American Lithium Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
For the three and nine months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars - Unaudited)
American Lithium Corp.
Table of Contents
NOTICE OF NO AUDITOR REVIEW OF
CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Under National Instrument 51-102, Part 4, subsection 4.3(3)(a), if an auditor has not performed a review of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements, they must be accompanied by a notice indicating that the condensed interim consolidated financial statements have not been reviewed by an auditor.
The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by and are the responsibility of management.
The Company's independent auditor has not performed a review of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards established by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada for a review of condensed interim consolidated financial statements by an entity's auditor.
American Lithium Corp. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Expressed in Canadian Dollars – Unaudited) |
| | | | | November 30, | | | February 28, | |
| | Notes | | | 2023 | | | 2023 | |
| | | | | $ | | | $ | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 4 | | | 13,064,699 | | | 11,985,766 | |
Guaranteed investment certificates | | 5 | | | 4,021,803 | | | 28,636,414 | |
Short-term investment | | 6 | | | 4,171,420 | | | - | |
Amounts receivable | | | | | 485,414 | | | 400,804 | |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | | | | | 1,817,023 | | | 2,109,932 | |
| | | | | 23,560,359 | | | 43,132,916 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | |
Deposits | | | | | - | | | 34,023 | |
Investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | 7 | | | 2,178,133 | | | - | |
Reclamation deposits | | 8 | | | 593,533 | | | 594,713 | |
Property and equipment | | 9 | | | 243,295 | | | 51,885 | |
Right-of-use assets | | 10 | | | 143,770 | | | 208,828 | |
Exploration and evaluation assets | | 11 | | | 150,459,421 | | | 150,257,776 | |
| | | | | 153,618,152 | | | 151,147,225 | |
Total assets | | | | | 177,178,511 | | | 194,280,141 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | 13 | | | 1,992,266 | | | 1,663,785 | |
Deferred revenue | | 7 | | | 120,000 | | | - | |
Current portion of lease liabilities | | 10 | | | 82,961 | | | 74,981 | |
| | | | | 2,195,227 | | | 1,738,766 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred gain on short-term investment | | 7 | | | 2,105,714 | | | - | |
Lease liabilities | | 10 | | | 88,100 | | | 151,308 | |
| | | | | 2,193,814 | | | 151,308 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | | | 4,389,041 | | | 1,890,074 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Equity | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | 12 | | | 263,354,092 | | | 261,911,478 | |
Equity reserves | | 12 | | | 61,043,616 | | | 49,215,413 | |
Deficit | | | | | (152,158,227 | ) | | (119,267,247 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | | | 549,989 | | | 530,423 | |
| | | | | 172,789,470 | | | 192,390,067 | |
Total liabilities and equity | | | | | 177,178,511 | | | 194,280,141 | |
Nature of operations and going concern (Note 1)
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors on January 11, 2024:
/s/ Claudia Tornquist | /s/ G.A. (Ben) Binninger |
Claudia Tornquist, Director | G.A. (Ben) Binninger, Director |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
American Lithium Corp. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Expressed in Canadian Dollars - Unaudited) |
| | | | | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | Notes | | | November 30, 2023 | | | November 30, 2022 | | | November 30, 2023 | | | November 30, 2022 | |
| | | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Conferences and tradeshows | | | | | 128,925 | | | 109,818 | | | 288,778 | | | 226,676 | |
Consulting and employment costs | | | | | 175,833 | | | 366,692 | | | 586,240 | | | 849,050 | |
Depreciation | | 9,10 | | | 32,719 | | | 22,984 | | | 91,914 | | | 67,974 | |
Exploration and evaluation expenditures | | 13 | | | 2,986,485 | | | 2,370,755 | | | 13,115,716 | | | 11,401,964 | |
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | | | | | (44,428 | ) | | 82,409 | | | 183,569 | | | 479,468 | |
General and administrative | | | | | 96,703 | | | 87,978 | | | 281,906 | | | 196,401 | |
Insurance | | | | | 398,967 | | | 86,335 | | | 1,171,525 | | | 133,167 | |
Interest - lease obligations | | 10 | | | 5,523 | | | 7,627 | | | 18,114 | | | 83,482 | |
Management and directors fees | | 13 | | | 516,750 | | | 393,713 | | | 1,550,250 | | | 1,222,667 | |
Marketing | | | | | 362,593 | | | 159,993 | | | 1,827,167 | | | 559,030 | |
Professional fees | | | | | 342,109 | | | 397,850 | | | 982,823 | | | 1,733,163 | |
Regulatory and transfer agent fees | | | | | 53,476 | | | 381,713 | | | 186,864 | | | 1,293,375 | |
Share-based compensation | | 12,13 | | | 3,640,813 | | | 2,071,572 | | | 12,423,108 | | | 8,325,313 | |
Travel | | | | | 53,501 | | | 43,427 | | | 152,189 | | | 274,808 | |
| | | | | (8,749,969 | ) | | (6,582,866 | ) | | (32,860,163 | ) | | (26,846,538 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other items | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fee income | | 7 | | | 60,000 | | | - | | | 120,000 | | | - | |
Deferred gain on short-term investment | | 6,7 | | | 210,572 | | | - | | | 421,143 | | | - | |
Loss on short-term investment | | 6,7 | | | (2,126,580 | ) | | - | | | (652,580 | ) | | - | |
Interest and miscellaneous income | | | | | 231,200 | | | 1,074,407 | | | 965,344 | | | 1,371,236 | |
Share of loss from equity investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | 7 | | | (457,667 | ) | | - | | | (518,545 | ) | | - | |
Dilution loss on investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | 7 | | | (351,908 | ) | | - | | | (366,179 | ) | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | | | | (11,184,352 | ) | | (5,508,459 | ) | | (32,890,980 | ) | | (25,475,302 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | | | 14,380 | | | 71,486 | | | 19,566 | | | 335,585 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss for the period | | | | | (11,169,972 | ) | | (5,436,973 | ) | | (32,871,414 | ) | | (25,139,717 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share | | | | | (0.05 | ) | | (0.03 | ) | | (0.15 | ) | | (0.12 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | | | | | 214,545,016 | | | 208,247,510 | | | 214,655,814 | | | 206,747,518 | |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
American Lithium Corp. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Expressed in Canadian Dollars – Unaudited) |
| | | | | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | Notes | | | November 30, 2023 | | | November 30, 2022 | | | November 30, 2023 | | | November 30, 2022 | |
| | | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | | | | (11,184,352 | ) | | (5,508,459 | ) | | (32,890,980 | ) | | (25,475,302 | ) |
Items not affecting cash and cash equivalents: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | 9,10 | | | 32,719 | | | 22,984 | | | 91,914 | | | 67,974 | |
Interest - lease obligations | | 10 | | | 5,523 | | | 7,627 | | | 18,114 | | | 83,482 | |
Share-based compensation | | 12,13 | | | 3,640,813 | | | 2,071,572 | | | 12,423,108 | | | 8,325,313 | |
Deferred gain on short-term investment | | 6,7 | | | (210,572 | ) | | - | | | (421,143 | ) | | - | |
Loss on short-term investments | | 6,7 | | | 2,126,580 | | | - | | | 652,580 | | | - | |
Share of loss from equity investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | 7 | | | 457,667 | | | - | | | 518,545 | | | - | |
Dilution loss on investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | 7 | | | 351,908 | | | - | | | 366,179 | | | - | |
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts receivable | | | | | (29,663 | ) | | (92,887 | ) | | (84,610 | ) | | (59,763 | ) |
Accrued interest receivable | | | | | 14,016 | | | (39,732 | ) | | 195,706 | | | (345,011 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | | | | | 527,301 | | | (36,002 | ) | | 326,932 | | | 127,930 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | (432,602 | ) | | (1,977,232 | ) | | 328,481 | | | 573,029 | |
Deferred revenue | | | | | (60,000 | ) | | - | | | 120,000 | | | - | |
Cash used in operating activities | | | | | (4,760,662 | ) | | (5,552,129 | ) | | (18,355,174 | ) | | (16,702,348 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exploration and evaluation assets expenditures | | 11 | | | - | | | - | | | (201,645 | ) | | (4,600,811 | ) |
Redemption of guaranteed investment certificates | | | | | 2,030,904 | | | 16,218,673 | | | 35,594,712 | | | 16,218,673 | |
Purchase of guaranteed investment certificates | | | | | (4,000,000 | ) | | - | | | (11,257,649 | ) | | - | |
Investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. | | | | | - | | | - | | | (5,360,000 | ) | | - | |
Purchase of equipment | | 9 | | | - | | | - | | | (228,617 | ) | | (9,777 | ) |
Refund of reclamation bonds | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 64,775 | |
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | | | (1,969,096 | ) | | 16,218,673 | | | 18,546,801 | | | 11,672,860 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock options exercised | | | | | - | | | 348,614 | | | 801,908 | | | 2,547,229 | |
Warrants exercised | | | | | - | | | - | | | 45,801 | | | 382,805 | |
Repayment of long-term debt | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (1,051,075 | ) |
Repayment of lease liabilities | | 10 | | | (24,574 | ) | | (4,734 | ) | | (69,145 | ) | | (13,080 | ) |
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | | | (24,574 | ) | | 343,880 | | | 778,564 | | | 1,865,879 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | 18,816 | | | 46,454 | | | 108,742 | | | 370,663 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in cash and cash equivalents during the period | | | | | (6,735,516 | ) | | 11,056,878 | | | 1,078,933 | | | (2,792,946 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | | | 19,800,215 | | | 5,848,938 | | | 11,985,766 | | | 19,698,762 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | | | | 13,064,699 | | | 16,905,816 | | | 13,064,699 | | | 16,905,816 | |
Supplementary cash flow disclosures (Note 17)
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
American Lithium Corp. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Expressed in Canadian Dollars – Unaudited) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Other | | | | |
| | | | | Number of | | | | | | | | | | | | Comprehensive | | | | |
| | | | | Shares | | | Share Capital | | | Equity Reserves | | | Deficit | | | Income | | | Total | |
| | Notes | | | # | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Balance as at February 28, 2022 (1) | | | | | 204,280,109 | | | 230,593,327 | | | 43,959,936 | | | (83,600,705 | ) | | (151,115 | ) | | 190,801,443 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued for exploration and evaluation assets | | 11 | | | 2,250,000 | | | 4,635,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 4,635,000 | |
Share-based compensation | | 12 | | | - | | | - | | | 8,325,313 | | | - | | | - | | | 8,325,313 | |
Stock options exercised | | 12 | | | 1,792,267 | | | 4,191,940 | | | (1,644,711 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 2,547,229 | |
Warrants exercised | | 12 | | | 205,935 | | | 613,587 | | | (230,782 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 382,805 | |
Loss for the period | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (25,475,302 | ) | | - | | | (25,475,302 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 335,585 | | | 335,585 | |
Balance as at November 30, 2022 | | | | | 208,528,311 | | | 240,033,854 | | | 50,409,756 | | | (109,076,007 | ) | | 184,470 | | | 181,552,073 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued for exploration | | | | | 1,150,000 | | | 5,449,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 5,449,000 | |
and evaluation assets | | 11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation | | 12 | | | - | | | - | | | 4,237,870 | | | - | | | - | | | 4,237,870 | |
Stock options exercised | | 12 | | | 1,650,322 | | | 3,524,210 | | | (1,488,047 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 2,036,163 | |
Warrants exercised | | 12 | | | 2,760,347 | | | 12,904,414 | | | (3,944,166 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 8,960,248 | |
Loss for the period | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (10,191,240 | ) | | - | | | (10,191,240 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 345,953 | | | 345,953 | |
Balance as at February 28, 2023 | | | | | 214,088,980 | | | 261,911,478 | | | 49,215,413 | | | (119,267,247 | ) | | 530,423 | | | 192,390,067 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation | | 12 | | | - | | | - | | | 12,423,108 | | | - | | | - | | | 12,423,108 | |
Stock options exercised | | 12 | | | 540,600 | | | 1,363,257 | | | (561,349 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 801,908 | |
Warrants exercised | | 12 | | | 26,234 | | | 79,357 | | | (33,556 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 45,801 | |
Loss for the period | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | (32,890,980 | ) | | - | | | (32,890,980 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 19,566 | | | 19,566 | |
Balance as at November 30, 2023 | | | | | 214,655,814 | | | 263,354,092 | | | 61,043,616 | | | (152,158,227 | ) | | 549,989 | | | 172,789,470 | |
(1) The opening balances of "Equity Reserves" and "Deficit" were changed to reflect the accounting policy change indicated in Note 3.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
American Lithium Corp. (the "Company") was incorporated in the Province of British Columbia. The Company is engaged in the business of identification, acquisition, and exploration of mineral interests in the United States of America and Peru. The Company's head office is located at 710 - 1030 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2Y3, Canada, and its registered and records office is located at Suite 2200, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8, Canada. The Company's common shares are listed for trading on Tier 2 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") under the symbol "LI", the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "5LA", and on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol "AMLI".
The Company is in the process of exploring its principal mineral properties and has not yet determined whether the properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The recoverability of amounts shown as exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the confirmation of the Company's interest in the underlying mineral claims, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. As at November 30, 2023, the Company had a working capital position of $21,365,132 (February 28, 2023 - $41,394,150), and for the nine months ended November 30, 2023, incurred a net loss of $32,890,980 (November 30, 2022 - $25,475,302). In addition, as at November 30, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $152,158,227 (February 28, 2023 - $119,267,247), which has been funded primarily by the issuance of equity. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern and to realize assets at their carrying values is dependent upon obtaining additional financing. Though the Company has raised financing in the past, there is no guarantee that it will be able to in the future. As at November 30, 2023, management believes that the Company has sufficient working capital to meet the Company's obligations over the ensuing twelve-month period from the date of the statement of financial position.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Statement of compliance
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" using accounting policies consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and Interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC").
Certain accounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the current period classification.
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on January 11, 2024.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION (continued)
Basis of preparation
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments that are measured at fair value. In addition, the condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting except for cash flow disclosure.
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. The Canadian dollar is also the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries, except for Macusani Yellowcake and Macusani Uranium where the functional currency is the United States dollar.
Principles of consolidation
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the following subsidiaries:
Name | Jurisdiction |
American Lithium Holdings Corp. | British Columbia, Canada |
Big Smoky Holdings, Inc. | Nevada, USA |
Tonopah Lithium Corp. | Nevada, USA |
Maran Ventures Ltd. ("Maran") | Nevada, USA |
Plateau Energy Metals Inc. ("Plateau") | Ontario, Canada |
Macusani Yellowcake S.A.C. ("Macusani Yellowcake") | Peru |
Macusani Uranium S.A.C. ("Macusani Uranium") | Peru |
All intercompany transactions, balances, revenue and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. During the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company amalgamated 1032701 Nevada Ltd., 1065604 Nevada Ltd., 1067323 Nevada Ltd., 1134989 Nevada Ltd., 1301420 Nevada Ltd., and 4286128 Nevada Corp. as one company under Tonopah Lithium Corp. In addition, the Company amalgamated Big Smoky Holdings Corp. as one company under American Lithium Holdings Corp.
3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all the information required of the audited annual consolidated financial statements and is intended to provide users with an update in relation to events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the financial position and performance of the Company since the end of the last annual reporting period. The accounting policies followed in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are the same as those applied in the Company's most recent audited consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2023, except for the adoption of Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2) and the change in accounting policy for expired share-based payment arrangements mentioned below. Therefore, it is recommended that these condensed interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022.
3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES (continued)
Investment in associate
The Company accounts for its investment, over which it has significant influence, as an investment in associate using the equity method, whereby the investment is initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted to recognize the Company's share of earnings or losses from the associated company. The condensed interim consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss reflect the share of the net loss of the associated company from the acquisition date forward. Changes in the Company's interest in its associated company resulting in dilution gains or losses, are recognized in the condensed interim consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company determines whether any objective evidence of impairment exists at each reporting date. If impaired, the carrying value of the investment is written down to its recoverable amount.
Accounting standards adopted during the period
The Company adopted the following new IFRS standard effective January 1, 2023. The nature and impact of the standard on the Company's consolidated annual audited financial statements is indicated below.
In February 2021, the IASB issued Disclosure of Accounting Policies (amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements). IAS 1 is amended to require that an entity discloses its material accounting policies, instead of its significant accounting policies. Further amendments explain how an entity can identify a material accounting policy and clarify that information may be material because of its nature, even if the related amounts are immaterial. These amendments to IAS 1 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and have not had a material impact on the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements nor are they expected to for the Company's annual financial statements.
Change in accounting policy for expiry of share-based payment arrangements
The Company previously had an accounting policy to reclassify to deficit any balance in reserves upon the expiry of share-based awards under a view that IFRS 2 does not preclude an entity from recognizing a transfer within equity (from one component to another) in the event of an expiration; however, IFRS 2 does not mandatorily require the Company to perform such reclassifications. The Company has determined not to reclassify reserves to deficit upon expiry for all share-based awards as management believes that the expiry of a fully vested equity instrument does not result in a gain to the entity and is more accurately reflected outside of deficit. Additionally, upon examining other accounting frameworks, specifically United States generally accepted accounting principles, a movement within equity for expired share-based awards is not permitted and further supports the Company's decision to no longer reclassify reserves to deficit.
As a result, in the current period, the Company has changed its existing policy for the expiry of share-based payments and will no longer reclassify such reserves to deficit upon expiry. The consolidated equity is not modified by this change in presentation. As per IAS 8, financial information from previous years presented for comparative purposes has been restated so that the information is comparable. As a result of the restatement, the deficit no longer includes the effects arising from the expiry of share-based payment awards which have been reclassified to reserves amounting to $1,157,471 during the year ending February 28, 2023 and $2,318,600 cumulatively to February 28, 2022.
3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES (continued)
Judgements and estimates
The preparation of condensed interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as at the date of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management's experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, actual outcomes can differ from these estimates. The results of estimates form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and further periods if the review affects both current and future periods.
The key areas of judgement and estimation impacting these condensed interim consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets
- The Company's exploration and evaluation assets represent its most significant asset on the statement of financial position. The Company's management applies its judgement, using facts and circumstances available at the time, to determine whether the exploration and evaluation asset value may be realized. For each of its projects, the Company reviews its right to the claims/concessions, future plans and exploration or development progress to determine if it should test the respective projects for impairment. There is significant judgement involved in determining if a project shows impairment indicators that may impact the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets.
Valuation of share-based compensation awards
- Stock options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with inputs that can significantly impact the calculated value. Typical inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model include: exercise price, historical volatility, time to expiration and risk-free discount rates. Historical volatility and risk-free discount rates in particular require judgement around the reference period or benchmark rate used as inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Valuation of common shares and common share purchase warrants received from investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. (note 7)
- The Company's investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc. (note 7) required the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the initial value of the Surge common shares and common share purchase warrants. Typical inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model include: exercise price, historical volatility, time to expiration and risk-free discount rates. Historical volatility and risk-free discount rates in particular require judgement around the reference period or benchmark rate used as inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES (continued)
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
The Company has performed an assessment of new standards issued by the IASB that are not yet effective and has determined that any standards that have been issued would have no or very minimal impact on the Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
| | November 30, 2023 | | | February 28, 2023 | |
| | $ | | | $ | |
Cash held in banks | | 4,139,385 | | | 7,136,729 | |
Redeemable guaranteed investment certificates | | 8,925,314 | | | 4,849,037 | |
| | 13,064,699 | | | 11,985,766 | |
The Company's cash and cash equivalents include an aggregate of $8,925,314 in redeemable guaranteed investment certificates ("GICs") including accumulated interest from Canadian financial institutions, which earn interest at rates ranging from 5.20% - 5.45% per annum and mature between July 31, 2024 and October 25, 2024.
The Company's GICs that are included in cash and cash equivalents are fully redeemable without a loss of accumulated interest.
5. GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES
The Company has $4,021,803 (February 28, 2023 - $28,636,414) in a non-redeemable GIC including accumulated interest from a Canadian financial institution, which earns interest at 5.7% per annum and matures on October 28, 2024.
6. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
As part of the Company's strategic investment in Surge Battery Metals Inc.'s ("Surge") private placement (note 7), the Company was issued 13,400,000 common share purchase warrants ("Warrants"). The Warrants are financial assets carried at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL") and will be revalued at each reporting period end.
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the carrying value of the Warrants.
| | $ | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | - | |
Allocated transaction value of Surge's Warrants (note 7) | | 2,297,143 | |
Deferred gain on Warrants (note 7) | | 2,526,857 | |
Fair value of Warrants at date of acquisition | | 4,824,000 | |
Gain on short-term investment for period ended August 31, 2023 | | 1,474,000 | |
Loss on short-term investment for period ended November 30, 2023 | | (2,126,580 | ) |
| | (652,580 | ) |
| | | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 4,171,420 | |
6. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (continued)
The fair value of Surge's Warrants at November 30, 2023 was determined using the following inputs:
| | November 30, 2023 | |
Expected volatility | | 123% | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 4.11% | |
Spot Price | | 0.47 | |
Exercise Price | | 0.55 | |
Time to expiration | | 2.52 years | |
Dividend yield | | Nil | |
7. INVESTMENT IN SURGE BATTERY METALS INC.
On June 9, 2023, the Company completed a strategic investment in Surge, a company incorporated in Canada, whose principal business activity is the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Nevada. The Company, through a combination of its shareholding and its board representation, has significant influence over Surge, and therefore accounts for the investment using the equity method.
Surge closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement financing by issuing 13,400,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.40 per Unit to the Company for a total transaction value of $5,360,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one Warrant exercisable at $0.55 per Warrant for a period of three years from the date of issuance, and were subject to a 4-month hold.
The allocation of the transaction value to the Surge common shares and Warrants at June 9, 2023 was determined based on the relative fair values of each asset, $3,062,857 and $2,297,143, respectively, both calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and reflecting the 4-month hold period.
Surge's common shares and warrants were valued at June 9, 2023, using the following Black-Scholes assumptions:
| | Common Shares | | | Warrants | |
| | 4-month hold | | | | |
Expected volatility | | 102% | | | 132% | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 4.08% | | | 4.08% | |
Spot Price(1) | | 0.62 | | | 0.48 | |
Exercise Price | | 0.62 | | | 0.55 | |
Time to expiration | | 4 months | | | 3 years | |
Dividend yield | | Nil | | | Nil | |
(1) The spot price for the Warrants was based on the market price of Surge's common shares, less a discount to reflect the 4-month hold period.
The Company determined that the fair value of Surge's Warrants acquired was $4,824,000 at June 9, 2023. Since the fair value of this financial instrument exceeded the Unit offering's allocated transaction value of $2,297,143, and the fair value is not based solely on observable inputs, $2,526,857 was recorded as a deferred gain, which will be recognized over the three-year life of the Warrants. The fair value of the Warrants will be determined at each reporting date, and gains or losses on the fair value changes will be recognized in the statements of loss and comprehensive loss each period.
7. INVESTMENT IN SURGE BATTERY METALS INC. (continued)
For the nine months ended November 30, 2023 the Company recognized $421,143 (November 30, 2022 - $nil) of the deferred gain. The Company determined that the fair value of the Surge Warrants at November 30, 2023 was $4,171,420 (February 28, 2023 - $nil) and therefore recognized an unrealized loss of $652,580 for the nine months ended November 30, 2023 (November 30, 2022 - $nil).
Due to the fact that Surge's financial statements are typically not publicly available at the time the Company files its financial statements, the share of Surge's results are recognized using a reporting period which is two months prior to that of the Company.
| | $ | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | - | |
Allocated transaction value of Surge's common shares | | 3,062,857 | |
Share of loss for the one-month period ended June 30, 2023 (1) | | (60,878) | |
Share of loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 (1) | | (457,667 | ) |
Dilution loss on investment in Surge (2) | | (366,179 | ) |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 2,178,133 | |
(1) Since the investment in Surge was purchased on June 9, 2023, the share of Surge's loss is only calculated from the date of acquisition to September 30, 2023.
(2) The Company's investment in Surge represented 9.73% of the outstanding share capital of Surge, decreasing to 8.59% by the end of the current period which resulted in a dilution loss of $366,179.
The trading price of Surge's common shares on November 30, 2023 was $0.47. The quoted market value of the investment in Surge was $6,298,000.
Surge's loss and comprehensive loss for the periods is as follows:
| | Three months ended | | | Three months ended | |
| | September 30, 2023 | | | September 30, 2022 | |
Comprehensive loss for the period (per Surge Financial Statements) | | (3,331,479 | ) | | (167,830 | ) |
Exploration & evaluation expenditures | | (1,999,569 | ) | | (356,860 | ) |
Comprehensive loss for the period (in ccordance with ALC's accounting policies) | | (5,331,048 | ) | | (524,690 | ) |
Select information from Surge's statements of financial position is as follows:
| | September 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Current assets | | 9,567,887 | | | 1,149,033 | |
Non-current assets (per Surge Financial Statements) | | 6,400,320 | | | 3,478,195 | |
Exploration & evaluation expenditures | | (4,106,493 | ) | | (1,697,883 | ) |
Non-current assets (In accordance with ALC's | | | | | | |
accounting policies) | | 2,293,827 | | | 1,780,312 | |
Current liabilities | | 787,310 | | | 199,683 | |
7. INVESTMENT IN SURGE BATTERY METALS INC. (continued)
Surge's statements of financial position and statements of loss and comprehensive loss for the period have been adjusted to align Surge's accounting policies with the Company's, specifically relating to the accounting of exploration and evaluation expenditures.
The Company was appointed as an advisor by Surge to assist in the exploration and development of Surge's Nevada North Lithium project. The Company has received an upfront fee of $240,000 from Surge in relation to the advisory engagement which covers a period of 12 months starting on June 9, 2023. For the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized $120,000 of revenue related to the advisory engagement and $120,000 of deferred revenue remained on the Company's statement of financial position.
8. RECLAMATION DEPOSITS
Reclamation deposits of $593,533 (February 28, 2023 - $594,713) as at November 30, 2023, consisted of a bond recorded at cost and held as security by the State of Nevada, with regard to certain exploration properties described in note 11.
9. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
| | Computer | | | Furniture | | | Ranch | | | Leasehold | | | | |
| | Equipment | | | Equipment | | | Equipment | | | Improvement | | | Total | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 12,960 | | | 15,957 | | | - | | | 30,959 | | | 59,876 | |
Additions | | 7,884 | | | 9,777 | | | - | | | - | | | 17,661 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 20,844 | | | 25,734 | | | - | | | 30,959 | | | 77,537 | |
Additions | | 2,529 | | | - | | | 226,088 | | | - | | | 228,617 | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 23,373 | | | 25,734 | | | 226,088 | | | 30,959 | | | 306,154 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 4,108 | | | 3,933 | | | - | | | 2,064 | | | 10,105 | |
Depreciation for the year | | 5,973 | | | 3,382 | | | - | | | 6,192 | | | 15,547 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 10,081 | | | 7,315 | | | - | | | 8,256 | | | 25,652 | |
Depreciation for the period | | 5,367 | | | 2,763 | | | 24,434 | | | 4,643 | | | 37,207 | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 15,448 | | | 10,078 | | | 24,434 | | | 12,899 | | | 62,859 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As at February 28, 2023 | | 10,763 | | | 18,419 | | | - | | | 22,703 | | | 51,885 | |
As at November 30, 2023 | | 7,925 | | | 15,656 | | | 201,654 | | | 18,060 | | | 243,295 | |
10. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES
The Company has two leases: one for an office space in Vancouver, Canada and another for an office space in Nevada, USA.
Right-of-Use Assets
| | Office Leases | |
| | $ | |
Cost: | | | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 304,438 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | 8,277 | |
As at February 28, 2023 | | 312,715 | |
ROU asset adjustment | | (3,952 | ) |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | (11,276 | ) |
As at November 30, 2023 | | 297,487 | |
| | | |
Accumulated Depreciation: | | | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 25,077 | |
Depreciation for the year | | 76,519 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | 2,291 | |
As at February 28, 2023 | | 103,887 | |
Depreciation for the period | | 54,707 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | (4,877 | ) |
As at November 30, 2023 | | 153,717 | |
| | | |
Net book value: | | | |
As at February 28, 2023 | | 208,828 | |
As at November 30, 2023 | | 143,770 | |
Depreciation of right-of-use assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining lease term.
10. RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES (continued)
Total lease liabilities
| | $ | |
As at February 28, 2022 | | 284,859 | |
Lease payments | | (84,318) | |
Finance charge | | 28,751 | |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | (3,003 | ) |
As at February 28, 2023 | | 226,289 | |
Lease payments | | (69,145 | ) |
Finance charge | | 18,114 | |
Lease liability adjustment | | (3,952 | ) |
Foreign exchange adjustment | | (245 | ) |
| | 171,061 | |
Less: current portion of lease liability | | (82,961 | ) |
As at November 30, 2023 | | 88,100 | |
The lease liabilities were discounted at a discount rate of 12%.
The remaining minimum future lease payments, excluding estimated operating costs, for the term of the lease including assumed renewal periods are as follows:
Year | | $ | |
Fiscal 2024 | | 24,756 | |
Fiscal 2025 | | 87,004 | |
Fiscal 2026 | | 51,443 | |
Fiscal 2027 | | 34,961 | |
11. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS
| | | | | Nevada | | | Falchani | | | Macusani | | | | |
| | TLC Project | | | Option | | | Project | | | Project | | | Total | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 25,273,612 | | | - | | | 93,737,781 | | | 16,534,354 | | | 135,545,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Additions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition costs | | 5,056,899 | | | - | | | 5,152,130 | | | - | | | 10,209,029 | |
Royalty Buyback | | 4,503,000 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | 4,503,000 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 34,833,511 | | | - | | | 98,889,911 | | | 16,534,354 | | | 150,257,776 | |
Additions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition costs | | - | | | 201,645 | | | - | | | - | | | 201,645 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 34,833,511 | | | 201,645 | | | 98,889,911 | | | 16,534,354 | | | 150,459,421 | |
11. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS (continued)
TLC Lithium Project ("TLC Project") - Nevada, USA
In August 2018, the Company purchased a series of unpatented lode mining claims located in Nye County, Nevada, USA, from Nevada Alaska Mining Co., Inc. ("TLC Royalty Holder"). The TLC Project was subject to an overriding 2.5% gross royalty, however, as at February 28, 2023, the royalty had been bought back in full.
The Company made the following payments for the TLC Project in during the year ended February 28, 2023:
- June 2022 - the Company paid cash of $4,083,681 to acquire certain privately held agricultural lands along with certain water rights, in the Big Smoky Valley, close to the Company's TLC Project.
- January 2023 - the Company issued 950,000 common shares of the Company at a fair value of $4,503,000 to buy back the remaining one percent (1%) gross overriding royalty on the Company's wholly owned TLC Project.
- January 2023 - the Company issued 200,000 common shares of the Company at a fair value of $946,000 to acquire eight lode mining claims located in Nye County, Nevada, contiguous to the TLC Project through the acquisition of Maran Ventures Ltd.
Option - Nevada, USA
During August 2023, the Company entered into an option and right-of-first refusal to purchase a property with certain water rights for $201,645, expiring in 3 years.
Falchani Lithium Project ("Falchani Project"), Macusani Uranium Project ("Macusani Project") - Puno, Peru
Following the acquisition in May 2021 of Plateau and its Peruvian subsidiary, Macusani SAC, the Company holds title, or has court injunctions preserving title, on mineral concessions in the Province of Carabaya, Department of Puno in southeastern Peru.
In June 2022, the Company entered into a mining rights transfer agreement to acquire additional concessions in Southern Peru, close to the Company's Falchani Project. The Company paid $517,130 and issued 2,250,000 common shares of the Company with a fair value of $4,635,000 to the vendor.
32 of the 174 Falchani Project and Macusani Project concessions now held by the Company's subsidiaries Macusani Yellowcake and Macusani Uranium, have been subject to Administrative and Judicial processes (together, the "Processes") in Peru to overturn resolutions issued by the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute of Peru ("INGEMMET") and the Mining Council of the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru ("MINEM") in February 2019 and July 2019, respectively, which declared Macusani Yellowcake's title to the 32 concessions invalid due to late receipt of the annual validity payment. On November 15, 2023 the Superior Court of Peru unanimously upheld the prior ruling of the lower court in favour of the Company in relation to those 32 concessions which clearly established that Macusani Yellowcake is the rightful owner of these concessions and highlights that the action launched by INGEMMET and MINEM was baseless and unsubstantiated. On December 29, 2023 the Company announced that INGEMMET and MINEM have petitioned the Supreme Court in a final attempt to reverse the ruling. If the petition is successful, Macusani Yellowcake's title to the 32 concessions could be revoked. The Company will continue to take all necessary actions, and pursue all available legal options, to defend its interests.
12. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares, without par value.
Stock options
The Company has established a stock option plan for directors, employees, and consultants. Under the Company's stock option plan, the exercise price of each option is determined by the Board, subject to the Discounted Market Price policies of the Exchange. The aggregate number of shares issuable pursuant to options granted under the plan is limited to 10% of the Company's issued shares at the time the options are granted. The aggregate number of options granted to any one optionee in a 12-month period is limited to 10% of the issued shares of the Company.
A summary of changes of stock options outstanding is as follows:
| | Options | | | Weighted average exercise price | |
| | | | | $ | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 14,339,775 | | | 2.00 | |
Granted | | 1,800,000 | | | 4.10 | |
Exercised | | (3,442,589 | ) | | 1.32 | |
Cancelled/Expired | | (717,970 | ) | | 2.67 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 11,979,216 | | | 2.47 | |
Granted | | 75,000 | | | 2.73 | |
Exercised | | (540,600 | ) | | 1.47 | |
Forfeited | | (85,000 | ) | | 4.85 | |
Cancelled/Expired | | (409,850 | ) | | 3.53 | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 11,018,766 | | | 2.46 | |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
Stock options (continued)
As at November 30, 2023, the following options were outstanding and exercisable:
Number of options | Number of options | | | |
outstanding | exercisable | Exercise price | Remaining life | Expiry date |
| | $ | (years) | |
166,750 | 166,750 | 2.24 | 0.40 | 23-Apr-24 |
200,000 | 200,000 | 0.25 | 1.19 | 04-Feb-25 |
1,729,167 | 1,729,167 | 1.28 | 1.80 | 17-Sep-25 |
51,515 | 51,515 | 1.03 | 2.03 | 09-Dec-25 |
5,758,334 | 5,758,334 | 2.17 | 2.53 | 10-Jun-26 |
1,323,000 | 1,323,000 | 3.63 | 3.22 | 16-Feb-27 |
100,000 | 100,000 | 2.74 | 3.58 | 29-Jun-27 |
250,000 | 250,000 | 1.91 | 3.60 | 04-Jul-27 |
150,000 | 150,000 | 2.14 | 3.85 | 04-Oct-27 |
1,215,000 | 809,996 | 4.85 | 4.18 | 02-Feb-28 |
75,000 | 25,000 | 2.73 | 4.64 | 18-Jul-28 |
11,018,766 | 10,563,762 | | | |
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recorded share-based compensation of $2,439,399 (November 30, 2022 - $4,269,553) in relation to stock options.
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted was $2.09 per stock option (November 30, 2022 - $1.58). Weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options granted during the nine months ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| | Nine months ended | |
| | November 30, 2023 | | | November 30, 2022 | |
Exercise price | | 2.73 | | | 2.32 | |
Expected volatility | | 101.12% | | | 108.45% | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 3.76% | | | 3.15% | |
Forfeiture rate | | 3.64% | | | 3.03% | |
Expected life | | 5 years | | | 5 years | |
Dividend yield | | Nil | | | Nil | |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
Restricted share units
In February 2022, the Company adopted an incentive plan for its directors, officers, and employees, under which it is authorized to grant a maximum of 5% of the Company's issued shares reserved for issuance for restricted share units ("RSUs") under the incentive plan. Upon vesting, at the Company's discretion, the holder of an RSU award can receive one common share or the equivalent cash payment based on the market price of the common share on settlement date. The aggregate number of RSUs granted to any one recipient in a 12-month period is limited to 2% of the issued shares of the Company. As of November 30, 2023, all RSUs granted are equity settled and vest over a 2-year period.
The fair value of RSUs granted during the nine months ended November 30, 2023 was $2.71 per RSU (November 30, 2022 - $2.01 per RSU).
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recorded share-based compensation of $8,410,376 (November 30, 2022 - $4,055,760) in relation to the RSUs.
RSU transactions are summarized as follows:
| | Number of RSUs | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 2,900,000 | |
Granted | | 2,795,000 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 5,695,000 | |
Granted | | 75,000 | |
Forfeited | | (40,000 | ) |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 5,730,000 | |
A summary of changes of RSUs outstanding is as follows:
Number of RSUs | Remaining life | Vesting Date |
| (years) | |
2,900,000 | 0.22 | February 16, 2024 |
225,000 | 0.60 | July 4, 2024 |
150,000 | 0.85 | October 4, 2024 |
2,380,000 | 1.18 | February 2, 2025 |
75,000 | 1.64 | July 18, 2025 |
5,730,000 | | |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
Performance share units
In February 2022, the Company adopted an incentive plan for its directors, officers, and employees, under which it is authorized to grant a maximum of 5% of the Company's issued shares reserved for issuance for Performance share units ("PSUs") under the incentive plan. Upon vesting, at the Company's discretion, the holder of a PSU award can receive one common share or the equivalent cash payment based on the market price of the common share on settlement date. The aggregate number of PSUs granted to any one recipient in a 12-month period is limited to 2% of the issued shares of the Company. As of November 30, 2023, all granted PSUs are equity settled.
In February 2023, the Company issued 2,000,000 PSUs to various directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company. These 2,000,000 PSUs will vest upon a change of control or disposition of a controlling interest in one of the Company's core assets. These PSUs were granted with a fair value of $9,440,000 which is being recorded over an estimated life of 5 years.
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recorded share-based compensation of $1,573,333 (November 30, 2022 - $nil) in relation to the PSUs.
PSU transactions are summarized as follows:
| | Number of PSUs | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | - | |
Granted | | 2,000,000 | |
Balance, February 28 and November 30, 2023 | | 2,000,000 | |
Warrants
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, the Company issued 10,150 warrants in relation to the exercise of Plateau's warrants.
During the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company issued 82,650 warrants in relation to the exercises of Plateau's warrants.
A summary of changes of warrants outstanding is as follows:
| | | | | Weighted average | |
| | Warrants | | | exercise price | |
| | | | | $ | |
Balance, February 28, 2022 | | 28,792,928 | | | 3.18 | |
Issued | | 82,650 | | | 3.00 | |
Exercised | | (2,966,282 | ) | | 3.15 | |
Balance, February 28, 2023 | | 25,909,296 | | | 3.18 | |
Issued | | 10,150 | | | 3.00 | |
Exercised | | (26,234 | ) | | 1.75 | |
Expired | | (5,791,893 | ) | | 4.00 | |
Balance, November 30, 2023 | | 20,101,319 | | | 2.95 | |
12. SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
Warrants (continued)
Details of common share purchase warrants outstanding as at November 30, 2023 are as follows:
Number of warrants | Exercise price | Remaining life | Expiry date |
| $ | (years) | |
2,956,250 | 3.00 | 0.41 | April 29, 2024 |
16,507,608 | 3.00 | 0.45 | May 11, 2024 |
378,533* | 1.379 | 0.41 | April 27, 2024 |
253,905* | 1.379 | 0.45 | May 12, 2024 |
5,023* | 1.379 | 0.45 | May 13, 2024 |
20,101,319 | | | |
*Upon the exercise of each of these warrants, the holder will receive one common share and one-half share purchase warrant, each full warrant exercisable until May 11, 2024 at $3.00.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Key management personnel include those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the Company as a whole. The Company has determined that key management personnel consist of executive and non-executive members of the Company's Board of Directors and corporate officers.
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | | | | November 30 | | | | | | November 30 | |
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Exploration and evaluation expenditures | | - | | | 39,770 | | | - | | | 254,242 | |
Management fees | | 516,750 | | | 393,713 | | | 1,550,250 | | | 1,222,667 | |
Share-based compensation | | 2,444,463 | | | 1,314,440 | | | 8,367,534 | | | 4,419,070 | |
| | 2,961,213 | | | 1,747,923 | | | 9,917,784 | | | 5,895,979 | |
As at November 30, 2023, the Company owed $64,050 (February 28, 2023 - $4,608) to companies controlled by officers and directors of the Company for unpaid management fees and exploration and evaluation expenses which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Transactions with Surge, which is deemed to be a related party, have been disclosed in note 7.
These transactions were in the normal course of operations.
14. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the exploration of its mineral properties and to maintain a flexible capital structure for its projects for the benefit of its stakeholders, to maintain creditworthiness and to maximize returns for shareholders over the long-term. The Company does not have any externally imposed capital requirements to which it is subject. As the Company is in the exploration stage, its principal source of funds is from the issuance of common shares. The Company includes the components of shareholders' equity in its management of capital.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new shares to raise cash and obtain bridging loans from related parties. The Company's investment policy is to invest its cash in low-risk investment instruments in financial institutions with terms to maturity selected with regards to the expected time of expenditures from continuing operations.
There were no changes in the Company's management of capital during the nine months ended November 30, 2023.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, GICs, short-term investments, amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and lease liabilities. As at November 30, 2023, the Company classifies its short-term investment as FVTPL and its remaining financial instruments at amortized cost. For financial instruments at amortized cost, their carrying values approximate their fair values because of their current nature. The carrying value of the Company's lease liabilities is measured at the present value of the discounted future cash flows.
The Company classifies financial instruments carried at fair value according to the following hierarchy based on the amount of observable inputs used to value the financial instrument:
Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2 - Fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices).
Level 3 - Valuations in this level are those with inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. The Company's Surge Warrants (short-term investment) is classified under Level 3.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
The Company's financial instruments are exposed to the following risks:
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. Financial instruments which are potentially subject to credit risk for the Company consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and GICs. The cash and cash equivalents and GICs are held at Canadian financial institutions and the Company considers the credit risk to be minimal.
The Company's maximum exposure to credit risk is as follows:
| | November 30, | | | February 28, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2023 | |
| | $ | | | $ | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 13,064,699 | | | 11,985,766 | |
Guaranteed investment certificates | | 4,021,803 | | | 28,636,414 | |
| | 17,086,502 | | | 40,622,180 | |
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations with respect to financial liabilities as they come due. The Company's financial liabilities are comprised of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company manages its liquidity risk by forecasting cash flows from operations and anticipating any investing and financing activities. Liquidity risk is assessed as low.
The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding financial liabilities.
| | November 30, | | | February 28, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2023 | |
| | $ | | | $ | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | 1,992,266 | | | 1,663,785 | |
Lease liabilities | | 171,061 | | | 226,289 | |
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk on fluctuations related to cash and cash equivalents, reclamation deposits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency. As at November 30, 2023, the Company had foreign currency net assets of $6,546,468. A 10% fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate of foreign currencies against the Canadian dollar would result in a foreign exchange gain/loss of approximately $654,647.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company has cash and cash equivalents balances and term deposits with interest based on the prime rate. The Company's current policy is to invest excess cash in investment-grade short-term deposit certificates issued by its banking institution. The Company periodically monitors the investments it makes and is satisfied with the credit ratings of its banks.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Price Risk
Price risk is the risk that assets or liabilities carried at fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market conditions.
The Company's maximum exposure to price risk on its short-term investment is as follows:
| | November 30, | | | February 28, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2023 | |
| $ | | | $ | | |
Level 3 | | 4,171,420 | | | - | |
During the nine months ended November 30, 2023, there were no transfers between level 1, level 2 and level 3 classified assets and liabilities.
16. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company has one reportable segment, being the acquisition and exploration of exploration and evaluation assets. Geographic information on the Company's non-current assets is as follows:
November 30, 2023 | | Canada | | | USA | | | Peru | | | Total | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Exploration and evaluation assets | | - | | | 35,035,156 | | | 115,424,265 | | | 150,459,421 | |
Other non-current assets | | 2,330,062 | | | 828,669 | | | - | | | 3,158,731 | |
Total non-current assets | | 2,330,062 | | | 35,863,825 | | | 115,424,265 | | | 153,618,152 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
February 28, 2023 | | Canada | | | USA | | | Peru | | | Total | |
| | $ | | | $ | | $ | $ | | $ | $ | |
Exploration and evaluation assets | | - | | | 34,833,511 | | | 115,424,265 | | | 150,257,776 | |
Other assets | | 785,248 | | | 70,178 | | | 34,023 | | | 889,449 | |
Total non-current assets | | 785,248 | | | 34,903,689 | | | 115,458,288 | | | 151,147,225 | |
17. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS
| | Three months ended | | | Nine months ended | |
| | November 30 | | | November 30 | |
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Supplemental non-cash disclosure: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued for exploration and evaluation assets acquisition | | - | | | 4,635,000 | | | - | | | 4,635,000 | |
Reclassification of stock options exercised | | - | | | 225,332 | | | 561,349 | | | 1,369,661 | |
Reclassification of warrants exercised | | - | | | 230,782 | | | 33,556 | | | 230,782 | |