UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-32074
MINES MANAGEMENT, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
IDAHO |
| 91-0538859 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
905 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 311 |
|
|
Spokane, Washington |
| 99201 |
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices) |
| (Zip Code) |
(509) 838-6050
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o |
| Accelerated filer o |
|
|
|
Non-accelerated filer o |
| Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
At May14, 2015, 29,814,040 common shares, par value $0.001 per share, were issued and outstanding.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of any of the words “development”, “anticipate”, “continues”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, or similar expressions are intended to identify such statements. Forward-looking statements included in this report relate to, among other things, comments regarding further exploration and evaluation of the Montanore Project, including drilling activities, engineering and environmental studies, environmental, reclamation and permitting requirements and the process and timing and the costs associated with the foregoing; the process and timing associated with the Montanore Project permitting process, including the issuance of a final environmental impact statement and a record of decision, financing needs, including the financing required to fund the Company’s ongoing activities, sources of financing; planned expenditures and cash requirements for the remaining three quarters of 2015, efforts to reduce costs, including reducing manpower. We believe the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, we cannot assure that the expectations will prove to be correct. Certain cautionary statements are also included elsewhere in this report, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, among others, those factors referenced in the “Risk Factors” section of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and such things as:
· the availability of experienced employees;
· the history of losses, which we expect to continue for the foreseeable future;
· the absence of proven or probable reserves, and uncertainty regarding whether reserves will be established at our Montanore Project;
· the speculative nature of exploration for mineral resources, including variations in ore grade and other characteristics affecting mining and mineral recoveries, which involves substantial expenditures and is frequently non-productive;
· the need for additional financing to continue our business, and complete the underground evaluation program;
· financial market conditions and the availability of financing, or its availability on terms acceptable to us;
· the availability, terms, conditions, costs, timing of, or delays in receiving required governmental permits and approvals;
· the competitive nature of the mining industry;
· changes in geological information and the interpretation thereof;
· worldwide economic and political events affecting the supply of and demand for silver and copper and volatility in the market price for silver and copper;
· ongoing reclamation obligations on the Montanore Project properties;
· significant government regulation of mining activities;
· environmental risks;
· uncertainty regarding title to some of our properties;
· the volatility of the market price of our common stock;
· the potential depressive effect of potential issuances of common stock on the market price of our common stock;
· future dilution of shareholders by the exercise of options, and the depressive effect on the stock price of the existence of a significant number of outstanding options; and
· other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
MINES MANAGEMENT, INC.
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
| Page | |
| ||
|
|
|
i | ||
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 9 | |
10 | ||
10 | ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
11 | ||
12 | ||
12 | ||
12 | ||
12 | ||
12 | ||
12 | ||
|
|
|
| 13 |
Contents
| Page |
|
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited): |
|
|
|
1 | |
|
|
2 | |
|
|
3 | |
|
|
4 | |
|
|
5-9 |
Mines Management, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
CURRENT ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ | 2,653,693 |
| $ | 3,862,462 |
|
Interest receivable |
| 1,078 |
| 4,484 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
| 261,566 |
| 307,951 |
| ||
Total current assets |
| 2,916,337 |
| 4,174,897 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Buildings and leasehold improvements |
| 836,454 |
| 836,454 |
| ||
Equipment |
| 6,361,318 |
| 6,361,318 |
| ||
Office equipment |
| 343,897 |
| 343,897 |
| ||
|
| 7,541,669 |
| 7,541,669 |
| ||
Less accumulated depreciation |
| 7,024,990 |
| 6,997,153 |
| ||
|
| 516,679 |
| 544,516 |
| ||
OTHER ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Available-for-sale securities |
| 3,447 |
| 2,467 |
| ||
Reclamation deposits |
| 1,184,966 |
| 1,184,966 |
| ||
|
| 1,188,413 |
| 1,187,433 |
| ||
|
| $ | 4,621,429 |
| $ | 5,906,846 |
|
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable |
| $ | 457,790 |
| $ | 326,570 |
|
Payroll and payroll taxes payable |
| 33,581 |
| 18,141 |
| ||
Dividends payable |
| 52,890 |
| 52,890 |
| ||
Total current liabilities |
| 544,261 |
| 397,601 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Asset retirement obligation |
| 509,325 |
| 503,279 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
| 1,053,586 |
| 900,880 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
|
|
| ||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Preferred shares — no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; Series B 6% convertible preferred shares — $1,000 stated value, 3,526 shares issued and outstanding |
| 3,526,000 |
| 3,526,000 |
| ||
Common shares — $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 29,814,040 shares issued and outstanding |
| 29,814 |
| 29,814 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 87,813,032 |
| 87,685,232 |
| ||
Accumulated deficit |
| (87,793,285 | ) | (86,226,382 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
| (7,718 | ) | (8,698 | ) | ||
Total stockholders’ equity |
| 3,567,843 |
| 5,005,966 |
| ||
|
| $ | 4,621,429 |
| $ | 5,906,846 |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Mines Management, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||
|
| 2015 |
| 2014 |
| ||
REVENUE: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Royalties |
| $ | — |
| $ | 7,291 |
|
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
General and administrative |
| 551,902 |
| 591,635 |
| ||
Technical services and exploration |
| 422,958 |
| 481,918 |
| ||
Depreciation |
| 27,837 |
| 206,701 |
| ||
Legal, accounting, and consulting |
| 465,624 |
| 206,704 |
| ||
Fees, filing, and licenses |
| 47,800 |
| 67,769 |
| ||
Total operating expenses |
| 1,516,121 |
| 1,554,727 |
| ||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
| (1,516,121 | ) | (1,547,436 | ) | ||
OTHER INCOME: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest income, net |
| 2,108 |
| 3,725 |
| ||
NET LOSS |
| (1,514,013 | ) | (1,543,711 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS |
| (52,890 | ) | — |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS |
| $ | (1,566,903 | ) | $ | (1,543,711 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
NET LOSS PER SHARE (basic and diluted) |
| $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) |
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (basic and diluted) |
| 29,814,040 |
| 29,036,990 |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Mines Management, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||
|
| 2015 |
| 2014 |
| ||
Net Loss |
| $ | (1,514,013 | ) | $ | (1,543,711 | ) |
Adjustment to net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities |
| 980 |
| (7,941 | ) | ||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
| $ | (1,513,033 | ) | $ | (1,551,652 | ) |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Mines Management, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||||
|
| 2015 |
| 2014 |
| ||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net loss |
| $ | (1,514,013 | ) | $ | (1,543,711 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Stock-based compensation |
| 127,800 |
| 42,805 |
| ||
Depreciation |
| 27,837 |
| 206,701 |
| ||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation |
| 6,046 |
| 5,760 |
| ||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Interest receivable |
| 3,406 |
| 5,911 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
| 46,385 |
| 35,389 |
| ||
Accounts payable |
| 131,220 |
| 94,014 |
| ||
Payroll and payroll taxes payable |
| 15,440 |
| 8,856 |
| ||
Net cash used in operating activities |
| (1,155,879 | ) | (1,144,275 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment |
| — |
| 313 |
| ||
Proceeds from certificates of deposit |
| — |
| 1,565,577 |
| ||
Net cash provided by investing activities |
| — |
| 1,565,890 |
| ||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net proceeds from sales of common stock |
| — |
| 128,250 |
| ||
Cumulative preferred stock dividends |
| (52,890 | ) | — |
| ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| (52,890 | ) | 128,250 |
| ||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
| (1,208,769 | ) | 549,865 |
| ||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
| 3,862,462 |
| 4,145,092 |
| ||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD |
| $ | 2,653,693 |
| $ | 4,694,957 |
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accrual of cumulative preferred stock dividends |
| $ | 52,890 |
| $ | — |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Nature of Operations:
Mines Management, Inc. (the Company) is an Idaho corporation incorporated in 1947. The Company acquires, explores, and develops mineral properties in North America. The Company’s principal mineral property interest, the Montanore Project, is held by its wholly owned subsidiaries, Newhi Inc. and Montanore Minerals Corp. The Company’s properties, including the Montanore property are currently in the exploration stage; none of its properties are currently in production. The Company has commenced re-permitting of the Montanore Project and is determining its feasibility for development. Approval by regulatory agencies will be required before the Montanore Project can proceed with exploration and project development. The Company’s business, operations and financial condition are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including failing to secure additional funding to continue our business or execute our planned advanced evaluation and delineation drilling program at the Montanore Project.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, as well as the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, which could have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(a) Going concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company is an exploration stage company and has incurred losses since the inception of its exploration stage. The Company currently does not have a recurring source of revenue sufficient to fund normal operations and its ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company’s ability to secure sufficient funding for its future exploration and working capital requirements, which may include the sale of its equity or debt securities, and the eventual profitable exploitation of its mining properties. The Company’s plans for the long-term return to and continuation as a going concern include securing additional funding and the eventual profitable operation of its mining property. There can be no assurance that the Company will succeed in securing additional funding on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, or in generating future profitable operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
(b) Mining properties, exploration and development costs
All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred. Significant property acquisition payments for active exploration properties are capitalized, including payments to acquire mineral rights. Once a feasibility study has been completed and approved by management, and a decision is made to put the ore body into production, expenditures to develop new mines, to define further mineralization in existing ore bodies, and to expand the capacity of operating mines, are capitalized and amortized on the units of production basis over proven and probable reserves. The Company charges to operations the allocable portion of capitalized costs attributable to properties sold. Capitalized costs are allocated to properties sold based on the proportion of claims sold to the claims remaining within the project area.
(c) Fair value measurements
The Company discloses the inputs used to develop the fair value measurements for the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as well as the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
Level 2: Quoted prices in inactive markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or other observable inputs either directly related to the asset or liability or derived principally from corroborated observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs due to the fact that there is little or no market activity.
(d) Stock compensation
The Company measures and records the costs of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award, recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for such award. Compensation cost is recognized for awards granted and for awards modified, repurchased or cancelled.
(e) Net loss per share
Basic earnings or loss per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of potential dilutive shares during the period. Potential dilutive shares include outstanding stock options and warrants. For periods in which a net loss is reported, potential dilutive shares are excluded because they are antidilutive. Therefore, basic loss per share is the same as diluted loss per share for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
(f) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance with regard to Development Stage Entities which eliminates the requirement for development stage entities to (1) present inception-to-date information in the statements of income, cash flows, and shareholder equity, (2) label the financial statements as those of a development stage entity, (3) disclose a description of the development stage activities in which the entity is engaged, and (4) disclose in the first year in which the entity is no longer a development stage entity that in prior years it had been in the development stage. The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance effective January 1, 2015. Adoption of this update is expected to affect only the presentation and disclosures of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued a new going concern standard which defines management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Adoption of this update is expected to affect only the presentation and disclosures of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
(g) Subsequent events
The Company evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date of March 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2 — CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT:
The Company has a certificate of deposit in the amount of $1,124,055 pledged as security for a Letter of Credit to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as a reclamation guarantee for the Montanore expansion evaluation program. This certificate matures on January 3, 2016, bears interest at the rate of 0.40% and renews automatically each year. This certificate of deposit is included with reclamation deposits on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
NOTE 3 — AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:
Available-for-sale securities are comprised of common stocks which have been valued using quoted market prices in active markets. The following table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale securities:
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| ||
Cost |
| $ | 11,165 |
| $ | 11,165 |
|
Unrealized Losses |
| (7,718 | ) | (8,698 | ) | ||
Fair Market Value |
| $ | 3,447 |
| $ | 2,467 |
|
NOTE 4 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015, and the fair value calculation input hierarchy level determined to apply to each asset and liability category. Quoted market prices were used to determine the fair value of available-for-sale securities. The Company has no financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| Input |
| ||
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Available-for-sale securities |
| $ | 3,447 |
| $ | 2,467 |
| Level 1 |
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Asset retirement obligation |
| $ | 509,325 |
| $ | 503,279 |
| Level 3 |
|
The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
|
| Asset Retirement Obligation |
| ||||
|
| 2015 |
| 2014 |
| ||
Balance January 1 |
| $ | 503,279 |
| $ | 479,488 |
|
Accretion expense |
| 6,046 |
| 5,760 |
| ||
Balance March 31 |
| $ | 509,325 |
| $ | 485,248 |
|
NOTE 5 — CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK:
The Company maintains most of its cash and cash equivalents in one financial institution. To date, the Company has not experienced a material loss or lack of access to its invested cash or cash equivalents; however, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. The total uninsured bank deposit balance on the Company’s bank statements was approximately $3,560,000 as of March 31, 2015.
NOTE 6 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Shares:
For a description of the public offerings and sales of common stock that occurred prior to 2014, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Preferred Shares:
The Company sold to one investor 4,000 units consisting of one share of the Company’s Series B 6% convertible preferred stock, no par value, and a warrant to purchase the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a stated value of $1,000 per unit. Each share of Series B convertible preferred stock is immediately convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion rate of approximately 1,271 shares of common stock for each share of Series B convertible preferred stock (equivalent to a conversion price of $0.7866 per share of common stock). The conversion rate is subject to downward adjustment upon the Company issuing or selling shares of the Company’s common stock for a per share price less than the applicable conversion rate. The offering yielded gross proceeds, before offering expenses, of $4.0 million (net proceeds of $3.5 million after deducting placement agent and investor fees and expenses and other offering expenses). The preferred stock has no voting rights but will entitle the holders to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per annum per share, payable quarterly. The dividends are payable in either cash or common stock at the
Company’s discretion. As of March 31, 2015, 474 shares of the Series B 6% convertible preferred stock had been converted into 602,592 shares of common stock. Upon the occurrence of certain events the Company believes are within its control, the holders of the preferred shares may have the option to redeem or convert them into common shares or increase the dividend rate to 18% per annum.
Warrants: Each warrant is immediately exercisable and allows the holder to purchase approximately 636 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrants are not listed on a national securities exchange and do not have the rights or privileges of a holder of common stock, including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the warrant. Upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction, as defined in the warrant, the Company or its successor may be required to purchase the unexercised portion of the warrant from the warrant holder. The Company does not currently anticipate that this will occur. The following table summarizes exercise prices and expiration dates of outstanding common stock purchase warrants as of March 31, 2015.
Number of Warrants |
| Exercise Price Per Share |
| Expiration Date |
| |
4,000 |
| $ | 1.0816 |
| November 30, 2018 |
|
Liquidation: Upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of the preferred stock are entitled to receive distributions out of the Company’s assets, whether capital or surplus, before any distributions may be made on any other outstanding classes of stock. The amount received by holders of the preferred stock will be equal to the stated value of $1,000 per share of preferred stock plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, and any other fees or liquidated damages then due and owing.
For a description of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plans, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. A summary of the option activity under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plans as of March 31, 2015, and changes during the period then ended, is presented below:
|
| Number of |
| Weighted- |
| Weighted- |
| Aggregate |
| ||
Outstanding at January 1, 2015 |
| 4,876,000 |
| $ | 1.31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Forfeited or expired |
| (539,000 | ) | $ | 2.48 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Outstanding at March 31, 2015 |
| 4,337,000 |
| $ | 1.16 |
| 3.07 |
| $ | — |
|
Exercisable at March 31, 2015 |
| 3,437,000 |
| $ | 1.30 |
| 2.56 |
| $ | — |
|
The fair value for each option award is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Volatility for the periods presented is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares over the expected life of the option. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The Company does not foresee the payment of dividends in the near term. There were no options granted during the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015 there were no stock options exercised. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were 187,000 stock options exercised with a weighted average exercise price of $0.87 and a total intrinsic value of $67,724.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of March 31, 2015 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:
|
| Number of |
| Weighted- |
| |
Nonvested at January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2015 |
| 900,000 |
| $ | 0.28 |
|
As of March 31, 2015, there was $48,649 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year.
Total compensation costs recognized for stock-based employee compensation awards was $127,800 and $42,805 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These costs were included in general and administrative expenses and technical
services and exploration expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total costs recognized for stock-based compensation awards for services performed by outside parties were $0 and $5,519 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash received from options exercised under all share-based payment arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $0 and $128,250, respectively.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as with the financial statements and related notes and the other information appearing elsewhere in this report. As used in this report, unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “we,” “our,” the “Company” and “us” refer to Mines Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries collectively.
Mines Management, Inc. is an exploration stage company with a large silver-copper project, the Montanore Project, located in northwestern Montana. The Montanore Project continues to be the Company’s main focus. During 2015, the Company has continued to plan for the advanced exploration and delineation drilling program at the Montanore Project, and has continued its pursuit of federal and state agency permitting approvals.
Overview
· The U.S. Forest Service (“USFS”) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (“MDEQ”) provided legal notice to the public on April 1, 2015 announcing the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) and draft Record of Decision (“ROD”). This has initiated an objection and resolution process that should be the final phase of the permitting process.
· The Company continued to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) on the Clean Water Act 404 permitting process. This process will continue concurrently with work on the final EIS and although not required for the final EIS, it is required prior to beginning construction of the tailings impoundment dam.
· In May 2015, the Commissioners appointed by the Federal District Court for the District of Montana to determine just compensation for the Company’s easements across certain unpatented mineral claims in the area of the Montanore Project following the conclusion of the trial in April, 2015, reported that claim-holders have lost no value and thus are due no compensation from the Company. See Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings for further details.
Montanore Permitting and Environmental
Approval by regulatory agencies will be required before the Montanore Project can proceed with exploration and project development. The agencies that are involved with the major permits include the USFS, MDEQ, USACE, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”). There are other permits required, such as water rights, which will involve other agencies.
The permitting process requires completion of the final EIS before a ROD can be issued by the USFS and MDEQ. The final EIS describes various elements of the project, provides analysis of impacts, includes public input, and discloses aspects of the proposed project that were considered by the agencies. The final EIS is used by the State of Montana to support issuance of the other permits. On April 1, 2015, the USFS and MDEQ provided legal notice to the public announcing the availability of the final EIS and draft ROD. Following this public notice, the objection process has commenced. The objection process is a new program replacing the previous USFS appeal program. Under the objection process, individuals or organizations with legal standing can provide the agencies with objections to the draft ROD and their proposed resolutions to address their concern. The Company expects the objection period to conclude in the second half of 2015. At the conclusion of the objection process, the USFS may modify the final EIS and ROD as appropriate and then file a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. This will constitute completion and issuance by the agencies of the final EIS and ROD.
The other major permit required is the 404 permit issued by the USACE under the Clean Water Act. This permit is required when waters of the U.S. are impacted by a proposed action, in this case by the project tailings impoundment. The Company completed a compensatory mitigation plan for aquatic resources affected by the proposed tailings impoundment which was accepted by the USACE as complete during 2014. It is anticipated the USACE will make a permit decision shortly after the final EIS is issued. The State of Montana must certify the USACE Section 404 authorization through the Section 401 certification process before the USACE can issue a permit. The State has been involved throughout the 404 review process and continues to work with the USACE during 2015. The Company expects the 404 permit will be issued subsequent to the issuance of the final ROD.
The MDEQ continues to work on water rights, transmission line permits, and other minor regulatory reviews that will be required to gain approval for the project. Under the State of Montana’s regulations, the Company expects these permits to be issued following issuance of the final EIS and ROD.
Financial and Operating Results
The Company continues to expense all of its expenditures when incurred, with the exception of equipment and buildings which are capitalized. The Company has no revenues from mining operations. Financial results of operations include primarily general and administrative expenses, and permitting, project advancement and engineering expenses.
Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
The Company reported a net loss of $1.5 million for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The most significant differences in operating expenditures between those two quarters include a $0.2 million decrease in depreciation as a result of assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives and limited acquisitions of property and equipment during the past few years; offset by a $0.3 million increase in legal, accounting and consulting fees primarily associated with a litigation matter as described in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings. Other operating expenditures including general and administrative, technical services, and fees, filing and licenses combined for a total decrease of $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the first quarter of 2014. Most of these items did not materially change, however, there were two factors included in general and administrative expenses which did change by a significant amount: (i) an increase in stock based compensation of $0.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, offset by (ii) a decrease in payroll expenditures of $0.1 million resulting from having one less employee during the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the first quarter of 2014.
Liquidity
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the net cash used in operating activities was approximately $1.2 million, which was comparable to the same period in the prior year. Net cash utilized by financing activities during 2015 included approximately $0.1 million cumulative preferred stock dividends paid. This decreased our cash and cash equivalents from $3.9 million at December 31, 2014 to approximately $2.7 million at March 31, 2015. Net cash provided by investing and financing activities amounted to $1.7 million during 2014 and included certificates of deposit maturing and proceeds from common stock options exercised.
We anticipate expenditures of approximately $4.2 million for the final three quarters of 2015, which we expect to consist of approximately $0.9 million each quarter for ongoing operating and general administrative expenses and $0.5 million in each quarter for permitting, environmental, engineering, and geologic studies for the Montanore Project. We do not currently have enough cash on hand to fund ongoing operating expenses as described above through 2015. Additional financing will be required to continue operations as a going concern and to complete the evaluation drilling program and a bankable feasibility study. If we are not successful in raising additional financing, we expect to reduce our activities and our expenditures in 2015 to amounts lower than those described above. If we are successful in raising sufficient additional financing, in addition to the activities described above and providing we receive regulatory approvals, we may engage in additional activities related to the advancement of the Montanore Project in preparation for the evaluation phase.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our cash balances and our long term investment certificates of deposit are denominated in U.S. dollars in local and national banking institutions. We manage the timing of cash required for review of the permitting and engineering of the Montanore Project and for general corporate purposes utilizing our money market account. Our policy is to invest only in government securities rated “investment grade” or better.
The market prices of base and precious metals such as silver and copper fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the control of any mining company. These factors include expectations with regard to the rate of inflation, the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar and other currencies, interest rates, global or regional political, economic or banking crises, and a number of other factors. If the market price of silver or copper should decrease, the value of the Company’s Montanore Project could decline and the Company might not be able to recover its investment in that project. Any determination to develop or construct a mine would be made long before the first revenues from production would be received. Price fluctuations between the time that such decisions are made and the commencement of production could affect the economics of the mine.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Controller and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2015. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed and were effective as of March 31, 2015 to give reasonable assurances that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such
information is also accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
In September 2007, we filed a declaratory judgment action, Mines Management, Inc., Newhi, Inc. and Montanore Minerals Corp. v. Tracie Fus et al., Cause No. DV 07-248 in Montana Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Lincoln County. In this action we sought a Court judgment against certain of the defendants that the unpatented mining claims of such defendants, allegedly located above portions of our Libby adit and overlapping certain of our patented and unpatented mining claims, mill sites and tunnel sites are invalid. The defendants subsequently asserted trespass claims against us relating to our use of certain of our mining claims, mill sites and the adit. The parties participated in a mediation in 2009 which resulted in a settlement with seven of the ten defendants. On March 21, 2013, the Court issued an order (i) enforcing the settlement with seven of the ten defendants, (ii) enjoining us from trespassing on certain mining claims owned by one of the defendants, and (iii) finding that the mining claim of another defendant is valid and superior to certain of our claims. The claims with respect to which we were enjoined from trespass do not overlap the adit. The mining claim that the Court determined was valid and superior to certain of our claims overlaps portions of the adit and portions of certain of our patented claims and unpatented mill sites and tunnel sites. We do not believe that this order affects our ability to use the adit or to conduct exploration and development operations as currently planned once we have obtained the required permits.
The Company appealed to the Montana Supreme Court, Case No. DA 13-0240, certain portions of the order. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Company remanding the case to the District Court with instructions to vacate the injunction and to conduct further proceedings. In January 2014, the Supreme Court reversed the District Court on the basis of lack of findings, existence of an issue of fact, lack of evidence regarding trespass and misplaced reliance on evidence that the District Court relied upon with respect to claim validity.
On remand, the Company filed a motion to substitute the District Court judge, which was denied by the District Court judge. The Company appealed this denial to the Montana Supreme Court. The Company’s appeal was denied in September 2014. No trial date in this matter has been set since the date of this filing.
On June 28, 2013 the Company filed a condemnation action, Montanore Minerals Corp. v. Easements and Rights of Way under through and across those certain unpatented lode mining claims et al., Cause No. CV-00133-DLC, in the United States District Court for the District of Montana, Missoula Division. In this action we sought to acquire easements and rights of way for the Montanore Project including for use of the adit and the construction and use of another underground tunnel and related equipment that are contemplated by the draft environment impact statement for the Montanore Project and other draft permits. The defendants include the defendant in the case referenced in the preceding paragraphs whose claim was determined to be valid and overlaps the existing adit. We filed a motion for a preliminary condemnation order and injunction to obtain immediate access to the easements and rights-of-way and a motion to have the court declare the subject mining claims void for failure to comply with an essential federal filing requirement. The primary defendant filed a motion requesting the court to dismiss without prejudice or stay the condemnation proceeding on abstention grounds and a motion to dismiss one of the two condemnation counts.
On April 29, 2014, the U.S. District Court in Missoula granted the Company’s motion for a preliminary condemnation order, which affirms the Company’s right of access through the Libby adit, and its right to construct another tunnel that is planned in connection with the potential construction of a mine. In addition, the U.S. District Court granted the Company’s motion for a preliminary injunction for immediate right of possession, thereby preserving the Company’s ongoing access through the adit. Our motion to declare the subject mining claims void was denied on abstention grounds. The primary defendant’s motions to dismiss without prejudice or stay the condemnation proceeding on abstention grounds was denied. The primary defendant’s motion to dismiss one of the condemnation counts was denied as moot. The court decisions referenced in this paragraph are subject to appeal. The trial on the compensation phase of the condemnation case was held in April 2015. In their report issued in May 2015, the Commissioners appointed by the court to determine the just compensation for the taking resulting from the court’s preliminary condemnation order concluded that the amount of just compensation to the defendants is $0. The Company expects the Court to provide its final ruling, which could be appealed, in the near term.
On July 10, 2014, Frank R. Wall filed a complaint in the Montana Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Lincoln County, Montana, Frank R. Wall vs. Patent Lode Mining claims HR-133 AND HR 134, et al., arising out of the facts related to the litigation described above and claiming monetary damages, declaratory judgments and other relief. The complaint names the Company and its subsidiaries Newhi, Inc. and Montanore Minerals Corp. as defendants. The Company believes the allegations of the complaint are without merit.
None.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
None.
Exhibit No. |
| Title of Exhibit |
|
|
|
31.1 |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
31.2 |
| Certification of Controller and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
32.1 |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C., 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) (furnished herewith) |
32.2 |
| Certification of Controller and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C., 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) (furnished herewith) |
101.INS |
| XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH |
| XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL |
| XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF |
| XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document |
101.LAB |
| XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE |
| XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| MINES MANAGEMENT, INC. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 15, 2015 | By: | /s/ Glenn M. Dobbs |
|
| Glenn M. Dobbs |
|
| Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 15, 2015 | By: | /s/ Nicole Altenburg |
|
| Nicole Altenburg |
|
| Principal Financial Officer |