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6-K 1 form6k.htm FORM 6-K Austin Gold Corp.: Form 6-K - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of February 2025

Commission File Number: 001-41373

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

1021 West Hastings Street, 9th Floor
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 0C3
(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

☒ Form 20-F  ☐ Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐

Exhibits

99.1 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2024,2023 and 2022
99.2 Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

SIGNATURES

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.

  Austin Gold Corp.
  (Registrant)
     
Date: February 26, 2025 By: /s/ Dennis Higgs
  Name: Dennis Higgs
  Title: President


EX-99.1 2 exhibit99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Austin Gold Corp.: Exhibit 99.1 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024, 2023 AND 2022

(Expressed in United States dollars)


To the shareholders of Austin Gold Corp.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Austin Gold Corp. have been prepared by management which is responsible for the integrity and fairness of the information presented, including responsibility for significant accounting estimates and judgments. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, management designs and maintains the necessary accounting systems and related internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are authorized, assets are safeguarded, and financial records are properly maintained to provide reliable information for the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.

The Board of Directors oversees the responsibilities of management for financial reporting through an Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements and recommends them to the Board of Directors for approval. The Audit Committee meets regularly with management to review internal control procedures and advise directors on auditing and financial reporting matters.

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Manning Elliott LLP on behalf of the shareholders and their report follows.

 

"Dennis Higgs"

 

"Grant Bond"

 

Dennis Higgs

 

Grant Bond

 

President

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

February 25, 2025


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Austin Gold Corp.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Austin Gold Corp. and its subsidiary (the "Company"), as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements").

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 in conformity with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

MANNING ELLIOTT LLP

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

/s/ Manning Elliott LLP

Vancouver, Canada

February 25, 2025

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.


AUSTIN GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Expressed in United States dollars


  Note   December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
ASSETS              
Current assets              
   Cash and cash equivalents 6 $ 381,899   $ 907,551  
   Short-term investments 7   4,914,382     8,618,386  
   Receivables and other 8   116,966     190,564  
      5,413,247     9,716,501  
Non-current assets              
   Marketable securities 9   12,404     7,422  
   Exploration and evaluation ("E&E") assets 10   4,077,474     2,280,490  
   Property and equipment 11   9,745     827  
Total assets   $ 9,512,870   $ 12,005,240  
LIABILITIES              
Current liabilities              
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 12,14 $ 228,698   $ 676,605  
      228,698     676,605  
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY              
   Share capital 13   16,568,175     16,568,175  
   Other reserves 13   3,390,199     2,355,931  
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI")     (574,949 )   (574,949 )
   Deficit     (10,099,253 )   (7,020,522 )
      9,284,172     11,328,635  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 9,512,870   $ 12,005,240  
Nature of operations and going concern 1            
Commitments 18            

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Tom S.Q. Yip"

 

"Joseph J. Ovsenek"

 

Tom S.Q. Yip

 

Joseph J. Ovsenek

 

Chair of the Audit Committee and Director

 

Chairman and Director

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


AUSTIN GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

                  For the year ended  
  Note   December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Administrative expenses                    
   Investor relations and marketing   $ 1,119,666   $ 233,355   $ 145,245  
   Share-based compensation 13,14   911,261     481,394     162,628  
   Management salaries and consulting fees 14   631,476     590,696     616,153  
   Insurance     291,965     360,050     262,315  
   Professional fees     271,551     327,712     296,245  
   Listing and filing fees     68,359     156,758     164,837  
   General and administrative     44,218     17,915     14,961  
   Shareholder information     43,061     50,923     21,995  
   Travel expenses     28,801     17,915     32,388  
   Depreciation 11   2,082     354     527  
Operating loss     (3,412,440 )   (2,237,072 )   (1,717,294 )
Foreign exchange (loss) gain     (5,745 )   4,650     640,324  
Write-off of E&E assets 10   (4,290 )   (2,252,786 )   -  
Unrealized fair value gain (loss)
     on marketable securities
9   4,982     (9,051 )   (174,634 )
Interest and finance income     338,912     493,743     183,213  
Loss before taxes     (3,078,581 )   (4,000,516 )   (1,068,391 )
Current income tax expense 17   (150 )   (155 )   -  
Loss for the year   $ (3,078,731 ) $ (4,000,671 ) $ (1,068,391 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax                    
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to earnings or loss:                    
Currency translation adjustments     -     -     (718,921 )
Comprehensive loss for the year   $ (3,078,731 ) $ (4,000,671 ) $ (1,787,312 )
Loss per share - basic and diluted   $ (0.23 ) $ (0.30 ) $ (0.09 )
Weighted average number of shares     13,271,750     13,271,750     11,985,877  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


AUSTIN GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Expressed in United States dollars

                  For the year ended  
  Note   December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Cash flows used in operating activities                    
   Net loss for the year   $ (3,078,731 ) $ (4,000,671 ) $ (1,068,391 )
   Items not affecting cash:                    
      Current income tax expense 17   150     155     -  
      Depreciation 11   2,082     354     527  
      Interest and finance income     (338,912 )   (493,743 )   (183,213 )
      Share-based compensation 13   911,261     481,394     162,628  
      Unrealized fair value (gain) loss on marketable securities 9   (4,982 )   9,051     174,634  
      Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)     402     (119 )   (678,210 )
      Write-off of E&E assets 10   4,290     2,252,786     -  
   Changes in non-cash working capital items:                    
      Receivables and other     73,598     20,490     (207,210 )
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (23,555 )   44,415     7,423  
   Income taxes paid     (150 )   (155 )   -  
Net cash used in operating activities     (2,454,547 )   (1,686,043 )   (1,791,812 )
Cash flows generated by (used in) investing activities                    
   Expenditures on E&E assets     (2,096,354 )   (1,563,428 )   (1,066,431 )
   Interest received     392,917     524,436     49,156  
   Purchase of property and equipment 11   (11,000 )   -     -  
   Purchase of short-term investments     (7,600,000 )   (13,500,000 )   (14,000,000 )
   Redemption of short-term investments     11,250,000     16,500,000     2,500,000  
Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities     1,935,563     1,961,008     (12,517,275 )
Cash flows generated by financing activities                    
   Proceeds from initial public offering ("IPO") 13   -     -     15,019,000  
   Share issuance costs 13   -     -     (1,165,580 )
Net cash generated by financing activities     -     -     13,853,420  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the year     (518,984 )   274,965     (455,667 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 6   907,551     630,623     1,094,550  
  Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (6,668 )   1,963     (8,260 )
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 6 $ 381,899   $ 907,551   $ 630,623  
Supplemental cash flow information 15                  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


AUSTIN GOLD CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data


  Note   Number of
common
shares
    Share
capital
    Other
reserves
    AOCI     Deficit     Total  
Balance - December 31, 2021     9,517,000   $ 2,714,755   $ 1,624,053   $ 143,972   $ (1,951,460 ) $ 2,531,320  
Shares issued pursuant to IPO 13   3,754,750     15,019,000     -     -     -     15,019,000  
Share issuance costs 13   -     (1,403,797 )   238,217     -     -     (1,165,580 )
Value assigned to share
     options and warrants vested
13   -     -     182,422     -     -     182,422  
Currency translation adjustments     -     -     -     (718,921 )   -     (718,921 )
Loss for the year     -     -     -     -     (1,068,391 )   (1,068,391 )
Balance - December 31, 2022     13,271,750     1$6,329,958   $ 2,044,692   $ (574,949 ) $ (3,019,851 ) $ 14,779,850  
Value assigned to share
     options and warrants vested
13   -     -     549,456     -     -     549,456  
Expiry of warrants     -     238,217     (238,217 )   -     -     -  
Loss for the year     -     -     -     -     (4,000,671 )   (4,000,671 )
Balance - December 31, 2023     13,271,750   $ 16,568,175   $ 2,355,931   $ (574,949 ) $ (7,020,522 ) $ 11,328,635  
Value assigned to share
     options and warrants vested
13   -     -     1,034,268     -     -     1,034,268  
Loss for the year     -     -     -     -     (3,078,731 )   (3,078,731 )
Balance - December 31, 2024     13,271,750   $ 16,568,175   $ 3,390,199   $ (574,949 ) $ (10,099,253 ) $ 9,284,172  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN

(a) Nature of operations

Austin Gold Corp. (the "Company") was incorporated on April 21, 2020, in British Columbia ("BC"), Canada. The Company is a reporting issuer in BC and its common shares are traded on the NYSE American stock exchange under the symbol "AUST". The Company's principal place of business is the 9th Floor, 1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 0C3.

The Company is focused on the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of mineral resource properties primarily in the western United States of America ("USA").

The Company has not yet determined whether its mineral resource properties contain mineral reserves that are economically recoverable. The continued operation of the Company is dependent upon the preservation of its interest in its properties, the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the exploration, evaluation and development of such properties and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of such properties.

(b) Going concern assumption

These consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates that the Company will be able to meet its commitments, continue operations and realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for at least twelve months from December 31, 2024. The Company has incurred ongoing losses and expects to incur further losses in the advancement of its business activities. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $3,078,731 (2023 - $4,000,671) and used cash in operating activities of $2,454,547 (2023 - $1,686,043). As at December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $381,899 (2023 - $907,551), a working capital (current assets less current liabilities) surplus of $5,184,549 (2023 - $9,039,896) and an accumulated deficit of $10,099,253 (2023 - $7,020,522).

The operations of the Company have primarily been funded by the issuance of common shares. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence.

Management estimates its current working capital will be sufficient to fund its current level of activities for at least the next twelve months.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

Statement of compliance and basis of presentation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for financial instruments classified as fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"), which are stated at their fair value.

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 25, 2025.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION

(a) Basis of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and the entity controlled by the Company, its subsidiary, listed in the following table:

Name of subsidiary

Place of
incorporation

Proportion of
ownership interest

Principal activity

Austin American Corporation

Nevada, USA

100%

Holds interests in exploration projects

Control is defined as the exposure, or rights, to variable returns from involvement with an investee and the ability to affect those returns through power over the investee. Power over an investee exists when the Company has existing rights that give the Company the ability to direct the activities that significantly affect the investee's returns. This control is generally evidenced through owning more than 50% of the voting rights or currently exercisable potential voting rights of a subsidiary's share capital. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Intercompany balances and transactions, including any unrealized income and expenses arising from intercompany transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

(b) Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each consolidated entity are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the "functional currency"). The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiary is the United States dollar ("USD"), which is also the Company's presentation currency. References to "$" or "USD" are to United States dollars, while references to "C$" or "CAD" are to Canadian dollars.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses result from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity's functional currency. These gains (losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the date of the initial transactions.

(c) Financial instruments

Financial instruments - Classification

Financial assets are classified at initial recognition as either: measured at amortized cost, FVTPL or fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI"). The classification depends on the Company's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms which give rise to the cash flows.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

For assets measured at fair value, gains (losses) will either be recorded in earnings (loss) or other comprehensive income ("OCI"). For investments in debt instruments, this will depend on the business model for which the investment is held. For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Company has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at FVOCI.

The Company reclassifies debt investments when, and only when, its business model for managing those assets changes.

Financial instruments - Measurement

At initial recognition, the Company measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVTPL are expensed in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.

Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Company's business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the asset. There are three measurement categories into which the Company classifies its debt instruments:

  • Amortized cost - Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortized cost. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at amortized cost and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in earnings (loss) when the asset is derecognized or impaired. Interest income from these financial assets is included in interest and finance income using the effective interest rate method.
  • FVOCI - Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount are taken through OCI, except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses which are recognized in earnings (loss). When the financial asset is derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in OCI is reclassified from equity to earnings (loss) and recognized in other gains (losses). Interest income from these financial assets is included in interest and finance expense using the effective interest rate method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in foreign exchange gain (loss) and impairment expenses in other expenses.
  • FVTPL - Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at FVTPL and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in earnings (loss) and presented net in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss within other gains (losses) in the period in which it arises.

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVTPL are recognized in gain (loss) on change in fair value of financial instruments in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss as applicable.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

Financial instruments - Impairment

An expected credit loss ("ECL") impairment model applies which requires a loss allowance to be recognized based on ECLs. The estimated present value of future cash flows associated with the asset is determined and an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between this amount and the carrying amount as follows: the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to estimated present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate, either directly or through the use of an allowance account and the resulting loss is recognized in earnings (loss) for the period.

In a subsequent period, if the amount of the impairment loss related to financial assets measured at amortized cost decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through earnings (loss) to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized.

Financial instruments - Derecognition

The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash holdings in business and savings accounts held at major financial institutions with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are classified at amortized cost. Interest and finance income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate method.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments comprise term deposits and redeemable short-term investment certificates ("RSTICs") held at major financial institutions with an original maturity date between three and twelve months. Short-term investments are classified at amortized cost. Interest and finance income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate method.

Marketable securities

Marketable securities comprise of common shares of publicly traded companies. Marketable securities are recorded at FVTPL and, accordingly, are recorded on the statement of financial position at fair value. Changes in fair value at each reporting date are included in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss as an unrealized fair value gain (loss) on marketable securities.

Accounts payable

Accounts payable are recognized initially at fair value, net of any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition these financial liabilities are held at amortized cost using the effective interest method.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

(d) Property and equipment

Property and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The initial cost of an asset is comprised of its purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and the estimated future cost of dismantling and removing the asset at the end of its useful life. The purchase price or construction cost is the fair value of consideration to acquire the asset.

Depreciation of property and equipment commences when the asset has been fully commissioned and is available for its intended use. Depreciation is calculated using declining balance rates ranging from 15% to 30% per annum or the straight-line method to allocate cost over the estimated useful lives. Depreciation on assets that are directly related to E&E assets are allocated to that E&E asset.

Depreciation methods and estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually and when facts and circumstances indicate that a review should be performed. Changes in estimates are accounted for prospectively.

An item of property and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain (loss) arising on disposal of the asset, determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

(e) Mineral properties

Mineral properties are measured at cost less accumulated depletion and accumulated impairment losses. Mineral properties include the fair value attributable to mineral reserves and mineral resources acquired in a business combination or asset acquisition, mine development costs and previously capitalized E&E expenditures. Upon commencement of production, a mineral property is depleted using the unit-of-production method. Unit-of-production depletion rates are determined using mineral units mined over the estimated proven and probable mineral reserves of the mine.

(f) E&E assets

All E&E expenditures are capitalized, including the costs of acquiring exploration stage properties, except for E&E expenditures incurred before the Company has obtained legal rights to explore an area, which are expensed.

Exploration expenditures are costs incurred in the initial search for mineral deposits with economic potential or in the process of obtaining more information about existing mineral deposits. Exploration expenditures typically include costs associated with prospecting, sampling, mapping, drilling and other work involved in searching for Mineral Resources, as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

Evaluation expenditures are the costs incurred to establish the technical feasibility and commercial viability of developing mineral deposits identified through exploration activities, business combinations or asset acquisitions. Evaluation expenditures include the cost of: (i) further defining the volume and grade of deposits through drilling of core samples and other sampling techniques, trenching and sampling activities in an ore body or other forms or data acquisition; (ii) determining the optimal methods of extraction and metallurgical and treatment processes; (iii) studies related to surveying, transportation and infrastructure requirements; (iv) permitting activities; and (v) economic evaluations to determine whether development or mineralized material is commercially justified including preliminary economic assessments, pre-feasibility and final feasibility studies.

Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of mineral reserves or mineral resources from a particular mineral property has been determined, expenditures are tested for impairment and reclassified to mineral properties.

The establishment of technical feasibility and commercial viability of a mineral property is assessed based on a combination of factors, including:

  • The extent to which mineral reserves and mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101 have been identified through a feasibility study or similar document;
  • The results of optimization studies and further technical evaluation carried out to mitigate project risks identified in the feasibility study;
  • The status of environmental permits; and
  • The status of mining leases or permits.

(g) Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of assets included in E&E assets and property and equipment are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period or whenever facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If there are indicators of impairment, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of any impairment. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit ("CGU") to which the asset belongs is determined. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is determined as the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. An impairment loss exists if the asset's or CGU's carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount and is recorded as an expense immediately.

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Costs of disposal are incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset. Future cash flows are estimated using the following significant assumptions: mineral reserves and mineral resources, production profile, operating costs, capital costs, commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and discount rates. All inputs used are those that an independent market participant would consider appropriate.

Value in use is determined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from continuing use of an asset or cash generating unit in its present form. These estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or cash generating unit for which estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

Tangible assets that have been impaired in prior periods are tested for possible reversal of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the impairment has reversed. If the impairment has reversed, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount, but not beyond the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in the prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized into earnings (loss) immediately.

(h) Decommissioning and restoration provision

Decommissioning and restoration provisions are recognized when there is a significant disturbance to the areas in which E&E activities have occurred and when the provision can be estimated reliably.

Decommissioning and restoration costs are estimated and discounted to their net present value and capitalized to the carrying amount of the related asset along with the recording of a corresponding liability, as soon as the obligation to incur such costs arises. The discount rate used to calculate the net present value is a pre-tax rate of similar maturity that reflects current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

Each period, the Company reviews cost estimates and other assumptions used in the valuation of the provision to reflect events, changes in circumstances and new information available. The liability is adjusted each reporting period for the unwinding of the discount, changes to the current market-based discount rate and for the amount or timing of the underlying cash flows needed to settle the provision.

(i) Income taxes

Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.

Deferred tax is provided for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Temporary differences are not provided for the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable earnings. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates at the end of the reporting year applicable to the year of expected realization.

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable earnings will be available against which the asset can be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and when the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

(j) Share capital

Common shares are classified as equity. Transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares, share options and warrants are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

3. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

If common shares are issued as consideration for the acquisition of a mineral project, the common shares are measured at their fair value based on the quoted share price of the Company on the date the transaction is executed.

The Company applies the residual value method with respect to the measurement of common shares and warrants issued as a unit for a private placement. The residual value method first allocates value to the more easily measurable component based on fair value (i.e. common shares) and then the residual value, if any, to the less measurable component (i.e. warrants). Any value attributed to the warrants is recorded to other reserves in equity.

(k) Share-based payment transactions

Share options granted under the Company's equity settled share-based option plan are measured at fair value at the date of grant and recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase to other reserves in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal and tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee. Equity settled share-based payment transactions with non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received.

However, if the fair value cannot be estimated reliably, the share-based payment transaction is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument granted at the date the non-employee provides the goods or the services.

Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which relies on estimates of the risk-free interest rate, expected share price volatility, future dividend payments and the expected average life of the options. The fair value determined at the grant date is recognized as an expense over the vesting period in accordance with the vesting terms and conditions (graded vesting method), with a corresponding increase to other reserves in equity.

When share options are exercised, the applicable amounts of other reserves are transferred to share capital.

(l) Loss per share

The Company presents loss per share data, calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is determined by adjusting the loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all potentially dilutive common shares, including share options and warrants.

(m) Related party transactions

Parties are considered related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered related if they are subject to common control or significant influence. A transaction is considered a related party transaction where there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

4. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying its accounting policies. Estimates and policy judgments are regularly evaluated and are based on management's experience and other factors, including expectations about future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Significant accounting policy judgments include:

  • The assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern which requires judgment related to future funding available to identify new business opportunities and meet working capital requirements, the outcome of which is uncertain (refer to Note 1b); and
  • The application of the Company's accounting policy for impairment of E&E assets which requires judgment to determine whether indicators of impairment exist including factors such as the period for which the Company has the right to explore, expected renewals of exploration rights, whether substantive expenditures on further E&E of resource properties are budgeted and evaluation of the results of E&E activities up to the reporting date. Management assessed impairment indicators for the Company's E&E assets and has concluded that no impairment indicators exist as of December 31, 2024.

Significant sources of material estimation uncertainty include:

  • The determination of the fair value of share options issued by the Company (refer to Note 13c).

5. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS

The following standards, amendments and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective:

  • In May 2024, the IASB issued Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7). These amendments updated classification and measurement requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and related disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. The IASB clarified the recognition and derecognition date of certain financial assets and liabilities, and amended the requirements related to settling financial liabilities using an electronic payment system. It also clarified how to assess the contractual cash flow characteristics of financial assets in determining whether they meet the solely payments of principal and interest criterion, including financial assets that have environmental, social and corporate governance ("ESG")-linked features and other similar contingent features. The IASB added disclosure requirements for financial instruments with contingent features that do not relate directly to basic lending risks and costs, and amended disclosures relating to equity instruments designated at FVOCI. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026 with early adoption permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

5. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)

  • In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18, Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements which will replace International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard on presentation and disclosure in financial statements focuses on updates to the statement of profit or loss. The key new concepts introduced in IFRS 18 relate to the structure of the statement of profit or loss, required disclosures in the financial statements for certain profit or loss performance measures that are reported outside an entity's financial statements and enhanced principles on aggregation and disaggregation which apply to the primary financial statements and notes in general. Many of the other existing principles in IAS 1 are retained, with limited changes. IFRS 18 will apply for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027 and also applies to comparative information. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this standard.

There are no other IFRS Accounting Standards or International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee interpretations that are not yet effective or early adopted that are expected to have a significant impact on the Company.

6. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

As at December 31, 2024, the composition of cash and cash equivalents consists of cash in the amount of $381,899 (2023 - $907,551). The Company does not hold any term deposits with an original maturity date of less than three months.

7. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
Term deposits $ 4,150,487   $ 7,084,482  
RSTICs   763,895     1,533,904  
  $ 4,914,382   $ 8,618,386  

As at December 31, 2024, the term deposits mature between January 8, 2025 and August 18, 2025 and the RSTICs mature on July 22, 2025.

8. RECEIVABLES AND OTHER

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
Prepaid expenses and deposits $ 100,898   $ 156,234  
Tax receivables   16,068     34,330  
  $ 116,966   $ 190,564  

  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

9. MARKETABLE SECURITIES

As at December 31, 2024, the Company holds 89,240 common shares (2023 - 89,240; 2022 - 89,240) and nil warrants (2023 - nil; 2022 - 50,000) in URZ3 Energy Corp. ("URZ") (formerly Nevada Exploration Inc. ("NGE")). A continuity of the marketable securities is as follows:

    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Opening balance $ 7,422   $ 16,473   $ 196,847  
Foreign exchange movements   -     -     (5,740 )
Unrealized fair value gain (loss) on marketable securities   4,982     (9,051 )   (174,634 )
Ending balance $ 12,404   $ 7,422   $ 16,473  

On January 7, 2023, the warrants in URZ (formerly NGE) expired unexercised in accordance with the terms of the warrant certificate.

10. E&E ASSETS

The E&E assets of the Company, by project and nature of expenditure, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

    Kelly
Creek
    Lone Mountain     Stockade Mountain     Miller     Fourmile
Basin
    Total  
Balance - December 31, 2022 $ 914,879   $ 350,738   $ 96,046   $ 302,840   $ 704,531   $ 2,369,034  
E&E expenditures:                                    
   Acquisition costs   30,000     72,200     25,000     25,000     -     152,200  
   Assays   6,012     4,385     -     37,722     27,573     75,692  
   Consulting   4,344     99,619     96,567     34,625     22,150     257,305  
   Drilling   -     -     538,627     500,463     108,293     1,147,383  
   Field supplies and rentals   -     867     11,125     3,572     259     15,823  
   Field work   -     17,544     28,535     21,301     12,426     79,806  
   Finders' fees   -     -     -     15,000     -     15,000  
   Geophysics   -     28,250     -     -     -     28,250  
   Government payments   17,558     177,236     46,108     50,131     378     291,411  
   Share-based compensation   16,749     16,749     16,749     14,950     2,865     68,062  
   Travel   622     9,094     8,343     9,864     5,387     33,310  
   Write-off of E&E assets   (353,456 )   -     -     (1,015,468 )   (883,862 )   (2,252,786 )
Total E&E expenditures   (278,171 )   425,944     771,054     (302,840 )   (704,531 )   (88,544 )
Balance - December 31, 2023 $ 636,708   $ 776,682   $ 867,100   $ -   $ -   $ 2,280,490  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

10. E&E ASSETS (Continued)

    Kelly
Creek
    Lone Mountain     Stockade Mountain     Miller     Fourmile Basin     Total  
E&E expenditures:                                    
   Acquisition costs $ 20,000   $ 58,650   $ 51,550   $ -   $ -   $ 130,200  
   Assays   -     78,530     21,101     -     -     99,631  
   Consulting   900     111,893     211,161     900     1,650     326,504  
   Drilling   -     -     543,613     -     -     543,613  
   Field supplies and rentals   -     1,422     81,008     -     735     83,165  
   Field work   -     60,050     64,887     -     -     124,937  
   Geophysics   -     -     3,180     -     -     3,180  
   Government payments   20,923     222,467     83,299     (3 )   170     326,856  
   Share-based compensation   41,002     41,002     41,003     -     -     123,007  
   Technical and assessment reports   -     21,300     -     -     -     21,300  
   Travel   -     7,441     10,602     -     838     18,881  
   Write-off of E&E assets   -     -     -     (897 )   (3,393 )   (4,290 )
Total E&E expenditures   82,825     602,755     1,111,404     -     -     1,796,984  
Balance - December 31, 2024 $ 719,533   $ 1,379,437   $ 1,978,504   $ -   $ -   $ 4,077,474  

Acquisition costs include pre-production payments, lease payments and advanced royalty payments in accordance with the terms of the property agreements.

(a) Kelly Creek Project (Nevada, USA)

The Company entered into an agreement with Pediment Gold LLC ("Pediment"), a subsidiary of URZ (formerly NGE), for an option to earn up to a 70% interest in a joint venture on the Kelly Creek Project.

On June 3, 2024, the Company and Pediment agreed to amend the terms of the option to enter joint venture agreement. Under this third amendment, the Company may exercise the option to earn a 51% interest in the project by incurring a cumulative total of C$2,500,000 (in progress) of E&E expenditures on the project by June 30, 2027. The cumulative total includes E&E expenditures incurred on the project as of June 3, 2024 in the amount of $923,757.

The Company has the option to increase its participating interest by an additional 19% to a total of 70% by incurring an additional C$2,500,000 on E&E expenditures with no time limit, although the Company must continue to pay the underlying property lease payments and the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and county fees to keep the properties subject to the joint venture in good standing.

There are minimum annual royalty payments required by the Company as part of an underlying agreement within the Kelly Creek Project. On June 6, 2024, the Company and Julian Tomera Ranches, Inc. agreed to amend the terms of the mining lease agreement (the "Hot Pot Agreement"). Under this sixth amendment, the Company is subject to the following minimum payments:


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

10. E&E ASSETS (Continued)

September 16, 2021

$30,000

Paid

September 16, 2022

$30,000

Paid

September 16, 2023

$30,000

Paid

September 16, 2024

$20,000

Paid

September 16, 2025

$20,000

 

September 16, 2026

$25,000

 

September 16, 2027

    and every year thereafter

$30,000

 

Any mineral production on the claims is subject to a 3.0% net smelter return royalty which can be reduced to 2.0% upon payment of $2,000,000. The Hot Pot lease and any additional property within 2.5 miles of the original boundary of the claims is also subject to 1.25% net smelter return royalty in favour of Battle Mountain Gold Exploration Corporation.

On June 1, 2023, the Company gave notice to Pediment that it would drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, as permitted by the option to enter joint venture agreement with amendments. The claims dropped represented approximately 60% of the original claim holdings and included the claims under the Genesis agreement. As a result of the termination of certain leases and claim holdings, the Company incurred a write-off of E&E assets of $353,456 which was recorded in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(b) Lone Mountain Project (Nevada, USA)

The Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with an option to purchase the Lone Mountain Project with NAMMCO. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is subject to the following pre-production payments:

Signing of the lease

$80,000

Paid

November 1, 2021

$30,000

Paid

November 1, 2022

$20,000

Paid

November 1, 2023

$20,000

Paid

November 1, 2024

$30,000

Paid

November 1, 2025

    and every year thereafter(1)

$30,000

 

(1) Pre-production payments increase by $10,000 every year after November 1, 2025 to a maximum of $200,000.

The Company is required to incur the following minimum E&E expenditures on the property:

September 1, 2024

$150,000

Completed

September 1, 2025

$250,000

Completed

September 1, 2026

$300,000

In progress

September 1, 2027

$300,000

In progress

September 1, 2028

$400,000

In progress

September 1, 2029(1)

$400,000

In progress

(1) The work commitment terminates when $1,800,000 has been spent on the property.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

10. E&E ASSETS (Continued)

Any mineral production on the claims is subject to a 3.0% net smelter return royalty. The net smelter return royalty can be reduced from 3.0% to 2.5% for $2,000,000. The Company has the option to purchase the entire interest in the project, except for the royalty, once there is a discovery of at least 500,000 ounces of gold (or equivalent in other metals) or a pre-feasibility study has been completed. The Company may exercise this option by payment of $2,000,000, reduced by the pre-production payments paid to the date of purchase.

(c) Stockade Mountain Project (Oregon, USA)

The Company entered into a mineral lease and option agreement with Bull Mountain Resources, LLC ("BMR") to lease a 100% interest in the Stockade Mountain Project. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is subject to the following pre-production payments:

May 16, 2022

$15,000

Paid

November 16, 2022

$10,000

Paid

May 16, 2023

$10,000

Paid

November 16, 2023

$15,000

Paid

May 16, 2024

$15,000

Paid

November 16, 2024

$25,000

Paid

May 16, 2025

$25,000

 

November 16, 2025

    and every six months thereafter

$25,000

 

The Company is required to incur minimum E&E expenditures on the property of $30,000 by May 16, 2023 (completed). On February 28, 2024, the Company executed an amendment to the mineral lease and option agreement with BMR eliminating the requirement of 2,000 meters of drilling by May 16, 2024.

BMR will retain a 2.0% net smelter return royalty on claims owned by BMR and 0.25% net smelter return royalty on third-party claims acquired within the area of influence around the property. Payments to BMR totaling $10,000,000 in any combination of pre-production payments, production or minimum royalties will reduce the production royalties on wholly owned claims from 2.0% to 1.0%.

(d) Miller Project (Nevada, USA)

The Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with an option to purchase the Miller Project with Shea Clark Smith and Gregory B. Maynard on February 1, 2021.

The Miller Project was recommended to the Company by BMR. As a result, the Company was required to make finders' fee payments in accordance with the introductory agent agreement (refer to Note 18).

On December 18, 2023, the Company terminated the mineral lease and option agreement for the Miller Project. As a result of the termination of the mineral lease and option agreement, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a write-off of E&E assets of $897 (2023 - $1,015,468) which was recorded in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

10. E&E ASSETS (Continued)

(e) Fourmile Basin Property (Nevada, USA)

The Company entered into a mineral lease and option agreement with La Cuesta International, Inc. on the Fourmile Basin Property on June 18, 2020.

On April 13, 2023, the Company terminated the mineral lease and option agreement for the Fourmile Basin Property. As a result of the termination of the mineral lease and option agreement, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a write-off of E&E assets of $3,393 (2023 - $883,862) which was recorded in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

(f) Project reclamation requirements

As at December 31, 2024, the Company holds total surety bonds of $38,863 in favour of the BLM and $43,252 in favour of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries in support of the reclamation requirements for its projects.

11. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    Property and
equipment
 
Net book value - December 31, 2021 $ 1,803  
   Depreciation   (527 )
   Movement in foreign exchange   (95 )
Net book value - December 31, 2022   1,181  
   Depreciation   (354 )
Net book value - December 31, 2023 $ 827  
   Additions   11,000  
   Depreciation   (2,082 )
Net book value - December 31, 2024 $ 9,745  

Property and equipment consists of exploration equipment and information technology hardware.

12. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
Trade payables $ 183,717   $ 638,671  
Accrued liabilities   44,981     37,934  
  $ 228,698   $ 676,605  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

13. SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER RESERVES

(a) Share capital

At December 31, 2024, the authorized share capital of the Company consisted of an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value.

On May 6, 2022, the Company issued 3,754,750 shares at $4.00 pursuant to the closing of the Company's IPO for gross proceeds of $15,019,000. Total share issuance costs were $1,165,580. The Company also issued 262,833 underwriter warrants relating to the IPO, which expired unexercised on November 6, 2023 (refer to Note 13d).

(b) Other reserves

The Company's other reserves consisted of the following:

    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Other reserve - Share options $ 3,326,971   $ 2,296,229   $ 1,781,096  
Other reserve - Warrants   63,228     59,702     263,596  
  $ 3,390,199   $ 2,355,931   $ 2,044,692  

(c) Share options

The Company has adopted a stock incentive plan which provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time, in their discretion, grant to its directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, non-transferable equity awards to purchase common shares, provided that the number of common shares reserved for issue does not exceed 3,827,175. Equity awards include share options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent or other stock-based awards.

The term of each share option is set by the Board of Directors at the time of grant but cannot exceed a maximum term of ten years from the date of grant. The exercise price of each share option is set by the Board of Directors at the time of grant but cannot be less than the then market price of common shares.

The following table summarizes the changes in share options for the year ended December 31:

    2024     2023     2022  
    Number of
share options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
    Number of
share options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
    Number of
share options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
 
Outstanding, January 1,   3,463,333   $ 1.06     1,093,333   $ 1.67     716,663   $ 2.37  
    Granted   225,000     1.00     2,370,000     0.77     460,003     0.92  
    Expired   (66,667 )   2.25     -     -     (83,333 )   2.36  
Outstanding, December 31,   3,621,666   $ 1.01     3,463,333   $ 1.06     1,093,333   $ 1.67  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

13. SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER RESERVES (Continued)

The following table summarizes information about share options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2024:

    Share options outstanding     Share options exercisable  
Exercise prices   Number of
share options
outstanding
    Weighted
average years
to expiry
    Number of
share options
exercisable
    Weighted
average
exercise price
 
$0.51 - $1.00   3,055,003     3.62     1,645,003   $ 0.81  
$2.01 - $2.50   566,663     5.16     566,663     2.08  
    3,621,666     3.86     2,211,666   $ 1.14  

The total share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1,030,742 (2023 - $515,133; 2022 - $157,043) of which $907,735 (2023 - $447,071; 2022 - $130,870) has been expensed in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss and $123,007 (2023 - $68,062; 2022 - $26,173) has been capitalized to E&E assets.

The following are the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of share options granted and/or vested for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 using the Black-Scholes pricing model:

      For the year ended
  December 31, December 31, December 31,
  2024 2023 2022
Expected life  5.00 years   5.00 years   5.00 years 
Expected volatility 125.67% 133.51% 143.18%
Risk-free interest rate 3.49% 4.69% 4.09%
Expected dividend yield  Nil   Nil   Nil 
Forfeiture rate  Nil   Nil   Nil 

Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility and expected share option life. Changes in these assumptions would have a significant impact on the fair value calculation.

(d) Warrants

The following table summarizes the changes in warrants for the year ended December 31:

    2024     2023     2022  
    Number of
warrants
    Warrant
reserve
    Number of
warrants
    Warrant
reserve
    Number of
warrants
    Warrant
reserve
 
Outstanding, January 1,   100,000   $ 59,702     362,833   $ 263,596     -   $ -  
Transactions during the year:                                    
Warrants issued - IPO   -     -     -     -     262,833     238,217  
Warrants issued - consultants   -     -     -     -     100,000     25,379  
Value assigned to warrants
     vested - consultants
  -     3,526     -     34,323     -     -  
Warrants expired   -     -     (262,833 )   (238,217 )   -     -  
Outstanding, December 31,   100,000   $ 63,228     100,000   $ 59,702     362,833   $ 263,596  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

13. SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER RESERVES (Continued)

At December 31, 2024, the weighted average exercise price for the outstanding warrants is $0.81 (2023 - $0.81; 2022 - $3.41) and the weighted average remaining life is 0.84 years (2023 - 1.84 years; 2022 - 1.40 years).

On November 1, 2022, the Company issued 100,000 warrants to an investor relations consultant. The warrants vest over tranches at an exercise price of $0.81. The warrants expire on November 1, 2025. The total share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3,526 (2023 - $34,323; 2022 - $26,480) which was expensed in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

On May 6, 2022, the Company issued 262,833 warrants to the underwriters in connection with the IPO. The warrants were exercisable at a price of $4.40 or on a cashless basis for shares at the option of the holder. At issuance, the underwriter warrants were valued at $238,217 using the Black-Scholes pricing model and were recorded as a share issuance cost. The underwriter warrants expired unexercised on November 6, 2023.

The following are the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of warrants issued for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 using the Black-Scholes pricing model:

      For the year ended
  December 31, December 31, December 31,
  2024 2023 2022
Expected life  N/A   N/A   1.91 years 
Expected volatility  N/A   N/A  109.94%
Risk-free interest rate  N/A   N/A  1.42%
Expected dividend yield  N/A   N/A   Nil 
Forfeiture rate  N/A   N/A   Nil 

Warrant pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility and expected share option life. Changes in these assumptions would have a significant impact on the fair value calculation.

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

Key management includes the Company's directors and officers including its President, Vice President ("VP") Exploration, VP Business Development and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO").

Directors and key management compensation is as follows:

                For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Share-based compensation $ 993,611   $ 472,236   $ 136,148  
Management salaries and consulting fees   694,074     544,352     559,591  
Directors' fees   73,647     72,863     44,380  
  $ 1,761,332   $ 1,089,451   $ 740,119  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (Continued)

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's officers incurred $338,837 (2023 - $57,102; 2022 - $50,359) of expenditures in the normal course of business on behalf of the Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred $67,072 (2023 - $69,806; 2022 - $21,149) of expenditures with P2 Gold Inc., a related party of the Company, under a CFO shared-services agreement. These expenditures were expensed under management salaries and consulting fees in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

As at December 31, 2024, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include $32,979 (2023 - $29,855) owed to related parties of the Company for transactions incurred in the normal course of business.

The Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Pediment, a subsidiary of URZ (formerly NGE), for the Kelly Creek Project (refer to Note 10a) and owns 89,240 common shares of URZ (formerly NGE). During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company purchased $11,000 of exploration equipment from URZ (formerly NGE) (refer to Note 11). As at December 31, 2024, the VP Business Development and a director of the Company serve as directors of URZ (formerly NGE). The VP Business Development served as interim Chief Executive Officer of URZ (formerly NGE) from December 31, 2023 to May 13, 2024.

15. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The net change in non-cash items within investing activities included in E&E assets were as follows:

                For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 418,087   $ (532,752 ) $ (37,130 )
Share-based compensation   123,007     68,062     26,173  
  $ 541,094   $ (464,690 ) $ (10,957 )

16. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company has exposure to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk from its use of financial instruments.

This note presents information about the Company's exposure to each of these risks, the Company's objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Company's management of capital. Risk management is the responsibility of management and is carried out under the oversight of and policies approved by the Board of Directors. Material risks are monitored and are regularly discussed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

(a) Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Company's cash flows or value of its financial instruments.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

16. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

(i) Currency risk

The Company is subject to currency risk on financial instruments that are denominated in currencies that are not the same as the functional currency of the entity that holds them. Exchange gains and losses would impact the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss. The Company does not use any hedging instruments to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates.

The Company is exposed to currency risk through cash and cash equivalents, receivables and other, marketable securities and accounts payable and accrued liabilities held in the parent entity which are denominated in CAD.

The following table shows the impact on pre-tax loss of a 10% change in the USD:CAD exchange rate on financial assets and liabilities denominated in CAD, as of December 31, 2024, with all other variables held constant:

Impact of currency rate change on pre-tax loss  
    10% increase     10% decrease  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,957   $ (7,957 )
Receivables and other   1,954     (1,954 )
Marketable securities   1,240     (1,240 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (6,773 )   6,773  

(ii) Interest rate risk

The Company is subject to interest rate risk with respect to its investments in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company's current policy is to invest cash at variable and fixed rates of interest with cash reserves to be maintained in cash and cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity. Fluctuations in interest rates when cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments mature impact interest and finance income earned.

The impact on pre-tax loss of a 1% change in variable interest rates on financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024, with all other variables held constant, would be nominal.

(b) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Company if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its financial assets including cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure:

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 381,899   $ 907,551  
Short-term investments   4,914,382     8,618,386  
  $ 5,296,281   $ 9,525,937  


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

16. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

The Company mitigates its exposure to credit risk on financial assets through investing its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with Canadian Tier 1 chartered financial institutions. Management believes there is a nominal expected credit loss associated with its financial assets.

(c) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities.

The Company has issued surety bonds to support future decommissioning and restoration provisions (refer to Note 10f).

Contractual undiscounted cash flow requirements for contractual obligations as at December 31, 2024 are as follows:

    Carrying
amount
    Contractual
cash flows
    Due within
1 year
    Due within
2 years
    Due within
3 years
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ -   $ -  
  $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ -   $ -  

(d) Capital management

The Company's objectives in managing capital are to safeguard the ability to continue as a going concern and provide financial capacity to meet its strategic objectives. Management monitors the amount of cash and cash equivalents and equity in the capital structure and adjusts the capital structure, as necessary, to continue as a going concern and to support the acquisition, exploration and development of its mineral projects.

The capital structure of the Company consists of equity attributable to common shareholders, comprising of issued share capital, other reserves, AOCI and deficit.

To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue new shares, issue new debt, acquire or dispose of mineral projects to facilitate the management of its capital requirements.

The Company prepares annual expenditure budgets that are reviewed by the Board of Directors. Forecasts are regularly reviewed and updated for changes in circumstances so that appropriate capital allocation, investment and financing decisions are made for the Company.

(e) Fair value estimation

The Company's financial assets and liabilities are initially measured and recognized according to a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

16. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (Continued)

The three levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1:

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2:

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

 

Level 3:

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The following tables present the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level, within the fair value hierarchy. 

As at December 31, 2024         Fair value  
    Carrying
value
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Financial assets                        
   Marketable securities $ 12,404   $ 12,404   $ -   $ -  
  $ 12,404   $ 12,404   $ -   $ -  
                         
As at December 31, 2023         Fair value  
    Carrying
value
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Financial assets                        
   Marketable securities $ 7,422   $ 7,422   $ -   $ -  
  $ 7,422   $ 7,422   $ -   $ -  

The Company's financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

Marketable securities are fair valued at each reporting period using URZ's (formerly NGE's) share price on the TSX Venture Exchange.


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

17. TAXATION

(a) Deferred income taxes

The tax effects of temporary differences between the amounts recorded in the Company's accounts and the corresponding amounts as computed for income tax purposes give rise to deferred income taxes as follows:

          For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Tax loss carry forwards $ 1,813,019   $ 685,368   $ 332,184  
E&E expenditures   (109 )   473,085     3,104  
Share issuance costs   140,213     214,221     288,230  
Marketable securities and other   32,395     32,615     71,464  
Deferred income taxes not recognized   (1,985,518 )   (1,405,289 )   (694,982 )
  $ -   $ -   $ -  

The Company has tax losses in Canada of approximately $4,855,399 (2023 - $2,477,382; 2022 - $1,191,205) expiring in various amounts from 2040 to 2044. The Company has tax losses in the USA of approximately $2,390,768 (2023 - $78,452; 2022 - $50,427). The other temporary differences do not expire under current legislation.

A deferred tax asset has not been recognized in respect of the temporary differences, as it is not probable that sufficient future taxable earnings will be available in the periods when deductions from such potential assets will be realized.

(b) Income tax expense

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount calculated using the Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rates of 27.0% (2023 - 27.0%; 2022 - 27.0%) as follows:

          For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Expected income tax recovery $ (831,217 ) $ (1,080,139 ) $ (288,466 )
Share issuance costs   -     -     (298,176 )
Impact of difference in tax rates and other   5,098     240,010     (10,670 )
Share-based compensation   246,040     129,976     43,910  
Deferred income taxes not recognized   580,229     710,308     553,402  
  $ 150   $ 155   $ -  

For the Company's subsidiary, the USA statutory income tax rate is 21.0% (2023 - 21.0%; 2022 - 21.0%) and the Nevada state statutory income tax rate is nil (2023 - nil; 2022 - nil).


 

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in United States dollars, except for share data

18. COMMITMENTS

The Company executed an introductory agent agreement with BMR (the "BMR Agreement"). Under the BMR Agreement, should a mineral property recommended by BMR be acquired by the Company, the Company shall pay an introductory agent fee as follows:

Within 15 days of acquisition

 

$5,000

6 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

12 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

18 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

24 months after acquisition

 

$7,500

30 months after acquisition

 

$7,500

36 months after acquisition

 

$10,000

42 months after acquisition

 

$10,000

48 months after acquisition

    and every six months thereafter

 

$15,000

If commercial production is achieved on a property recommended by BMR, the Company shall pay a 0.5% net smelter return royalty on all mineral interests acquired within the area of influence of the mineral property. Introductory agent fees and net smelter return royalty payments totaling $1,000,000 paid by the Company will reduce the net smelter return royalty by 50% to 0.25%.

As at December 31, 2024, the BMR Agreement is not in effect for any of the Company's mineral projects.

The BMR Agreement was in effect for the Miller Project, as of February 1, 2021, until the mineral lease agreement was terminated on December 18, 2023. The Company paid a total of $35,000 in introductory agent fees to BMR during that period.

19. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

Exploration and development of mineral projects is considered the Company's single business segment. All of the Company's E&E assets are located in the USA.


EX-99.2 3 exhibit99-2.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 Austin Gold Corp.: Exhibit 99.2 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

AUSTIN GOLD CORP.

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024, 2023 AND 2022


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for Austin Gold Corp., ("Austin Gold", "we", "us", "our" or the "Company") provides information about our performance, financial condition, and future prospects.

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 as publicly filed in Canada on the System for Electronic Data Analysis and Retrieval + ("SEDAR+") website at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the United States of America ("USA") on the EDGAR section of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") website at www.sec.gov.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiary is the US dollar ("USD" or "$"). The presentation currency of the consolidated financial statements is USD. All dollar amounts in this MD&A are expressed in USD, unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise provides. Any reference to Canadian dollars is denoted by "C$" or "CAD".

This MD&A is prepared as of February 25, 2025 and includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking information", "forward-looking statements", and "financial outlook". We direct readers to the "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section included within this MD&A.

Additional information relating to the Company, including our annual report on Form 20-F ("Form 20-F"), dated March 27, 2024, is available in Canada on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and in the USA, on the EDGAR section of the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Austin Gold, together with its subsidiary Austin American Corporation ("Austin NV"), is focused on the exploration of mineral property interests in the southwestern-Great Basin area of the USA.

On April 21, 2020, the Company was incorporated in British Columbia ("BC"), Canada. The wholly-owned subsidiary, Austin NV, was incorporated in Nevada, USA in June 2020.

The Company's common shares are traded on the NYSE American LLC under the symbol "AUST" and the Company is a reporting issuer in BC, Canada. The Company's principal place of business is the 9th Floor, 1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6E 0C3.

For more information about the Company's directors and management team, refer to the Company website at www.austin.gold.


MINERAL PROJECTS

The Company is focused on the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of mineral exploration properties primarily in the western USA. The Company has an option to joint venture the Kelly Creek Project in Humboldt County, Nevada, and has a mineral lease and option agreement on the Stockade Mountain Project in Malheur County, Oregon. At the Lone Mountain Project in Elko County, Nevada, the Company has both a mineral lease and option agreement on portions of the property, and its own unpatented lode mining claims.

The Company engaged Robert M. Hatch (SME-Registered Member) of Volcanic Gold & Silver LLC, 80 Bitterbrush Road, Reno, Nevada, as the Company's Vice President ("VP") Exploration and Qualified Person ("QP") under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and sub-part 1300 of Regulation S-K ("SK 1300") under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to oversee the operations and disclosure for all of the Company's mineral projects.

Below are brief descriptions of the properties. For additional information about the financial terms of the agreements, refer to Note 10 of our annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Kelly Creek Project, Nevada, USA

The Company has an Exploration and Option to Enter Joint Venture Agreement on the Kelly Creek Project, through its subsidiary Austin NV, with Pediment Gold LLC ("Pediment), a subsidiary of URZ3 Energy Corp. ("URZ") (formerly Nevada Exploration Inc. ("NGE")), whereby Austin NV may earn up to a 70% interest in the Kelly Creek Project. The project is located in Humboldt County, Nevada, and is situated on public lands administered by the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and on leased private lands. The Kelly Creek Project comprises 99 unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 2.77 mi2 (7.16 km2) and approximately 5.49 mi2 (14.2 km2) of private land leased by Pediment. Barbara Carroll, C.P.G., as an independent consultant and QP, completed the Kelly Creek Technical Report which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Kelly Creek Basin is situated along the Battle Mountain - Eureka Gold Trend and is bounded by multi-million-ounce gold deposits to the north (Twin Creeks, Getchell, Turquoise Ridge, and Pinson) and south (Lone Tree, Marigold, Trenton Canyon, Converse, Buffalo Valley, Copper Basin, and Phoenix), together representing more than 70 million ounces of gold along the periphery of the Basin. Despite its proximity to significant mineralization, the interior of the Kelly Creek Basin has seen limited systematic exploration activity to date because its bedrock is largely covered by post-mineral volcanic units and post-mineral alluvium.

A significant portion of the Kelly Creek Project lies within and under the Humboldt River and its floodplain, much of which is part of the National Wetlands Inventory managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The full impact of this wetlands designation for this part of the Kelly Creek Project is unknown. A preliminary review of permitting issues in this area indicates that there may be some additional challenges to permit development near the Humboldt River and its associated floodplain.


The Company has engaged professionals to review the geophysical data, the environmental mine permit issues, and to provide target evaluations for the Kelly Creek Project. Exploration work by the Company has included review of technical data, compilation of the exploration data in geographic information system ("GIS") and three dimensional ("3D") programs, review of environmental issues affecting the project, writing of the NI 43-101 report, evaluation of targets, logistical planning of the drilling program, and permitting of drill sites with the BLM.

During the third quarter of 2022, the Company conducted a limited drill program at the Kelly Creek Project to drill test beneath anomalous gold values encountered in shallow historical drill holes in an area of thin Quaternary alluvium cover. The program consisted of a total of 3,485 feet (1,062 meters) of rotary-reverse circulation ("RC") drilling in four holes. Difficult drilling conditions, including large inflows of groundwater, prevented the holes from achieving a targeted depth of 1,500 feet (457 meters). All holes intersected rocks that may host gold mineralization similar to the deposits at the nearby Marigold and Lone Tree mines. The highest gold values returned were 0.087 grams per tonne ("g/t") and 0.056 g/t in five foot (1.5 meter) intervals.

On June 1, 2023, the Company gave notice to Pediment that it will drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, as permitted by the option to enter joint venture agreement with amendments. The claims dropped represented approximately 60% of the original combined land holdings and included the claims under the Genesis agreement. The entire Tomera Ranch private property has been retained. As a result of the termination of certain leases and claim holdings, the Company incurred a write-off of exploration and evaluation ("E&E") assets of $353,456 which was recorded in the statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

On June 3, 2024, the Company and Pediment agreed to amend the terms of the option to enter joint venture agreement. On June 6, 2024, as part of an underlying agreement within the Kelly Creek Project, the Company and Julian Tomera Ranches, Inc. agreed to the amend the terms of the mining lease agreement (the "Hot Pot Agreement"). For further details on the amended terms, refer to Note 10 of our annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

The Company is monitoring nearby competitor activity in this current high gold price environment and continues to determine the best options for further exploration of the Kelly Creek Project.

Lone Mountain Project, Nevada, USA

On November 1, 2020, the Company, through its subsidiary Austin NV, entered into a mineral lease agreement with NAMMCO, a Wyoming General Partnership, for exploration and mining rights on 454 unpatented lode mining claims and six patented mining claims that comprise the Lone Mountain Property, Elko County, Nevada. On August 2, 2022, NAMMCO released its rights to the six patented mining claims and on August 3, 2022, the Company negotiated changes to the lease agreement on the Lone Mountain Project. In November 2023, the Company located additional mining claims at Lone Mountain which are not subject to the NAMMCO mineral lease agreement that brought the total area of the property up to approximately 21.0 mi2 (54.4 km2). In November 2024, the Company located additional mining claims at Lone Mountain which are not subject to the NAMMCO mineral lease agreement. The total area of the property as of December 31, 2024 is now approximately 26.5 mi2 (68.71 km2).


The property is situated in one of the major gold mining centers of Nevada, as it is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of the Carlin cluster of gold deposits and 19 miles (30 kilometers) south of the Jerritt Canyon deposits. Lone Mountain is accessible from the large regional mining hub of Elko by 31 miles (50 kilometers) of highway and 6 miles (10 kilometers) of gravel road.

Modern gold exploration began in 1965 around the time of the original Carlin discovery when Newmont drilled several shallow holes into gold-bearing jasperoids (silica-replaced limestone) on the north flank of Lone Mountain. Beginning in the 1960s, the Lone Mountain Property position was assembled by Kirkwood and Huber (principals of NAMMCO) and then leased to several mining companies over the years.

Geology at the Lone Mountain Project consists of a broadly folded sequence of Paleozoic lithologies that are intruded by a Tertiary age (36-42 Ma) multi-phase intrusive complex. Silurian to Devonian shelf carbonates form the lower plate and Ordovician off-shelf siliciclastic rocks form the upper plate of the low angle Roberts Mountains thrust fault.

Erosion plus basin and range block faulting has created the "Lone Mountain window", which is now a broad, west-plunging antiform with an east-west trending axis. This window is similar to other gold mineralized windows in Nevada such as the Carlin Window - Gold Quarry Mine; Lynn Window - Carlin Mine; Bootstrap Window - Gold Strike Deposit; and Cortez Window - Cortez Hills. It is the lower plate carbonate rocks exposed in the windows that host significant "Carlin-Type" mineralization in these districts. The most intense and potentially most economically significant alteration occurs as jasperoid. Skarn and gossan alteration and mineralization occur close to the intrusive, typically with gold as well as silver and base metals in rocks and soils. The widespread jasperoid development is outboard from the intrusive and commonly is associated with gold and elements typical of Carlin-type sediment-hosted gold deposits (Sb, As, Zn) in the rocks and soils. This district-scale alteration zonation is typical of the Carlin-type districts in Nevada.

Large amounts of data collected by eleven exploration companies and NAMMCO over the past sixty years suggests potential for significant discovery and provides guidelines for future exploration. The Company, in coordination with its consultants, conducted numerous activities to design an initial exploration program for the Lone Mountain Project. These activities included a review of historical technical reports, compilation of exploration data, drafting of property maps and workup of the GIS data, and strategic planning for a forthcoming exploration program.

Although significant historical exploration has been conducted at Lone Mountain, large areas of the project remain untested, or minimally tested, by drilling. Historical soil and stream sediment sampling programs revealed areas with strongly anomalous arsenic, antimony and mercury in structurally complex zones that have not been drilled.

To follow-up and expand on the historical data, the Company has completed a soil and stream sediment sampling program consisting of 2,027 soil and 122 stream sediment samples. Analytical results have been received and are being interpreted by consulting geologists. The results of these sampling programs, combined with historical results and gravity surveys conducted in 2023, will be used for gold deposit targeting.


Stockade Mountain Project, Oregon, USA

On May 16, 2022, the Company entered into a mineral lease agreement with Bull Mountain Resources, LLC ("BMR") for exploration and mining rights on 261 unpatented lode mining claims that comprise the Stockade Mountain Project situated in Malheur County, Oregon. In November 2024, the Company located an additional 77 unpatented lode mining claims which brings the total area of the property to approximately 10.5 mi2 (27.22 km2).

The property is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Burns, Oregon and 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Boise, Idaho in a rural area used for ranching and farming. The high-grade gold/silver Grassy Mountain Gold project, which is currently undergoing permitting for an underground mine and adjacent milling operation, is located in Malheur County about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Stockade Mountain. The nearby community of Burns, Oregon is a commercial center for ranching and farming and can supply the necessary accommodation, food, fuels, supplies, and some of the contractors and workforce for exploration and development.

Historical data generated within the project demonstrates the discovery potential for significant high-grade gold/silver mineralization occurring at shallow depth that may be amenable to underground mining. Stockade Mountain exhibits a classic large gold- and silver-bearing low-sulfidation "hot springs" hydrothermal system associated with rhyolite intrusion and doming that formed along a major NW-trending structural corridor. Gold/silver and high-level mercury mineralization at Stockade is associated with widespread silicification and argillization in a near-surface paleo-hot springs environment. This hydrothermal alteration and mineralization formed in and around rhyolite domes that have intruded gently dipping felsic tuffs. Erosion into the hydrothermal system has been minimal, resulting in the local exposure of probable hydrothermal craters and vents that indicate the paleosurface at the time of hot springs activity. Gold and silver, along with associated elements arsenic, antimony, and mercury, are all strongly anomalous at the surface, however, historical drilling shows that gold and silver values, and their extent, increase significantly with depth below the paleosurface. This is a common characteristic of high-grade gold/silver deposits in similar geological environments, including the previously mentioned nearby Grassy Mountain deposit in Oregon, the Midas, Sleeper, Hollister, National, and Fire Creek mines in Nevada, and numerous analogous deposits elsewhere in the world. The gold/silver veins being targeted at Stockade Mountain would have formed within the vertical zone of vigorous boiling of the hydrothermal fluids, and this is interpreted to have occurred approximately 600 to 1,200 feet (183 to 366 meters) below the surface.

Exploration programs conducted by BHP, Phelps Dodge and Placer Dome in the 1980s and 90s included shallow exploration holes that were drilled for bulk tonnage, open-pit potential, with no efforts to target deeper high-grade gold/silver vein deposits. Many of these short drill holes returned significant lengths of strongly anomalous gold mineralization, including long intercepts of >0.2 g/t of gold. Four holes drilled higher-grade intercepts of:

  • 10 feet (3 meters) averaging 1.1 g/t gold;

  • 5 feet (1.5 meters) @1.14 g/t gold;

  • 15 feet (4.6 meters) averaging 1.1 g/t gold; and

  • 15 feet (4.6 meters) that averaged 1.385 g/t gold.


The property had been dormant since the mid-1990s and was rediscovered by BMR during an eastern Oregon reconnaissance exploration program. There has been a considerable amount of work done on the property in the past and BMR has compiled a large amount of data for Stockade Mountain including:

  • assays for over 1,000 rock samples (includes 128 collected by the vendors and 230 collected by a previous exploration company);

  • approximately 1,000 soil samples (historical data);

  • information for 40 RC drill holes completed by Phelps Dodge, BHP-Utah, Placer Dome, and Carlin Gold;

  • recently completed ground and airborne geophysical surveys; and

  • a largely completed NI 43-101 Technical Report.

The project is an exploration stage project, and there are no known mineral resources or reserves on the project at this time. The Company has initiated a systematic exploration program to include drilling beneath the known high-level gold/silver-bearing stockworks mineralization that will target high grade vein deposits formed deeper into the hydrothermal boiling zone along feeder conduits. Similar to the Company's other projects, Robert M. Hatch conducted data compilation, field review, permitting, and other activities associated with exploration of the Stockade Mountain Project.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received approval from the BLM to build access roads and drill exploration holes to test the above-described targets. Exploration activity in Oregon that creates disturbances also requires approval of an Exploration Permit through the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries ("DOGAMI"), and this permit was approved in the third quarter of 2023. As a result, all permits necessary to construct access roads and initiate drilling were in hand.

On November 2, 2023, the Company announced a diamond drilling program at the Stockade Mountain Project designed to test beneath the known high-level gold/silver-bearing stockworks mineralization for high-grade vein deposits formed deeper in the hydrothermal system. This is the first known use of diamond drilling on the property, which will allow the Company to have a better understanding of the host rocks and mineralization.

The 2023 drilling program began testing what has been historically known as the "Number 9 Vein" area in the central part of the Company's land package. Gold values from surface outcrops of the vein are weak, with a high value of 0.013 g/t. However, the historical drilling indicates that significant thicknesses of stockwork mineralization begin just below the surface and extend at least 1,250 feet (380 meters) eastward from the exposed vein zone and 2,300 feet (700 meters) along strike. The hypothesized high-grade gold/silver veins at Stockade Mountain would have formed within a vertical zone of vigorous boiling of the hydrothermal fluids near the base of and below the stockworks.

The Company's diamond drilling program consisted of three diamond drillholes totaling 2,435.9 feet (742.5 meters). The Company announced the gold assay results from the first two drillholes at its Stockade Mountain Project on January 30, 2024. These holes confirm that the mineralizing system at Stockade Mountain is robust and contains significant gold grades, with the strongest intercept of 8.19 g/t over 4 feet (1.2 meters) and several other gold intercepts of interest. Results from the third and last drill hole of the program, SM-24-04, were announced on March 25, 2024 and include a gold intercept of 9.32 g/t over 2.7 feet (0.82 meters). These results continue to demonstrate the strength of the hydrothermal system and the potential for significant gold mineralization within the project area.


Significant intervals are tabulated in the following table:

Hole ID

From

To

Interval

From

To

Interval

Gold

(ft)

(ft)

(ft)

(m)

(m)

(m)

g/t

SM-23-01

 

 

 

155

293

137.9

47.2

89.3

42.1

0.636

Incl.

161.4

166.4

5

49.2

50.7

1.5

1.713

Incl.

279

283

4

85.0

86.3

1.2

8.19

 

 

308.8

337.2

28.4

94.1

102.8

8.7

0.326

Incl.

308.8

312.1

3.3

94.1

95.1

1.0

2.809

 

 

382.5

386.2

3.7

116.6

117.7

1.1

2.472

SM-23-02

 

 

 

47

63

16

14.3

19.2

4.9

0.368

Incl.

60.3

63

2.7

18.4

19.2

0.8

0.762

 

 

254

273.7

19.7

79.3

83.4

4.1

0.417

Incl.

254

260.3

6.3

77.4

79.3

1.9

0.752

 

 

296.8

304.5

7.7

90.5

92.8

2.3

0.513

 

 

698.5

706.6

8.1

212.9

215.4

2.5

0.752

Incl.

698.5

701.4

2.9

212.9

213.8

0.9

1.276

 

 

769

771.5

2.5

234.4

235.2

0.8

1.718

SM-24-04(1)

 

 

242

245

3.0

73.8

74.7

0.91

0.515

 

607

609.7

2.7

185

185.8

0.82

9.32

 

609.7

612

2.3

185.8

186.5

0.70

1.04

 

654

656

2.0

199.3

200.0

0.61

0.363

 

674.8

678

3.2

205.7

206.7

0.98

0.378

 

712.4

713.9

1.5

217.1

217.6

0.46

1.22

(1) A hole numbered "SM-23-03" was collared in from the same site but drilled to less than 100 feet (30.5 meters) and abandoned. Due to its very close proximity to SM-23-02, SM-23-03 was not sampled.


Drill hole SM-23-01 was designed to confirm the assays and understand the geology in historical rotary RC drill hole STKD-9. That hole intersected 260 feet (79.2 meters) of stockwork veining averaging 0.937 g/t gold from 150 to 410 feet (45.7 - 125 meters). In that same zone, the Company's hole SM-23-01 penetrated 137.9 feet (42.1 meters) with a weighted average of 0.636 g/t gold, essentially confirming the historical drill hole results. The highest-grade interval is 4 feet (1.2 meters) averaging 8.19 g/t. The higher grade and longer overall interval in STKD-9 can be attributed to upgrading of the assays by washing away the clays in the samples by the rotary RC drilling method and therefore biasing the samples with the veining and silicified breccias that would carry the gold values.

Drill hole SM-23-02 was designed to target higher grade mineralization about 330 feet (100 meters) below the stockwork mineralization in SM-23-01 and STKD-9. Although significant stockwork mineralization was penetrated, it is apparent that either the Number 9 Vein as exposed in outcrop is not the main "feeder" for the widespread stockwork mineralization, or it has a dip and/or strike different from what was expected.

SM-24-04 was drilled due north from the site of SM-23-02 at an inclination of -72.5 degrees. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization in the hole are exceptionally strong and the rock is completely oxidized to the bottom of the hole. Although the gold intervals reported above are not interpreted to be the targeted high grade "feeder" veins to the high level stockwork gold mineralization, geological indications are that they may occur at greater depth and in this general area.

Extremely wet and muddy conditions due to significant rain, snow and an unusually warm winter caused substantial difficulties and delays while drilling the third hole. The Company shut down the drill program due to permitting restrictions and excessive disturbance caused by the drilling activity.

Due to the long access roads and the 5-acre disturbance limitation under the BLM Notice level exploration permit, the Company is undertaking a Plan of Operations using an environmental consultant to allow for greater flexibility for drill site locations and access.

The Company is planning an RC drill program to follow-up on gold mineralization encountered during the 2023-2024 winter drilling program. The Company's drilling program will be designed to test beneath known high-level gold/silver-bearing stockwork mineralization for high-grade vein deposits formed deeper in the hydrothermal system. The Company has all permits in place to conduct the program, which will be subject to suitable drill availability and weather.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Total assets

As at December 31, 2024, total assets were $9,512,870, a decrease of $2,492,370 compared to December 31, 2023. The decrease was predominantly due to a decrease in overall liquidity (i.e. cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments) from E&E expenditures and corporate administrative expenses. This was partially offset by an increase in E&E assets in the amount of $1,796,984 from spending on its mineral projects and interest income earned.


For the year ended December 31, 2024, significant expenditures on E&E assets were primarily related to the conclusion of the drill program at the Stockade Mountain Project, additional staking of mineral claims at the Lone Mountain and Stockade Mountain projects and BLM maintenance fees for all three mineral projects.

Total liabilities

As at December 31, 2024, total liabilities were $228,698, a decrease of $447,907 compared to December 31, 2023. The decrease in liabilities was predominantly due to lower trade payables due to the timing of E&E activities on the Company's mineral projects and corporate administrative expenses.

Total shareholders' equity

Total shareholders' equity was $9,284,172, a decrease of $2,044,463 compared to December 31, 2023. Lower shareholders' equity was due to the net loss for the year of $3,078,731 partially offset by the value assigned to share options and warrants vested during the year of $1,034,268.

FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 2024 COMPARED TO 2023

Administrative expenses

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, total administrative expenses were $795,469, a decrease of $7,902 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation, insurance costs and professional fees. This was partially offset by higher investor relations and marketing costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, total administrative expenses were $3,412,440, an increase of $1,175,368 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The increase was due to higher investor relations and marketing, share-based compensation and management salaries and consulting fees. This was partially offset by lower listing and filing fees, insurance costs and professional fees.

Investor relations and marketing

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, investor relations and marketing was $297,997 and $1,119,666 respectively, an increase of $168,742 and $886,311 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2023. The increase was due to increased promotion, social media campaigns and marketing of the Company. In particular, the Company incurred $750,000 related to a direct mail and digital marketing campaign completed by i2i Marketing Group LLC ("i2i").

Share-based compensation

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, share-based compensation expense was $161,872, a decrease of $139,760 compared to the comparable period in 2023.


For the year ended December 31, 2024, share-based compensation expense was $911,261, an increase of $429,867 compared to the comparable period in 2023.

The movement in share-based compensation expense is the result of the timing and number of share options and warrants granted during the periods and the vesting conditions and fair value attributed to those share options and warrants.

Management salaries and consulting fees

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, management salaries and consulting fees were $152,869, a decrease of $10,595 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the weakening Canadian dollar as management salaries and consulting fees are paid in CAD.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, management salaries and consulting fees were $631,476, an increase of $40,780 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher management salaries and consulting fees for its senior executives and increased headcount within the corporate function of the Company. Refer to the "Related Party Transactions and Balances" section of this MD&A.

Listing and filing fees

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, listing and filing fees were $2,485 and $68,359 respectively, a decrease of $319 and $88,399 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease in fees was primarily due to the costs incurred with the NYSE American for the Company's equity incentive plan and F-3 shelf prospectus filings in 2023.

Insurance

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, insurance costs were $67,307 and $291,965 respectively, a decrease of $19,489 and $68,085 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease in insurance costs was due to a lower premium for directors and officers insurance upon renewal of the Company's policy.

Write-off of E&E assets

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a write-off of E&E assets in the amount of $4,290, a decrease of $2,248,496 compared to the comparable period in 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, this was related to reclamation expenditures incurred on the Fourmile Basin and Miller projects. The mineral lease and option agreements on both projects were terminated in 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, this was related to the termination of the Fourmile Basin and Miller project mineral lease and option agreements, in the amount of $1,899,330 and the notice to Pediment that the Company will drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, in the amount of $353,456.


Interest and finance income

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, interest and finance income was $59,170 and $338,912 respectively, a decrease of $67,873 and $154,831 respectively compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower principal amounts invested and lower interest rates on reinvestment of short-term investments. Interest and finance income is primarily earned from the investment in short-term investments at fixed interest rates using the proceeds generated by the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") in May 2022.

Net loss and comprehensive loss

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, net loss and comprehensive loss was $739,893 and $3,078,731 respectively, a decrease of $963,061 and $921,940 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by a lower write-off on E&E assets partially offset by higher corporate administrative expenses and lower interest and finance income.

FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 2023 COMPARED TO 2022

Administrative expenses

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, total administrative expenses were $803,371 and $2,237,072 respectively, an increase of $215,468 and $519,778 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the increase was due to higher share-based compensation and investor relations and marketing partially offset by lower listing and filing fees. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the increase was the result of the Company operating as a publicly listed entity for the entire fiscal year in 2023 compared to the comparable period in 2022, in which the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") in May 2022.

Share-based compensation

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, share-based compensation expense was $301,632 and $481,394 respectively, an increase of $139,004 and $318,766 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. The movement in share-based compensation expense is the result of the timing and number of share options and warrants granted during the periods and the vesting conditions and fair value attributed to those options and warrants.

Insurance

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, insurance costs were $86,796, a decrease of $9,783 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The decrease in insurance costs was due to a lower premium for directors and officers insurance upon renewal of the Company's policy in the second quarter of 2023.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, insurance costs were $360,050, an increase of $97,735 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was due to the premium for directors and officers insurance which was initiated upon completion of the IPO in the second quarter of 2022.


Investor relations and marketing

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, investor relations and marketing was $129,255 and $233,355 respectively, an increase of $108,871 and $88,110 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was due to increased promotion, social media campaigns and marketing of the Company since the listing of the Company's shares on the NYSE American.

Professional fees

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, professional fees were $104,934 and $327,712 respectively, an increase of $8,767 and $31,467 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the annual audit fees.

Management salaries and consulting fees

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, management salaries and consulting fees were $163,464, an increase of $44,158 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher management salaries and consulting fees for its senior executives.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, management salaries and consulting fees were $590,696, a decrease of $25,457 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to performance bonuses received on completion of the IPO in 2022 partially offset by management salaries and consulting fees paid to senior executives and directors which commenced in the second quarter of 2022. Refer to the "Related Party Transactions and Balances" section of this MD&A.

Listing and filing fees

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, listing and filing fees were $2,804 and $156,758 respectively, a decrease of $60,479 and $8,079 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The decrease in fees was primarily due to the costs associated with the IPO in 2022 partially offset by fees, in the amount of $50,000, incurred with the NYSE American for the Company's stock incentive plan.

Write-off of E&E assets

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a write-off of E&E assets in the amount of $1,027,657 and $2,252,786 respectively. This was related to the termination of the Fourmile Basin and Miller project mineral lease and option agreements, in the amount of $1,899,330 and the notice to Pediment that the Company will drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, in the amount of $353,456.


Unrealized fair value loss on marketable securities

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, unrealized fair value loss on marketable securities was $1,489 and $9,051 respectively, a decrease of $13,384 and $165,583 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. The decrease was due to a smaller change in the share price of NGE in which the Company holds 89,240 common shares (post 25:1 share consolidation completed on February 15, 2023).

Foreign exchange gain

For the year ended December 31, 2023, foreign exchange gain was $4,650, a decrease of $635,674 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The decrease in foreign exchange gain was primarily related to the Company's change in functional currency from CAD to USD as of December 31, 2022. The foreign exchange gain in 2022 was primarily related to the translation of USD denominated term deposits as the CAD weakened against the USD.

Interest and finance income

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, interest and finance income was $127,043 and $493,743 respectively, an increase of $60,651 and $310,530 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher interest rates on reinvestment of short-term investments. Interest and finance income is earned from the investment in short-term investments at fixed interest rates using the proceeds generated by the Company's IPO.

Net loss

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, net loss was $1,702,954 and $4,000,671 respectively, an increase of $997,417 and $2,932,280 respectively, compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the write-off of E&E assets, a decrease in foreign exchange gain and higher corporate administrative expenses partially offset by a lower unrealized fair value loss on marketable securities and interest and finance income.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN

Cash flows - 2024 compared to 2023

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used in operating activities were $266,839, a decrease of $159,701 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to changes in non-cash working capital items partially offset by higher corporate administrative costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used in operating activities were $2,454,547, an increase of $768,504 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher corporate administrative costs and changes in non-cash working capital items.


For the three months ended December 31, 2024, cash flows generated by investing activities were $97,825, an increase of $1,929,777 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The increase was due to an increase in the redemption of short-term investments of $1,750,000 and a decrease in expenditures on E&E assets of $238,744 partially offset by a decrease in interest received of $58,967.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows generated by investing activities were $1,935,563, a decrease of $25,445 compared to the comparable period in 2023. The decrease was due to a decrease in the redemption of short-term investments of $5,250,000, an increase in expenditures on E&E assets of $532,926 and a decrease in interest received of $131,519. This was partially offset by a decrease in short-term investments purchased of $5,900,000.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, the Company did not have any cash flows generated by or used in financing activities.

Cash flows - 2023 compared to 2022

For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash flows used in operating activities were $1,686,043, a decrease of $105,769 compared to the comparable periods in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to changes in non-cash working capital items partially offset by higher corporate administrative costs.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, cash flows used in investing activities were $1,831,952, an increase of $2,491,449 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to no redemption of short-term investments during the period (2022 - $2,500,000) and an increase in expenditures on E&E assets in the amount of $52,733. This was partially offset by an increase of interest received in the amount of $75,972.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash flows generated by investing activities were $1,961,008, an increase of $14,478,283 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The increase was due to the redemption of short-term investments of $14,000,000, a decrease in short-term investments purchased of $500,000 and an increase of interest received in the amount of $475,280. This was partially offset by an increase in expenditures on E&E assets in the amount of $496,997.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash flows generated by financing activities were nil, a decrease of $13,853,420 compared to the comparable period in 2022. The Company completed its IPO in 2022 for gross proceeds of $15,019,000, offset by cash share issuance costs of $1,165,580.

Liquidity, capital resources and going concern

The Company has not generated revenue or cash flows from its operations to date. As at December 31, 2024, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $10,099,253 (December 31, 2023 - $7,020,522) since inception and has a working capital (current assets less current liabilities) surplus of $5,184,549 (December 31, 2023 - $9,039,896). The operations of the Company have primarily been funded by the issuance of common shares.


The continuing operations of the Company are dependent upon obtaining necessary financing to meet the Company's commitments as they come due and to finance future exploration, evaluation and development of mineral interests, secure and maintain title to properties, and upon future profitable production.

Management regularly reviews the current Company capital structure and updates its expenditure budgets and forecasts as necessary, to determine whether or not new financing will need to be obtained, and what type of financing is appropriate given the changing market conditions.

Management estimates its current working capital will be sufficient to fund its current level of activities for at least the next twelve months.

COMMITMENTS

The Company is required to make pre-production, lease and/or advanced royalty payments on each of its projects to keep agreements in good standing. In addition, for the Kelly Creek and Lone Mountain projects, the Company is required to incur E&E expenditures (i.e. work commitments) under those respective agreements. For details of these commitments, refer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Introductory Agent Agreement

The Company executed an introductory agent agreement with BMR (the "BMR Agreement"). Under the BMR Agreement, should a mineral property recommended by BMR be acquired by the Company, the Company shall pay an introductory agent fee as follows:

Within 15 days of acquisition

 

$5,000

6 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

12 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

18 months after acquisition

 

$5,000

24 months after acquisition

 

$7,500

30 months after acquisition

 

$7,500

36 months after acquisition

 

$10,000

42 months after acquisition

 

$10,000

48 months after acquisition and every six months thereafter

 

$15,000

If commercial production is achieved on a property recommended by BMR, the Company shall pay a 0.5% net smelter return royalty on all mineral interests acquired within the area of influence of the mineral property. Introductory agent fees and net smelter return royalty payments totaling $1,000,000 paid by the Company will reduce the net smelter return royalty by 50% to 0.25%.

As at December 31, 2024, the BMR Agreement is not in effect for any of the Company's mineral projects.


The BMR Agreement was in effect for the Miller Project, as of February 1, 2021, until the mineral lease agreement was terminated on December 18, 2023. The Company paid a total of $35,000 in introductory agent fees to BMR during that period.

Source of funds

The net proceeds of the Company's IPO, together with the Company's working capital balance represent the expected source of funds to meet these capital expenditure commitments.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA

As at February 25, 2025, the Company had the following number of securities outstanding:

  Number of
securities
Exercise
price ($)
Weighted average
remaining life (years)
       
Common shares 13,271,750  -   -  
Share options 3,621,666 $0.77 - $2.11 3.70
Warrants 100,000 0.81 0.68
  16,993,416    

SUMMARY OF ANNUAL RESULTS

The following table contains selected annual financial information derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are reported under IFRS.

    For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
Revenue $ -   $ -   $ -  
Net loss   (3,078,731 )   (4,000,671 )   (1,068,391 )
Net comprehensive loss   (3,078,731 )   (4,000,671 )   (1,787,312 )
Loss per share - basic and diluted   (0.23 )   (0.30 )   (0.09 )
Cash and cash equivalents   381,899     907,551     630,623  
E&E assets   4,077,474     2,280,490     2,369,034  
Total assets   9,512,870     12,005,240     14,877,675  
Total liabilities   228,698     676,605     97,825  
Cash dividends $ -   $ -   $ -  

The decrease in net loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by a lower write-off on E&E assets partially offset by higher corporate administrative expenses and lower interest and finance income.


The increase in net loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to the write-off of E&E assets. This was related to the termination of the Fourmile Basin and Miller project mineral lease and option agreements, in the amount of $1,899,330 and the notice to Pediment that the Company will drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, in the amount of $353,456.

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table contains selected quarterly financial information derived from our unaudited quarterly condensed interim consolidated financial statements, which are reported under IFRS Accounting Standards applicable to interim financial reporting.

    Q4 2024     Q3 2024     Q2 2024     Q1 2024     Q4 2023     Q3 2023     Q2 2023     Q1 2023  
Revenue $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -  
Net loss   (739,893 )   (948,043 )   (615,126 )   (775,669 )   (1,702,954 )   (292,112 )   (1,519,968 )   (485,637 )
Net comprehensive loss   (739,893 )   (948,043 )   (615,126 )   (775,669 )   (1,702,954 )   (292,112 )   (1,519,968 )   (485,637 )
Loss per share - basic and diluted   (0.06 )   (0.07 )   (0.05 )   (0.06 )   (0.13 )   (0.02 )   (0.11 )   (0.04 )
Cash and cash equivalents   381,899     555,712     1,207,937     1,895,612     907,551     3,164,187     1,644,336     3,877,896  
E&E assets   4,077,474     3,762,497     3,288,375     2,992,169     2,280,490     2,321,334     1,449,230     2,592,426  
Total assets   9,512,870     9,956,783     10,671,539     11,615,894     12,005,240     12,827,223     13,046,516     14,607,969  
Total liabilities   228,698     111,196     86,766     658,539     676,605     135,432     109,134     213,429  
Cash dividends $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -  

The increase in net loss and comprehensive loss in the second and fourth quarter of 2023 were due to the write-off of E&E assets. In the second quarter of 2023, this was related to the termination of the Fourmile Basin Project mineral lease and option agreement, in the amount of $870,202 and the notice to Pediment that the Company will drop certain leases and claim holdings within the Kelly Creek Project, in the amount of $353,456. In the fourth quarter of 2023, this was related to the termination of the Miller Project mineral lease and option agreement, in the amount of $1,015,468.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

Other than disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, the Company does not have any material events after the reporting date to disclose.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

Key management includes the Company's directors and officers including its President, VP Exploration, VP Business Development and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO").

Directors and key management compensation is as follows:

                For the year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023     2022  
                   
Share-based compensation $ 993,611   $ 472,236   $ 136,148  
Management salaries and consulting fees   694,074     544,352     559,591  
Directors' fees   73,647     72,863     44,380  
  $ 1,761,332   $ 1,089,451   $ 740,119  


For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's officers incurred $338,837 (2023 - $57,102; 2022 - $50,359) of expenditures in the normal course of business on behalf of the Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred $67,072 (2023 - $69,806; 2022 - $21,149) of expenditures with P2 Gold Inc., a related party of the Company, under a CFO shared-services agreement. These expenditures were expensed under management salaries and consulting fees in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.

As at December 31, 2024, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include $32,979 (2023 - $29,855) owed to related parties of the Company for transactions incurred in the normal course of business.

The Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Pediment, a subsidiary of URZ (formerly NGE), for the Kelly Creek Project and owns 89,240 common shares of URZ (formerly NGE). During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company purchased $11,000 of exploration equipment from URZ (formerly NGE). As at December 31, 2024, the VP Business Development and a director of the Company serve as directors of URZ (formerly NGE). The VP Business Development served as interim Chief Executive Officer of URZ (formerly NGE) from December 31, 2023 to May 13, 2024.

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE RELATED TO OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

  • On September 23, 2024, the Company announced the passing of Benjamin Leboe, a director of the Company.
  • On September 20, 2024, the Company announced the appointment of Sandra MacKay to the Board of Directors.
  • On October 11, 2023, the Company announced that Kenneth McNaughton resigned as VP Exploration and will continue to serve as a director. Robert M. Hatch was appointed VP Exploration.
  • On August 10, 2023, the Company announced that Darcy Higgs resigned as Corporate Secretary of the Company and took the role of VP Business Development. Donna Moroney was appointed Corporate Secretary.

NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There were no new accounting policies adopted during the year ended December 31, 2024.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our material accounting policy information is presented in Note 3 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, changes in accounting policies include the change in the Company's approach to foreign currency translation.


Functional currency

Items included in the financial statements of each consolidated entity are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the "functional currency").

For the parent entity, with the completion of the IPO on the NYSE American stock exchange, future equity financings are expected to generate proceeds denominated in USD. In addition, E&E expenditures and administrative costs incurred to conduct business activities are primarily denominated in USD. As a result of these changes in underlying transactions, events and circumstances, the functional currency of the parent entity was reassessed. The functional currency of the parent entity changed from CAD to USD commencing on December 31, 2022. The change in functional currency was accounted for on a prospective basis, with no impact of this change on prior year comparative information. The functional currency of the Company's subsidiary remains the USD.

Presentation currency

On December 31, 2022, the Company elected to change its presentation currency from CAD to USD. The change in presentation currency is to better reflect the Company's business activities and to improve investors' ability to compare the Company's financial results with other USA-listed businesses in the mining industry. The Company applied the change to USD presentation currency retrospectively and restated the comparative financial information as if the new presentation currency had always been the Company's presentation currency.

From December 31, 2022, the USD presentation currency is consistent with the functional currency of the Company. For periods prior to December 31, 2022, the statements of financial position for each period presented have been translated from the CAD functional currency to the USD presentation currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the respective financial position date with the exception of equity items which have been translated at accumulated historical rates from the Company's date of incorporation in 2020. The statements of loss and comprehensive loss were translated at the average exchange rates for the reporting period, or at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of transactions. Exchange differences arising on translation from the CAD functional currency to the USD presentation currency prior to the change in functional currency to USD, have been recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated as a separate component of equity.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS

The following standards, amendments and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective:

  • In May 2024, the IASB issued Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7). These amendments updated classification and measurement requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and related disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. The IASB clarified the recognition and derecognition date of certain financial assets and liabilities, and amended the requirements related to settling financial liabilities using an electronic payment system. It also clarified how to assess the contractual cash flow characteristics of financial assets in determining whether they meet the solely payments of principal and interest criterion, including financial assets that have environmental, social and corporate governance ("ESG")-linked features and other similar contingent features. The IASB added disclosure requirements for financial instruments with contingent features that do not relate directly to basic lending risks and costs, and amended disclosures relating to equity instruments designated at FVOCI. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026 with early adoption permitted. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

  • In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18 - Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements which will replace IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard on presentation and disclosure in financial statements focuses on updates to the statement of profit or loss. The key new concepts introduced in IFRS 18 relate to the structure of the statement of profit or loss, required disclosures in the financial statements for certain profit or loss performance measures that are reported outside an entity's financial statements and enhanced principles on aggregation and disaggregation which apply to the primary financial statements and notes in general. Many of the other existing principles in IAS 1 are retained, with limited changes. IFRS 18 will apply for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027 and also applies to comparative information. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this standard.

There are no other IFRS Accounting Standards or International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee interpretations that are not yet effective or early adopted that are expected to have a significant impact on the Company.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying its accounting policies. Estimates and policy judgments are regularly evaluated and are based on management's experience and other factors, including expectations about future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Significant accounting policy judgments include:

  • The assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern which requires judgment related to future funding available to identify new business opportunities and meet working capital requirements, the outcome of which is uncertain; and
  • The application of the Company's accounting policy for impairment of E&E assets which requires judgment to determine whether indicators of impairment exist including factors such as the period for which the Company has the right to explore, expected renewals of exploration rights, whether substantive expenditures on further E&E of resource properties are budgeted and evaluation of the results of E&E activities up to the reporting date. Management assessed impairment indicators for the Company's E&E assets and has concluded that no impairment indicators exist as of December 31, 2024.

Significant sources of material estimation uncertainty include:

  • The determination of the fair value of share options issued by the Company.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT RISK

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, marketable securities, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The Company has exposure to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk from its use of financial instruments.

(a) Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates will affect the Company's cash flows or value of its financial instruments.

(i) Currency risk

The Company is subject to currency risk on financial instruments that are denominated in currencies that are not the same as the functional currency of the entity that holds them. Exchange gains and losses would impact the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss. The Company does not use any hedging instruments to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates.

The Company is exposed to currency risk through cash and cash equivalents, receivables and other, marketable securities and accounts payable and accrued liabilities held in the parent entity which are denominated in CAD.

(ii) Interest rate risk

The Company is subject to interest rate risk with respect to its investments in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company's current policy is to invest cash at variable and fixed rates of interest with cash reserves to be maintained in cash and cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity. Fluctuations in interest rates when cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments mature impact interest and finance income earned.

(b) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of potential loss to the Company if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its financial assets including cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.


The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure:

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
             
Cash and cash equivalents $ 381,899   $ 907,551  
Short-term investments   4,914,382     8,618,386  
  $ 5,296,281   $ 9,525,937  

The Company mitigates its exposure to credit risk on financial assets through investing its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with Canadian Tier 1 chartered financial institutions. Management believes there is a nominal expected credit loss associated with its financial assets.

(c) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring actual and projected cash flows and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities.

The Company has issued surety bonds to support future decommissioning and restoration provisions.

Contractual undiscounted cash flow requirements for contractual obligations as at December 31, 2024 are as follows:

    Carrying
amount
    Contractual
cash flows
    Due within
1 year
    Due within
2 years
    Due within
3 years
 
                               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ -   $ -  
  $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ 228,698   $ -   $ -  

(d) Fair value estimation

The Company's financial assets and liabilities are initially measured and recognized according to a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

The three levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.


The following tables present the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level, within the fair value hierarchy.

As at December 31, 2024         Fair value  
    Carrying
value
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
                         
Financial assets                        
Marketable securities $ 12,404   $ 12,404   $ -   $ -  
  $ 12,404   $ 12,404   $ -   $ -  
                         
As at December 31, 2023         Fair value  
    Carrying
value
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
                         
Financial assets                        
Marketable securities $ 7,422   $ 7,422   $ -   $ -  
  $ 7,422   $ 7,422   $ -   $ -  

The Company's financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

Marketable securities are fair valued at each reporting period using URZ's (formerly NGE's) share price on the TSX Venture Exchange.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, with the participation of the President and the CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as that term is defined in National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings ("ICFR"). The Company's ICFR is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Any system of ICFR, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management, with the participation of the President and the CFO, assessed the effectiveness of the Company's ICFR as at December 31, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (COSO 2013). Based upon the results of that assessment as at December 31, 2024, management concluded that the Company's ICFR is effective and that there were no material weaknesses relating to the design and operation of the ICFR.

There have been no significant changes in our internal controls during the year ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Disclosure controls and procedures

Management, with the participation of the President and the CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as that term is defined in National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings ("DC&P") and have assessed the effectiveness of such DC&Ps as of December 31, 2024. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the President and the CFO concluded that the Company's DC&Ps were effective: (i) in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the securities legislation; (ii) in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (iii) that there were no material weaknesses relating to the design and operation of the DC&Ps.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks described herein, reference is made to the risks and uncertainties set forth under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Form 20-F filed under the Company's profile in Canada on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and in the USA, on the EDGAR section of the SEC website at www.sec.gov, which risks and uncertainties are incorporated herein by reference. The risks described therein and herein are not the only risks faced by the Company and security holders of the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company, or that the Company currently deems immaterial, may also materially and adversely affect its business. The business and financial condition of the Company could be materially adversely affected by any of the risks set forth in this MD&A, in the Form 20-F, or such other risks. The trading price of the common shares of the Company could decline due to any of these risks and investors could lose all or part of their investment. This MD&A contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by the Company described in this MD&A. No inference should be drawn, nor should an investor place undue importance on, the risk factors that are included in this MD&A as compared to those included in the Form 20-F, as all risk factors are important and should be carefully considered by a potential investor.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this MD&A are forward-looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial or operating performance of the Company and its subsidiary and its mineral projects, the future price of metals, test work and confirming results from work performed to date, the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves, the realization of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future capital, operating and exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, costs and timing of future exploration, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations of insurance coverage. The Company is hereby providing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "may", "is expected to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.


By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks, and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes may not occur or may be delayed. The risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that could influence actual results include, but are not limited to:

  • continued trading of the Company's common shares on the NYSE American;
  • our ability to successfully execute our overall strategy and goals;
  • execution of our exploration and development plans for our mineral projects;
  • our ability to carry out our current planned exploration programs and development plans with our current financial resources;
  • we have a limited operating history and negative operating cash flows;
  • the market price for gold and other minerals may not be sufficiently high to ensure that our planned exploration expenditures will be funded;
  • we may not be able to demonstrate that any of our mineral projects warrant commercial development;
  • we may not be able to access sufficient capital to carry out our business plans, exploration and development plans;
  • our exploration and development costs may be higher than anticipated;
  • our ability to obtain and comply with all required permits, licenses and regulatory requirements in carrying out our exploration and development plans;
  • even if we are successful in demonstrating reserves on any of our properties, our mining projects may not achieve projected rates of production, cash flows, internal rates of return, payback periods or net present values;
  • there may be lack of adequate infrastructure to support our mineral projects;
  • employee recruitment and retention;
  • the risk that title to our material properties may be impugned;
  • environmental risks, including risks associated with compliance with environmental laws and the completion of any required environmental impact assessments or reclamation obligations;
  • economic uncertainties, including changes and volatility in global capital, currency and commodity markets which may impact our ability to raise capital to execute our business, exploration and development plans and the demand for our planned mineral projects;
  • the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic or the emergence of another pandemic or other widespread health emergency;
  • the effects of commodity price fluctuations as a result of international conflicts including the Russian-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts;
  • competition from other mineral exploration and mining businesses;

  • we have not demonstrated that any of our mineral properties contain mineral resources and, even if demonstrated, there is no assurance that any mineral resource estimates will be accurate as to exploration potential and mineral grades;
  • any required change in mineral resource or mineral reserve estimation methodology;
  • changes in the assumptions underlying the mineral resource estimates, which may result in a different (smaller) mineral resource estimate and other related matters;
  • changes in laws and regulations;
  • we may be subject to claims or legal proceedings;
  • the possibility of a conflict of interest arising for certain of our directors and officers;
  • volatility in the market price of the Company's common shares;
  • future sales or issuances of equity securities could decrease the value of the Company's common shares, dilute shareholders' voting power and reduce future potential earnings per share;
  • we intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and do not intend to pay cash dividends on the Company's common shares in the foreseeable future;
  • general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties;
  • the actual results of current and future exploration activities differing from projected results;
  • the inability to meet various expected cost estimates;
  • changes or downgrades in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined;
  • fluctuations in the future prices of metals;
  • possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates below those that are expected;
  • the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs;
  • failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated;
  • accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry;
  • political instability;
  • delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; and
  • global economic risks, including the occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events, such as political unrest, wars, or the emergence of a pandemic or other widespread health emergency, which could create economic and financial disruptions and require us to reduce or cease operations at some or all of our facilities for an indeterminate period of time, and which could have a material impact on our business, operations, personnel, and financial condition.

Such forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking information in this MD&A, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, assumptions relating to:

  • future business and property integrations remaining successful;
  • favorable and stable general macroeconomic conditions;
  • securities markets;
  • spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals and certain other commodities;

  • currency markets (such as the CAD to USD exchange rate);
  • no materially adverse changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments;
  • that various risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding) will not materialize;
  • the ability to complete planned exploration programs;
  • the ability to continue raising the necessary capital to finance operations;
  • the ability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards on favorable terms;
  • that changes to laws and regulations will not impose greater or adverse restrictions on mineral exploration or mining activities;
  • the continued stability of employee relations;
  • relationships with local communities and indigenous populations;
  • that costs associated with mining inputs and labor will not materially increase;
  • that mineral exploration and development activities (including obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities) will be successful;
  • no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • no disruptions or delays due to a USA government shutdown; and
  • the continued validity and ownership of title to properties.

Should one or more of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, or should the risks and uncertainties materialize, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the business of the Company or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.