Aqua Metals (AQMS) 10-Q 29 Jul 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 26, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0001621832
Entity Registrant Name	Aqua Metals, Inc.
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-37515
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-1169572
Entity Address, Address Line One	2500 Peru Dr.
Entity Address, City or Town	McCarran
Entity Address, State or Province	NV
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	89437
City Area Code	775
Local Phone Number	446-4418
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	AQMS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		69,457,518

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,704	$ 6,533
Accounts receivable	290	32
Lease receivable, current portion	779	0
Inventory	662	1,091
Assets held for sale	4,339	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	381	702
Total current assets	17,155	8,358
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net	1,930	24,883
Intellectual property, net	730	819
Investment in LiNiCo	1,500	0
Lease receivable, non-current portion	16,037	0
Other assets	776	1,078
Total non-current assets	20,973	26,780
Total assets	38,128	35,138
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	1,236	1,552
Accrued expenses	4,634	1,253
Lease liability, current portion	545	620
Notes payable, current portion	0	29
Total current liabilities	6,415	3,454
Lease liability, non-current portion	17	242
Notes payable, non-current portion	0	303
Total liabilities	6,432	3,999
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock; $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 68,607,326 and 64,461,065 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	69	64
Additional paid-in capital	209,382	196,728
Accumulated deficit	(177,755)	(165,653)
Total stockholders’ equity	31,696	31,139
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 38,128	$ 35,138

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	68,607,326	64,461,065
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	68,607,326	64,461,065

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Product sales	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 18,000
Operating cost and expense
Cost of product sales	2,138,000	1,306,000	3,749,000	2,760,000
Research and development cost	176,000	217,000	465,000	459,000
General and administrative expense	2,129,000	2,245,000	4,428,000	4,630,000
Total operating expense	4,443,000	3,768,000	8,642,000	7,849,000
Loss from operations	(4,443,000)	(3,768,000)	(8,642,000)	(7,831,000)
Other income and (expense)
Insurance proceeds net of related expenses	460,000	(52,000)	448,000	(255,000)
PPP loan forgiveness	201,000	0	332,000	0
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	(4,254,000)	0	(4,254,000)	0
Interest expense	(4,000)	(164,000)	(9,000)	(347,000)
Interest and other income	24,000	3,000	25,000	25,000
Total other income (expense), net	(3,573,000)	(213,000)	(3,458,000)	(577,000)
Loss before income tax expense	(8,016,000)	(3,981,000)	(12,100,000)	(8,408,000)
Income tax expense	0	(2,000)	(2,000)	(2,000)
Net loss	$ (8,016,000)	$ (3,983,000)	$ (12,102,000)	$ (8,410,000)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	68,152,296	60,136,374	67,518,650	59,859,493
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.14)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	57,997,780
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 58	$ 189,422	$ (139,891)	$ 49,589
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	1,510	0	1,510
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting (in shares)	2,253,238
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting	$ 2	0	0	2
Net loss	$ 0	0	(8,410)	(8,410)
Common stock issued for consulting services (in shares)	23,078
Common stock issued for consulting services	$ 0	24	0	24
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020	60,274,096
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 60	190,956	(148,301)	42,715
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	59,836,897
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 60	190,402	(144,318)	46,144
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	554	0	554
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting (in shares)	437,199
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting	$ 0	0	0	0
Net loss	$ 0	0	(3,983)	(3,983)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020	60,274,096
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 60	190,956	(148,301)	42,715
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	64,461,065
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 64	196,728	(165,653)	31,139
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	1,298	0	1,298
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting (in shares)	884,411
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting	$ 1	0	0	$ 1
Common stock issued upon exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	347,901			347,901
Common stock issued upon exercise of employee stock options	$ 0	727	0	$ 727
Common stock issued upon warrant exercise (in shares)	65,590
Common stock issued upon warrant exercise	$ 0	0	0	0
Common stock issued for ATM share sales, net (in shares)	2,473,359
Common stock issued for ATM share sales, net	$ 3	9,328	0	9,331
Net loss	0	0	(12,102)	(12,102)
RSUs issued for consulting services	$ 0	34	0	34
Common stock issued related to LiNiCo investment (in shares)	375,000
Common stock issued related to LiNiCo investment	$ 1	1,267	0	1,268
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	68,607,326
Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 69	209,382	(177,755)	31,696
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021	67,755,336
Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 68	206,914	(169,739)	37,243
Stock-based compensation	$ 0	619	0	619
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting (in shares)	300,162
Common stock issued to employees, includes RSUs vesting	$ 0	0	0	0
Common stock issued upon exercise of employee stock options (in shares)	2,083
Common stock issued upon exercise of employee stock options	$ 0	3	0	3
Common stock issued upon warrant exercise (in shares)	0
Common stock issued upon warrant exercise	$ 0	0	0	0
Common stock issued for ATM share sales, net (in shares)	549,745
Common stock issued for ATM share sales, net	$ 1	1,846	0	1,847
Net loss	$ 0	0	(8,016)	(8,016)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021	68,607,326
Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 69	$ 209,382	$ (177,755)	$ 31,696

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Common stock issued, transaction costs	$ 67	$ 311

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (12,102,000)	$ (8,410,000)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation	724,000	1,236,000
Amortization of intellectual property	90,000	90,000
Accretion of asset retirement obligation	0	24,000
Fair value of RSUs issued for consulting services	34,000	24,000
Stock-based compensation	1,299,000	1,510,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	18,000
Inventory NRV adjustment	146,000	0
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	4,254,000	0
Forgiveness of PPP Loan	(332,000)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(258,000)	244,000
Inventory	283,000	49,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	320,000	733,000
Accounts payable	222,000	(1,953,000)
Accrued expenses	680,000	(1,671,000)
Other assets and liabilities	(300,000)	(217,000)
Net cash used in operating activities	(4,940,000)	(8,323,000)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,217,000)	(2,239,000)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	275,000	0
Equipment deposits and other assets	43,000	(36,000)
Insurance proceeds	0	7,625,000
Investment in LiNiCo	(232,000)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,131,000)	5,350,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from PPP Loan	0	332,000
Payments on notes payable	0	(158,000)
Lease of building	184,000	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	727,000	0
Proceeds from ATM, net	9,331,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,242,000	174,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,171,000	(2,799,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	6,533,000	7,575,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	10,704,000	4,776,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
Cash paid for income taxes	2,000	2,000
Cash paid for interest	0	308,000
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions
Change in accounts receivable resulting from insurance funds held in escrow	0	4,875,000
Change in property and equipment resulting from change in accounts payable	538,000	(994,000)
Change in property and equipment resulting from change in accrued expenses	0	(287,000)
Change in equity resulting from change in accrued expenses	0	24,000
Change in investing activity resulting from issuance of equity	$ (1,268,000)	$ 0

Note 1 - Organization

Note 1 - Organization	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. Aqua Metals, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware and commenced operations on June 20, 2014 ( January 27, 2015, two ™ November 29, 2019, November 29, 2019, Unlike smelting, AquaRefining is a room temperature, water-based process that emits less pollution than smelting, the traditional method of lead recycling. The Company built its first April 2017, March 31, 2018 April 2018, July 2018, two October 2018, November 2018, December 2018, 2019, 35,000 24 seven 100 six ~16 17 one On the evening of November 29, 2019, 16 July 1, 2021,

Note 2 - Summary of Significant

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. The significant accounting policies and estimates used in preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are described in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 10 December 31, 2020 February 25, 2021. no three six June 30, 2021 Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 three six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 not December 31, 2020 10 February 25, 2021. The results of operations for the three six June 30, 2021 not may December 31, 2021 Principles of consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries, both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of estimates The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount and valuation of long-lived assets, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, the determination of stock option expense and the determination of the fair value of stock warrants issued. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Net loss per share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable. For purposes of this calculation, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and warrants to purchase common stock are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive. The following shares underlying outstanding convertible notes, stock options, RSUs and warrants to purchase common stock were antidilutive due to a net loss in the periods presented and, therefore, were excluded from the dilutive securities computation for the six June 30 June 30, Excluded potentially dilutive securities (1): 2021 2020 Options to purchase common stock 1,038,439 1,425,004 Unvested restricted stock units 4,840,763 4,244,003 Financing warrants to purchase common stock 6,372 103,500 Total potential dilutive securities 5,885,574 5,772,507 ( 1 The number of shares is based on the maximum number of shares issuable on exercise or conversion of the related securities as of the period end. Such amounts have not Segment and geographic information Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise engaging in business activities for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker views its operations and manages its business in one one Concentration of credit risk The Company did not six June 30, 2021 one six June 30, 2020 first 2020. not June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Recent accounting pronouncements There were no six June 30, 2021 Insurance Proceeds On November 29, 2019, June 30, 2021 second 2021

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	3. The Company has historically generated revenues by recycling lead acid batteries (“LABs”) and selling the recovered lead to its customers. Primary components of the recycling process include sales of recycled lead consisting of lead compounds, ingoted hard lead and ingoted AquaRefined lead as well as plastics. The Company commenced the shipment of products for sale, consisting of lead compounds and plastics, in April 2017, March 31, 2018, April 2018, June 2018, The Company was not three six June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2020 six June 30, 2020

Note 4 - Lease Receivable

Note 4 - Lease Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Lessor, Sales-type Leases [Text Block]	4. The Company has entered into an Industrial Lease Agreement with LINICO Corporation, a Nevada corporation, or LiNiCo, dated February 15, 2021 April 1, 2021 March 31, 2023. October 1, 2022 October 1, 2022 March 31, 2023. October 15, 2021 second November 22, 2022, six With respect to the portion of the facility that was damaged in the November 2019 July 31, 2021 November 15, 2021. first The Company accounted for the Industrial Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement as a sales-type lease. As a component of the accounting for the agreement, the Company recognized the estimated fair market value of the land and plant of $17.0 million as a lease receivable, which is reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The implied interest rate of 0.5% was utilized for the amortization of the scheduled building lease/purchase payments outlined in the agreement. The Company applies the monthly payments received as a reduction to lease receivable and interest income. The interest income recognized from the agreement is included in "Interest and other income" on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three June 30, 2021,

Note 5 - Inventory

Note 5 - Inventory	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands): June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Finished goods $ 2 $ 2 Work in process 245 247 Raw materials 415 842 Total inventory $ 662 $ 1,091

Note 6 - Assets Held for Sale

Note 6 - Assets Held for Sale	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Assets are classified as held for sale when, among other factors, they are identified and marketed for sale in their present condition, management is committed to their disposal, and the sale of the asset is probable within one three June 30, 2021, no June 30, 2021,

Note 7 - Property and Equipment

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): Useful Life Asset Class (Years) June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operational equipment 3 - 10 $ 1,435 $ 12,126 Lab equipment 5 511 524 Computer equipment 3 178 222 Office furniture and equipment 3 215 221 Land - — 1,047 Building 39 — 19,508 Equipment under construction 1,715 3,597 4,054 37,245 Less: accumulated depreciation (2,124 ) (12,362 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 1,930 $ 24,883 Property and equipment depreciation expense was $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the three six June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2020

Note 8 - Investments

Note 8 - Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Investment [Text Block]	8. On February 15, 2021, three 1,500 The Company accounted for the LiNiCo investment under ASC 321, The LiNiCo Series A Preferred Stock is senior to all other capital stock of LiNiCo with regard to dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution and sale of the company. Each share of LiNiCo Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to one $1,000 The Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants by LiNiCo and the Company. As LiNiCo’s sale of the 375,000 of Aqua Shares resulted in net proceeds to LiNiCo that were less than $1,500,000, the Company was required to pay LiNiCo the difference of $232,000 in cash. In connection with the investment transactions, the Company also entered into an Investors Rights Agreement and a Voting Agreement, each dated February 15, 2021, one 10% Comstock Mining Inc., a Nevada corporation (NYSE-MKT: LODE), is the beneficial owner of approximately 50% of the common shares of LiNiCo. The Company's Chief Financial Officer, Judd Merrill, is a member of the board of directors of Comstock Mining.

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Building repair $ 2,547 $ — Property and equipment related 1,321 715 Payroll related 727 479 Use tax accrual 10 1 Other 29 58 $ 4,634 $ 1,253

Note 10 - Leases

Note 10 - Leases	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases [Text Block]	10. The Company currently maintains one two one three six June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2020 Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company's existing leases, as of June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 Information related to the Company's right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 164 $ 160 $ 327 $ 318 Operating lease cost $ 144 $ 144 $ 289 $ 289 June 30, 2021 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 0.7 Weighted-average discount rate 9.66 % Future maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2021 Due in 12-month period ended June 30, 2022 $ 561 Less imputed interest $ (22 ) Total lease liabilities $ 539 Current operating lease liabilities $ 539 Non-current operating lease liabilities $ — $ 539 Note: Excludes a finance lease with a current liability of $6 and a non-current liability of $17.

Note 11 - Notes Payable

Note 11 - Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	11. On May 7, 2020, six June 30, 2021 two Notes payable were comprised of the following (in thousands): June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Notes payable, current portion Paycheck Protection Program $ — $ 29 Total notes payable, current portion $ — $ 29 Notes payable, non-current portion Paycheck Protection Program $ — $ 303 Total notes payable, non-current portion $ — $ 303

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Shares issued During the six June 30, 2021 During the six June 30, 2021 five During the six June 30, 2021 five During the six June 30, 2021 During the six June 30, 2021 February 15, 2021. During the six June 30, 2021 During the six June 30, 2021 Stock-based compensation The stock-based compensation expense was allocated as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cost of product sales $ 16 $ 22 $ 47 $ 44 Research and development cost 11 15 53 120 General and administrative expense 592 517 1,198 1,346 Total $ 619 $ 554 $ 1,298 $ 1,510 There were no options issued during the three six June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2020 Restricted stock units In February 2021, three 1 2 3 six June 30, 2021 In May 2021, one six June 30, 2021

Note 13 - Commitments and Conti

Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	13. Legal proceedings See Item 1.

Note 14 - Subsequent Events

Note 14 - Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	14. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date which the condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. License and Equipment Supply Agreement On July 1, 2021, Company signed a Letter of Intent with ACME Metal Enterprise Co., Ltd. (ACME) to deploy and license AquaRefining equipment at its facility in Keelung, Taiwan. On July 28, 2021, Insurance Payment Subsequent to quarter end, the Company and the insurance carriers agreed on a payment of an additional $5.25 million. This payment represents the final expected payment from insurance bringing the total collected from insurance to approximately $30.25 million.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not June 30, 2021 three six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 three six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 six June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 not December 31, 2020 10 February 25, 2021. The results of operations for the three six June 30, 2021 not may December 31, 2021
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries, both of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries. Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of estimates The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount and valuation of long-lived assets, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, the determination of stock option expense and the determination of the fair value of stock warrants issued. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net loss per share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable. For purposes of this calculation, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and warrants to purchase common stock are considered to be common stock equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive. The following shares underlying outstanding convertible notes, stock options, RSUs and warrants to purchase common stock were antidilutive due to a net loss in the periods presented and, therefore, were excluded from the dilutive securities computation for the six June 30 June 30, Excluded potentially dilutive securities (1): 2021 2020 Options to purchase common stock 1,038,439 1,425,004 Unvested restricted stock units 4,840,763 4,244,003 Financing warrants to purchase common stock 6,372 103,500 Total potential dilutive securities 5,885,574 5,772,507 ( 1 The number of shares is based on the maximum number of shares issuable on exercise or conversion of the related securities as of the period end. Such amounts have not
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment and geographic information Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise engaging in business activities for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker views its operations and manages its business in one one
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of credit risk The Company did not six June 30, 2021 one six June 30, 2020 first 2020. not June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent accounting pronouncements There were no six June 30, 2021
Insurance Proceeds [Policy Text Block]	Insurance Proceeds On November 29, 2019, June 30, 2021 second 2021

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_2

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	June 30, Excluded potentially dilutive securities (1): 2021 2020 Options to purchase common stock 1,038,439 1,425,004 Unvested restricted stock units 4,840,763 4,244,003 Financing warrants to purchase common stock 6,372 103,500 Total potential dilutive securities 5,885,574 5,772,507

Note 5 - Inventory (Tables)

Note 5 - Inventory (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Finished goods $ 2 $ 2 Work in process 245 247 Raw materials 415 842 Total inventory $ 662 $ 1,091

Note 7 - Property and Equipme_2

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Useful Life Asset Class (Years) June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Operational equipment 3 - 10 $ 1,435 $ 12,126 Lab equipment 5 511 524 Computer equipment 3 178 222 Office furniture and equipment 3 215 221 Land - — 1,047 Building 39 — 19,508 Equipment under construction 1,715 3,597 4,054 37,245 Less: accumulated depreciation (2,124 ) (12,362 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 1,930 $ 24,883

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (T

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Building repair $ 2,547 $ — Property and equipment related 1,321 715 Payroll related 727 479 Use tax accrual 10 1 Other 29 58 $ 4,634 $ 1,253

Note 10 - Leases (Tables)

Note 10 - Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 164 $ 160 $ 327 $ 318 Operating lease cost $ 144 $ 144 $ 289 $ 289 June 30, 2021 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 0.7 Weighted-average discount rate 9.66 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Due in 12-month period ended June 30, 2022 $ 561 Less imputed interest $ (22 ) Total lease liabilities $ 539 Current operating lease liabilities $ 539 Non-current operating lease liabilities $ — $ 539

Note 11 - Notes Payable (Tables

Note 11 - Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Notes payable, current portion Paycheck Protection Program $ — $ 29 Total notes payable, current portion $ — $ 29 Notes payable, non-current portion Paycheck Protection Program $ — $ 303 Total notes payable, non-current portion $ — $ 303

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Notes Tables
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Cost of product sales $ 16 $ 22 $ 47 $ 44 Research and development cost 11 15 53 120 General and administrative expense 592 517 1,198 1,346 Total $ 619 $ 554 $ 1,298 $ 1,510

Note 1 - Organization (Details

Note 1 - Organization (Details Textual)	Jan. 27, 2015
Number of Subsidiaries	2

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_3

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		19 Months Ended	20 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Number of Operating Segments				1
Number of Geographic Segments				1
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax, Total		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 18,000
Percentage of Revenue From Products Transferred at Point in Time					100.00%
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total		290,000		290,000		$ 290,000		$ 32,000
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities				0	$ 7,625,000
AquaRefining Fire [Member]
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities		1,400,000				25,000,000
AquaRefining Fire [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities	$ 5,250,000						$ 30,250,000
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_4

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Total potential dilutive securities (in shares)	[1]	5,885,574	5,772,507
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Total potential dilutive securities (in shares)	[1]	1,038,439	1,425,004
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Total potential dilutive securities (in shares)		4,840,763	4,244,003
Warrant [Member]
Total potential dilutive securities (in shares)	[1]	6,372	103,500
[1]	The number of shares is based on the maximum number of shares issuable on exercise or conversion of the related securities as of the period end. Such amounts have not been adjusted for the treasury stock method or weighted average outstanding calculations as required if the securities were dilutive.

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition (D

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Percentage of Revenue From Products Transferred at Point in Time	100.00%

Note 4 - Lease Receivable (Deta

Note 4 - Lease Receivable (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2021USD ($)a	Nov. 30, 2019ft²
Area of Land Damaged by Fire (Square Foot) | ft²					30,000
Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Excluding Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total	$ 17,000,000	$ 17,000,000
Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Excluding Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Implied Interest Rate	0.50%	0.50%
Proceeds from Sales-type Lease Payments, Financing Activities	$ 184,000	$ 184,000	$ 0
Sales-type Lease, Interest Income	$ 20,000
Recycling Facility at TRIC [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Acre) | a				136,750
Lessor, Operating Lease, Lessee's First Option to Purchase				$ 14,250,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Lessee's Second Option to Purchase				15,250,000
First Nonrefundable Deposit Subject to Purchase Option				1,250,000
Second Nonrefundable Deposit Subject to Purchase Option				2,000,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Monthly Payments to be Received				68,000
Lessor, Operating Lease, Monthly Payments to be Received in Last Six Months of Lease Term				$ 100,640

Note 5 - Inventory - Inventory

Note 5 - Inventory - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finished goods	$ 2	$ 2
Work in process	245	247
Raw materials	415	842
Total inventory	$ 662	$ 1,091

Note 6 - Assets Held for Sale (

Note 6 - Assets Held for Sale (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Assets Held for Sale, Additions	$ 5.2
Assets Held For Sale, Disposals, Book Value	$ 0.8

Note 7 - Property and Equipme_3

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Depreciation, Total	$ 0.3	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 1

Note 7 - Property and Equipme_4

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property and equipment, gross	$ 4,054	$ 37,245
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,124)	(12,362)
Total property and equipment, net	1,930	24,883
Operational Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,435	12,126
Operational Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	3 years
Operational Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	10 years
Laboratory Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	5 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 511	524
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	3 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 178	222
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	3 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 215	221
Land [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 0	1,047
Building [Member]
Property and equipment, net, useful life (Year)	39 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 0	19,508
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,715	$ 3,597

Note 8 - Investments (Details T

Note 8 - Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
LiNiCo [Member]
Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, Initial Sale of Stock (in shares)	375,000
Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, Approximate Proceeds from Initial Sale of Stock	$ 1,500,000
Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, Approximate Proceeds from Aggregate Sale of Stock	$ 232,000
LiNiCo [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	9.00%
LiNiCo [Member] | Comstock Mining Inc. [Member]
Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | LiNiCo [Member]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	8.00%
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000
LiNiCo [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Equity Method Invesment (in shares)	375,000	375,000
LiNiCo [Member] | Series A Warrant [Member]
Investment Warrant, Term (Year)	3 years
Investment Warrant, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in shares)	500
Investment Warrant, Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000
LiNiCo [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shares Received in Exchange of Common Stock Issued (in shares)	1,500
Value of Shares Received in Exchange of Common Stock Issued	$ 1,500,000

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities -

Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Building repair	$ 2,547	$ 0
Property and equipment related	1,321	715
Payroll related	727	479
Use tax accrual	10	1
Other	29	58
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total	$ 4,634	$ 1,253

Note 10 - Leases (Details Textu

Note 10 - Leases (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Lessee, Finance Lease, Number of Leases	1		1
Lessee, Operating Lease, Number of Leases	2		2
Sublease Income	$ 127,000	$ 108,000	$ 255,000	$ 216,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	460,000	960,000	460,000	960,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Total	539,000	$ 1,120,000	539,000	$ 1,120,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	6,000		6,000
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 17,000		$ 17,000
Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Month)	76 months		76 months
Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Month)	42 months		42 months

Note 10 - Leases - Right-of-Use

Note 10 - Leases - Right-of-Use Assets and Related Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities	$ 164	$ 160	$ 327	$ 318
Operating lease cost	$ 144	$ 144	$ 289	$ 289
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) (Year)	8 months 12 days		8 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate	9.66%		9.66%

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities o

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Due in 12-month period ended June 30, 2022	$ 561
Less imputed interest	(22)
Total lease liabilities	539	$ 1,120
Lease Liability, Current and Noncurrent Portion [Member]
Total lease liabilities	539
Lease Liability, Current Portion [Member]
Current operating lease liabilities	539
Lease Liability, Noncurrent Portion [Member]
Non-current operating lease liabilities	$ 0

Note 11 - Notes Payable (Detail

Note 11 - Notes Payable (Details Textual) - Paycheck Protection Program, CARES Act [Member] - USD ($)	May 07, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 332,000
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Forgiveness		$ 332,000

Note 11 - Notes Payable - Sched

Note 11 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes payable, current portion	$ 0	$ 29
Notes payable, non-current portion	0	303
Paycheck Protection Program, CARES Act [Member]
Notes payable, current portion	0	29
Notes payable, non-current portion	$ 0	$ 303

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equit_2

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)	Feb. 15, 2021shares	May 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Feb. 28, 2021USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2020shares	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)shares
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross (in shares)						825,540
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrant Exercised | $				$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period (in shares)						347,901
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | $						$ 9,331,000	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in shares)				0	0	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | February 2021 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in shares)			25,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Fair Value | $			$ 151,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period (in shares)						0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | May 2021 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in shares)		81,883
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Fair Value | $		$ 235,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period (in shares)						13,648
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period, Number of Installments		12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)		1 year
LiNiCo [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Equity Method Invesment (in shares)	375,000					375,000
Board Members [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross (in shares)						58,871
First Cashless Exercise of Warrant [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in shares)				10,350		10,350
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 1.90		$ 1.90
Second Cashless Exercise of Warrant [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in shares)				86,778		86,778
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 1.90		$ 1.90
First Set of Common Stock Pursuant to Cashless Exercise of Warrant [Member]
Share Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				3.95		$ 3.95
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrant Exercised | $						$ 5,371
Second Set of Common Stock Pursuant to Cashless Exercise of Warrant [Member]
Share Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 6.20		$ 6.20
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrant Exercised | $						$ 60,219
ATM [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)						2,473,359
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | $						$ 9,300,000

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equit_3

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 619	$ 554	$ 1,298	$ 1,510
Cost of Sales [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense	16	22	47	44
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense	11	15	53	120
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 592	$ 517	$ 1,198	$ 1,346

Note 14 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		19 Months Ended	20 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 29, 2021
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities			$ 0	$ 7,625
AquaRefining Fire [Member]
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities		$ 1,400			$ 25,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | AquaRefining Fire [Member]
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities	$ 5,250					$ 30,250