As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 2013
Registration 333-________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form F-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| British Columbia, Canada | | Not Applicable |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Suite 900, 570 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3P1, Canada
604-682-3701
(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
David Wolfin
President and Chief Executive Officer
570 Granville Street, Suite 900
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3P1, Canada
Telephone: (604) 682-3701
Facsimile: (604) 682-3600
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copy to:
Daniel B. Eng
Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin
475 Sansome Street, Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94111
Telephone: (415) 433-1400
Facsimile: (415) 433-3883
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
| Title of each class of securities to be registered | | Amount to be registered (1)(2)(3)(5)(6)(7) | | | Proposed maximum offering price per unit (3) | | | Aggregate maximum offering price (3)(4)(5) | | | Amount of registration fee (3) | |
| Common shares, without par value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Warrants | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Units | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Debt Securities | | | (7 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 13,500,000.00 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,842.00 | |
| (1) | Also includes an indeterminate aggregate principal amount and number of securities of each identified class of securities (except for debt securities which will not exceed $10,000,000.00) up to a proposed aggregate offering price of $13,500,000.00, which may be offered by the registrant from time to time in unspecified numbers and at indeterminate prices, and as may be issued upon conversion, redemption, repurchase, exchange or exercise of any securities registered hereunder, including under any applicable anti-dilution provisions. Except as provided in Rule 426(b) under Securities Act of 1933, in no event will the aggregate offering price of all types of securities (except for debt securities which will not exceed $10,000,000) issued by the Registrant pursuant to this registration statement exceed $13,500,000.00. |
| (2) | Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement also covers any additional securities that may be offered or issued in connection with any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction. |
| (3) | Pursuant to General Instruction II.C. of Form F-3, the table lists each of the classes of securities being registered and the aggregate proceeds to be raised, but does not specify by each class information as to the amount to be registered, proposed maximum offering price per unit, and proposed maximum aggregate offering price. |
| (4) | The proposed maximum aggregate offering price has been estimated solely to calculate the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933. |
| (5) | Includes consideration to be received by the Registrant, if applicable, for registered securities that are issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other registered securities. |
| (6) | Consisting of some or all of the securities listed above, in any combination, including common shares, warrants and debt securities. |
| (7) | In no case shall the aggregate amount of debt securities exceed $10,000,000. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED September 17, 2013
PROSPECTUS
AVINO SILVER & GOLD MINES, LTD.
$13,500,000
Common Shares
Warrants
Units
Debt Securities
From time to time, we may offer up to $13,500,000 of our common shares, warrants to purchase common shares, debt securities and units consisting of common shares, warrants or debt securities or any combination of these securities in one or more transactions.
We will provide specific terms of these offerings and securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement, and any documents incorporated by reference, may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement, any documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus carefully before buying any of the securities being offered.
We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis.
Our common shares are listed on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “ASM”. Our common shares are also listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “ASM”. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement. As of September 3, 2013, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $41,082,000 based on 27,433,934 common shares outstanding, of which 622,802 shares are held by affiliates, and at price of $1.55 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common share as quoted on NYSE MKT on September 3, 2013. We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.5 of Form F-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus.
INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. YOU SHOULD REVIEW CAREFULLY THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DESCRIBED UNDER THE HEADING “RISK FACTORS” ON PAGE 5 AND CONTAINED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ANY RELATED FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS, AND UNDER SIMILAR HEADINGS IN THE OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is September__, 2013.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I: INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS | 1 |
| | |
| CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | 1 |
| CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATE OF MEASURED AND INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCES | 1 |
| ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS | 2 |
| ABOUT AVINO SILVER & GOLD MINE LTD. | 3 |
| WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 3 |
| INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE | 3 |
| RISK FACTORS | 4 |
| OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE | 4 |
| CAPITALIZATION | 5 |
| PRICE RANGE OF OUR SHARES | 5 |
| DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER | 6 |
| DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARE | 6 |
| DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS | 8 |
| DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES | 10 |
| DESCRIPTION OF UNITS | 12 |
| USE OF PROCEEDS | 13 |
| PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | 13 |
| MATERIAL CHANGES | 16 |
| LEGAL MATTERS | 16 |
| EXPERTS | 16 |
| ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES | 16 |
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement we may file constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). These statements relate to future events concerning our business and to our future revenues, operating results, and financial condition. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology.
Any forward looking statements contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement are only estimates or predictions of future events based on information currently available to our management and management’s current beliefs about the potential outcome of future events. Whether these future events will occur as management anticipates, whether we will achieve our business objectives, and whether our revenues, operating results, or financial condition will improve in future periods are subject to numerous risks. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These important factors include those that we discuss under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other sections of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as in our other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should read these factors and the other cautionary statements made in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this prospectus or the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus. If one or more of these factors materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATE OF MEASURED AND INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCES
In Canada, an issuer is required to provide technical information with respect to mineralization, including reserves and resources, if any, on its mineral exploration properties in accordance with Canadian requirements, which differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC applicable to registration statements and reports filed by United States companies pursuant to the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act. As such, information contained in this registration statement concerning descriptions of mineralization under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. In particular, this registration statement and the annual report on Form 20-F incorporated herein includes the terms “mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource,” “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”. Investors are advised that these terms are defined in and required to be disclosed under Canadian rules by National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”). U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. However, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. In addition, NI 43-101 permits disclosure of “contained ounces” of mineralization. In contrast, the SEC only permits issuers to report mineralization as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7, as interpreted by the staff of the SEC, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” for United States reporting purposes unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Among other things, all necessary permits would be required to be in hand or issuance imminent in order to classify mineralized material as reserves under the SEC standards.
United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits identified as an “indicated mineral resource,” “measured mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be converted to reserves as defined in NI 43-101 or SEC Industry Guide 7. Further, “inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities legislation, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, or economic studies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This document is called a prospectus and is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer our common shares, various series of warrants to purchase common shares, common shares or warrants either individually or in units, or securities such as debt securities, that may be convertible into our common shares, in one or more offerings, in amounts we will determine from time to time, up to a total dollar amount of $13,500,000.00.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities described in this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement, or information that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, containing more specific information about the terms of the securities that we are offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings and securities. This prospectus, together with applicable prospectus supplements, any information incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectuses, includes all material information relating to these offerings and securities. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including without limitation, a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to these offerings or securities or the specific plan of distribution. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and a prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference having a later date, you should rely on the information in that prospectus supplement or incorporated information having a later date. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” before buying any of the securities being offered.
You should rely only on the information we have provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus.
Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made under it implies that there has been no change in our affairs or that the information in this prospectus is correct as of any date after the date of this prospectus. You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security.
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.” THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OF SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our” or similar terms, as well as references to “Avino” or the “Company,” refer to Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.”.
ABOUT AVINO SILVER & GOLD MINE LTD.
We were incorporated by Memorandum of Association under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada on May 15, 1968, and on August 22, 1969, by virtue of an amalgamation with Ace Mining Company Ltd., became a public company whose common shares are registered under the Exchange Act and changed our name to Avino Mines & Resources Limited. On April 12, 1995, we changed our corporate name to International Avino Mines Ltd. and effected a reverse stock split of one common share for every five common shares outstanding. On August 29, 1997, we changed our corporate name to Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. to better reflect our business of exploring for and mining silver and gold. Our principal executive office is located at Suite 900, 570 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1, Canada. Our telephone number is (604) 682-3701. Our website is located at www.avino.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.
Avino is an experienced, Vancouver based mining and exploration firm and is currently in the production stage. Our mission is to create shareholder value through profitable growth at the Avino property near Durango, Mexico. We are committed to managing all business activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner, while contributing to the well-being of the community in which we operate.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-3 under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which is a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. For further information with respect to us and the securities covered by this prospectus, please see the registration statement and the exhibits filed with the registration statement. A copy of the registration statement and the exhibits filed with the registration statement may be inspected without charge at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is http://www.sec.gov.
We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, we file certain reports and other information with the SEC. Such reports and other information are available for inspection and copying at the Public Reference Room and website of the SEC referred to above. We maintain a website at http://www.avino.com. You may access our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our website and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated into and are not a part of this prospectus.
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and certain information that we will later file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below as well as certain filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, and any filings made after the date of this prospectus until we sell all of the securities under this prospectus, except that we do not incorporate any document or portion of a document that was furnished and deemed by the rules of the SEC not to have been filed:
| | · | Our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 14, 2013; and |
| | · | Our Form 6-K For June 2012 filed with the SEC on September 3, 2013 containing our Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. |
Additionally, all reports and other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and incorporated herein after (i) the date of the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement; and (ii) the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination or completion of this offering, shall be part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and other documents. Any information that we subsequently file with the SEC that is incorporated by reference as described above will automatically update and supersede any previous information that is part of this prospectus.
We hereby undertake to provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any and all of the information that has been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to our Corporate Secretary, Dorothy Chin, at Suite 900, 570 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1, Canada.
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in, or incorporated into, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference herein or therein. Each of the referenced risks and uncertainties could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities. Additional risks not known to us or that we believe are immaterial may also adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition and the value of an investment in our securities.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
We may sell from time to time pursuant to this prospectus (as may be detailed in prospectus supplements) an indeterminate number of securities as shall have a maximum aggregate offering price of $13,500,000. The actual per share price of the securities that we will offer pursuant hereto will depend on a number of factors that may be relevant as of the time of offer (see "Plan of Distribution" below).
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2013. This table should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as at and for the six months ended June 30, 2013, which are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
As at June 30, 2013
| Current Liabilities | | $ | 1,697,489 | |
| Finance Lease Obligations | | $ | 865,939 | |
| Reclamation Provision | | $ | 323,140 | |
| Deferred Tax Liability | | $ | 2,450,677 | |
| | | | | |
| Shareholder Equity | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Authorized Capital | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Common Shares, 27,433,934 shares issued and outstanding | | $ | 42,659,123 | |
| Equity Reserve | | $ | 9,852,988 | |
| Treasury Shares | | $ | (101,869 | ) |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | $ | 34,966 | |
| Accumulated deficit | | $ | (27,854,288 | ) |
| Total shareholder’s equity | | $ | 24,590,920 | |
| Total Capitalization | | $ | 29,928,165 | |
PRICE RANGE OF OUR SHARES
The following sets forth the high and low prices expressed in Canadian Dollars on the TSX-V and U.S. Dollars on the NYSE-Mkt for the Company’s common shares for the past two months.
| | | TSX-V | | | NYSE-Mkt | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| August 31, 2013 | | | 1.65 | | | | 0.93 | | | | 1.59 | | | | 0.91 | |
| July 31, 2013 | | | 1.18 | | | | 0.78 | | | | 1.15 | | | | 0.75 | |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
We may offer, from time to time, our common shares, warrants to purchase common shares, either individually or in units, and debt securities or other securities that may be converted into our common shares in amounts we will determine from time to time, under this prospectus at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. See “Description of Capital Share”, “Description of Warrants”, “Description of Units” and “Description of Debt Securities” below. Each time we offer a type or series of securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:
| · | designation or classification; |
| · | aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price; |
| · | rates and times of payment of interest or dividends, if any; |
| · | redemption, conversion or sinking fund terms, if any; |
| · | voting or other rights, if any; |
| · | conversion prices, if any; and |
| · | important federal income tax considerations. |
The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus also may supplement, or, as applicable, add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference. However, no prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The terms of any particular offering, the offering price and the net proceeds to us will be contained in the prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus relating to such offering.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARE
The description below of our capital share and provisions of our Articles of Incorporation (“Articles”) are summaries and are qualified by reference to the Articles. These documents are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Our Articles authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of common shares, without par value.
Common Shares
Each holder of common shares is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, except matters that relate only to one or more of the series of preferred share, and each holder does not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the common shares entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they so choose.
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, holders of common shares are entitled to receive ratably those dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of legally available funds. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common shares will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to shareholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding preferred shares.
Holders of common shares have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common share. All outstanding common shares are, and the common shares offered by us in this offering, when issued and paid for, will be fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the common shares are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred share which we may designate in the future.
Warrants
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common shares. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. The exercise price and/or the number of common shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including certain issuances of securities at a price equal to or less than the then current exercise price, subdivisions and stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers or sales of properties and assets and upon the issuance of certain assets or securities to holders of our common shares, as applicable.
Debt Securities
We may issue debt securities that may be converted into our common shares. We may issue debt securities independently or together with other securities. If debt securities are issued, interest rate and, if applicable, the exercise price and the number of common shares issuable upon exercise of the debt securities may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including certain issuances of securities at a price equal to or less than the then current exercise price, subdivisions and stock splits, share dividends, combinations, reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers or sales of properties and assets and upon the issuance of certain assets or securities to holders of our common shares, as applicable.
Listing
Our common shares are listed on NYSE MKT and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “ASM.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common share is Computershare, 3rd Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Colombia V6C 3B9.
General
We may issue warrants to purchase common shares. We may issue the warrants independently or together with any underlying securities, and the warrants may be attached or separate from the underlying securities. We may also issue a series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The following description is a summary of selected provisions relating to the warrants that we may issue. The summary is not complete. When warrants are offered in the future, a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or a free writing prospectus, as applicable, will explain the particular terms of those securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply. The specific terms of the warrants as described in a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference, or free writing prospectus will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this section.
This summary and any description of warrants in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of any specific warrant document or agreement. We will file each of these documents, as applicable, with the SEC and incorporate them by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or before the time we issue a series of warrants. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference” above for information on how to obtain a copy of a warrant document when it is filed.
When we refer to a series of warrants, we mean all warrants issued as part of the same series under the applicable warrant agreement.
Terms
The applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, may describe the terms of any warrants that we may offer, including but not limited to the following:
| · | the title of the warrants; |
| · | the total number of warrants; |
| · | the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
| · | the price or prices at which the warrants may be exercised; |
| · | the currency or currencies that investors may use to pay for the warrants; |
| · | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| · | whether the warrants will be issued in registered form or bearer form; |
| · | information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
| · | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| · | if applicable, the designation and terms of the underlying securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each underlying security; |
| · | if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related underlying securities will be separately transferable; |
| · | if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations; |
| · | if applicable, the terms of redemption of the warrants; |
| · | the identity of the warrant agent, if any; |
| · | the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; and |
| · | any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures, and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
Warrant Agreement
We may issue the warrants in one or more series under one or more warrant agreements, each to be entered into between us and a bank, trust company, or other financial institution as warrant agent. We may add, replace, or terminate warrant agents from time to time. We may also choose to act as our own warrant agent or may choose one of our subsidiaries to do so.
The warrant agent under a warrant agreement will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants issued under that agreement. Any holder of warrants may, without the consent of any other person, enforce by appropriate legal action, on its own behalf, its right to exercise those warrants in accordance with their terms.
Form, Exchange and Transfer
We may issue the warrants in registered form or bearer form. Warrants issued in registered form, i.e., book-entry form, will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository, which will be the holder of all the warrants represented by the global security. Those investors who own beneficial interests in a global warrant will do so through participants in the depository’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depository and its participants. In addition, we may issue warrants in non-global form, i.e., bearer form. If any warrants are issued in non-global form, warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, and holders may exchange, transfer, or exercise their warrants at the warrant agent’s office or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus.
Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants exercisable for shares of common share will not have any rights of holders of common share and will not be entitled to dividend payments, if any, or voting rights of the common share.
Exercise of Warrants
A warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash an amount of securities at an exercise price that will be stated in, or that will be determinable as described in, the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable offering material. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be redeemed as set forth in the applicable offering material.
Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable offering material. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable offering material, we will forward, as soon as practicable, the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
General
We may issue debt securities which may or may not be converted into common shares. In no case shall the amount of the debt securities exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate. We may issue the debt securities independently or together with any underlying securities, and warrants may be attached or separate from the underlying securities. We may also issue a series of debt securities under a separate indenture agreement to be entered into between us and an indenture agent. Such indenture agreement, if any, will not be qualified with the SEC pursuant to an exemption. The indenture agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The following description is a summary of selected provisions relating to the debt securities that we may issue. The summary is not complete. When debt securities are offered in the future, a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or a free writing prospectus, as applicable, will explain the particular terms of those securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply. The specific terms of the debt securities as described in a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference, or free writing prospectus will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this section.
This summary and any description of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of any specific debt securities document or agreement. We will file each of these documents, as applicable, with the SEC and incorporate them by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or before the time we issue a series of warrants. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference” above for information on how to obtain a copy of a warrant document when it is filed.
When we refer to a series of debt securities, we mean all debt securities issued as part of the same series under the applicable indenture.
Terms
The applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, may describe the terms of any debt securities that we may offer, including but not limited to the following:
| | • | the title of the debt securities; |
| | • | the total amount of the debt securities; |
| | • | the amount or amounts of the debt securities will be issued and interest rate; |
| | • | the conversion price at which the debt securities may be converted; |
| | • | the date on which the right to exercise the debt securities will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| | • | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of debt securities that may be exercise at any one time; |
| | • | if applicable, the designation and terms of the underlying securities with which the debt securities are issued and the amount of debt securities issued with each underlying security; |
| | • | if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax consideration; |
| | • | if applicable, the terms of the payoff of the debt securities; |
| | • | the identity of the indenture agent, if any; |
| | • | the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the debt securities; and |
| | • | any other terms of the debt securities, including terms, procedure and limitation relating to the exchange or exercise of the debt securities. |
Debt Securities
We may issue the debt securities in one or more series under one or more agreements, which may be each entered into between us and a bank, trust company, or other financial institution as indenture agent, if any.
The indenture agent under an indenture agreement, if any, will act solely as our agent in connection with the debt securities issued under that agreement. Any holder of debt securities may, without the consent of any other person, enforce by appropriate legal action, on its own behalf, its right to exercise those debt securities in accordance with their terms.
Form, Exchange and Transfer
We may issue the debt securities in registered form or bearer form. Debt securities issued in registered form, i.e., book-entry form, will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository, which will be the holder of all the debt securities represented by the global security. Those investors who own beneficial interests in a global debt securities will do so through participants in the depository’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depository and its participants. In addition, we may issue warrants in non-global form, i.e., bearer form. If any debt securities are issued in non-global form, debt securities certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, and holders may exchange, transfer, or exercise their warrants at the warrant agent’s office or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus.
Prior to the exercise of their debt securities, holders of debt securities exercisable for shares of debt securities will not have any rights of holders of common share and will not be entitled to dividend payments, if any, or voting rights of the common share.
Conversion of Debt Securities
A debt security may entitle the holder to purchase for in exchange for the extinguishment of debt an amount of securities at an exercise price that will be stated in the debt security. Debt securities may be converted at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the terms of such debt security. After the close of business on the expiration date, debt securities not exercised will be paid in accordance with their terms.
Debt securities may be converted as set forth in the applicable offering material. Upon receipt of a notice of conversion properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the indenture agent, if any, or to us, we will forward, as soon as practicable, the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the debt security represented by such security is converted, a new debt security will be issued for the remaining debt security.
.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units composed of any combination of our common share, warrants and debt securities. We will issue each unit so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. As a result, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
The following description is a summary of selected provisions relating to units that we may offer. The summary is not complete. When units are offered in the future, a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or a free writing prospectus, as applicable, will explain the particular terms of those securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply. The specific terms of the units as described in a prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference, or free writing prospectus will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this section.
This summary and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable. We will file each of these documents, as applicable, with the SEC and incorporate them by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or before the time we issue a series of units. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference” above for information on how to obtain a copy of a document when it is filed.
The applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus may describe:
| · | the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
| · | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange of the units or of the securities composing the units; |
| · | whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form; and |
| · | any other terms of the units. |
The applicable provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Capital Share”, “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Debt Securities” above, will apply to each unit and to each security included in each unit, respectively.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities to fund our growth plans, for working capital, and for other general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures related to our growth. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses whom, from time to time, we engage and explore the possibility of strategic partnering or investment.
We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:
| · | to or through underwriters; |
| · | through broker-dealers (acting as agent or principal); |
| · | directly by us to purchasers (including our affiliates and shareholders), through a specific bidding or auction process, a rights offering, or otherwise; |
| · | through a combination of any such methods of sale; or |
| · | through any other methods described in a prospectus supplement. |
The distribution of securities may be effected, from time to time, in one or more transactions, including:
| · | block transactions (which may involve crosses) and transactions on the NYSE MKT or TSX Venture Exchange or any other organized market where the securities may be traded; |
| · | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its own account pursuant to a prospectus supplement; |
| · | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| · | sales “at the market” to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise; and |
| · | sales in other ways not involving market makers or established trading markets, including direct sales to purchasers. |
The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The consideration may be cash or another form negotiated by the parties. Agents, underwriters or broker-dealers may be paid compensation for offering and selling the securities. That compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions to be received from us or from the purchasers of the securities. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If such dealers or agents were deemed to be underwriters, they may be subject to statutory liabilities under the Securities Act.
We may also make direct sales through subscription rights distributed to our existing shareholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to our shareholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.
Some or all of the securities that we offer through this prospectus may be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom we sell our securities for public offering and sale may make a market in those securities, but they will not be obligated to do so and they may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the liquidity of, or continued trading markets for, any securities that we offer.
Agents may, from time to time, solicit offers to purchase the securities. If required, we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement, document incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, as applicable, any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and set forth any compensation payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any agent selling the securities covered by this prospectus may be deemed to be an underwriter of the securities.
If underwriters are used in an offering, securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold, from time to time, in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or under delayed delivery contracts or other contractual commitments. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of securities, an underwriting agreement will be executed with the underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for the sale is reached. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriter or underwriters, with respect to a particular underwritten offering of securities, and will set forth the terms of the transactions, including compensation of the underwriters and dealers and the public offering price, if applicable. This prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus will be used by the underwriters to resell the securities.
If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities, we, or an underwriter, will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. To the extent required, we will set forth in the prospectus supplement, document incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, as applicable, the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions.
We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and may make sales of securities directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters with respect to any resale of the securities. To the extent required, the prospectus supplement, document incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, as applicable, will describe the terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process, if used.
Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against specified liabilities, including liabilities incurred under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. If required, the prospectus supplement, document incorporated by reference or free writing prospectus, as applicable, will describe the terms and conditions of such indemnification or contribution. Some of the agents, underwriters or dealers, or their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our subsidiaries or affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Under the securities laws of some states, the securities offered by this prospectus may be sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.
Any person participating in the distribution of securities registered under the registration statement that includes this prospectus will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the applicable SEC rules and regulations, including, among others, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of our securities by any such person. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of our securities to engage in market-making activities with respect to our securities.
These restrictions may affect the marketability of our securities and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to our securities.
Certain persons participating in an offering may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the offered securities. If any such activities will occur, they will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, as the case may be.
If more than 10% of the net proceeds of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will be received by FINRA members participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons of such FINRA members, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5110(h).
So long as the aggregate market value of our voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates is less than $75,000,000 and so long as required by the rules of the SEC, the amount of securities we may offer hereunder will be limited such that the aggregate market value of securities sold by us during a period of 12 calendar months cannot exceed one-third of the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution.
MATERIAL CHANGES
Except as otherwise described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, in our Reports on Form 6-K filed or submitted under the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference herein and as disclosed in this prospectus, no reportable material changes have occurred since December 31, 2012.
LEGAL MATTERS
The law firm of Salley Bowes Harwardt Law Corporation has acted as the Company’s counsel by providing an opinion on the validity of the Securities offered in this Prospectus and applicable Prospectus Supplements and counsel named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement will pass upon legal matters for any underwriters, dealers or agents. Certain legal matters related to the Securities offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon on the Company’s behalf by Salley Bowes Harwardt Law Corporation, with respect to matters of Canadian law, and Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation, San Francisco, with respect to matters of United States law.
Manning Elliott LP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Manning Elliott LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Information relating to the Company’s mineral properties in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein has been derived from reports, statements or opinions prepared or certified by Tetra Tech Wardrop and this information has been included in reliance on such persons’ and companies’ expertise.
Tetra Tech Wardrop and any director, officer, employee or partner thereof, has not received a direct or indirect interest in the property of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that we are incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, that many of our officers and directors are residents of countries other than the United States, that some of the experts named in this prospectus are residents of countries other than the United States, and that some of our assets and the assets of said persons are located outside the United States.
In particular, it may be difficult to bring and enforce suits against us or said persons under U.S. federal securities laws. It may be difficult for U.S. holders of our common shares to effect service of process on us or said persons within the United States or to enforce judgments obtained in the United States based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us or said persons. In addition, a shareholder should not assume that the courts of Canada (i) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us, our officers or directors, or other said persons, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or other laws of the United States, or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us, our officers or directors or other said persons predicated upon the U.S. federal securities laws or other laws of the United States.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our Articles of Incorporation provide that we must indemnify a director, former director or alternate director of the Company and his or her heirs and legal personal representatives against all judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed to which such person is or may be liable, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or alternate director of the Company. We may indemnify any person under our Articles of Incorporation. We may, and do, maintain a policy of insurance for the benefit of directors, officers and employees against liability incurred by such individual acting in their capacity as a director, officer or employee.
We are subject to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Act”). Under Section 160 of the Act, we may, subject to Section 163 of the Act, indemnify an individual who:
| · | is or was a director or officer of our company; |
| · | is or was a director or officer of another corporation (i) at a time when such corporation is or was an affiliate of our company; or (ii) at our request; or |
| · | at our request, is or was, or holds or held a position equivalent to that of, a director or officer of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity; |
and includes the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of that individual (collectively, an “eligible party”), against a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, a proceeding (an “eligible penalty”) in which an eligible party or any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or officer of our company or an associated corporation, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of, our company or an associated corporation (a) is or may be joined as a party, or (b) is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, the proceeding (an ”eligible proceeding”) to which the eligible party is or may be liable and we may, subject to section 163 of the Act, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by an eligible party in respect of that proceeding.
Under Section 161 of the Act, and subject to Section 163 of the Act, we must, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by an eligible party in respect of that proceeding if the eligible party (a) has not been reimbursed for those expenses, and (b) is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the outcome of the proceeding or is substantially successful on the merits in the outcome of the proceeding.
Under Section 162 of the Act, and subject to Section 163 of the Act, we may pay, as they are incurred in advance of the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by an eligible party in respect of the proceeding, provided that we must not make such payments unless we first receive from the eligible party a written undertaking that, if it is ultimately determined that the payment of expenses is prohibited under Section 163, the eligible party will repay the amounts advanced.
Under Section 163 of the Act, we must not indemnify an eligible party against eligible penalties to which the eligible party is or may be liable or pay the expenses of an eligible party in respect of that proceeding under Sections 160, 161 or 162 of the Act, as the case may be, if any of the following circumstances apply:
| · | if the indemnity or payment is made under an earlier agreement to indemnify or pay expenses and, at the time that the agreement to indemnify or pay expenses was made, we were prohibited from giving the indemnity or paying the expenses by our Articles; |
| · | if the indemnity or payment is made otherwise than under an earlier agreement to indemnify or pay expenses and, at the time that the indemnity or payment is made, we are prohibited from giving the indemnity or paying the expenses by our Articles; |
| · | if, in relation to the subject matter of the eligible proceeding, the eligible party did not act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of our company or the associated corporation, as the case may be; or |
| · | in the case of an eligible proceeding other than a civil proceeding, if the eligible party did not have reasonable grounds for believing that the eligible party’s conduct in respect of which the proceeding was brought was lawful. |
If an eligible proceeding is brought against an eligible party by or on behalf of the Company or by or on behalf of an associated corporation, we must not either indemnify the eligible party against eligible penalties to which the eligible party is or may be liable, or pay the expenses of the eligible party under Sections 160, 161 or 162 of the Act, as the case may be, in respect of the proceeding.
Under Section 164 of the Act, the Supreme Court of British Columbia may, on application of our company or an eligible party:
| · | order us to indemnify an eligible party against any liability incurred by the eligible party in respect of an eligible proceeding; |
| · | order us to pay some or all of the expenses incurred by an eligible party in respect of an eligible proceeding; |
| · | order the enforcement of, or payment under, an agreement of indemnification entered into by us; |
| · | order us to pay some or all of the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by any person in obtaining an order under Section 164 of the Act; or |
| · | make any other order the court considers appropriate. |
Section 165 of the Act provides that we may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of an eligible party or the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible party against any liability that may be incurred by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or officer of, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of, the Company or an associated corporation.
Under the Act, the Articles may affect our power or obligation to give an indemnity or pay expenses to the extent that the Articles prohibit giving the indemnity or paying the expenses. As indicated above, this is subject to the overriding power of the Supreme Court of British Columbia under Section 164 of the Act.
We believe that the foregoing policies and provisions of our Articles and bylaws are necessary to attract and retain qualified officers and directors. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted with respect to our directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 9. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits. The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated herein by reference:
| Exhibit Number | | Description |
| 1.1 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement with respect to Common Shares* |
| 1.2 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement with respect to Warrants* |
| 1.3 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement with respect to Units* |
| 1.4 | | Form of Underwriting Agreement with respect to Debt Securities* |
| 4.1 | | Form of Warrant Agreement (including Form of Warrant Certificate) with respect to Warrants to purchase Common Share* |
| 4.2 | | Form of Warrant Agreement (including Form of Warrant Certificate) with respect to Warrants to purchase Units* |
| 4.3 | | Form of Unit Agreement (including Form of Unit Certificate)* |
| 4.4 | | Form of Debt Security* |
| 5.1 | | Opinion of Salley Bowes Hardwardt Law Corporation |
| 23.1 | | Consent of Salley Bowes Harwardt Law Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
| 23.2 | | Consent of Manning Elliot LLP |
| 23.3 | | Consent of Tetra Tech Wardrop |
| 24.1 | | Power of Attorney (included in signature page to this Registration Statement |
* If applicable, to be filed as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report filed on Form 6-K under the Securities Exchange Act for 1934 and incorporated here by reference.
Item 10. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”);
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC (“Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
Provided, however, that:
(A) Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by “Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act or § 210.3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Form F-3.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B (§ 230.430B of this chapter):
(A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) (§ 230.424(b)(3) of this chapter) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) (§ 230.424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) of this chapter) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) (§ 230.415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) of this chapter) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or
(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter);
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Vancouver, province of British Columbia, Canada, on the 17th day of September 2013.
| | AVINO SILVER & GOLD MINES, LTD. | |
| | | |
| | By: | /s/ David Wolfin | |
| | | David Wolfin, President, | |
| | | Chief Executive Officer | |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints, jointly and severally, David Wolfin and Malcolm Davidson, and each them severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| By: | /s/ David Wolfin | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | David Wolfin, President & Chief Executive Officer | | |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) | | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Malcolm Davidson | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | Malcolm Davidson, Chief Financial Officer | | |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Jasman Yee | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | Jasman Yee, Director | | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Michael Baybak | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | Michael Baybak, Director | | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Andrew Kaplan | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | Andrew Kaplan, Director | | |
| | (Authorized Representative in the United States) | | |
| | | | |
| By: | /s/ Gary Robertson | | Date: September 17, 2013 |
| | Gary Robertson, Director | | |
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