the following management discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain information included in this discussion may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the registration of the concessions comprising the various rare earth elements (“REE”) projects; (ii) the market and future price of commodities; (iii) the timing, cost and success of future exploration activities, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed work programs; (iv) currency fluctuations; (v) requirements for additional capital; and (vi) changes in mineral resource estimates. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and entail various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to actual results that are materially different than those expressed or implied. The Company disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Historical results of operations and trends that may be inferred from this MD&A may not necessarily indicate future results from operations. In particular, the current state of the global securities markets may cause significant reductions in the price of the Company’s securities and render it difficult or impossible for the Company to raise the funds necessary to continue operations.
All of the Company’s public disclosure filings, including its most recent management information circular, Form 20-F (in lieu of an Annual Information Form), material change reports, press releases and other information, may be accessed via www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.tasmanmetals.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company’s mineral properties.
Company Overview
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia on August 27, 2007. On October 22, 2009 the Company completed a statutory amalgamation with Lumex Capital Corp. and Ausex Capital Corp. and the surviving corporation continued under the name of Tasman Metals Ltd. On November 3, 2009 the Company commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) under the symbol “TSM”. On December 2, 2011 the Company commenced trading on the NYSE MKT (formerly the NYSE AMEX) under the symbol “TAS”.
The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of unproven REE and holds interests in iron ore properties in Scandinavia and is considered a development stage company. As at May 31, 2014 the Company has not earned any production revenue, nor found proved reserves on any of its mineral interests.
The Company’s main focus continues to be the exploration and assessment of the Company’s Norra Kärr property. In July 2013 the Company filed a revised preliminary economic assessment (“PEA”) of Norra Kärr. See also “Exploration Projects - REE Projects, Sweden, Norra Kärr” in this MD&A.
Potential Merger of Tasman and Flinders
On December 12, 2013 the Company and Flinders announced that they had initiated discussions with regard to a potential merger of the two companies (the “Potential Merger”). Negotiations with regard to the Potential Merger of Tasman Metals Ltd. and Flinders Resources Ltd. have concluded, with a decision to not proceed. This decision not to
proceed with the merger was taken mutually by the boards of directors of both companies, after discussion with various stakeholders including shareholders and customers
Exploration Projects
As of the date of this MD&A the Company is the 100% owner of 12 exploration claims and one mining lease for rare earth elements in Sweden, and the owner of a 25% interest in four iron ore exploration claims in the Kiruna district of Sweden. Furthermore, Tasman holds a 100% interest in seven exploration claims for tungsten in the Bergslagen district of Sweden.
REE Projects
Sweden
Tasman holds 15 exploration claims and one mining lease in Sweden considered prospective for REEs. Sweden is the home of REEs, many of which were first discovered in a quarry in the village of Ytterby, near Stockholm. REE consumption is growing, being essential in the production of hybrid/electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, compact florescent lighting, high-energy magnets, mobile phones and computers. Tasman is well placed as the European Union is actively supporting policies to promote the domestic supply of REEs to secure high-tech industry.
Norra Kärr
Norra Kärr is located in southern Sweden, 300km SW of Stockholm and lies in farming and forestry land, well serviced by power, road, water and a local skilled community.
Norra Kärr is a zirconium and rare earth element enriched peralkaline (agpaitic) nepheline syenite intrusion which covers 350m x 1200m in area. The deepest extents of the mineralized intrusion have not been delineated, but exceed 320m. The rock units comprising the Norra Kärr intrusion are uncommon on a global scale, and include mineral phases that are comprised of or associated with REE’s, Zr, Nb, Y and Hf. The most abundant intrusion present is Grännaite, a medium grained syenite consisting of alkali feldspar, nepheline, aegirine, natrolite, eudialyte and catapleite. Lesser units include Lakarpite (arfvedsonite-albite nepheline syenite), Pulaskite (microcline-arfvedsonite-
albite nepheline syenite) and Kaxtorpite (eckermannite-microcline-aegirine-pectolite- nepheline syenite). Intervals of irregular coarse grained pegmatite schlieren with equivalent mineralogy to the Grännaite are also commonly developed.
The first phase drill program by Tasman at Norra Kärr commenced in mid-December 2009 and comprised 26 holes. This first successful program was followed by two further phases for a total of 49 drill holes. A fourth phase of drilling was commenced in early 2012, which infilled drilling to 50m sections, and a total of 121 holes have now been completed.
In March 2012 Tasman announced the positive technical and financial results achieved from the Preliminary Economic Assessment (the “PEA”) of Norra Kärr. Following a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission a revised PEA (the “Norra Kärr PEA Report”) was completed and submitted in July 2013. The conclusions reached in the Norra Kärr PEA Report have not varied from those disclosed in the previously filed PEA. The Norra Kärr PEA Report was completed by independent mining consultants Pincock, Allen & Holt (“PAH”) of Denver, Colorado (subsequently renamed RungePincockMinarco). Metallurgical process design was completed by Mr. John Litz of JE Litz and Associates, Colorado, on the basis of data provided from process testing of Norra Kärr mineralization completed by SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”) in Lakefield, Canada, and the Geological Survey of Finland (“GTK”) in Outokumpu, Finland.
Readers are encouraged to review the Norra Kärr PEA Report in its entirety, available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.tasmanmetals.com. Tasman cautions that the Norra Kärr PEA Report is preliminary in nature and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.
The Norra Kärr PEA Report financial highlights included:
| · | $1,465 million after-tax net present value (“NPV”) at 8% discount rate. |
| · | 45.6% after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”). |
| · | After-tax payback period of 2.5 years. |
| · | $10.9 billion in revenue over the 40 year life of mine. |
| · | Initial capital expenditures of $266 million (including contingency of $42.8 million). |
| · | Average annual operating expenses of $74.3 million or $10.93 per kg of mixed total rare earth oxide (“TREO”) concentrate. |
| · | Conservative basket price of US $51 per kg. |
The project is proximal to road, rail, power and operating ports, plus skilled personnel, minimizing the need for offsite infrastructure to be built by the Company. Development of the project will occur as an open pit mine, with crushing, grinding, beneficiation and mineral dissolution occurring in the immediate vicinity of the pit. High purity precipitates of a mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and a zirconium carbonate concentrate will be produced.
In March 2013, Tasman announced that the Company engaged ANSTO Minerals of Australia (ANSTO) to support the next stage of Tasman's hydrometallurgical testing program on Norra Kärr. ANSTO is an Australian government owned research institution, widely acknowledged as the industry leader in all facets of REE mineral leaching, solution purification and precipitation.
ANSTO shall execute a series of leaching tests, extending and refining those completed to date by other laboratories. REE recoveries exceeding 80% have been achieved during previous tests using sulfuric acid under atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions. This leach test program is designed to maximize the recovery of the heavy REE's, reduce acid consumption, and constrain all remaining leaching variables. ANSTO has been provided with mineral concentrate prepared by Germany's ANZAPLAN. The concentrate sample was prepared from drill core collected across the Norra Kärr deposit and is considered representative. Results from this testwork will be reported as they become available.
Tasman has completed comminution (crushing and grinding) studies to characterize Norra Kärr mineralized material. Work undertaken by Wardell Armstrong International in Truro, UK, showed milling conditions lay within a normal processing range. These comminution results will enable the design of the crushing and grinding circuits.
In May 2013 the Swedish Mining Inspectorate (Bergsstaten) granted a Mining Lease (the “ML”) to Tasman covering Norra Kärr, valid for 25 years when it is available for renewal. The application documents for the ML were prepared by independent consulting group Golders Associates AB (“Golders”) and documented the extensive environmental, archeological and social impact data that was collected by consultants.
In April 2014, Tasman announced the commencement of a Pre-Feasibility Study (the “PFS”) for the Norra Kärr deposit. Following an extensive review process, Tasman management has selected a highly qualified technical team with REE and European experience. The PFS will be led and coordinated by GBM Minerals Engineering Consultants (“GBM”) based in Twickenham, UK. GBM is a specialist metallurgy and engineering consulting group, who provide service from testing and design through to EPCM. Other members of the PFS team include Wardell Armstrong International (“WAI”) for geology, mineral resources, mining and tailings management, Golders for social impact, environment, permitting and water management, and Denco Strategic Research & Consulting Inc for markets and pricing. All consultants have had previous involvement with Norra Kärr, most notably GBM who have managed the metallurgical testing program and flow sheet design for Norra Kärr, and Golders who were responsible for Tasman’s successful ML application and associated environmental and social impact assessments.
In July 2014, Tasman provided an update on metallurgical testing. Extensive hydrometallurgical research has been completed by ANSTO Minerals which has tested/optimized a process of sulphuric acid leaching, leach solution purification, REE solvent extraction and precipitation of an REE-concentrate. Preparation of this concentrate is the final step in defining the Norra Kärr flowsheet, and marks a significant milestone in the Company’s metallurgical programs.
Sulphuric acid was chosen due to its relatively low cost, and its widespread availability in Sweden. A railway line which passes only 20km from Norra Kärr already transports bulk sulphuric acid. REE was precipitated as an oxalate with a grade of approximately 45% REE, as provided in Table 1. The high value heavy REE dysprosium (Dy) contributes 4.8% of the REE content. This oxalate can be easily calcined to a high grade REE-oxide (REO) subject to customer requirements. Under the hydrometallurgical process developed, leaching is undertaken at ambient temperature and pressure. High temperature roasting is not required to dissolve eudialyte.
Table 1: Composition of REE-oxalate precipitated by ANSTO Minerals from Norra Kärr project, with REO relative abundance (when converted to oxide)
| | Element | Weight % REE in Oxalate Solid | REO as % of TREO | |
| | La | 4.94 | 10.7% | Light FEE |
| | Ce | 10.75 | 23.2% |
| | Pr | 1.46 | 3.1% |
| | Nd | 6.76 | 14.5% |
| | Sm | 1.65 | 3.5% |
| | Eu | 0.27 | 0.6% | Heavy REE |
| | Gd | 1.66 | 3.5% |
| | Tb | 0.35 | 0.7% |
| | Dy | 2.19 | 4.6% |
| | Ho | 0.49 | 1.0% |
| | Er | 1.29 | 2.7% |
| | Tm | 0.18 | 0.4% |
| | Yb | 1.14 | 2.4% |
| | Lu | 0.15 | 0.3% |
| | Y | 12.21 | 28.6% |
| | Total REE | 45.48 | 100.0% | |
| | | | | |
| | Light REE % | | 55.1% | |
| | Heavy REE % | | 44.9% | |
Crushing and grinding characteristics of the Norra Kärr mineralized material are now well known. A grind size of 60 micron has been chosen which provides adequate liberation of the REE-bearing mineral (eudialyte) that can easily be achieved through standard commercial equipment.
Extensive testwork and optimization of single-stage magnetic separation has been completed by Metso and GTK. This optimization has increased REE recovery in beneficiation to in excess of 86% in less than 35% of the original mass, such that flotation is no longer deemed necessary as was envisaged under the Norra Kärr PEA Report published July 2013. Magnetic separation shall use standard commercial equipment and does not require process chemicals.
This improved magnetic separation has significantly reduced the amount of sulphuric acid-consuming gangue minerals within the eudialyte-rich mineral concentrate. As a result, sulphuric acid consumption per tonne of ore reported by ANSTO has fallen to 85 kg/tonne from the 150 kg/tonne envisaged in the Norra Kärr PEA Report.
Olserum
On October 13, 2011 Tasman announced the acquisition of a 100% interest in a new heavy rare earth element project in southern Sweden, located only 100km east of the Company’s flagship Norra Kärr project. The Olserum project was purchased outright from a private UK registered company, Norrsken Energy Limited, for a total consideration of 37,746 fully paid shares in Tasman.
Olserum is located approximately 10km from the Baltic coast, 30km north of the town of Västervik and 200km SSW of Stockholm. The project is secured by a granted exploration claim 1,100 Ha in size, and five surrounding exploration claim applications 5,160 Ha in size.
The REE potential of the Olserum region was first identified by the Swedish Geological Survey (“SGU”) in the early 1990’s, when a number of REE anomalous samples were collected and assayed from several locations. The presence of yttrium (“Y”) enriched outcrops associated with historic iron ore prospects was noted. In 2003 the Swedish exploration company IGE claimed the area, concentrating on the iron ore workings at Olserum. During 2004 and 2005 a total of 27 diamond drill holes were drilled by IGE, 24 of which targeted the REE potential.
Drilling discovered an REE mineralized zone 600m in length and up to 100m wide. Drilling was performed on 40m spaced profiles with typically two holes on each profile. Drilling results included:
Table 2: Historical Drilling Results, Olserum
DRILL HOLE | FROM | | TO | | LENGTH (metres) | TREO (%) | HREO/TREO (%) |
| OL0401 | 55.3 | | 69.9 | | 14.6 | 1.38 | 37.8 |
| OL0403 | 86.3 | | 116.5 | | 30.2 | 0.55 | 37.7 |
| OL0510 | 102.8 | | 121.3 | | 18.5 | 1.02 | 34.5 |
| OL0511 | 30.3 | | 64.5 | | 34.2 | 0.86 | 15.7 |
| OL0513 | 112.9 | | 146.9 | | 34.0 | 0.81 | 37.6 |
| OL0513 | 173.9 | | 264.1 | | 90.2 | 0.63 | 29.0 |
| OL0516 | 56.4 | | 66.4 | | 10.0 | 1.07 | 45.6 |
| OL0521 | 126.9 | | 137.9 | | 11.0 | 0.91 | 32.1 |
TREO = sum of La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3;
HREO = sum of Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3;
Most significant REO’s by % are Y2O3, La2O3, Ce2O3, Nd2O3, Dy2O3
In late 2012, Tasman completed a five hole program completed at Olserum. Five holes were drilled that totalled 997.0m to confirm previous drilling results and infill untested sections. All holes intersected significant REE mineralization. Best results returned from holes OLR12001 through OLR12005 are provided in Table 3:
Table 3: Drilling Results from Tasman 2012 Program, Olserum
DRILL HOLE | FROM | TO | LENGTH (metres) | TREO (%) | HREO/TREO (%) | EASTING | NORTHING | AZIMUTH (deg) | DIP (deg) |
| OLR12001 | 59.7 | 157.9 | 98.2 | 0.60% | 36.3% | 580072 | 6423831 | 209 | - 46 |
| Including | 59.7 | 85.95 | 25.3 | 1.02% | 42.3% | | | | |
| OLR12002 | 83.1 | 225.3 | 142.2 | 0.65% | 26.6% | 580127 | 6423833 | 195 | - 55 |
| Including | 132.4 | 169.5 | 37.1 | 1.00% | 22.9% | | | | |
| OLR12003 | 117.0 | 250.6 | 133.6 | 0.52% | 42.1% | 580083 | 6423863 | 207 | - 61 |
| Including | 190.1 | 203.0 | 12.9 | 1.14% | 42.6% | | | | |
| OLR12004 | 47.9 | 178.9 | 131.0 | 0.49% | 44.7% | 579995 | 6423857 | 205 | - 55 |
| Including | 118.7 | 135.7 | 17.0 | 1.01% | 47.3% | | | | |
| OLR12005 | 52.8 | 121.6 | 68.8 | 0.39% | 24.7% | 580145 | 6423705 | 19 | - 43 |
| Including | 75.3 | 107.4 | 32.1 | 0.52% | 27.3% | | | | |
TREO = sum of La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3; HREO = sum of Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3; Most significant REO’s by % are Y2O3, La2O3, Ce2O3, Nd2O3, Dy2O3 EASTING, NORTHING provided in SWEREF99TM coordinate system |
The Technical University of Freiberg (“TU Bergakademie Frieberg”) in Germany undertook petrological, MLA and microprobe research to identify REE bearing minerals within 18 samples taken from Olserum drill core. Mineralogy was determined to be simple, with coarse to fine grained xenotime, monazite and rare apatite recognized as the host to all significant REE’s.
Using all available drilling data, the independent resource estimate for Olserum was published in February 2013. The resource estimate was prepared by consulting geologists at ReedLeyton Consulting Pty Ltd following site visits, core sampling and geological modeling. Following a review by the BCSC, a revised resource estimate was completed and submitted in July 2013. The conclusions reached in the amended Olserum technical report have not varied from those disclosed in the previously filed report. Along with Norra Kärr, Olserum is the second of Tasman's resource-stage REE projects.
Readers are encouraged to review the entire Olserum technical report available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.tasmanmetals.com.
Mineral Resources were modelled applying six different TREO cut-off grades, with a base-case resource estimated using a TREO cut-off of 0.4% (Tables 4 and 5). At this cut-off, Olserum hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.5 million tonnes grading 0.60% TREO and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.3 million tonnes grading 0.63% TREO, both with 34% of the TREO being the higher value HREO. Table 6 and 7 provide the grade averages for rare earth oxides at the various cut-offs.
Table 4: Indicated Resource Estimate for the Olserum Deposit.
TREO % Cut-off | Million Tonnes | TREO % | % of HREO in TREO | Dy2O3 ppm | Y2O3 ppm | Nd2O3 ppm | Tonnes of Contained TREO | |
| 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.89 | 32.3 | 292 | 1800 | 1314 | 8,620 | |
| 0.6 | 1.7 | 0.78 | 32.9 | 262 | 1610 | 1146 | 13,360 | |
| 0.5 | 3.0 | 0.68 | 33.3 | 232 | 1420 | 996 | 20,650 | |
| 0.4 | 4.5 | 0.60 | 33.9 | 209 | 1283 | 878 | 27,260 | BASE CASE |
| 0.3 | 6.3 | 0.53 | 34.4 | 187 | 1146 | 769 | 33,530 | |
| 0.2 | 7.7 | 0.48 | 34.5 | 0.017 | 1042 | 700 | 37,030 | |
Table 5: Inferred Resource Estimate for the Olserum Deposit.
| TREO % Cut-off | Million Tonnes | TREO % | % of HREO in TREO | Dy2O3 ppm | Y2O3 ppm | Nd2O3 ppm | Tonnes of Contained TREO | |
| 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.85 | 31.8 | 288 | 1667 | 1294 | 7,947 | |
| 0.6 | 1.6 | 0.77 | 32.5 | 264 | 1547 | 1151 | 12,088 | |
| 0.5 | 2.5 | 0.69 | 33.6 | 242 | 1445 | 1018 | 16,960 | |
| 0.4 | 3.3 | 0.63 | 33.7 | 222 | 1320 | 925 | 20,770 | BASE CASE |
| 0.3 | 4.2 | 0.57 | 33.9 | 202 | 1205 | 841 | 23,820 | |
| 0.2 | 4.7 | 0.54 | 33.9 | 191 | 1134 | 790 | 25,050 | |
Notes:
| 1. | Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
| 2. | TREO includes: La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3 |
| 3. | HREO includes: Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, Y2O3 |
| 4. | The calculated resource is sensitive to cut-off grade which will be influenced by metallurgical operating costs. Bench scale metallurgical tests were completed on an Olserum composite sample by Swedish consultants Minpro AB in 2005. Magnetic and gravity separation gave a mineral concentrate of 14% rare earth oxide in only 5% of the mass with a recovery of 59%. |
| 5. | The mineral resource estimate was completed by Mr Geoffrey Reed, Senior Consulting Geologist of ReedLeyton Consultants Pty Ltd, and is based on geological and geochemical data supplied by Tasman, as audited by Mr Reed. Mr Reed is an independent qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101 standards of disclosure for mineral projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. |
| 6. | The resource estimate has been classified as an Indicated and Inferred Resource based on the distance-space between sample data within the current deposit outline. Variograms were obtained from a variography study of TREO, with the continuity analysis showing a reasonable fit model in the major and semi major direction for the mineralised domains. |
| 7. | The resource estimate is based on: |
| § | A database of 31 “In Resource” drill holes totalling 5,297m of diamond drilling completed by Tasman and previous project owner IGE since 2004 where samples were composited on 1m lengths. All assays by both Tasman and IGE were completed at ALS Chemex’s Vancouver laboratory. |
| § | Specific gravity (SG) has an overall mean of 2.80 g/cc from 458 SG readings. The mean of the mineralisation of 2.82 g/cc was used in the estimate and a mean of the host rock of 2.67 g/cc was used in the estimate |
| § | Block model was estimated by ordinary kriging interpolation method on blocks 5m (x) x 20m (y) x 10m (z). |
| § | Metallurgical test work at Olserum is in progress and no information was available at the time of this resource calculation. |
In order to demonstrate that the mineralization as estimated in the block model has a reasonable expectation of being mined at some time in the foreseeable future, ReedLeyton completed a mining optimisation exercise. As the mining concept for the Olserum Deposit is currently surface mining, Whittle® software was used to generate a conceptual pit shell. Notwithstanding the pit optimisation exercise, it has not resulted in an engineered and operational open-pit mine design. Operating assumptions used for the Whittle® pit shell were based the Norra Kärr PEA Report. Norra Kärr lies
100km northwest of Olserum with similar grade and surface aspect. The economic assumptions used to derive the optimised pit shell include:
| · | Stripping Cost $/tonne mined $3.66 |
| · | Mining Cost $/tonne mined $3.66 |
| · | Processing Cost $/tonne ore $41.48 |
| · | Discount to TREO Basket Price 38.0% (accounts for REO separation charge) |
| · | Discounted TREO Price $31.0 kg |
| · | 5 percent mining loss, 5 percent for mining dilution |
| · | Exchange rate US$1 : CA$1 |
Overall, ReedLeyton considered these assumptions are fair for the purpose of determining reasonable prospects for economic extraction of the Olserum deposit but do not demonstrate that the mineralization is economic, since the exercise is not at the level of a preliminary economic assessment and does not conform to the studies required for a preliminary economic assessment.
The drill-defined Mineral Resource at Olserum begins at surface and is open at depth and to the east. The resources comprise parallel bodies of mineralization, with lower grade intervening material, trending approximately east-west and dipping steeply to the north. Host rock to mineralization is a biotite and amphibole bearing foliated quartzite, with veins and patches of magnetite. It is interpreted that mineralization may represent heavy mineral sediments which have been subsequently metamorphosed and folded. Tables 6 and 7 provide the grade averages for rare earth oxides at the various cut offs.
Table 6: Indicated Resource Estimate Rare Earth Oxide Grade Averages for the Olserum Deposit.
| TREO % Cut-off | La2O3 | Ce203 | Pr203 | Nd203 | Sm203 | Eu203 | Gd203 | Tb203 | Dy203 | Ho203 | Er203 | Tm203 | Yb203 | Lu203 | Y203 |
| 0.7 | 0.125 | 0.281 | 0.034 | 0.131 | 0.029 | 0.001 | 0.029 | 0.005 | 0.029 | 0.006 | 0.017 | 0.002 | 0.015 | 0.002 | 0.180 |
| 0.6 | 0.109 | 0.244 | 0.030 | 0.115 | 0.026 | 0.001 | 0.026 | 0.004 | 0.026 | 0.005 | 0.015 | 0.002 | 0.014 | 0.002 | 0.161 |
| 0.5 | 0.094 | 0.212 | 0.026 | 0.100 | 0.023 | 0.001 | 0.023 | 0.004 | 0.023 | 0.005 | 0.014 | 0.002 | 0.012 | 0.002 | 0.142 |
| 0.4 | 0.083 | 0.186 | 0.023 | 0.088 | 0.020 | 0.001 | 0.021 | 0.004 | 0.021 | 0.004 | 0.012 | 0.002 | 0.011 | 0.002 | 0.128 |
| 0.3 | 0.072 | 0.163 | 0.020 | 0.077 | 0.018 | 0.000 | 0.018 | 0.003 | 0.019 | 0.004 | 0.011 | 0.002 | 0.010 | 0.001 | 0.115 |
| 0.2 | 0.065 | 0.147 | 0.018 | 0.070 | 0.016 | 0.000 | 0.017 | 0.003 | 0.017 | 0.004 | 0.010 | 0.001 | 0.009 | 0.001 | 0.104 |
Table 7: Inferred Resource Estimate Rare Earth Oxide Grade Averages for the Olserum Deposit.
| TREO % Cut-off | La2O3 | Ce203 | Pr203 | Nd203 | Sm203 | Eu203 | Gd203 | Tb203 | Dy203 | Ho203 | Er203 | Tm203 | Yb203 | Lu203 | Y203 |
| 0.7 | 0.118 | 0.270 | 0.033 | 0.129 | 0.030 | 0.001 | 0.029 | 0.005 | 0.029 | 0.006 | 0.016 | 0.002 | 0.014 | 0.002 | 0.167 |
| 0.6 | 0.105 | 0.241 | 0.030 | 0.115 | 0.027 | 0.001 | 0.026 | 0.005 | 0.026 | 0.005 | 0.015 | 0.002 | 0.013 | 0.002 | 0.155 |
| 0.5 | 0.093 | 0.213 | 0.026 | 0.102 | 0.024 | 0.001 | 0.024 | 0.004 | 0.024 | 0.005 | 0.014 | 0.002 | 0.012 | 0.002 | 0.145 |
| 0.4 | 0.084 | 0.194 | 0.024 | 0.093 | 0.022 | 0.001 | 0.022 | 0.004 | 0.022 | 0.005 | 0.013 | 0.002 | 0.011 | 0.002 | 0.132 |
| 0.3 | 0.077 | 0.176 | 0.022 | 0.084 | 0.020 | 0.000 | 0.020 | 0.003 | 0.020 | 0.004 | 0.012 | 0.002 | 0.010 | 0.001 | 0.121 |
| 0.2 | 0.072 | 0.166 | 0.020 | 0.079 | 0.018 | 0.000 | 0.019 | 0.003 | 0.019 | 0.004 | 0.011 | 0.002 | 0.010 | 0.001 | 0.113 |
In August 2013, the Company announced results of the first phase of metallurgical testing on representative mineralization samples from the Olserum. Magnetic separation and flotation tests completed by the Geological Survey of Finland (“GTK”) in Outokumpu produced a mineral concentrate with REE recovery in excess of 90% within a concentrate mass between 6% and 7% of the original sample. This represents a very encouraging increase in REE grade of approximately 14 times. A very high grade magnetite concentrate was also produced as a by-product during testing. This metallurgical research, and the ongoing testing, was conducted and paid for under the European Commission’s EURARE research project as was press released by Tasman on July 10, 2013.
A well selected and homogenized sample of 75 kg of drill core was provided to GTK for metallurgical testing. Core was selected from across the deposit and is believed to reflect grade and mineralogical variation well. Following a series of grinding tests, a suitable grind size was determined to be -75 μm (P80 75 μm) which was achieved by rod mill. A testing flow sheet of low intensity magnetic separation (“LIMS”) followed by REE mineral flotation proved to be the most effective, for which 6 tests were performed. In addition, direct flotation of biotite was tested but did not improve quality or grade of the REE concentrate sample.
As anticipated, the LIMS was extremely efficient in the separation of magnetite from other minerals present. In test 8 the magnetic concentrate comprised 2.93% of the rock mass and showed a grade of Fe 65.5%, being very close to the iron content of pure magnetite. The best REE recovery results were obtained where highest REE recovery was achieved in the lowest concentrate mass (mass pull) as described below:
Table 8: REE recovery for various tests from Olserum
| Test | Concentrate Mass (Mass Pull) | Ce Recovery (%) | La Recovery (%) | Y Recovery (%) |
| 3A | 6.80% | 88.4 % | 88.8 % | 92.7 % |
| 3B | 8.42% | 89.6 % | 90.1 % | 93.8 % |
| 8 | 5.99% | 87.9 % | 85.3 % | 91.2 % |
Recovery data for all REE’s is not available at this time, however heavy REE recovery is anticipated to follow Y recovery due to chemical and physical similarity. Additional testing is underway to improve the proposed flowsheet and better understand the processing behaviour of the Olserum mineralization.
Finland
During fiscal 2013 the Company determined to proceed with the relinquishment of all other Finnish licenses and withdrew from all claim applications.
Tungsten Projects
Sweden
As announced on October 10, 2013 Tasman purchased a portfolio of tungsten projects in the Bergslagen mining district of south-central Sweden. This portfolio includes several of the largest known tungsten occurrences in Scandinavia, including the former Yxsjöberg mine which accounts for more than 90% of the tungsten previously produced in Sweden. The projects were purchased outright for a total consideration of 50,000 common shares in Tasman and $45,000 cash. A further 50,000 common shares are issuable upon commencement of production from any of the tungsten projects. All projects have extensive historic information including drilling, production and metallurgical data, and are supported by excellent road, rail and power infrastructure.
Based on its economic importance and high risk of supply disruption, tungsten has been named a “critical” metal in recent British Geological Survey (“BGS”) and European Commission (“EC”) publications. Tungsten is an essential industrial element with hundreds of end-use applications. It has the highest melting point (3,410°C) and highest tensile strength (19.3 gms/cc) of all pure metals and is therefore highly sought after for drilling and cutting equipment (termed hardmetals), specialty steels and aerospace applications.
Today, greater than 80% of tungsten is sourced from Chinese mines, and therefore, demonstrating similar resource security challenges to rare earth elements. Since 2008, Chinese domestic demand has exceeded its own supply, resulting in a near doubling of price for tungsten concentrate over this period, and a gradual increase in total traded volume. Tungsten demand growth has consistently outperformed GDP growth.
The acquired tungsten projects are approximately centered on the Yxsjöberg historical mine where a mill and tailings dam remain on site. Simple road access links all project areas. The data from the mines is historical in nature and was compiled prior to the implementation of NI 43-101 reporting standards. Tasman has not completed sufficient exploration to verify the estimates and is not treating them as NI 43-101 defined resources or reserves verified by a qualified person; the historical estimate should not be relied upon.
Yxsjöberg
The Yxsjöberg historical mine is the by far largest known tungsten mineralization in Sweden, from which more than 90% of all tungsten produced in the country emanates. The deposit is of a skarn-hosted tungsten-copper-beryllium- fluorite style consisting of three mineralized material bodies (Kvarnåsen, Nävergruvan, Finngruvan) which lie in the same folded, skarn altered limestone horizon. Earliest records of mining date back to 1728 and small scale mining for copper continued intermittently until the 19th century. The tungsten mineral scheelite (CaWO4) was first identified in 1862 and the earliest recorded production of tungsten from 1918. A new concentrator was built in 1937, and a roasting furnace and gravity separator added in 1951. A circuit for the production of fluorite concentrate was added in 1956. Fluorite remains a potential by-product to any future operation.
The price of tungsten fell in the early 1960’s, and the mine was closed in 1963 and subsequently allowed to flood. By the end of the 1960’s however, the tungsten price had recovered and interest was renewed. In 1969 the Swedish State-owned mining company AB Statsgruvor acquired the mine and constructed a new concentrator and head frame. This new plant began with gravity separation, but was converted to selective flotation in 1977. The mine and plant were closed again in 1989 due to low tungsten prices, when the deepest levels of the mine had reached approximately 600m. A total of more than 5 million tonnes of mineralized material averaging approximately 0.35% WO3 (with additional copper and fluorite) were extracted during the life of the Yxsjöberg mine. Significant mineralization remained in situ at the final closure in 1989.
Apart from remediation and environmental management, the plant has largely been left untouched since the closure of the mine, as have two large tailings dams estimated to contain a total of 4.6 million metric tonnes of material.
Wigström (15 km SE of Yxsjöberg)
The historic tungsten mine of Wigströmsgruvan fed mineralized material to the nearby Yxsjöberg mine mill. Scheelite (CaWO3) and fluorite (CaF2) mineralization occur in garnet-diopside skarn within mafic metavolcanics. Approximately 0.13 million tonnes of mineralized material with 0.28% WO3 was mined and transported to Yxsjöberg between the years 1978-1981. Mineralization is documented to remain open along strike and at depth at the time of the mine closure.
Sandudden (7 km NE of Yxsjöberg)
The Sandudden deposit was tested by more than 30 drill holes between 1978 and 1979 by AB Statsgruvor. In 1979 test mining and processing of approximately 17,000 tonnes with 0.22% WO3 was completed. The mineralization is scheelite-fluorite with similar characteristics to Wigströmsgruvan and Yxsjöberg. A small resource was estimated in 1979.
Gensgruvan (25 km N of Yxsjöberg)
The small Gensgruvan tungsten mine operated briefly in the 1940’s. Production figures from 1944 record 1,600 tonnes of ore were mined with an average grade of 0.3% WO3. A second mine was also operated, named Molybdengruvan, with grades of 0.34% WO3. Geological mapping at the time discovered numerous outcrops containing scheelite mineralization which remain untested, along with a large number of mineralized boulders the source of which remains unknown. Outcrops with grades similar Molybdengruvan mine have been recorded.
Gussarvet (70 km NE of Yxsjöberg)
A 15 hole diamond drill program was completed at Gussarvet in the early 1980’s. Results included GAH06 which intersected high grades of tungsten including 7.75 m at 0.64% WO3 and 31.3 m grading 0.37% WO3. The tungsten mineralization occurs in skarn and epidote-quartzite associated within a 100m wide NE-SW trending carbonate horizon.
Gustavsberg (50 km SE of Yxsjöberg)
Several old iron mines are located within the Gustavsberg claim area. The iron lodes were documented to have an adjacent skarn alteration zone containing copper and tungsten mineralization. Mine geologists reported discoveries of
“up to football-sized patches of scheelite” in the footwall skarn. No modern exploration for tungsten has been conducted in the area although prospectors have reported scheelite in the remnant waste dumps.
Tasman is currently compiling historic data for this tungsten portfolio.
Iron Projects
Tasman retains a 25% interest in four claims following the joint venture of iron ore projects to an Australian Stock Exchange listed company. In addition, Tasman retains a 2% net smelter royalty on two claims following the sale of iron ore projects to a London Stock Exchange listed company.
2014 Exploration Budget
With completion of the financing (see “Financial Condition / Capital Resources”) the Company’s work programs will now focus on completion of the PFS for the Norra Kärr project. The Company has budgeted approximately $2,300,000 for external service providers.
The Company is not incurring significant costs on the Olserum project and does not intend to incur significant costs until a further financing is completed. The Company is, however, continuing with certain costs mainly through continued metallurgical research, which costs are being largely funded through the Company’s participation in a European Union funding initiative studying supply of critical materials.
The exploration budget may change pending any future financings.
Qualified Person
The qualified person for Tasman’s projects, Mr. Mark Saxon, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, has reviewed and verified the contents of this document.
Selected Financial Data
During fiscal 2013 the Company changed its accounting policy with respect to exploration and evaluation expenditures. In prior years the Company’s policy was to expense mineral exploration and development costs as incurred until such time as either mineral reserves are proven or permits to operate the mineral resource property are received and financing to complete the development are obtained. The Company has elected to change this accounting policy to now capitalize by property all costs relating to the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties classified as exploration and evaluation assets, effective with the presentation of these consolidated financial statements, on a retrospective basis.
The following selected financial information is derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with IFRS and the change in accounting policy.
| | | Fiscal 2014 | | | Fiscal 2013 | | | Fiscal 2012 | |
| Three Months Ended | | May 31, 2014 $ | | | Feb. 28, 2014 $ | | | Nov. 30, 2013 $ | | | Aug. 31, 2013 $ | | | May 31, 2013 $ | | | Feb. 28, 2013 $ | | | Nov. 30, 2012 $ | | | Aug. 31, 2012 $ | |
| Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | |
| Expenses | | | (578,083 | ) | | | (638,057 | ) | | | (766,824 | ) | | | (679,723 | ) | | | (576,014 | ) | | | (635,742 | ) | | | (1,202,291 | ) | | | (484,837 | ) |
| Other items | | | (33,713 | ) | | | 15,157 | | | | 10,917 | | | | (462,602 | ) | | | 22,139 | | | | 35,566 | | | | 17,425 | | | | 34,943 | |
Net loss before deferred income tax | | | (611,796 | ) | | | (622,900 | ) | | | (755,907 | ) | | | (1,142,325 | ) | | | (553,875 | ) | | | (600,176 | ) | | | (1,184,866 | ) | | | (449,894 | ) |
| Deferred income tax | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | | 9,254 | |
| Net loss | | | (611,796 | ) | | | (622,900 | ) | | | (755,907 | ) | | | (1,142,325 | ) | | | (553,875 | ) | | | (600,176 | ) | | | (1,184,866 | ) | | | (440,640 | ) |
| Other comprehensive (loss) gain | | | (10,141 | ) | | | 3,014 | | | | (12,007 | ) | | | (27,800 | ) | | | (3,129 | ) | | | 846 | | | | (25,974 | ) | | | (105,920 | ) |
| Comprehensive loss | | | (621,937 | ) | | | (619,886 | ) | | | (767,914 | ) | | | (1,170,125 | ) | | | (557,004 | ) | | | (599,330 | ) | | | (1,210,840 | ) | | | (546,560 | ) |
| Basic and diluted loss per share | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.01 | ) | | | (0.02 | ) | | | (0.00 | ) |
| Dividends per share | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | |
| | | Fiscal 2014 | | | Fiscal 2013 | | | Fiscal 2012 | |
Three Months Ended | | May 31, 2014 $ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance Sheet: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Working capital | | | 7,160,151 | | | | 7,056,411 | | | | 4,091,866 | | | | 5,094,986 | | | | 6,241,592 | | | | 7,242,130 | | | | 8,200,394 | | | | 9,267,844 | |
| Total assets | | | 17,470,818 | | | | 16,682,588 | | | | 13,130,518 | | | | 13,856,353 | | | | 13,595,076 | | | | 14,520,301 | | | | 15,818,835 | | | | 16,549,682 | |
| Total long term liabilities | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | | | Nil | |
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended May 31, 2014 Compared to the Three Months Ended February 28, 2014
During the three months ended May 31, 2014 (“Q3”) the Company reported a net loss of $611,796 ($0.01 per share), compared to a net loss of $622,900 ($0.01 per share) for the three months ended February 28, 2014 (“Q2”), a decrease in loss of $11,104. The decrease in loss in the three months ended May 31, 2014 was attributed primarily to overall decrease in general and administrative expenses offset against the recognition of share-based compensation of $82,000 in Q3 compared to $28,000 in Q2.
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2014 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2013
As the Company is in the exploration stage of investigating and evaluating its unproven mineral interests, it has no revenue.
During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 (the “2014 period”), the Company incurred a net loss of $1,990,603 ($0.03 per share), a decrease in loss of $348,314, compared to a net loss of $2,338,917 ($0.04 per share) for the nine months ended May 31, 2013 (the “2013 period”). The decrease in loss during the 2014 period was due to the recognition of share-based compensation of $225,200 in the 2014 period compared to $654,705 in the 2013 period.
Excluding share-based compensation, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1,578, from $1,759,342 during the 2013 period to $1,757,764 during the 2014 period. Specific general and administrative expenses of note during the 2014 are as follows:
| · | incurred $104,013 (2013 - $96,359) for accounting and administration of which $49,300 (2013 - $38,100) was charged by Chase Management Ltd. (“Chase”), a private corporation controlled by Mr. Nick DeMare, the CFO and a director of the Company, and $54,713 (2013 - $58,259) was charged for accounting service provided in Sweden; |
| · | general exploration costs of $9,142 (2013 - $68,462) relating to general exploration and property due diligence in Sweden and Finland. General exploration costs were lower during the 2014 period as the Company focused its exploration activities and assessment on the Norra Kärr property; |
| · | $119,390 (2013 - $153,818) for travel expenses, primarily for Company personnel to oversee the Company’s ongoing property exploration programs, attend international investment conferences and meet with consumers of REE production to establish working relationships. Travel expenses were lower during the 2014 period compared to the 2013 period due to reduced corporate travel by management; |
| · | legal fees of $231,603 (2013 - $72,392) were incurred. During the 2014 period legal services were higher due to the preparation and filing of the base shelf prospectus and Form 20-F; |
| incurred $366,157 (2013 - $515,207) for professional services, of which the Company incurred $190,500 (2013 - $236,477) by directors and officers of the Company, $54,385 (2013 - $172,706) by consultants in Sweden and $121,272 (2013 - $106,024) by consultants for general corporate services; |
| · | $121,500 (2013 - $121,500) for management fees charged through Sierra Peru Pty (“Sierra”) for remuneration of Mr. Mark Saxon, the Company’s President and CEO; |
| · | audit fees of $51,117 (2013 - $33,650) for the year-end audit. The change between the 2014 period and the 2013 period was due to the increased levels of activities of the Company resulting in increased services rendered by the Company’s auditors in respect to auditing the Company’s year-end accounts; and |
| · | salaries and benefits of $272,304 (2013 - $230,962) for employees in the exploration office in Sweden. |
During the 2014 period the Company recorded $225,200 (2013 - $654,705) for share-based compensation comprised of $225,200 (2013 - $154,000) for the immediate vesting of 360,000 (2013 - 230,000) share options granted and $nil (2013 - $9,475) for vesting of options granted in prior periods. In addition during the 2013 period, the Company recorded $491,230 for share-based compensation on the re-pricing of 1,706,500 share options.
During the 2014 period the Company completed a private placement of 4,919,940 units for gross proceeds of $5,411,934. The proceeds have been allocated to advance work on the Company’s Norra Kärr and Olserum projects and for general working capital purposes.
During the 2013 period the Company did not complete any private placements.
During the 2014 period the Company received $351,000 (2013 - $301,250) from the exercise of share options for 285,000 (2013 - 1,250,000) common shares.
Interest income generated during the 2014 period was $60,854, a decrease of $15,388 from $76,242 during the 2013 period. The decrease in interest income during the 2014 period was due higher yields obtained during the 2013 period.
Investment
The Company holds 2,647,059 common shares of Hannans Reward Limited (“Hannans”) and 600,000 common shares of Thomson Resources Ltd. (“Thomson”), public companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and have been designated as available-for-sale for accounting purposes. As at May 31, 2014 the quoted market value of the Hannans shares was $13,355 and the Thomson shares was $8,919.
Exploration and Evaluation Assets
During the 2014 period the Company incurred a total of $1,677,554 (2013 - $1,714,983) on the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of its unproven resources assets, of which $1,430,148 (2013 - $1,463,719) on the Norra Kärr property and $247,406 (2013 - $251,264) on other properties. In addition during the 2014 period the Company recorded an impairment of exploration and evaluation assets of $44,230 (2013 - $17,074) on certain properties. Details of the exploration activities conducted during the 2014 period are described in “Exploration Projects” and “2014 Exploration Budget” in this MD&A.
| | | As at May 31, 2014 | | | As at August 31, 2013 | |
| | | Acquisition Costs $ | | | Deferred Exploration Costs $ | | | Total $ | | | Acquisition Costs $ | | | Deferred Exploration Costs $ | | | Total $ | |
| Rare Earth Properties | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Norra Kärr | | | 92,682 | | | | 8,540,415 | | | | 8,633,097 | | | | 23,045 | | | | 7,179,904 | | | | 7,202,949 | |
| Olserum | | | 143,231 | | | | 564,930 | | | | 708,161 | | | | 124,846 | | | | 488,336 | | | | 613,182 | |
| Other | | | 15,960 | | | | 4,758 | | | | 20,718 | | | | 49,088 | | | | 15,860 | | | | 64,948 | |
Other Properties | | | 115,147 | | | | 40,140 | | | | 155,287 | | | | 2,406 | | | | 454 | | | | 2,860 | |
| | | 367,020 | | | | 9,150,243 | | | | 9,517,263 | | | | 199,385 | | | | 7,684,554 | | | | 7,883,939 | |
| | | Rare Earth Element Properties | | | Other | | | | |
| | | Norra Kärr $ | | | Otanmaki $ | | | Olserum $ | | | Other $ | | | Properties $ | | | Total $ | |
| Balance at August 31, 2012 | | | 5,312,704 | | | | 340,766 | | | | 316,137 | | | | 186,698 | | | | 2,860 | | | | 6,159,165 | |
| Exploration costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Consulting | | | 400,543 | | | | - | | | | 186,511 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 587,054 | |
| Core cutting | | | 13,837 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,837 | |
| Database | | | 3,707 | | | | - | | | | 3,698 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7,405 | |
| Drilling | | | 74,950 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 74,950 | |
| Exploration site | | | 21,779 | | | | - | | | | 119 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,898 | |
| Fuel | | | 1,253 | | | | - | | | | 668 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,921 | |
| Geochemical | | | 385,093 | | | | - | | | | 35,306 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 420,399 | |
| Geological | | | 92,398 | | | | - | | | | 31,511 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 123,909 | |
| Maps | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,920 | | | | - | | | | 1,920 | |
| Metallurgical consulting | | | 21,152 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,152 | |
| Metallurgical testing | | | 692,637 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 692,637 | |
| Preliminary economic assessment | | | 27,559 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 27,559 | |
| Pre-feasibility study | | | 117,594 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 117,594 | |
| Salaries | | | 13,486 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 13,486 | |
| Sample preparation | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,791 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 17,791 | |
| Travel | | | 24,257 | | | | - | | | | 83 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 24,340 | |
| | | 1,890,245 | | | | - | | | | 275,687 | | | | 1,920 | | | | - | | | | 2,167,852 | |
| Acquisition costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mining rights | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,358 | | | | 33,678 | | | | - | | | | 55,036 | |
Impairment | | | - | | | | (340,766 | ) | | | - | | | | (157,348 | ) | | | - | | | | (498,114 | ) |
Balance at August 31, 2013 | | | 7,202,949 | | | | - | | | | 613,182 | | | | 64,948 | | | | 2,860 | | | | 7,883,939 | |
Exploration costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Consulting | | | 350,923 | | | | - | | | | 64,945 | | | | - | | | | 34,963 | | | | 450,831 | |
| Exploration site | | | 16,823 | | | | - | | | | 6,465 | | | | - | | | | 868 | | | | 24,146 | |
| Geochemical | | | 38,223 | | | | - | | | | 1,954 | | | | - | | | | 3,865 | | | | 44,042 | |
| Geological | | | 232,418 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 232,418 | |
| Metallurgical testing | | | 468,395 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 468,395 | |
| Pre-feasibility study | | | 188,431 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 188,431 | |
| Surface rights | | | 54,016 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 54,016 | |
| Travel | | | 11,282 | | | | - | | | | 3,205 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 14,512 | |
| | | | 1,360,511 | | | | - | | | | 76,594 | | | | - | | | | 39,686 | | | | 1,476,791 | |
Acquisition costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mining rights | | | 16,717 | | | | - | | | | 18,385 | | | | - | | | | 16,241 | | | | 51,343 | |
| Issuance of common shares | | | 52,920 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 51,500 | | | | 104,420 | |
| Acquisition | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 45,000 | | | | 45,000 | |
| | | 69,637 | | | | - | | | | 18,385 | | | | - | | | | 112,741 | | | | 200,763 | |
Impairment | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (44,230 | ) | | | - | | | | (44,230 | ) |
Balance at May 31, 2014 | | | 8,633,097 | | | | - | | | | 708,161 | | | | 20,718 | | | | 155,287 | | | | 9,517,263 | |
Cash Flows
During the 2014 period cash increased by $1,970,687. Operations utilized $1,805,920, investing activities, mainly for expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets, utilized $1,565,339 and financing activities, mainly from the private placement, generated $5,341,946.
During the 2013 period cash decreased by $3,285,307. Operations utilized $2,006,640, investing activities, mainly for expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets, utilized $1,579,917 and financing activities, from exercise of share options, generated $301,250.
Financial Condition / Capital Resources
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to support the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain future development of the business. The Company defines capital that it manages as share
capital, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company will continue to assess new properties and seek to acquire an interest in additional properties if it feels there is sufficient geologic or economic potential and if it has adequate financial resources to do so. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable.
To date the Company has not conducted any borrowing outside of its accounts payable and accrued liabilities incurred for operations and exploration activities. The Company maintains its cash primarily in Canadian currency in a major Canadian financial institution. The funds are held in interest-bearing accounts or cashable guaranteed investment certificates. The Company is not exposed to significant credit or interest rate risk although cash is held in excess of federally insured levels.
The Company advances funds to its subsidiary as required to satisfy ongoing levels of operations. There are no legal or economic restrictions on the ability of the Company’s subsidiary to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.
As at May 31, 2014, the Company had working capital of $7,160,151. The Company’s exploration work programs will focus on the completion of the PFS for the Norra Kärr property. The Company has budgeted approximately $2,300,000 for external service providers. The Company believes that it currently has sufficient financial resources to conduct anticipated exploration programs and meet anticipated corporate administration costs for the upcoming twelve month period.
The Company has filed a final short form base shelf prospectus with certain Canadian and US securities regulatory authorities. The shelf prospectus will allow the Company to offer, from time to time over a 25-month period, up to $25,000,000 of common shares, units and warrants. In the event the aggregate market value worldwide of the Company’s common shares held by non-affiliates of the Company is less than US $75 million, US securities law restricts the issuance of securities during the 12-month period prior to and including the relevant sale to no more than one-third of the aggregate market value worldwide of the Company’s common shares held by non-affiliates of the Company. As of the date of this MD&A, the market value does exceed the minimum requirements.
The Company is not required to offer or sell all or any portion of the securities pursuant to the shelf prospectus in the future and will only do so if it believes market conditions warrant it.
The Company has relied solely on equity financing to raise the requisite financial resources. While it has been successful in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in raising future financing should the need arise.
The Company has initiated preliminary negotiations of a Potential Merger. See “Potential Merger of Tasman and Flinders”. If proceeded, it is anticipated that expenditures to negotiate, conduct due diligence, incur legal, accounting, filing and regulatory costs associated with the Potential Merger will be significant.
Contractual Commitments
The Company has no contractual commitments.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Proposed Transactions
The Company has not entered into any proposed transactions.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Critical Judgments and Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual outcomes could differ from these estimates. These consolidated financial statements include estimates which, by their nature, are uncertain. The impacts of such estimates are pervasive throughout the consolidated financial statements, and may require accounting adjustments based on future occurrences. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. These estimates are based on historical experience, current and future economic conditions and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical Judgments
The following are critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
| (i) | The determination of categories of financial assets and financial liabilities has been identified as an accounting policy which involves judgments or assessments made by management. |
| (ii) | Management is required to assess the functional currency of each entity of the Company. In concluding that the Canadian dollar is the functional currency of the parent and its subsidiary companies, management considered the currency that mainly influences the cost of providing goods and services in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates. As no single currency was clearly dominant the Company also considered secondary indicators including the currency in which funds from financing activities are denominated and the currency in which funds are retained. |
| (iii) | Management is required to assess impairment in respect of intangible exploration and evaluation assets. The triggering events are defined in IFRS 6. In making the assessment, management is required to make judgments on the status of each project and the future plans towards finding commercial reserves. The nature of exploration and evaluation activity is such that only a proportion of projects are ultimately successful and some assets are likely to become impaired in future periods. |
| | Management has determined impairment indicators were present in respect of certain other exploration and evaluation assets and as a result an impairment test was performed. |
| | Management has determined that there were no triggering events present as defined in IFRS 6 with the other properties as at May 31, 2014 and as such, no impairment test was performed. |
| (iv) | Although the Company takes steps to verify title to exploration and evaluation assets in which it has an interest, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers and title may be affected by undetected defects. |
Estimation Uncertainty
The following are key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:
| (i) | Provisions for income taxes are made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is possible that at some future date an additional liability could result from audits by taxing authorities. Where the final outcome of these tax-related matters is different from the amounts that were originally recorded, such differences will affect the tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made. |
| (ii) | The assessment of any impairment of exploration and evaluation assets, and property, plant and equipment is dependent upon estimates of the recoverable amount that take into account factors such as reserves, economic and market conditions and the useful lives of assets. As a result of this assessment, management has carried out an impairment test on certain other exploration and evaluation assets and an impairment charge of $44,230 was made during the six months ended May 31, 2014. |
Changes in Accounting Policies
During fiscal 2013 the Company changed its accounting policy with respect to exploration and evaluation expenditures. In prior years the Company’s policy was to expense mineral exploration and development costs as incurred until such time as either mineral reserves are proven or permits to operate the mineral resource property are received and financing to complete the development are obtained. The Company has elected to change this accounting policy to now capitalize by property all costs relating to the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties classified as exploration and evaluation assets, effective with the presentation of these consolidated financial statements, on a retrospective basis.
Transactions with Related Parties
A number of key management personnel hold positions in other entities that result in them having control or significant influence over the financial or operating policies of those entities. Certain of these entities transacted with the Company during the reporting period.
| (a) | Transactions with Key Management Personnel |
| | During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013 the following amounts were incurred with respect to the Company’s executive officers, comprising the President (Mark Saxon), Vice-President of Corporate Development (James Powell) and Chief Financial Officer (Nick DeMare): |
| | | | | 2014 $ | | | | 2013 $ | |
| | Management fees - Mr. Saxon | | | 121,500 | | | | 121,500 | |
| | Professional fees - Mr. Powell | | | 72,000 | | | | 102,000 | |
| | Professional fees - Mr. DeMare | | | 25,500 | | | | 22,500 | |
| | Share-based compensation - Mr. Powell | | | - | | | | 51,250 | |
| | | | | 219,000 | | | | 297,250 | |
| | As at May 31, 2014, $46,000 (2013 - $3,000) of the above amounts remained unpaid. |
The Company has a management agreement with the President, which provides that in the event the President’s services are terminated without cause or upon a change of control of the Company, a termination payment of two years of compensation, at $13,500 per month, is payable. If the termination had occurred on May 31, 2014 the amount payable under the agreement would be $324,000.
(b) Transactions with Other Related Parties
| | (i) | During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013 the following amounts were incurred with respect to the Company’s non-management directors of the Company: |
| | | | | 2014 $ | | | | 2013 $ | |
| | Professional fees - David Henstridge, director | | | 31,500 | | | | 36,000 | |
| | Professional fees - Robert G. Atkinson, director | | | 13,500 | | | | 13,500 | |
| | Professional fees - Gil Leathley, director | | | 25,500 | | | | 23,000 | |
| | Professional fees - Michael Hudson, director | | | 22,500 | | | | 22,500 | |
| | | | | 93,000 | | | | 95,000 | |
As at May 31, 2014, $23,500 (2013 - $16,000) of the above amounts remained unpaid.
| | (ii) | In addition, during the nine months ended May 31, 2014 the Company incurred a total of $49,300 (2013 - $38,100) to Chase for accounting and administration services provided by Chase personnel, excluding Mr. DeMare, and $3,015 (2013 - $3,470) for rent. As at May 31, 2014, $5,135 (2013 - $3,335) remained unpaid. |
| (c) | During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 the Company incurred $21,650 (2013 - $16,977) for shared administration costs with Tumi Resources Limited (“Tumi”) and Mawson Resources Limited (“Mawson”), public companies with common directors. As at May 31, 2014, $4,100 (2013 - $3,470) of the amount remained unpaid. |
| (d) | During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 the Company recorded a recovery of $37,252 (2013 - $73,207) for shared office personnel and costs from Mawson and Flinders Resources Ltd. (“Flinders”), public companies with common directors. As at May 31, 2014, $3,645 (2013 - $nil) of the amount remained outstanding. |
| (e) | On October 7, 2013 the Company entered into a letter agreement with Tumi and acquired a 100% interest in seven exploration licenses (the “Tungsten Projects”) located in south-central Sweden by paying $45,000 cash and issuing 50,000 common shares of the Company at a fair value of $51,500. A further 50,000 common shares are issuable upon commencement of production from any of the Tungsten Projects. Tumi has two common directors, Mr. DeMare and Mr. David Henstridge. |
| (f) | During the nine months ended May 31, 2014 the Company completed a private placement of 4,919,940 units at $1.10 per unit, of which directors and officers purchased a total of 83,000 units as follows; Mr. Saxon - 10,000 units; Mr. Powell - 22,000 units; and Mr. Atkinson - 50,000 units. |
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company competes with other mining companies, some of which have greater financial resources and technical facilities, for the acquisition of mineral concessions, claims and other interests, as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.
The Company is in compliance in all material regulations applicable to its exploration activities. Existing and possible future environmental legislation, regulations and actions could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions and delays in the activities of the Company, the extent of which cannot be predicted. Before production can commence on any properties, the Company must obtain regulatory and environmental approvals. There is no assurance that such approvals can be obtained on a timely basis or at all. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has the potential to reduce the profitability of operations.
The Company’s material mineral properties are located in Scandinavia and consequently the Company is subject to certain risks, including currency fluctuations which may result in the impairment or loss of mining title or other mineral rights, and mineral exploration and mining activities may be affected in varying degrees by governmental regulations relating to the mining industry.
For additional risks and uncertainties relating to the Company and its business, readers are encouraged to read Tasman’s Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013 available at www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.tasmanmetals.com.
Investor Relations Activities
The Company maintains a website at www.tasmanmetals.com. All investor relations activities are conducted by in-house personnel.
Outstanding Share Data
The Company’s authorized share capital is unlimited common shares without par value. As at July 11, 2014, there were 66,141,922 outstanding common shares, 4,935,435 warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $1.50 per common share, 295,907 compensation options outstanding with an exercise price of $1.10 per unit and 2,845,000 share options outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $0.65 to $4.22 per common share.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to permit timely decisions regarding public disclosure.
Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer’s Annual and Interim Filings (“52-109”), are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed or submitted under Canadian Securities legislation are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in those rules. Management relies upon certain informal procedures and communication, and upon “hands-on” knowledge of senior management. Due to the small staff, however, the Company will continue to rely on an active Board and management with open lines of communication to maintain the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.
Internal Controls and Procedures over Financial Reporting
Management is also responsible for the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
In the course of evaluating internal controls over financial reporting as at May 31, 2014 management has identified the following reportable deficiencies:
| (a) | there is limited segregation of duties which could result in a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements. Given the Company’s limited staff level, certain duties within the accounting and finance department cannot be properly segregated. However, none of these segregation of duty deficiencies resulted in material misstatement to the financial statements as the Company relies on certain compensating controls, including periodic substantive review of the financial statements by the Chief Executive Officer, Audit Committee and Board of Directors. |
| (b) | on occasion, the Company undertakes complex and non-routine transactions. These are sometimes extremely technical in nature and require an in-depth understanding of IFRS. The Company’s accounting staff have a reasonable knowledge of the rules related to IFRS but may not have the in-depth understanding required to properly account for these non-routine transactions. To address this risk, the Company consults with its third party advisors as needed in connection with the recording and reporting of complex and non-routine transactions. |
It should be noted that a control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can only provide reasonable assurance, not absolute assurance, that the objectives of the control system are met. The control framework the officers used to design the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (“COSO Framework”) published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission.
The Company is required to disclose herein any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period beginning on March 1, 2014 and ending on May 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. No material changes in
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting were identified during such period that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
- 19 -
