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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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Commission file number 001-33404

WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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(303) 531-0516

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐  No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐  No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2023 was approximately $42,172,686. Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of March 19, 2024 was 56,901,933 shares.

Documents incorporated by reference:  specified portions of Westwater Resources, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III where indicated.  Westwater Resource, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

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DEFINITIONS

When used in this Form 10-K, the following terms have the meaning indicated unless noted otherwise.

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USE OF NAMES

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “WWR”, “Westwater”, “Corporation”, or the “Company” refer to Westwater Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company changed its name from “Uranium Resources, Inc.” to “Westwater Resources, Inc.” effective August 21, 2017.

CURRENCY

The accounts of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars. All dollar amounts referenced in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projections or estimates contained herein. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the adequacy of funding, liquidity, access to capital, financing activities, the timing or occurrence of any future drilling or production from the Company’s properties, economic conditions, the strategic goals of the business, costs of any phase or operational line at the Kellyton Graphite Plant and its estimated construction and commissioning timelines and completion dates, the start date for the mining of the Coosa Graphite Deposit, and the Company’s anticipated cash burn rate and capital requirements. Words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “forecast,” “potential,” “intend,” “continue,” “project,” “target” and variations of these words, comparable words and similar expressions generally indicate forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others:

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For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see Item 1A. Risk Factors below in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. The forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date of this filing, unless an earlier date is specified.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

STATEMENT REGARDING THIRD PARTY INFORMATION

Certain information provided in this report has been provided to us by third parties or is publicly available information published or filed with applicable securities regulatory bodies, including the SEC and SEDAR. We have not verified, and we are not in a position to verify, and expressly disclaim any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of such third-party information and refer the reader to the information publicly published or filed by the third parties for additional information.

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PART I

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

THE COMPANY

Westwater Resources, Inc., originally incorporated in 1977, is an energy technology company focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite materials since its acquisition of Alabama Graphite Company, Inc. (“Alabama Graphite”) in 2018. Alabama Graphite holds mineral rights to explore and potentially mine the Coosa Graphite Deposit. During 2023, Alabama Graphite Products, LLC (“AGP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwater Resources, continued construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant. In December of 2023, Alabama Graphite completed the Initial Assessment, with Economic Analysis (“IA”), for the Company’s Coosa Graphite Deposit.  The Coosa Graphite Deposit is located near Rockford Alabama at 32 ° 54’ 30” North and 86 ° 24’ 00” West.

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OUR STRATEGY

Our strategy is to increase shareholder value by advancing our battery-grade graphite business through the development of our Kellyton Graphite Plant and future mining development of our Coosa Graphite Deposit. The acquisition of Alabama Graphite in 2018 provides the Company with the opportunity to provide battery-grade graphite products to the growing market for electric vehicles, trucks and buses, consumer electronics, as well as grid-based storage devices.

Our goal for the graphite business is to develop a domestic supply of low-cost, high-quality, and high-margin battery-grade natural graphite products for battery manufacturers. For additional information regarding the Kellyton Graphite Plant see Item 2, Properties.

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Additionally, we hold mineral rights to 41,965 acres for future mining development. The graphite deposit at the Coosa Graphite Deposit is expected to serve as future feedstock for the Kellyton Graphite Plant and provide in-house quality assurance and quality control (“QA/QC”) for raw-material inputs. The Coosa Graphite Deposit also contains vanadium mineral concentrations, which the Company plans to explore and evaluate the technical feasibility of extracting and processing in the future.  Currently, the Company is not including any potential benefit related to vanadium in its economic models or resource estimates.

Our project pipeline is prioritized with a goal of achieving sustainable battery-grade graphite production over time to take advantage of forecasted rising and/or high price environments for battery materials. We may adjust near-term and long-term business priorities in accordance with market conditions.

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We believe our broad base of mining and processing expertise related to graphite, base and precious metals is one of our key competitive advantages. We also believe that Westwater possesses a unique combination of battery-materials knowledge and extensive project-execution experience, coupled with decades of capital markets expertise which makes our business a powerful presence in the new energy marketplace. We intend to advance the Company’s project towards production, while prudently managing our cash and liquidity position for financial flexibility.

KEY BUSINESS AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS IN 2023

Increase in Phase I Planned Production

As of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Westwater has completed a debottlenecking study with its third-party engineering firm resulting in a 67% year-over-year increase in anticipated CSPG production for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  As a result of this study, Westwater now anticipates CSPG production of 12,500 mt per year for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Total estimated construction costs related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant remain at approximately $271 million.

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Customer Engagement Update

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On February 4, 2024, the Company entered into a Products Procurement Agreement (“Procurement Agreement”) with SK On Co., Ltd. (“SK On”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Procurement Agreement, Westwater will supply CSPG natural graphite anode products from its Kellyton Graphite Plant to SK On battery plants located within the U.S. Under the terms of the Procurement Agreement, SK On will be obligated to purchase, on an annual basis, a quantity of Product equal to a percentage of the forecasted volume required by SK On (the “Minimum Purchase Amount”), provided that the Minimum Purchase Amount may be increased from time to time by the mutual agreement of the parties. The forecasted volume required by SK On in the final year of the Procurement Agreement is 10,000 mt of CSPG.  The Procurement Agreement is the result of Westwater and SK On’s collaboration during the year pursuant to the Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) that was executed in the first quarter of 2023.

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Additionally, Westwater has signed general terms and conditions for a supply agreement with a North American automobile manufacturer and is negotiating a possible off-take agreement with this company.

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Westwater continues to engage with these and other potential customers by providing samples of CSPG produced by the Company for testing and evaluation, hosting site tours of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and having technical product development and commercial discussions. Feedback from certain potential customers indicates that Westwater’s material meets their initial specifications, and has resulted in the Company providing additional, or in some cases, larger product samples to these potential customers.  

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Kellyton Graphite Plant – Construction Update

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Construction activities in 2023 consisted of receipt of additional long-lead equipment components, completing the construction of five of six primary plant buildings, and installation of overhead cranes, internal steel, and certain milling and shaping equipment. Westwater has constructed and is currently operating its research and development laboratory (“R&D Lab”). The R&D Lab allows Westwater to continue product development and optimization with potential customers, and to perform additional quality control tests. It also affords greater flexibility to optimize future samples in accordance with customer specifications.

Since inception of the project, and inclusive of liabilities as of December 31, 2023, the Company has incurred costs of approximately $119.2 million related to construction activities for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  While the Company continued construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant during 2023, Westwater has reduced the level of construction activity from anticipated levels, including adjusting the timing of future work, until receipt of the additional funding needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Reducing the level of construction activity until financing is secured is expected to impact the overall schedule to complete Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  The Company expects to provide an update on construction timing once, and if, the additional funding is secured.

Construction Financing Update

Westwater is currently engaged in discussions with several entities related to the financing of the Kellyton Graphite Plant. Issues in the market regarding the availability of critical minerals for battery products and the need for domestically sourced critical minerals, particularly in light of current geopolitical conditions, have helped create increased interest in the Kellyton Graphite Plant by potential financing sources. Westwater believes that the execution of one or more commercial agreements to sell some portion of its anticipated CSPG production, including the Procurement Agreement with SK On, will be a condition precedent to securing the financing needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Even with the execution of commercial agreements to sell some portion of the Company’s anticipated CSPG production, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company.

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Coosa Graphite Deposit

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite, Westwater holds mineral rights across 41,965 acres of the Alabama graphite belt in Coosa County, Alabama. During the fourth quarter of 2023, Westwater completed an IA, with an economic analysis for the Coosa Graphite Deposit.  The IA was completed as a Technical Report Summary (“TRS”) disclosing Mineral Resources, including an economic analysis, for the Coosa Deposit, in accordance with S-K 1300.  The TRS was completed on behalf of Westwater by SLR International Corporation (“SLR”) with an effective date of December 11, 2023, and filed with the SEC on Form 8-K on December 13, 2023. For further information regarding this IA and the Coosa Graphite Deposit, refer to Item 2, Properties, below.

OVERVIEW OF THE BATTERY GRAPHITE INDUSTRY

Graphite is the name given to a common form of the element carbon. Occurring naturally as a mineral in deposits around the world, graphite is used in many industrial applications. These end uses take advantage of graphite’s natural characteristics, which include high lubricity, high resistance to corrosion, the ability to withstand high temperatures while remaining highly stable, and excellent conductivity of heat and electricity.

In recent years, graphite has become an essential component in the production of all types of electrical storage batteries. Graphite’s role will continue to be important as demand for these batteries increases due to the world’s growing electric vehicle and energy-storage needs. Natural battery-grade graphite products are derived from flake graphite that has been transformed through a series of specialty downstream processes into various battery graphite products. These processes include, but are not limited to:

Natural flake graphite is increasingly supplanting or supplementing the use of synthetic graphite in battery applications for cost and performance reasons. Through a series of sophisticated and precise processing steps, flake-graphite concentrates are transformed into high-value end products for the battery industry. Coated spherical purified graphite is used as a graphite anode or anode active material in lithium-ion batteries.

The global battery market demand for natural graphite in 2023 was 237,034 tpa (Benchmark, 2023). The greatest share of this market is made up of two battery-market segments that require advanced battery-grade graphite products:

Graphite is a critical, non-substitutable constituent in these listed battery segments.  According to Benchmark Intelligence, the need for graphite to support the battery market is expected to grow over the next decade.  Total graphite demand is expected to reach approximately 4,480,375 tpa in 2033 with a projected CAGR of 15.5%, of which approximately 1,685,688 tpa is projected to be natural graphite with a projected CAGR of 19.9%.

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Competition between natural and synthetic graphite is expected to continue in lithium-ion batteries with differentiation between the two based on price, performance, and availability.  Common precursor materials in the production of synthetic graphite come from either petroleum needle coke, or coal needle coke. However, synthetic graphite and natural graphite blends are becoming popular choices for electric vehicle applications to optimize performance and cost by taking advantage of each graphite attribute, such as cycle life, energy density, and cost.  Synthetic graphite consumption by anode manufacturers is expected to grow because of the concentration of the graphite industry in China; however, natural flake graphite demand is forecasted to grow at a higher rate because of natural graphite’s higher reversible capacity, lower CO2 footprint and cost efficiencies when compared to synthetic graphite.

Approximately 78% of natural graphite anode global supply comes from China (Benchmark, 2023).  In addition, China is one of the largest global importers of natural graphite flake, relying on less expensive African sources.  Both of these factors cause China to pose a geopolitical risk, particularly to the EU and U.S. regions. China and the United States have imposed tariffs and export controls on critical minerals, including graphite, indicating the potential for further trade barriers between China and the United States. Effective December 1, 2023, China began requiring government approval for exports of two types of graphite products, including high-purity, high-hardness and high-intensity synthetic graphite material and natural flake graphite and its products.  Westwater believes these export restrictions continue to highlight the supply-chain risk for the U.S. and other countries related to natural graphite products and could provide an opportunity for Westwater.

Overall battery consumption is rising at an accelerated growth rate due to recent and robust developments in electric-automobile markets, personal electronic devices, electrical grid storage, and is an enabling technology for wind and solar power installation. The global shift towards low- and zero-emissions vehicles and power sources is expected to drive increasing demand for graphite-battery materials for the foreseeable future. Recent developments in this sector include:

Currently, the primary source of battery-grade graphite is from China, presenting the global battery industry with significant risks, including supply chain management risks, economic risks, geopolitical risks, and environmental sustainability concerns. Also, critical domestic production is lacking in the United States. A Presidential Executive Order signed on September 30, 2020 includes graphite on a list of minerals critical to the safety and security of the United States. With limited current domestic natural graphite production of any kind, the United States is presently required to source most of its battery graphite from China. On February 24, 2021, the President signed another Executive Order that seeks to promote more resilient supply chains, to revitalize and rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity, and maintain America’s competitive edge in research and development. The 2021 Executive Order tasked the Secretary of Energy, as part of a larger study involving several branches of the United States government, to submit a report identifying risks to the supply chain for high-capacity batteries including those that power electric vehicles. On June 8, 2021, the White House released a response to the findings of this study in support of securing an end-to-end domestic supply chain for advanced batteries, including investment in domestic production and processing of critical minerals.

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Key recommendations in the June 8, 2021 release include, among other things, providing funding and financial incentives to encourage consumer adoption of electric vehicles, providing financing to support advanced battery production, and investing in the development of next-generation batteries.

On March 31, 2022, President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to encourage the domestic production of critical materials, including graphite, for advanced batteries for electric vehicles and clean energy storage.  On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”).  This legislation includes an investment of approximately $370 billion in climate programs.  The IRA provides a 10% tax credit for the costs of producing certain critical minerals, including graphite and vanadium.  This credit is eligible for direct pay and is also transferable to unrelated taxpayers.  In addition, a key provision of the IRA that could indirectly benefit the Company is the Clean Vehicle credit.  The IRA eliminates the previous limitation on the number of electric vehicles a manufacturer can sell before the Clean Vehicle credit is phased out or eliminated.  Further, the IRA sets a minimum domestic content threshold for the percentage of the value of applicable critical minerals contained in the battery of the electric vehicles.

On December 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury Department”) published guidance on key requirements for federal clean vehicle tax credits established by the IRA; most significantly, the Treasury Department proposed new regulations to clarify the application of Foreign Entity of Concern (“FEOC”) credit eligibility exclusions. The U.S. Department of Energy simultaneously released companion interpretive regulations regarding the scope and application of FEOC-related restrictions. Most importantly, both sets of guidance identified the People’s Republic of China as an FEOC. These regulations are important because, starting in 2025, any vehicle whose batteries contain critical minerals – including graphite – that were extracted or processed in any way, and to any degree, by an FEOC – including China – will be ruled ineligible for the Clean Vehicle Tax credit of $7,500 under section 30D of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, an FEOC must be excluded from a vehicle battery’s supply chain in order for the vehicle to be eligible for the tax credit. Because Westwater is not an FEOC and intends to produce battery grade graphite for lithium-ion batteries to be used in electric vehicles in the United States, management believes its future production of battery-graphite products will meet the domestic content requirements of the IRA, which we anticipate will provide indirect future benefit to the Company.

The State of Alabama and local municipalities have entered into incentive agreements with the Company for the siting of the Company’s proposed graphite processing plant in Coosa County, Alabama.  The incentive agreements provide certain tax credits and incentives under the Alabama Jobs Act in connection with the construction of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.

Westwater has developed graphite-purification technology and advanced product-development processes designed to meet the demands of potential customers for battery-grade graphite materials. Westwater is developing methodologies and constructing facilities intended to produce high-purity, battery-grade graphite products at its Kellyton Graphite Plant. These products are designed to serve all major battery sectors with an initial focus on supporting the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. In addition, we believe the processes we intend to use are environmentally sustainable and permittable in the United States, where a robust regulatory environment complements our core values to reliably deliver safe, well-made products to our customers.

Westwater has and will continue to support the efforts by the relevant United States governmental agencies, the State of Alabama and local municipalities to ensure that they remain aware of the importance of natural battery-grade graphite, its importance to the nation’s security, and how the Kellyton Graphite Plant and the Coosa Graphite Deposit fit into the critical minerals-equation.

COMPETITION

In the production and marketing of graphite, there are a number of producing entities globally, some of which are government controlled and several of which have significant capitalization.  Nearly all of the global production of uncoated SPG is processed to some degree in China and approximately 78% of natural graphite anode global supply comes from China (Benchmark, 2023).

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With respect to sales of graphite, the Company expects to compete primarily based on price and providing a domestic, IRA-compliant source of CSPG to customers. We intend to market graphite directly to users of the product. We are in direct competition with supplies available from various sources worldwide. We compete with multiple graphite exploration, development and production companies.

WESTWATER’S GRAPHITE BUSINESS

Kellyton Graphite Plant

The Kellyton Graphite Plant has been under construction for over two years.  Under a lease with the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority, AGP holds rights to approximately 70 acres to construct and operate the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  The lease has a term of 10 years, a nominal lease payment, and transfer of title to the land to AGP at the end of the lease term.  Further, the lease provides AGP the option to purchase the land for a nominal amount during the term of the lease.

AGP has also entered into incentive agreements with the State of Alabama and local municipalities for locating the Kellyton Graphite Plant near Kellyton, Alabama.  The incentive agreements provide certain tax credits and incentives under the Alabama Jobs Act in connection with the construction of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.

AGP owns two buildings, adjacent to the Kellyton Graphite Plant, that total approximately 90,000 sq. ft. The build-out of the administrative building was completed in April of 2022 and includes the R&D Lab constructed in 2023.  The other building is being used for the maintenance shop, shipping and receiving and as warehousing space. 

Westwater plans to develop the Kellyton Graphite Plant in two phases (Phases I and II).

Phase I: Based upon the Company’s optimization plan, after testing and commissioning is completed, the Kellyton Graphite Plant is now anticipated to have capacity to produce approximately 26,500 mt per year of two products in the following quantities:

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Phase II: Upon completion of the Phase II expansion, the Kellyton Graphite Plant is now anticipated to have capacity to produce approximately 106,000 mt per year of two products in the following quantities:

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Construction activities for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant began in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will continue in 2024.  While the Company continued construction activities in 2023, Westwater has reduced the level of construction activity from anticipated levels, including adjusting the timing of future work, until receipt of the additional funding needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Reducing the level of construction activity until financing is secured is expected to extend the overall schedule to complete Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  The Company expects to provide an update on construction timing once, and if, the additional funding is secured.  

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Spheroidization, Purification and Post-Processing Activities

The Company will process natural graphite concentrate at the Kellyton Graphite Plant through a combination of sizing, shaping, spheroidization, and classification. Once completed, the purification is expected to be performed using a proprietary purification process that was developed and tested during our pilot program by Dorfner Anzaplan,and other engineering consultants, and internally in our R&D Lab. The process uses a combination of technologies including a caustic bake, acid leach and thermal treatment, a process that allows for a smaller and more sustainable environmental footprint than that of a hydrofluoric acid leaching system, which is widely used by other graphite processing companies. Once the graphite is purified to a minimum graphite carbon content of 99.95%, we then coat the SPG to manufacture the advanced graphite products we intend to sell.

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This unique application process developed by Westwater is the subject of a patent application that has been filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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Westwater currently purchases graphite flake concentrate for the Kellyton Graphite Plant under a supply contract with Syrah Resources Limited. Westwater expects to continue to purchase graphite concentrate from Syrah Resources Limited and/or other sources for the Kellyton Graphite Plant until the Coosa Graphite Deposit is developed and in operation.  Westwater believes its current contract with Syrah Resources Limited provides adequate feedstock supply until then. Currently, the Coosa Graphite Deposit is being evaluated and developed for future mining operations, which will require permitting as well. Development of a mine at the Coosa Graphite Deposit, is expected to serve as an in-house source of graphite feedstock and will provide in-house QA/QC for raw-material inputs.

Coosa Graphite Deposit

Westwater acquired Alabama Graphite in 2018 as part of a strategic decision to refocus the Company to supply battery manufacturers with low-cost, high-quality, and high-margin battery-grade natural graphite products. As part of that transaction, Westwater became the owner of mineral lease rights over the Coosa Graphite Deposit, located near Rockford, Alabama, 50 miles southeast of Birmingham.  For further detail on the Coosa Graphite Deposit refer to Item 2, Properties, below.

Mining Method

The Coosa Graphite Deposit is expected to be mined by conventional small-scale open-pit mining methods.

Concentrate Plant

Mineralized material from the Coosa Graphite Deposit is projected to have an average grade of approximately 3.04% Cg, and is expected to contain impurities consisting of quartz, muscovite, iron oxides and calcite. Most of the impurities are present on the surfaces of the graphite flakes and can be easily removed during a metallurgical process known as flotation. Flotation processing maximizes the removal of these impurities while avoiding degradation of graphite flakes.

Further development work at the Coosa Graphite Deposit is expected to result in the detailed design and construction of a milling and concentration plant.

Products and Business Development

The Company is working to develop products for potential major battery markets. Based on discussions with potential customers, Westwater will focus on the production of ULTRA-CSPG™ and SG Fines during Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant and expects to evaluate the production of additional products in Phase II, subject to market demand and customer interest.

The Company is in active discussions with potential customers, including battery manufacturers and automobile manufacturers, with the goal of executing multi-year supply agreements. To date, the Company has executed a Procurement Agreement with SK On, which resulted from the ongoing collaboration under the JDA that was executed in the first quarter of 2023. The Company has also signed general terms and conditions for a supply agreement with a North American automobile manufacturer and is negotiating with this manufacturer regarding a possible off-take agreement. In addition, the Company has also executed Non-Disclosure Agreements with potential customers and has executed eight letters of intent across multiple product lines, which are subject to customary conditions and quality and packaging specifications to be included in future definitive agreements.  

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Regulation

Graphite extraction and processing is regulated by federal and state governments. Compliance with such regulations has a material effect on the economics of our operations and the timing of project development.

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Our primary regulatory costs have been, and are expected to relate to, obtaining licenses and operating permits from federal and state agencies before the commencement of production activities, as well as the cost for continuing compliance with licenses and permits once they have been issued. The current environmental and technical regulatory requirements for the graphite extraction and processing industry are well established. However, the regulatory process can make permitting difficult and timing unpredictable.

U.S. regulations pertaining to graphite extraction and processing may evolve in the U.S. However, at this time we do not anticipate any adverse impact from these regulations that would be unique to our operations.

Kellyton Graphite Plant

For construction and operations of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, the Company is required to obtain permits related to air emissions, water discharge, storm water drainage, and possibly other regulated waste.  On January 31, 2022, Westwater announced that it had received its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) construction stormwater permit, which was required to commence site grading for the Kellyton Graphite Plant. The NPDES permit has been issued by the State of Alabama under NPDES to ensure Westwater’s construction efforts comply with the Federal Clean Water Act as it relates to regulated disturbances and any stormwater runoff from the Kellyton Graphite Plant site.

In June 2022 and August 2022, the Company received its air permit and its State Indirect Discharge (“SID”) permit for the treatment of wastewater from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, respectively.  Consequently, the Company has all necessary permits to complete the construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.

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Coosa Graphite Deposit

Graphite mining and processing in Alabama requires various permits, including those for any emissions to air, water, or other aspects of the environment.   Permits may be required from the State of Alabama, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other state and federal agencies.  Specifically, to mine the Coosa Graphite Deposit, permits may be required in accordance with the Alabama Surface Mining Act of 1969, which is administered by the Alabama Department of Labor (“DoL”). DoL issues mining permits, ensures that mine sites are properly bonded for reclamation purposes, and makes periodic inspections. The Company is currently in the process of determining which permits are needed as well as the requirements for posting surety obligations or negotiable bonds related to the area to be disturbed.  Future mining operations at the Coosa Graphite Deposit may be subject to the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act process, with potential review by various federal agencies that may include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corp of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, and others.

In Alabama, any surface or groundwater withdrawals are managed through the Alabama Water Use Reporting Program. The Alabama Water Resources Act and associated regulations establish the requirements for water withdrawals. The process begins with the submission of an application form called a “Declaration of Beneficial Use” and other required information to the Office of Water Resources (“OWR”) within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Once application information is reviewed and determined to be complete, OWR will issue a Certificate of Use (“COU”) that lists the applicant’s name and information concerning all registered surface and/or groundwater withdrawal points and their withdrawal information. Entities with a capacity to withdraw more than 100,000 gallons per day are required to register with OWR and obtain a COU. The COU certifies that proposed water use will not interfere with existing water use and is beneficial.  The Company anticipates evaluating the future need for a COU during its development of a detailed mine plan.

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CORE VALUES AND ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”) CONSIDERATIONS

Westwater’s core values incorporate ESG principles and drive our business and operations.  Westwater’s core values are:

The Company works to be a good corporate citizen and to safeguard our employees, operations, neighbors and the local communities in which our employees and stakeholders live and work.

Further, Westwater intends to report its sustainability in accordance with the applicable guidelines established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”).  The SASB is an independent, private sector standards-setting organization dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of the capital markets by fostering high-quality disclosure of material sustainability information.

Environmental Criteria and Actions

The definitive feasibility study (“DFS”) for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant was completed in October 2021. As part of the DFS, we have defined the raw material inputs, energy inputs, product streams, and waste streams, including air, water, solids and heat, for processing our graphite into battery products.  Integrated into these input and output streams, we are defining methods of reducing impacts to our environment, including:

Greenhouse gas emissions: Westwater has completed an initial life cycle assessment (“LCA”) for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, which was prepared assuming that the plant produces the previous estimate of 7,500 mt of CSPG per year. Westwater plans to update the LCA for the higher planned production of 12,500 mt of CSPG per year once the plant is operating. However, based on the initial LCA, the main contributors to CO2 emissions at the Kellyton Graphite Plant are electricity consumption and direct CO2 emission from natural gas combustion. Westwater expects that Phase I will be a “minor source”, as defined by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”), of air emissions with the following criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, lead nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM) in respect to the USEPA’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. All criteria pollutants are projected to be <100 TPY. Additionally, the projected emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are expected to be below the “major source”, as defined by ADEM, threshold of 25 TPY and no single HAP is expected to be above the individual 10 TPY threshold. The Company anticipates that estimated emissions will remain below the major source thresholds when producing 12,500 mt of CSPG per year.

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The expected process to produce battery-grade products for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant will not use hydrofluoric acid (HF), which is widely utilized elsewhere in the industry.  Westwater believes a non-HF process is advantageous because air and water emissions are either eliminated or significantly reduced, and because the chemicals that will be utilized in lieu of HF are non-volatile and will be recycled in part through a closed loop circuit.  The reduced environmental impact associated with operations at the Kellyton Graphite Plant should substantially outweigh any potential advantages (cost footprint) that may exist for the HF process.  The Kellyton Graphite Plant is designed to recycle approximately 90% of the chemicals used in its purification process.  Westwater estimates its process emits approximately 10% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than Chinese natural graphite processing methods, and approximately 44% less GHG emissions than Chinese synthetic graphite processing methods.

Wastewater management: We expect that the Kellyton Graphite Plant will not have surface water connections to waters of the United States, nor are there any such jurisdictional waters of the United States at the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  In August 2022, the Company received its SID permit for the treatment of wastewater from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.  Under the SID, the Company provides an agreed upon wastewater profile to be processed by the local wastewater treatment plant.  The Company plans to pretreat the wastewater from the Kellyton Graphite Plant through recycling, neutralizing and filtering to ensure it meets the requirements under the SID.

Social Criteria and Actions

As part of our Kellyton Graphite Plant design and analysis we are evaluating community needs, with input from the local stakeholders, and our ability to support them – whether in education, infrastructure, or in other ways applicable to community needs.  Through the Alabama Industrial Training (“AIDT”) program, the Company is eligible to receive a cash reimbursement for the design of a customized plan for the recruitment, screening, and training new employees. In addition to the cash reimbursement for training, AIDT offers in-kind services, which includes items such as assistance with a pre-employment selection system, maintenance assessments, safety assistance and training, and robotic and programable logic controller automation training.  

Westwater has held “townhall” meetings with the local community in Coosa County, Alabama, to maintain open and transparent communication as well as to hear and work to address any concerns of the community. Multiple members of the Westwater team have attended meetings to discuss the economic development of the local community. The Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Kellyton Graphite Plant that was attended by state and local government officials and business leaders. The Company has also hosted first responders’ luncheons that have included tours of the Kellyton Graphite Plant for over 100 first responders and local officials to show appreciation to those helping within the local community.

Westwater has a strong history in social license. For instance, the Company has participated in community service projects to help with cleanup of local schools in Coosa County, Alabama. Historically, when the Company had prior operations, it provided scholarships to families within the communities where it had operations.

Westwater Team and Culture (Human Capital)

Our team and culture are keys to our success. Management aims to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.  In August of 2022, Westwater’s Board of Directors adopted a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Policy (“DEIA Policy”). We believe that a diverse workforce provides different viewpoints on business strategy, risk and innovation. We are committed to fostering solid relationships with all members of our workforce based on trust, treating workers fairly, providing them with safe and healthy working conditions and the opportunity to achieve and contribute to their full potential. Our team is defined by a commitment to our mission, vision, and values, which includes providing a great place to work for teammates, being a good neighbor in the communities where we work and live, and being a good steward for our investors.

As of December 31, 2023, 24 people were employed by Westwater.  

Consistent with our core value of safety for each other, Westwater offers employment benefits including medical insurance, paid time off, sick leave, and retirement plans for all teammates, and a bonus structure at all salaried levels of the organization.

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Additionally, we have a history of supporting the professional development of members of our workforce including financial support to those wishing to obtain advance degrees, as well as leadership seminars and training.

Westwater has executed agreements with state and local community organizations to support local surrounding communities. While constructing, equipping, and operating the Kellyton Graphite Plant, the Company gives good-faith consideration to hiring and purchasing from qualified, local contractors and vendors in good standing with the State of Alabama. The Company is committed to recruiting and hiring local workers, and following commencement of operations at the Kellyton Graphite Plant, we are committed to employing not less than 100 full-time employees with a minimum salary requirement.  

Governance Criteria and Factors

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Board of Directors

The Company’s business and affairs are overseen by the Board pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company’s charter documents. Members of the Board are kept informed of the Company’s business through discussions with the President and Chief Executive Officer and key members of management, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in Board and Committee meetings. All members of the Board are elected annually by the stockholders.

Regular attendance at Board meetings and the Annual Meeting of Stockholders is expected of each director. Our Board held nine meetings during 2023. All directors attended all meetings of the Board and applicable Committees held during the period that such director served in 2023. The independent directors met in executive session at several of the Board meetings held in 2023. All of the directors in office at the time attended the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Board Leadership Structure

The Company’s governing documents allow the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to be filled by the same or different individuals. This approach allows the Board flexibility to determine whether the two roles should be separate or combined based upon the Company’s needs and the Board’s assessment of the Company’s leadership from time to time. Currently, Terence J. Cryan serves as Executive Chairman and Frank Bakker serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Safety and Sustainability Committee (previously the Health, Safety, and Environmental Committee)

The Company has a Safety and Sustainability Committee that reports directly to the entire Board of Directors of Westwater.  The Safety and Sustainability Committee held three meetings in 2023.  The Committee’s charter reads, in part:

The Committee’s primary purposes are to:

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Members of the Safety and Sustainability Committee have direct experience in managing ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (“EMS”). These systems are designed to provide for reliable performance in sustainable management of businesses.  The Company is committed to the continual improvement of its EMS, according to compliance obligations, by following the principles and requirements of ISO 14001.  After the completion of our Phase I DFS, management has designed ISO 14001 based management systems to facilitate and govern our environmental performance.  This effort includes the establishment of a preliminary set of metrics for measuring that performance.

Audit Committee

The Company has a separately designated Audit Committee composed solely of independent directors. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2023.

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities are to:

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee held six meetings and had several informal discussions in 2023. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in setting the compensation of the Company’s directors and executive officers and administering and implementing the Company’s incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans.

Nominating and Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held two meetings during 2023, and its duties and responsibilities are to:

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The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board identifies director candidates based on input provided by a number of sources, including members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, other directors, our stockholders, members of management and third parties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not distinguish between nominees recommended by our stockholders and those recommended by other parties. Any stockholder recommendation must be sent to the Secretary of Westwater Resources, Inc. at 6950 S. Potomac Street, Suite 300, Centennial, Colorado 80112, and must include detailed background information regarding the suggested candidate that demonstrates how the individual meets the Board membership criteria discussed below. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also has the authority to consult with or retain advisors or search firms to assist in the identification of qualified director candidates.

As part of the identification process, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into account each candidate’s business and professional skills, experience serving in management or on the board of directors of companies similar to the Company, financial literacy, independence, personal integrity and judgment. In conducting this assessment, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will, in connection with its assessment and recommendation of candidates for director, consider diversity (including, but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, age, experience and skills) and such other factors as it deems appropriate given the then-current and anticipated future needs of the Board and the Company, and to maintain a balance of perspectives, qualifications, qualities and skills on the Board. The Board does not have a formal diversity policy for directors. However, the Board is committed to an inclusive membership. Although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may seek candidates that have different qualities and experiences at different times in order to maximize the aggregate experience, qualities and strengths of the Board members, nominees for each election or appointment of directors will be evaluated using a substantially similar process. Incumbent directors who are being considered for re-nomination are re-evaluated both on their performance as directors and their continued ability to meet the required qualifications.

Board Diversity

Westwater’s Board of Directors is comprised of five directors, three of whom are independent, and currently has diverse gender representation.  In 2021, Westwater was acknowledged by, and received an award from, BoardConnect by the Women’s Leadership Foundation for achieving gender balance on its Board of Directors.  

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our internet website address is www.westwaterresources.net. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge through our website under the tab “Investor” as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. We also make available on our website copies of materials regarding our corporate governance policies and practices, including our Code of Ethics, Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, Audit Committee Charter and Compensation Committee Charter. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain a printed copy of the foregoing materials at no cost by sending a written request to: Westwater Resources, Inc., 6950 S. Potomac Street, Suite 300, Centennial, Colorado 80112, Attention: Information Request, or by calling 303.531.0516. The information found on our internet website is not part of this or any report filed or furnished to the SEC.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business activities are subject to significant risks, including those described below. Every investor or potential investor in our securities should carefully consider these risks. If any of the described risks actually occurs, our business, financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Such risks are not the only ones we face and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business.

Risks Related to Our Business

There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

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The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. This assumes continuing operations and the realization of assets and liabilities in the normal course of business.

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We have incurred significant losses since ceasing production of uranium in 2009 and expect to continue to incur losses as a result of costs and expenses related to maintaining our properties and general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2023, we had net working capital of approximately $3.8 million, cash of approximately $10.9 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $361.0 million. As a result of our evaluation of the Company’s liquidity for the next twelve months, we have included a discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern in our consolidated financial statements, and our independent auditor’s report for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern.” Our capital needs have, in recent years, been funded through sales of our debt and equity securities. In the event that we are unable to raise sufficient additional funds, we may be required to further delay, reduce or severely curtail our operations or otherwise impede our on-going business efforts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, long-term prospects and ability to continue as a viable business.

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Our business could be negatively impacted by inflationary pressures, which may result in increased costs of operations and negatively impact our ability to access capital.

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The U.S. experienced rising inflation in 2022 and 2023 and U.S. inflation is currently at a high level. This inflation has resulted in an increase in our costs for labor, services, and materials. Further, our suppliers face inflationary impacts such as the tight labor market and supply chain disruptions, that could increase the costs to construct and commission the Kellyton Graphite Plant, explore and develop the Coosa Graphite Deposit, and conduct our day-to-day operations. The rate and scope of these various inflationary factors may increase our operating costs materially, which may not be readily recoverable, and have an adverse effect on our costs, operating margins, results of operations and financial condition.

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Further, sustained inflation has caused and may continue to cause the Federal Reserve Board to raise the target for the federal funds rate, which correspondingly causes increased interest rates.  Increased interest rates could have a negative effect on the securities markets generally which may, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to access capital, particularly debt financing, and the market price of equity securities, including the Company’s common stock, which usually decrease as interest rates rise.  To the extent that we access debt financing or issue variable interest rate instruments in the future, any increase in interest rates would increase our cost of borrowing and our interest expense.

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We are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical instability – particularly, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the unrest in the Middle East. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from these conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

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The ongoing military conflicts and geopolitical tensions have caused broad disruption. Although the length, impact and outcome of those conflicts is highly unpredictable, any one of the conflicts could lead to significant market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, higher inflation, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, changes in consumer or purchaser preferences as well as increases in cyberattacks and espionage.

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While we expect any direct impacts to our business to be limited, the indirect impacts on the economy and on the mining industry and other industries in general could negatively affect our business and may make it more difficult for us to raise equity or debt financing. In addition, the impact of other current macro-economic factors on our business, which may be exacerbated by the conflicts including inflation, supply chain constraints and geopolitical events - is likely to have an adverse effect on our business.

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We face a variety of risks related to our planned battery-graphite manufacturing business.

We plan to develop a battery-graphite manufacturing business that produces low-cost, high-quality, and high-margin graphite products for battery manufacturers. The planned battery-graphite manufacturing business is significantly different from our historic mining operations and carries a number of risks, including, without limitation:

Entry into a new line of business may also subject us to new laws and regulations with which we are not familiar and may lead to increased litigation and regulatory risk. Further, our battery-graphite manufacturing business model and strategy are still evolving and are continually being reviewed and revised, and we may not be able to successfully implement our business model and strategy. We may not be able to produce graphite with the characteristics needed for battery production, and we may not be able to attract a sufficiently large number of customers. Although we have gained experience over the past several years, neither the Company nor any member of its management team has directly engaged in producing graphite before, and our lack of this specific experience may result in delays or further complications to the new business. If we are unable to successfully implement our new battery-graphite manufacturing business, our revenue and profitability may not grow as we expect, our competitiveness may be materially and adversely affected, and our reputation and business may be harmed.

In developing our planned battery-graphite manufacturing business, we have and will continue to invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the development of our battery-graphite manufacturing business may not be achieved. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of our new battery-graphite manufacturing business could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The construction and operation of the Kellyton Graphite Plant is subject to delays, cost overruns, and may not produce expected benefits.

Construction projects similar to our plant construction are subject to broad and strict government supervision and approval procedures, including but not limited to project approvals and filings; construction, land and project planning approvals; environment protection approvals; pollution discharge permits; work safety approvals; and the completion of inspection and acceptance by relevant authorities. As a result, construction and operation of the Kellyton Graphite Plant may be subject to administrative uncertainty, fines or the suspension of work on such projects.

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Construction delays related to the Kellyton Graphite Plant or failure to operate the Kellyton Graphite Plant in accordance with agreements with the State of Alabama and local municipalities could result in the loss of otherwise available tax credits and incentives.

Delays or cost overruns could also result from inaccuracies in the estimates and findings in the DFS; difficulties in negotiation of construction contracts; challenges with managing contractors and vendors; subcontractor performance; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters; increased costs, shortages, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor; judicial or regulatory action; nonperformance under construction or other agreements; engineering or design problems; initial production, plant start-up, and operating risks; future pandemic health events; work stoppages; environmental and geological conditions; or challenges with start-up activities and operational performance.  

To the extent we are unable to successfully complete construction on time or at all, our ability to develop the Kellyton Graphite Plant could be adversely affected, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company is not producing any products at a commercial scale at this time. As a result, we do not currently have a reliable source of operating cash. If we cannot successfully transition to commercial scale production of graphite and vanadium, partner with another company that has cash resources, find other means of generating and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business.

We do not have a committed source of financing for the development of our graphite or vanadium projects. While we have spent cash of approximately $113.9 million through December 31, 2023, the remaining capital expenditures to construct Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant are currently estimated at approximately $157.1 million, which amount has increased as a result of the optimization of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and delays in constructing the commercial scale processing facility and other cost overruns may increase that estimate. As of December 31, 2023, we have approximately $10.9 million in cash, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, for the remainder of the amount needed to construct Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant or develop our properties. Our inability to construct the Kellyton Graphite Plant or develop our properties would have a material adverse effect on our future operations.

We have incurred losses and have had no revenue from operations since 2009, and we expect to continue to incur losses until the Kellyton Graphite Plant becomes operational, which is anticipated to occur in 2025 but could be subject to delays. We have no way to generate cash inflows outside of financing activities and we will continue to incur operating losses until we begin graphite and/or vanadium production on a scale sufficient to generate revenue to fund continuing operations, which cannot be assured. Our future production of purified graphite products is dependent on completion of the Kellyton Graphite Plant and successful implementation of graphite purification technology. Our future mining of graphite and vanadium is dependent upon the completion of an evaluation that will assess the amount, location and size of graphite and vanadium concentrations at our Coosa Graphite Deposit. We can provide no assurance that we will successfully produce graphite or vanadium on a commercial scale, that our properties will be placed into production or that we will be able to continue to find, develop, acquire and finance additional mineral resources or reserves. If we fail to reach commercial scale production and cannot find other means of generating revenue other than producing graphite and vanadium and/or access additional sources of private or public capital, we may not be able to remain in business and holders of our securities may lose their entire investment.

Volatility in graphite and vanadium prices may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.

Unless and until the Company produces natural graphite from the Coosa Graphite Deposit, the Company will be exposed to fluctuations in the price of natural flake graphite, which may increase substantially as the demand for graphite increases. In addition, the Company’s graphite and vanadium exploration and development activities may be significantly adversely affected by volatility in the price of graphite or vanadium. The success of our mining operations and ability to achieve positive cash flow is dependent on our ability to develop our properties and then operate them at a profit sufficient to finance further mining activities and for the acquisition and development of additional properties. Any profit will necessarily be dependent upon, and affected by, the long and short-term market prices of graphite and vanadium.

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Mineral prices fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control such as global and regional supply and demand, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, and the political and economic conditions of mineral-producing countries throughout the world. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company’s graphite and vanadium activities not producing an adequate return on invested capital to be profitable or viable. In addition, a significant, sustained drop in graphite and vanadium prices would cause us to recognize impairment of the carrying value of our graphite and vanadium or other assets, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations.

Our operations are subject to environmental risks.

We are required to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements in the United States, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future in connection with the construction and operations at our Kellyton Graphite Plant and Coosa Graphite Deposit. We have expended significant resources, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental protection laws, regulations and permitting requirements, and we anticipate that we will be required to continue to do so in the future. The material environmental laws and regulations within the U.S. include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Land Policy Management Act, National Park System Mining Regulations Act, State Department of Environmental Quality regulations, rules and regulations of the NEPA, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as applicable.

We cannot predict what environmental legislation, regulation or policy will be enacted or adopted in the future or how future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted. The recent trend in environmental legislation and regulation, generally, is toward stricter standards, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. This recent trend includes, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to air and water quality, reclamation, waste handling and disposal, the protection of certain species, the preservation of certain lands, and epidemics and pandemics to the degree they impact us or our activities. These regulations may require the acquisition of permits or other authorizations for certain activities. These laws and regulations may also limit or prohibit activities on certain lands. Compliance with more stringent laws and regulations, as well as potentially more vigorous enforcement policies or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may necessitate significant capital outlays, may materially affect our results of operations and business or may cause material changes or delay to our intended activities.

Our operations may require additional analysis in the future including environmental, cultural and social impact and other related studies. Certain activities require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their directors, officers and employees. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to continue our operation or exploration of our properties or, if feasible, to commence development, construction or operation of production or mining facilities at such properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs. If we are unable to obtain or maintain permits or water rights for development of our properties or otherwise fail to manage adequately future environmental issues, our operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Competition from better-capitalized companies affects prices and our ability to acquire both properties and personnel.

There is global competition for capital, graphite and vanadium customers, and qualified personnel. In the production and marketing of graphite and vanadium, there are a number of producing entities, some of which are government controlled and most of which are significantly larger and better capitalized than we are. Many of these organizations also have substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing and distribution resources than we have.  If we are unable to compete effectively in any of these areas, our ability to operate could be materially and adversely affected.

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Because we have limited capital, inherent manufacturing and mining risks pose a significant threat to us compared with our larger competitors.

Because we have limited capital, we may be unable to withstand significant losses that can result from risks associated with manufacturing and mining activities, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, flooding, earthquake, pandemics, interruptions due to weather conditions and other acts of nature that larger competitors could more easily withstand. Such risks could result in damage to or destruction of our infrastructure and production facilities, as well as to adjacent properties, personal injury, environmental damage and processing and production delays, causing monetary losses and possible legal liability.

We are dependent on experts and subject to workforce factors that could affect operations.

Our business and mineral exploration and processing programs depend upon our ability to employ the services of geologists, engineers and other experts. In operating our business and in order to continue our operations, we compete with other mineral exploration and processing companies and businesses for the services of professionals. Our ability to maintain and expand our business and continue our development of the Kellyton Graphite Plant and the Coosa Graphite Deposit may be impaired if we are unable to continue to engage those parties currently providing services and expertise to us or identify and engage other qualified personnel to do so in their place.

We must attract, train and retain a workforce to meet future needs for the development of the Kellyton Graphite Plant and the Coosa Graphite Deposit.  To retain key employees, we may face increased compensation costs, including potential new incentive stock grants and there can be no assurance that the incentive measures we implement will be successful in helping us retain our key personnel.  Increased costs and reduced supply of labor may lead to operating challenges.  Failure to hire and adequately train employees and retain key employees may adversely affect the Company’s ability to manage and operate its business.

Our patent and other protective measures may not adequately protect our proprietary intellectual property, and we may be infringing on the rights of others.

Our intellectual property, which is primarily related to our proprietary rights to an improved method for the purification of graphite concentrate, is important to our business. We have filed patent applications in the United States, and we generally enter into confidentiality and invention agreements with our employees and consultants. We can make no assurances that a patent application will result in an issued patent and our failure to secure rights under the patent application may limit our ability to protect the intellectual property rights at the core of our proposed graphite production business. In addition, such patent protection and agreements and various other measures we take to protect our intellectual property from use by others may not be effective for various reasons generally applicable to patents and their granting and enforcement. In addition, the costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and invention agreements or other intellectual property rights may be expensive. Our inability to protect our proprietary intellectual property rights or gain a competitive advantage from such rights could harm our ability to generate revenue and, as a result, our business and operations.

We could also become subject to litigation claiming that our intellectual property or proprietary information infringes the rights of a third party. In that event, we could incur substantial defense costs and, if such litigation is successful, we could be required to pay the claimant damages and royalties for our past and future use of such intellectual property or proprietary information, or we could be prohibited from using it in the future, which could prevent us from pursuing our graphite production business, or we could be required to modify our process and facilities. Our inability to use our intellectual property and proprietary information on a cost-effective basis in the future could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, cash flow and profitability.

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Pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus), may disrupt our business, supply chains and the business of our business partners, which could materially affect our operations, liquidity and results of operations.

We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including the global outbreak of coronavirus (“COVID-19”). The spread of COVID-19 led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which increased the cost of capital and had an adverse impact on our access to capital. If significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures or other restrictions in connection with any pandemic, our operations will likely be impacted. In addition, our costs may increase as a result of pandemics. These cost increases may not be fully recoverable or adequately covered by insurance.  The extent to which any pandemic may impact our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects is uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence.

Any reduction, elimination, or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives because of policy changes, or the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of the electric vehicle or other reasons, may result in the diminished competitiveness of the alternative fuel and electric vehicle industry generally, and a resulting decrease in the demand for our graphite products by automotive manufacturers.

While certain tax credits and other incentives for alternative energy production, alternative fuel, and electric vehicles are currently and have been available in the past, there is no guarantee these programs will be available in the future. For example, the IRA provides a 10% tax credit for the costs of producing certain critical minerals, including graphite and vanadium.  In addition, a key provision of the IRA that could indirectly benefit the Company is the Clean Vehicle credit.  The IRA eliminates the previous limitation on the number of electric vehicles a manufacturer can sell before the Clean Vehicle credit is phased out or eliminated.  Further, the IRA sets a minimum domestic content threshold for the percentage of the value of applicable critical minerals contained in the battery of the electric vehicles. Moreover, if a vehicle battery’s critical minerals were extracted, processed or recycled by a “foreign entity of concern,” such as China, the tax credit would not apply.

This risk is particularly heighted during federal election years, including 2024, because such tax credits and existing trade policy are subject to heightened political scrutiny and uncertainty. A new Presidential administration or changing legislative priorities could materially alter legislation and laws, governmental regulations and policies supporting electric vehicles and climate change programs resulting in a materially adverse effect on our business and growth strategy.

Any future changes to tax incentives that make it less likely for electric vehicles in which our CSPG products are an integrated component to qualify for such incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Additionally, federal, state and local laws may impose additional barriers to electric vehicle adoption, including additional costs. For example, many states have enacted or proposed laws imposing additional registration fees for certain hybrids and electric vehicles to support transportation infrastructure, such as highway repairs and improvements, which have traditionally been funded through federal and state gasoline taxes. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect the growth of the alternative fuel automobile markets – which we intend to support through the supply of our graphite products for high-capacity batteries – and resultingly, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Because of our focus on producing and supplying low-cost, high-quality, and high-margin battery-grade natural graphite products for battery manufacturers, our future growth will be partially dependent on the demand for, and upon consumer’s willingness to adopt electric vehicles.

The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving and there are several factors that may influence the adoption of electric vehicles including:

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•perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety, design, performance and cost, especially if negative events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of electric vehicles resulting in adverse publicity and harm to consumer perceptions of electric vehicles generally;

•perceptions about vehicle safety in general, in particular safety issues that may be attributed to the use of advanced technology including electric vehicle systems;

•the quality and availability of electric vehicle charging stations;

•the costs and challenges of installing home charging equipment, including for multi-family, rental and densely populated urban housing;

•the higher initial upfront purchase price of electric vehicles, despite lower cost of ongoing operating and maintenance costs, compared to other vehicles; and

•the environmental consciousness of consumers, and their adoption of electric vehicles.

Reductions or changes to tariffs or changes to existing regulations regarding global trade could decrease demand for our products.

In 2019, the Trump administration announced tariffs on goods imported from China. To date, the Biden administration has made no significant changes to these tariffs on Chinese goods. Additionally, in December 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy released interpretive guidance regarding the scope and application of FEOC-related restrictions in the IRA. Most importantly, the guidance identified the People’s Republic of China as an FEOC. These regulations are important because, starting in 2025, any vehicle whose batteries contain critical minerals – including graphite – that were extracted or processed in any manner, and to any degree, by an FEOC – including China – will be ruled ineligible for the Clean Vehicle Tax credit of $7,500 under section 30D of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, an FEOC must be excluded from a vehicle battery’s supply chain in order for the vehicle to be eligible for the tax credit. However, reductions or changes to existing tariffs or any material changes to the IRA or related interpretative guidance on regarding FEOC could result in a reduction of demand for our products.

Risks Related to Exploration and Mining Activities

Our Coosa property is in the exploration stage. There is no assurance that we can establish the existence of any Mineral Reserve on the property in commercially exploitable quantities. Until we can do so, we cannot earn any revenue from the property, and if we do not do so, and are unable to enter into a joint venture or sell the property, we will lose all of the funds that we expend on exploration. If we do not discover any Mineral Reserves in a commercially exploitable quantity, our business could be adversely impacted.

We have established Mineral Resources at the Coosa Graphite Deposit but have not established any Mineral Reserves according to recognized reserve guidelines, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to do so. A Mineral Reserve is defined by the SEC in S-K 1300 as that part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. There is no guarantee that a deposit will also be a "reserve" that meets the requirements of S-K 1300.  If Mineral Reserves on our property are established in the future, there can be no assurance that the property can be developed into a producing mine to extract those minerals. Both mineral exploration and development involve a high degree of risk.

Exploration and development of graphite and vanadium properties are risky and subject to great uncertainties.

The exploration for and development of graphite and vanadium deposits involve significant risks. It is impossible to ensure that the current and future exploration programs on our existing properties will establish reserves. Whether an ore body will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; graphite and vanadium prices, which cannot be predicted and which have been highly volatile in the past; mining, processing and transportation costs; perceived levels of political risk and the willingness of lenders and investors to provide project financing; availability of labor, labor costs and possible labor strikes; availability of drilling rigs; and governmental regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting materials, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, worker safety, transportation, and reclamation and closure obligations.

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Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of minerals and there can be no assurance that any of our exploration stage properties will be commercially mineable or can be brought into production.

The extent of the Company’s vanadium mineral reserves at the Coosa Graphite Deposit is unknown and may not be in sufficient quantities to make its extraction and processing economically feasible.

The Company discovered vanadium concentrations at the Coosa Graphite Deposit and is executing an exploration plan to further investigate the size and extent of those concentrations. While there can be no assurance that the extent of those concentrations will end up being economically feasible, even if the Company finds vanadium in sufficient quantities to warrant recovery, it ultimately may not be recoverable. Finally, even if any vanadium is recoverable, the Company does not know whether recovery can be done at a profit. Our vanadium activities are highly prospective, face a high risk of failure and may not result in any benefit to the Company.

Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by new mineral exploration ventures and the high rate of failure of such ventures. The likelihood of success of the Company’s vanadium exploration activities must be considered in light of the potential problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the exploration of new mineral properties. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to exploration and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates. The expenditures to be made by the Company in the exploration of its new vanadium claims may not result in the discovery of new vanadium deposits. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are encountered in new mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. If the results of the Company’s new exploration ventures do not reveal viable commercial mineralization, it may decide to abandon its claims. If this happens, the Company will not benefit from any of the expenditures it will incur in pursuing the claims.

The Company does not have and may not be able to obtain surface or access rights to all or a portion of the Coosa Graphite Deposit.

Although the Company has rights to the minerals in the ground at the Coosa Graphite Deposit, the Company does not have rights to, or ownership of, the ground surface of the areas covered by its mineral rights. While applicable mining laws usually provide for rights of access to the surface for the purpose of carrying on mining activities, the enforcement of such rights through the courts can be costly and time consuming. It may be necessary for the Company to negotiate surface access or to purchase the surface rights if long-term access is required. There can be no guarantee that, despite having the right at law to access the surface and carry-on mining activities, the Company will be able to negotiate satisfactory agreements with any existing or future landowners/occupiers for such access or purchase such surface rights, and therefore we may be unable to carry out planned exploration or mining activities at the Coosa Graphite Deposit. In addition, in circumstances where such access is denied, or no agreement can be reached, the Company may need to rely on the assistance of local officials or the courts in such jurisdiction, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. The inability of the Company to secure surface access or purchase required surface rights could materially and adversely affect the timing, cost or overall ability of the Company to develop any mineral deposits it may locate at the Coosa Graphite Deposit.

Because mineral exploration and development activities are inherently risky, we may be exposed to environmental liabilities and other dangers. If we are unable to maintain adequate insurance, or liabilities exceed the limits of our insurance policies, we may be unable to continue operations.

The business of mineral exploration and extraction involves a high degree of risk. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into production. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are some of the risks involved in extraction operations and the conduct of exploration programs. Previous mining operations may have caused environmental damage at certain of our properties. It may be difficult or impossible to assess the extent to which such damage was caused by us or by the activities of previous operators, in which case, any indemnities and exemptions from liability may be ineffective.

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Although we carry property and liability insurance with respect to our mineral development and exploration operations, we may become subject to liability for damage to life and property, environmental damage, cave-ins or hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure because of cost or other business reasons. In addition, the insurance industry is undergoing change and premiums are increasing. Material uninsured environmental or similar liabilities could cause us to be forced to cease operations.

Title to the Coosa Graphite Deposit may be subject to defects in title or other claims, which could affect our property rights and claims.

There are risks that title to the Coosa Graphite Deposit may be challenged or impugned. There may be valid challenges to the title of the Coosa Graphite Deposit which, if successful, could impair development or operations. This is particularly the case because we hold our interest solely through leases, as such interest is substantially based on contract as opposed to a direct interest in the property.

The lease agreements pursuant to which the Company has interests in the Coosa Graphite Deposit provide that the Company must make a series of cash payments over certain time periods. Failure by the Company to make such payments in a timely fashion may result in the Company losing its interest in the Coosa Graphite Deposit. There can be no assurance that the Company will have, or be able to obtain, the necessary financial resources to be able to maintain the lease agreements in good standing, or to be able to comply with all of its obligations thereunder, which could result in the Company forfeiting its interest in the Coosa Graphite Deposit.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile and may fluctuate significantly, which may adversely impact investor confidence and results and increase the likelihood of securities class action litigation.

Our common stock price has experienced substantial volatility in the past and may remain volatile in the future. During 2023, the sale price of our common stock ranged from a high of $1.31 per share to a low of $0.49 per share. Volatility in our stock price can be driven by many factors including, but not limited to, general market conditions, market conditions in the energy materials industry, announcements that we may make regarding our business plans or strategy, including announcements concerning our anticipated battery-graphite business, the substantial increase in the sale and issuance of shares of our common stock to finance our operations and the accuracy of expectations and predictions of financial analysts and the market as they pertain to our future business prospects. In addition, the price of our common stock may increase or decrease substantially for reasons unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. If our common stock continues to experience substantial price volatility, any shares investors purchase may rapidly lose some or substantially all of their value.

Shareholders of a public company sometimes bring securities class action suits against the company following periods of instability in the market price of that company’s securities.  If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit.  Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future.  In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Furthermore, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or otherwise use our common stock as consideration is impacted by the price of our common stock.  A low stock price may adversely impact our ability to fund our operating and growth plans, including Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, which would harm our business and prospects.

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The Company has no history of paying dividends on its common stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

The Company has not previously paid dividends on its common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our available cash, if any, for use as working capital and for other general corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our Board of Directors deems relevant. Investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize a return on their investment.

Terms of subsequent financings may adversely impact holders of our securities.

In order to finance our future production plans and working capital needs, we may have to raise funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. Depending on the type and the terms of any financing we pursue, holders of our securities’ rights and the value of their investment in our common stock could be reduced. A financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our common stock. We currently have no authorized preferred stock. In addition, if we issue secured debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to our assets that would be senior to the rights of holders of our other securities until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase financing and interest costs and could negatively our impact our operating results. If the issuance of new securities results in diminished rights to holders of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could be negatively impacted.

Shareholders would be diluted if we use common stock to raise capital, and the perception that such sales may occur, could cause the price of our common stock to fall.

We plan to seek additional capital to carry out our business plan. This financing could involve one or more types of securities including common stock, convertible debt or warrants to acquire common stock. These securities could be issued at or below the then prevailing market price for our common stock. Any issuance of additional shares of our common stock could be dilutive to existing holders of our securities and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

RISK MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY

The Company stores and transmits data including sensitive and nonpublic data regarding our company, employees, counterparties and customers, among others.  Like many companies, we are the subject of attempts by unauthorized actors to disrupt our operations, access our data, or otherwise cause damage to our technology infrastructure, including through the use of phishing, malware and other attack vectors.

In addition, we are subject to cybersecurity risk in connection with vendors we utilize.  For example, a weakness in vendor systems or software products that we use in the operation of our business may provide a mechanism for a cyber threat actor to access the Company’s systems or information through trusted paths.  Recent global supply chain security incidents such as compromises of reputable software update services are illustrative of this type of occurrence. To date, Westwater has not been materially affected by cybersecurity incidents.

In light of the nature of the data at risk and the cyber-related threats faced by the Company, the Company employs an agency-wide cybersecurity detection, protection and prevention program for the protection of the Company’s operations and assets. This program includes cybersecurity protocols and controls, network protection, system monitoring and detection processes, vendor risk management process, and regular cybersecurity and privacy training for employees.

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However, cybersecurity is an evolving landscape, and we are constantly learning from our own experiences as well as the experiences of others, and there can be no assurance that our processes and procedures will be successful in preventing all cybersecurity incidents.

GOVERNANCE

The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of risks related to cybersecurity threats.  Management communicates with the Board of Directors on a regular basis regarding cybersecurity efforts through risk reporting and the development and testing of procedures and exercises for responding to both internal and external cyber threats.

The Company’s Information Technology department, which is headed by the Company’s Information Technology Administrator, is responsible for the Company’s information technology program, including addressing cybersecurity risks, and utilizes specialized vendors to enhance the program.  The Information Technology department assess the effectiveness of its cybersecurity efforts through ongoing monitoring.

For a discussion of whether and how any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, see Item 1A. Risk Factors, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1C.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

KELLYTON GRAPHITE PLANT

The Kellyton Graphite Plant is located near Kellyton, Alabama and five miles northwest of Alexander City, Alabama. AGP executed a land lease with the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority, providing AGP rights to approximately 70 acres to construct and operate the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Westwater plans to develop the Kellyton Graphite Plant in two phases (Phases I and II).  Construction activities for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant began in the fourth quarter of 2021 and are expected to continue in 2024, subject to the Company securing the additional financing needed to complete construction. For more developments of construction items see Item 1, Description of Business.

A plan and design for Phase II is in place at a pre-feasibility level (“PFS”). The future estimated costs to develop and anticipated production for each phase of the Kellyton Graphite Plant development is based on Westwater’s completed DFS, as optimized for Phase I, and the PFS for Phase II, also as optimized.  The estimated economics for both Phase I and Phase II, assume that graphite concentrate will be purchased from a third-party rather than assuming any potential production from the Coosa Graphite Deposit.  The Company expects to provide investors with an update on the estimated Phase II costs and related economics upon completion of a Phase II DFS.

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Production Pilot Operations

The Company completed its pilot program in 2021 and produced approximately 13 metric tonnes of battery-grade graphite products.  During the pilot scale program, graphite concentrates were purified and converted into advanced battery-grade graphite products.  The majority of the pilot program was performed at contracted laboratories. The purified material was manufactured into our three products, purified micronized graphite, coated spherical purified graphite and delaminated expanded graphite. The results of the pilot program were used to inform the results of the Company’s DFS, and to provide samples to potential customers. The Company continued to operate its pilot program to produce additional product samples for potential customers as needed during 2023.  As a result of the new R&D Lab at the Kellyton Graphite Plant, the Company is now performing certain parts of its production process on-site.

Project Development Plan

Phase I: After testing and commissioning is completed, the Kellyton Graphite Plant is anticipated to have annual production capacity of approximately 12,500 mt of ULTRA-CSPG™ and 14,000 mt of SG Fines. Graphite concentrate feedstock is anticipated to be supplied from Syrah Resources Limited until at least 2028.

Phase II: Upon completion of Phase II, the Company anticipates to have annual production capacity of approximately 50,000 mt of ULTRA-CSPG™ and 56,000 mt of SG Fines.

COOSA GRAPHITE DEPOSIT

Through its acquisition of Alabama Graphite, Westwater gained lease rights to a graphite exploration project at the Coosa Graphite Deposit. The deposit is situated in east-central Alabama, approximately 50 miles southeast of the city of Birmingham and approximately 30 miles west of Kellyton, Alabama.  The Coosa Graphite Deposit is located near Rockford Alabama at 32 ° 54’ 30” North and 86 ° 24’ 00” West and is currently in the exploration stage.

General. The Coosa Graphite Deposit is situated in east-central Alabama, near the western end of Coosa County. The Coosa Graphite Deposit is located near the southwestern-most extent of the Alabama Graphite Belt.

The Property. The Coosa Graphite Deposit is comprised of a lease of privately owned mineral rights from a single landowner covering an overall area of approximately 41,965 acres (approximately 65.6 square miles). The various property parcels that comprise the lease are contiguous with each other, except for a few small and isolated parcels that are situated in the far southern part of the project area. The lease has a series of five-year terms (commencing August 1, 2012) that are not to exceed 70 years in total. Under the terms of the lease Alabama Graphite is required to make annual payments of $10,000 for the original lease in order to maintain its property rights. Alabama Graphite is obligated to pay the owner of the mineral estate a net smelter return royalty of 2.00% for any production and sale of graphite, vanadium and other minerals derived from the leased lands. There is a further obligation to pay a 0.50% net smelter return royalty, not to exceed $150,000, and make payments of $100,000 at the time of completion of a “bankable feasibility study” and an additional $150,000 upon completion of “full permitting” of the leased property. These payments are payable to an unaffiliated third-party. Other than a temporary access permit that is renewed yearly, the Company does not hold any surface rights in the project area.

Accessibility. Access to the Coosa Graphite Deposit is currently good. The general area of the Coosa Graphite Deposit is accessible from local and regional population centers via a network of paved federal, state and county two-lane highways. Various parts of the project lands are traversed by numerous partially maintained dirt and gravel logging roads.

History. The Coosa Graphite Deposit is situated near the southwestern end of the Alabama Graphite Belt, which is a northeast-trending group of graphite deposits and occurrences that are situated in the central and eastern parts of the state. The initial attempt to produce graphite mineralization in the Alabama Graphite Belt commenced in 1888, with efforts focusing upon prospects located to the northeast of the region of the Coosa Graphite Deposit. The first commercial production of graphite from deposits in the Alabama Graphite Belt was in 1899 and limited activities continued at least into the 1940s. Within the lands that comprise the Coosa Graphite Deposit, graphite production was carried out at the Fixico mine, which operated intermittently between 1902 and 1908. Other graphite prospects in the project area were evaluated but no efforts were made to mine any other prospects in the project area.

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Alabama Graphite acquired property rights that comprise the Coosa Graphite Deposit and carried out trenching and drilling programs and completed an aerial geophysical survey of a portion of the project area between 2012 and 2015.

Project Geology. The Coosa Graphite Deposit is located at the southern-most end of the Appalachian mountain range in east-central Alabama. Within the Appalachian Mountains a group of Precambrian to Paleozoic age metamorphic rocks host scattered graphite deposits, in an area known as the Alabama Graphite Belt. At the Coosa Graphite Deposit, graphite mineralization, sometimes associated with vanadium mineralization, is hosted within the Higgins Ferry Group, which is comprised of coarse to fine-grained biotite-feldspar-quartz gneiss, various quartz-muscovite and quartz-muscovite-graphite schist, quartzite and altered mafic rocks. The rocks of the Higgins Ferry Group are thought to be Precambrian to Paleozoic in age. In the project area, graphite (and vanadium) mineralization is hosted in a series of quartz-muscovite-biotite-graphite and quartz-graphite schists that are generally medium to coarse grained, and are moderately foliated and somewhat contorted. The graphitic schist units are occasionally cut by pegmatites, which are unmineralized with respect to graphite and vanadium. Graphite grades in the quartz-muscovite-biotite-graphite schist are generally one percent graphite or less, while graphite grades in the quartz-graphite schist commonly exceed one percent. The graphitic schists are moderately to strongly weathered to depths that may extend 10s of feet to occasionally more than 100 feet, and can generally be considered to be surface minable.

Project Activities. Prior to its acquisition by Westwater, Alabama Graphite carried out several exploration programs to identify and partially define the potential extent and magnitude of graphite mineralization at the Coosa Graphite Deposit, including core and sonic drilling, trenching and sampling, and an airborne geophysical survey. As a result of this exploration, a near-surface graphite deposit was partially defined in the central portion of the project area.

Permitting Status. The Company holds an exploration license from the State of Alabama for the Coosa Graphite Deposit, and is currently reviewing local, state, and federal permits for future development.

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Mineral Resources

The IA was completed as a TRS, disclosing Mineral Resources, including an economic analysis, for the Coosa Deposit, in accordance with S-K 1300.  The TRS was completed on behalf of Westwater by SLR with an effective date of December 11, 2023, and filed by the Company on Form 8-K with the SEC on December 13, 2023.  SLR qualifies as a Qualified Person as defined under Item 1302 of Regulation S-K.

This TRS was prepared to add an economic analysis to the previously completed TRS by SLR, with an effective date of November 30, 2022 (the “2022 TRS”). The Mineral Resource estimate reported in the 2022 TRS remains unchanged.  The Mineral Resource estimate in the 2022 TRS is based on 205 drill holes totaling 39,434 ft.  Based on a 1.98% graphitic carbon (Cg) cut-off grade Indicated Mineral Resources total 26.0 million short tons (Mst) at an average grade of 2.89% Cg for a total of 754,000 short tons (st) Cg.  Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated as 97.0 Mst at an average grade of 3.08% Cg for a total of 3.0 Mst Cg.

The TRS was prepared in accordance with the regulations set forth in S-K 1300 with the objective of disclosing the Mineral Resources at the Coosa Deposit, with an economic analysis. Based on the density of drilling, continuity of geology and mineralization, testing, and data verification, the Mineral Resource estimates meet the criteria for Indicated or Inferred Mineral Resources as summarized in the TRS.

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Estimated Mineral Resources, as initially reporting in the 2022 TRS, are summarized in the following table for Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, respectively, at a 1.98% Cg cut-off grade.  Mineral Resources were estimated separately for each mineralized horizon.  Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. However, considerations of reasonable prospects for economic extraction were applied to the Mineral Resource calculations within the TRS.

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The estimated base case economics in the IA is based on Indicated (11%) and Inferred (89%) Mineral Resources. The following table presents a summary of results for the estimated base case.

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The above estimated base case economics in the IA was based on the following key assumptions:

Revenue

Costs

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Taxation and Royalties

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Internal Control

The Company’s internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information and processes utilized assessing its indicated and inferred mineral resources are reasonable and reliable estimates aligned with industry best practices and reporting regulations.  Quality assurance (QA) consists of evidence to demonstrate that the assay data has precision and accuracy within generally accepted limits for the sampling and analytical method(s) used in order to have confidence in a resource estimate. Quality control (QC) consists of procedures used to ensure that an adequate level of quality is maintained in the process of collecting, preparing, and assaying the exploration drilling samples. In general, QA/QC programs are designed to prevent or detect contamination and allow assaying (analytical), precision (repeatability), and accuracy to be quantified. In addition, a QA/QC program can disclose the overall sampling-assaying variability of the sampling method itself.  Our quality assurance and control protocols over sampling and assaying of drill hole samples include insertion of certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates, as well as selective sample validation at secondary laboratories.  As indicated within the TRS, the Qualified Person has determined that the Company’s QA/QC programs meet current industry standard practice and the assay results within the database are suitable for use in a Mineral Resource estimate.

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Management also assesses risks inherent in mineral resource estimates, such as the accuracy of geophysical data that is used to support mine planning, identify hazards and inform operations of the presence of mineable deposits.  For further information on risks regarding mining and exploration activity see Item 1A, Risk Factors above.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

The Company’s carrying value of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2023 is as follows:

INSURANCE

Our properties are covered by various types of insurance including property and casualty, builder’s risk, liability and umbrella coverage. We have not experienced any material uninsured or under insured losses related to our properties in the past and believe that sufficient insurance coverage is in place.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

DISPUTE WITH FABRICE TAYLOR

On June 29, 2017, Alabama Graphite, two of its former officers and one former director were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario, Canada and styled Fabrice Taylor v. Alabama Graphite Corp., et. al., CV-17-578049. The plaintiff in the lawsuit is the publisher of an investment newsletter and the complaint alleges that the defendants made certain postings on an internet website that were allegedly defamatory of the plaintiff and made certain oral statements to third parties that were allegedly slanderous of the plaintiff, and as a result the complaint seeks damages in the amount of CAD$3.0 million, unspecified punitive damages and permanent injunctive relief. On August 9, 2017, as amended on August 29, 2017, the defendants responded to the complaint, denied the allegations contained in the complaint, filed counterclaims alleging that plaintiff made certain statements on the internet that were defamatory of the defendants, and set forth general, specific, aggravated and punitive damages in the total amount of CAD $7.0 million as well as permanent injunctive relief. The lawsuit has not been prosecuted by the plaintiff and no schedule yet exists for its resolution or a trial on the merits.

ARBITRATION AGAINST TURKEY

On December 7, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), Westwater Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) accepted a payment from the Republic of Turkey in the amount of $3.1 million as complete, final, and full settlement of the matters at issue in the arbitration proceeding between the Company and the Republic of Turkey, which was completed in the summer of 2023 before the ICSID. On the Effective Date, each of the Company and the Republic of Turkey waived, released their respective right to enforce, forever discharged, and agreed not to pursue any claims against the other party for the awards made or to seek to recover any further amounts arising out of the ICSID arbitration proceeding. For additional information regarding the arbitration with the Republic of Turkey, please refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the SEC.

OTHER

The Company is subject to periodic inspection by certain regulatory agencies for the purpose of determining compliance by the Company with the conditions of its permits and licenses. In the ordinary course of business, minor violations may occur; however, these are not expected to result in material expenditures or have any other material adverse effect on the Company.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

STOCK INFORMATION

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American Capital Market under the symbol “WWR.” As of March 15, 2024, there were 69 holders of record of our common stock.

We have never paid any cash or other dividends on our common stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends for the foreseeable future. We expect to retain our earnings, if any, for the growth and development of our business. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our Board of Directors may consider relevant.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth under the section heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” above and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.

INTRODUCTION

Westwater Resources, Inc., originally incorporated in 1977, is an energy technology company focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite materials since its acquisition of Alabama Graphite in 2018. Alabama Graphite holds mineral rights to explore and potentially mine the Coosa Graphite Deposit.  During 2023, AGP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwater Resources, continued construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant. In December of 2023, Alabama Graphite completed the Initial Assessment, with Economic Analysis, for the Company’s Graphite Deposit.

SUMMARY OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Increase in Phase I Planned Production

As of the filing of this Annual Report on From 10-K, Westwater has completed a debottlenecking study with its third-party engineering firm resulting in a 67% year-over-year increase in anticipated CSPG production for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  As a result of this study, Westwater now anticipates CSPG production of 12,500 mt per year for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Total estimated construction costs related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant remain at approximately $271 million.

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Customer Engagement Update

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On February 4, 2024, the Company entered into a Products Procurement Agreement (“Procurement Agreement”) with SK On.  Pursuant to the terms of the Procurement Agreement, Westwater will supply CSPG natural graphite anode products from its Kellyton Graphite Plant to SK On battery plants located within the U.S. Under the terms of the Procurement Agreement, SK On will be obligated to purchase, on an annual basis, a quantity of Product equal to a percentage of the forecasted volume required by SK On (the “Minimum Purchase Amount”), provided that the Minimum Purchase Amount may be increased from time to time by the mutual agreement of the parties. The forecasted volume required by SK On in the final year of the Procurement Agreement is 10,000 mt of CSPG.  The Procurement Agreement is the result of Westwater and SK On’s collaboration during the year pursuant to the JDA that was executed in the first quarter of 2023.

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Additionally, Westwater has signed general terms and conditions for a supply agreement with a North American automobile manufacturer and is negotiating a possible off-take agreement with this company.

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Westwater continues to engage with these and other potential customers by providing samples of CSPG produced by the Company for testing and evaluation, hosting site tours of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and having technical product development and commercial discussions. Feedback from certain potential customers indicates that Westwater’s material meets their initial specifications, and has resulted in the Company providing additional, or in some cases, larger product samples to these potential customers.  

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Kellyton Graphite Plant – Construction Update

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Construction activities in 2023 consisted of receipt of additional long-lead equipment components, completing the construction of five of six primary plant buildings, and installation of overhead cranes, internal steel, and certain milling and shaping equipment. Westwater has constructed and is currently operating its R&D Lab. The R&D Lab allows Westwater to continue product development and optimization with potential customers, and to perform additional quality control tests. It also affords greater flexibility to optimize future samples in accordance with customer specifications.

Since inception of the project, and inclusive of liabilities as of December 31, 2023, the Company has incurred costs of approximately $119.2 million related to construction activities for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  While the Company continued construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant during 2023, Westwater has reduced the level of construction activity from anticipated levels, including adjusting the timing of future work, until receipt of the additional funding needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Reducing the level of construction activity until financing is secured is expected to impact the overall schedule to complete Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  The Company expects to provide an update on construction timing once, and if, the additional funding is secured.

Construction Financing Update

Westwater is currently engaged in discussions with several entities related to the financing of the Kellyton Graphite Plant. Issues in the market regarding the availability of critical minerals for battery products and the need for domestically sourced critical minerals, particularly in light of current geopolitical conditions, have helped create increased interest in the Kellyton Graphite Plant by these potential financing sources. Management believes that the execution of commercial agreements to sell some portion of its anticipated CSPG production, including the Procurement Agreement with SK On, will be a condition precedent to securing the financing needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Even with the execution of commercial agreements to sell some portion of the Company’s anticipated CSPG production, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company.

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Coosa Graphite Deposit

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite, Westwater holds mineral rights across 41,965 acres of the Alabama graphite belt in Coosa County, Alabama. During the fourth quarter of 2023, Westwater completed an IA for the Coosa Graphite Deposit.

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The IA was completed as a TRS disclosing Mineral Resources, including an economic analysis, for the Coosa Deposit, in accordance with S-K 1300. The TRS was completed on behalf of Westwater by SLR International Corporation SLR with an effective date of December 11, 2023, and filed with the SEC on Form 8-K on December 13, 2023. For further information regarding this IA and the Coosa Graphite Deposit, refer to Item 2, Properties.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary

Our consolidated net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $7.8 million, or $0.15 per share, as compared with a consolidated net loss from continuing operations of $11.1 million, or $0.25 per share for the same period in 2022. The $3.3 million decrease in our consolidated net loss from continuing operations was due primarily to collection of a $3.1 million cash settlement from the Republic of Turkey, a $1.2 million write-off of accrued uranium royalties, a $0.3 million increase in interest income on our investment account, and $0.5 million less exploration expenses; offset partially by $1.8 million higher product development expenses associated with additional sample production.

Product Development Expenses

Product development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $2.9 million, an increase of $1.8 million compared to the prior year. Product development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily relate to an increase in continued product development, product optimization costs, and additional sample production of battery-grade natural graphite products for evaluation by potential customers.

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Exploration Expenses

Exploration expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $0.3 million, a decrease of $0.5 million compared to the prior year.  The decrease in exploration expenses was the result to the Company completing its initial drilling program at the Coosa Graphite Deposit in April 2022.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $9.8 million, a decrease of approximately $0.1 million as compared with 2022.  The decrease is primarily due to approximately $0.2 million less in hiring fees and employee relocation costs in 2023 due to a hiring freeze and approximately $0.2 million of stock award forfeitures related to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer’s departure in January 2023, offset by approximately $0.3 million of related severance charges.

Arbitration Costs

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not incur legal costs related to the arbitration against the Republic of Turkey. This represents a decrease of $0.1 million compared to the prior year.  See Item 3, Legal Proceedings and Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies for further detail.

Mineral Property Expenses

Mineral property expenses were less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, remaining flat compared to the prior year.  These costs include payments to land and surface owners.

Settlement

The Company realized a $3.1 million gain on the settlement of its arbitration against the Republic of Turkey in the fourth quarter of 2023 upon receipt of payment.  See Item 3, Legal Proceedings for further detail.

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Other Income

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $2.4 million, an increase of approximately $1.4 million compared to prior year.  The increase is primarily due to a $1.2 million write-off of accrued uranium royalties and a $0.3 million increase in interest income on our investment account.  

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed a voluntary disclosure of unclaimed property, which included a review of the historical accrued uranium royalties related to the Company’s former uranium business. Upon completion of the review by the state authority, it was concluded that the accrued uranium royalties were not owed or escheatable to the state.  Based on the completion of the voluntary disclosure of unclaimed property, the Company has determined that the probability of these accrued uranium royalty liabilities becoming payable is remote and therefore wrote off the estimated liability and recognized other income of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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FINANCIAL POSITION

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with $13.2 million for the prior year. The $1.7 million decrease in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to $3.1 million of cash received by the Company in the fourth quarter related to the settlement of its arbitration against the Republic of Turkey and $0.3 million higher interest income earned during 2023. These increases were partially offset by higher product development expenses of $1.8 million in 2023 compared to 2022.  

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with $52.8 million of cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $5.5 million increase was primarily the result of increased capital expenditures related to Phase I construction of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared with $25.9 million in 2022. For the year ending December 31, 2023, the Company sold approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock through the Company’s ATM Offering Agreement totaling $4.7 million of net cash proceeds, and sold approximately 0.9 million shares of common stock pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA totaling $0.8 million of net cash proceeds.  For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold 13.0 million shares of common stock through the Company’s ATM Offering Agreement totaling $25.9 million of net cash proceeds.  For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the proceeds received from sales of the Company’s common stock were primarily used to advance the Company’s graphite business plan, including the construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and general operating expenses.  The $20.5 million decrease in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to fewer shares of common stock sold, lower trading volumes and lower average stock prices.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Since 2009, the Company has not recorded revenue from operations, and as such, Westwater is subject to all the risks associated with development stage companies.  Management expects to continue to incur cash losses as a result of construction activity at the Kellyton Graphite Plant and general and administrative expenses until operations commence at the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Operations at the Kellyton Graphite Plant are dependent on securing the additional funding needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.

The Company has relied on equity and debt financings and asset sales to fund its operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, and through the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, the Company continued construction activities related to the Kellyton Graphite Plant. However, while the Company has continued certain construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, those activities have been significantly reduced from anticipated levels until the additional funding needed to complete Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant is in place.

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The Company’s construction related contracts include termination provisions at the Company’s election that do not obligate the Company to make payments beyond what is incurred by the third-party service provider through the date of such termination. In its going concern analysis, the Company considered construction activity and related costs through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued. Based on this analysis, the Company’s planned non-discretionary expenditures for one year past the issue date of the consolidated financial statements, exceed the cash on hand as the date of the consolidated financial statements, excluding funding opportunities and the Company’s current equity facility.

At December 31, 2023 the Company’s cash balances were $10.9 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock through the Company’s ATM Offering Agreement totaling $4.7 million of net cash proceeds and sales of approximately 0.9 million shares of common stock sold pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA totaling $0.8 million in net cash proceeds.  As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $16.0 million remaining available for future sales under the ATM Offering Agreement and no shares of common stock available for future sales pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA, as that agreement expired pursuant to its terms in December 2023.

The Company expects to continue to incur losses as a result of costs and expenses related to construction activity and ongoing general and administrative expenses until operations commence at the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  The Company has historically relied and expects to continue to rely, on debt and equity financing to fund its operations and business plan. Along with evaluating the continued use of the ATM Offering Agreement, the Company is considering other forms of project financing to fund the construction of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, including both Phase I and Phase II. The alternative sources of project financing could include, but are not limited to, project debt, convertible debt, or pursuing a partnership or joint venture. If funds are not available to fund the construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant through the equity capital markets or alternative financing sources, the Company may be required to reduce or severely curtail operations, change its planned business development strategies related to the Coosa Graphite Deposit and Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, alter the construction and commissioning timeline of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, or put the construction of Phase I on hold until additional funding is obtained.  If the Company is required to abandon construction and development or alter its intended long-term plans related to the Kellyton Graphite Plant, the Company could be required to evaluate the recoverability of its long-lived assets.    

While the Company has advanced its business plan and has been successful in the past raising funds through equity and debt financings as well as through the sale of non-core assets, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company. Recent volatility in the equity and debt capital markets, rising interest rates, inflation and generally uncertain economic conditions could significantly impact the Company’s ability to access the necessary funding to advance its business plan. Further, on March 13, 2023, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to its existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) and as a result, the Company’s access to the available capacity under the Registration Statement is now subject to General Instructions I.B.6 of Form S-3, which limits the amounts that the Company may sell under the Registration Statement.  As of December 31, 2023, after giving effect to these limitations and the current public float of our common stock, and after giving effect to the terms of the ATM Offering Agreement, we currently may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to approximately $16.0 million under the ATM Offering Agreement, which amount is in addition to the shares of common stock that we have sold to date in accordance with the ATM Offering Agreement under the Registration Statement and prospectus supplements thereto. The Company’s ability to raise additional funds under the ATM Offering Agreement may be further limited by the Company’s market capitalization, share price and trading volumes. For additional disclosure, refer to Note 2, Liquidity and Going Concern to these consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We believe our most critical accounting policies involve those requiring the use of significant estimates and assumptions in determining values or projecting future costs.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers events or changes in circumstances such as, but not limited to, significant negative impacts in the market price or demand of graphite and or potential graphite products, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner to which we will use our long-lived asset (or asset group), adverse social or political developments, accumulation of costs over projected budget or accumulation of costs in excess of potential future cash flows of a long-lived asset (or asset group).

Graphite Processing Facilities and Equipment

Impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows or upon an estimate of fair value that may be received in an exchange transaction. Future cash flows are estimated based on expected graphite prices, production levels, and operating and capital costs over the estimated useful life of the project. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. The Company’s estimate of future cash flows require significant management judgement and are based on numerous assumptions. Actual future cash flows may be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of production, future changes in market price or demand of graphite, operating and capital costs, and availability and cost of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Mineral Properties

Impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows or upon an estimate of fair value that may be received in an exchange transaction. Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals, projected graphite prices, production levels, and operating and capital costs, based upon the projected remaining future graphite or vanadium production. Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting unit at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired. The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of graphite or vanadium that will be obtained after taking into account losses during processing and treatment. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. The Company’s estimate of future cash flows require significant management judgement and are based on numerous assumptions. Actual future cash flows may be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, future changes in market price or demand of graphite, production levels and operating costs of production and availability and cost of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

No impairment was recorded in 2023 or 2022.  

Inventory

Inventory consisted of raw material of natural flake graphite concentrate purchased from a non-related third party to be used in the creation of additional samples for potential customers, the testing and commissioning of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and future operations. The Company values the natural flake graphite concentrate at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term graphite prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale.

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Write-downs of the natural flake graphite concentrate to net realizable value are reported as a component of costs applicable to sales. The current portion of inventory is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed within the next 12 months and utilize the short-term metal price assumption in estimating net realizable value. Inventory not expected to be processed within the next 12 months are classified as non-current within other long-term assets and utilize the long-term metal price assumption in estimating net realizable value. Costs are removed from raw materials using an average cost basis.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Westwater Resources, Inc.

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Opinion on the Financial Statements

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We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westwater Resources, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, 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 consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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Going Concern Uncertainty

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The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, since 2009, the Company has not recorded revenues from operations, and as such, is subject to all the risks associated with development stage companies. Management expects to continue to incur cash losses as a result of construction activity at the Kellyton Graphite Plant and general and administrative expenses until operations commence at the Kellyton Graphite Plant. Operations at the Kellyton Graphite Plant are dependent on securing the requisite funding needed to complete construction. The Company’s planned non-discretionary expenditures for one year past the date that these consolidated financial statements are available to be issued, exceed the cash on hand as of the date that these consolidated financial statements are available to be issued, excluding external funding opportunities and the Company’s current equity facility, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2.

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Basis for Opinion

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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.

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We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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.

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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 to 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.

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Critical Audit Matter

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The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

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Asset Impairment

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As disclosed in notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company performs an evaluation of long-lived assets, inclusive of construction in progress which totals $117,565 (in thousands), for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes indicate that impairment may have occurred. During 2023, the Company determined that certain impairment indicators were present that suggested the carrying amount of construction in progress related to its graphite processing facility may not be recoverable and an impairment test was performed as of December 31, 2023.

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We identified the Company’s recoverability test for construction in progress related to its graphite processing facility as a critical audit matter. The Company’s determination of the forecasted undiscounted cash flows required significant judgment by management due to the use of estimates with significant measurement uncertainty. Auditing the Company’s recoverability test was complex due to the high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in evaluating management’s significant assumptions, such as processing capacity, net revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and capital costs, included in the determination of the forecasted undiscounted cash flows. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge.

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The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

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/s/ Moss Adams LLP

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Denver, Colorado

March 19, 2024

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We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share amounts)

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

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

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

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(expressed in thousands of dollars, except share amounts)

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

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WESTWATER RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(expressed in thousands of dollars)

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

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The Company

Westwater Resources, Inc., originally incorporated in 1977, is an energy technology company focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite materials since its acquisition of Alabama Graphite in 2018. Alabama Graphite holds mineral rights to explore and potentially mine the Coosa Graphite Deposit. During 2023, AGP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwater Resources, continued construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  In December of 2023, Alabama Graphite completed the Initial Assessment, with Economic Analysis, for the Company’s Graphite Deposit.

Reclassification

Certain amounts of non-cash lease expense and other long-term assets within the Operating Activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of December 31, 2022, have been reclassified to conform to the December 31, 2023, presentation.  This reclassification did not result in any changes in the net cash used in operating activities, net loss or changes in stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and include the accounts of Westwater Resources, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates included in the preparation of the financial statements are related to estimates of recoverable inventories; write-down of inventory; contingent liabilities; stock-based compensation and asset impairment, including estimates used to derive future cash flows or market value associated with those assets.  As of December 31, 2023, the Company updated their accounting estimate of accrued uranium royalties.  For additional information, see Note 7 to these consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Management considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits. Management monitors the soundness of the financial institution and believe the risk is negligible.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Facilities and Equipment

Expenditures for new facilities or equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and recorded at cost. The facilities and equipment are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the assets. During the periods that the Company’s facilities are not in production, depreciation of its facilities and equipment is suspended as the assets are not in service.

Mineral Properties

Mineral rights acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred, and exploration costs are expensed as incurred. When management determines that a mineral right can be economically developed in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the costs then incurred to develop such property will be capitalized.

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During the periods that the Company’s facilities are not in production, depletion of its mineral interests, permits, licenses and development properties is suspended as the assets are not in service. If mineral properties are subsequently abandoned or impaired, any non-depleted costs will be charged to loss in that period.

Other Property, Plant and Equipment

Other property, plant and equipment consisted of corporate office equipment, furniture and fixtures and transportation equipment. Depreciation on other property is computed based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Gain or loss on disposal of such assets is recorded as other income or expense upon disposition of such assets.

Inventory

Inventory consists of raw material of natural flake graphite as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.  The Company values the natural flake graphite concentrate at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term graphite prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale.  Write-downs of the natural flake graphite concentration to net realizable value are reported as a component of costs applicable to sales.  The current portion of inventory is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed within the next 12 months and utilize the short-term metal price assumption in estimating net realizable value.  Inventory not expected to be processed within the next 12 months are classified as non-current within other long-term assets and utilize the long-term metal price assumption in estimating net realizable value.  Costs are removed from raw materials using an average cost basis.

For further information related to inventory during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, see Note 11 to these consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Government Grants

U.S. GAAP does not contain authoritative accounting standards for incentives and grants provided by governmental entities to a for-profit entity. Absent authoritative accounting standards, interpretative guidance issued and commonly applied by financial statement preparers allows for the selection of accounting policies amongst acceptable alternatives. Based on facts and circumstances outlined below, the Company determined it most appropriate to account for the land received from the local municipality as an in-substance government grant by analogy to International Accounting Standards 20 (“IAS 20”), Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance. Under the provisions of IAS 20, government grants “are assistance by government in the form of transfers of resources to an entity in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the entity.” A government grant is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will meet the terms for receiving and realizing the benefit of the grant. IAS 20 does not define “reasonable assurance”, however, based on certain interpretations, it is analogous to “probable” as defined in FASB ASC 450-20-20 under U.S. GAAP, which is the definition the Company has applied to its determination of recognizing the land grant at inception of the government grant. Under IAS 20, government grants are recognized in earnings on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company recognizes costs for which the grant is intended to compensate (i.e. qualified expenses). Further, IAS 20 permits for the recognition in earnings either separately under a general heading such as other income, or as a reduction of the related expenses. The Company has elected to recognize government grant income separately within other income to present a clearer distinction in its financial statements between its operating income and the amount of net income resulting from the land grant.

For further information related to government grants recognized by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2021, see Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements.

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Asset Impairment

The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers events or changes in circumstances such as, but not limited to, significant negative impacts in the market price or demand of graphite and or potential graphite products, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner to which we will use our long-lived asset (or asset group), adverse social or political developments, accumulation of costs over projected budget or accumulation of costs in excess of potential future cash flows of a long-lived asset (or asset group).

Graphite Processing Facilities and Equipment

Impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows or upon an estimate of fair value that may be received in an exchange transaction. Future cash flows are estimated based on expected graphite prices, production levels, and operating and capital costs over the estimated useful life of the project. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. The Company’s estimate of future cash flows require significant management judgement and are based on numerous assumptions. Actual future cash flows may be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of production, future changes in market price or demand of graphite, operating and capital costs, and availability and cost of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Mineral Properties

Impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows or upon an estimate of fair value that may be received in an exchange transaction. Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals, projected graphite prices, production levels, and operating and capital costs, based upon the projected remaining future graphite or vanadium production. Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting unit at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired. The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of graphite or vanadium that will be obtained after taking into account losses during processing and treatment. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups. The Company’s estimate of future cash flows require significant management judgement and are based on numerous assumptions. Actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, future changes in market price or demand of graphite, production levels and operating costs of production and availability and cost of capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP defines “fair value” as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price) and establishes a fair-value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value using the following definitions (from highest to lowest priority):

● Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

● Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

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● Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques requiring inputs that are both significant to the fair-value measurement and unobservable.

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions with which it invests. Periodically throughout the year, the Company has maintained balances in various U.S. operating accounts in excess of U.S. federally insured limits.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables set forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.  In accordance with U.S. GAAP, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities.  Consequently, such financial instruments are not included in the following tables.

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Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

There were no assets or liabilities recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis by level as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

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Loss Per Share

Basic loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is not presented as the effect on the basic loss per share would be anti-dilutive. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had 2,197,884 and 1,564,168, respectively, in potentially dilutive securities.

Foreign Currency

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The functional currency for all foreign subsidiaries of the Company was determined to be the U.S. dollar since its foreign subsidiaries are direct and integral components of Westwater Resources Inc. and are dependent upon the economic environment of Westwater Resources Inc.’s functional currency. Accordingly, the Company has translated its monetary assets and liabilities at the period-end exchange rate and the non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical rates, with income and expenses translated at the average exchange rate for the current period. All translation gains and losses have been included in the current period loss.

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Product Development Expenses

Product development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 were $2.9 and $1.1 million, respectively. Product development costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 primarily relate to continued product development, product optimization costs, and continued sample production of battery-grade natural graphite products for evaluation by potential customers.

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Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (“ASU 2016-13”) which is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15,2022. ASU 2016-13 changed how companies account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, companies are required to estimate lifetime expected credit losses and recognize an allowance against the related instruments. For available for sale debt securities, companies are required to recognize an allowance for credit losses rather than reducing the carrying value of the asset. This update results in earlier recognition of losses and impairments. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not result in a material impact to our Financial Statements.

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In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” (“ASU 2018-19”) which is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. Instead, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases are accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. The adoption of ASU 2018-19 did not result in a material impact to our Financial Statements.

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In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280 – General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock.” These updates were immediately effective and did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures," (“ASU 2023-09”) which is intended to enhance the transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments require that on an annual basis, entities disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the amendments require that entities disclose additional information about income taxes paid as well as additional disclosures of pretax income and income tax expense, and remove the requirement to disclose certain items that are no longer considered cost beneficial or relevant. ASU 2023-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025.  This update will be effective beginning January 1, 2026, and the Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

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In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures," (“ASU 2023-07”) which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosures, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment and contain other disclosure requirements.  ASU 2023-07 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.  This update will be effective for the annual period beginning January 1, 2024, and for interim periods beginning January 1, 2025, and the Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

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 In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “'Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative,” (“ASU 2023-06”). The new guidance clarifies or improves disclosure and presentation requirements on a variety of topics in the codification. The amendments will align the requirements in the FASB Accounting Standard Codification with the SEC’s regulations. The amendments are effective prospectively on the date each individual amendment is effectively removed from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

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The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a “going concern” basis, which means that the continuation of the Company is presumed even though events and conditions exist that, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern because it is possible that the Company will be required to adversely change its current business plan or may be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.  The Company last recorded revenue from operations in 2009, and as such, Westwater is subject to all the risks associated with a development stage company.

Management considered the following events and conditions in its going concern analysis. The Company last recorded revenue from operations in 2009. The Company expects to continue to incur cash losses as a result of construction activity at the Kellyton Graphite Plant and general and administrative expenses until operations commence at the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  Operations at the Kellyton Graphite Plant are dependent on securing the additional funding needed to complete construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  If funds are not available to fund the construction of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant through the equity capital markets or alternative financing sources, the Company may be required to reduce or severely curtail operations, change its planned business development strategies related to the Coosa Graphite Deposit and Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, alter the construction and commissioning timeline of Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, or put the construction of Phase I on hold until additional funding is obtained.  If the Company is required to abandon construction and development or alter its intended long-term plans related to the Kellyton Graphite Plant, the Company could be required to evaluate the recoverability of its long-lived assets.    

Since 2009, the Company has relied on equity financings, debt financings and asset sales to fund its operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, and through the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, the Company continued construction activities related to the Kellyton Graphite Plant.  However, while the Company has continued certain construction activities related to Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant, those activities have been significantly reduced from anticipated levels until the additional funding needed to complete Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant is in place. The Company’s construction related contracts include termination provisions at the Company’s election that do not obligate the Company to make payments beyond what is incurred by the third-party service provider through the date of such termination.  In its going concern analysis, the Company considered the construction activity and related costs through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.  Based on this analysis the Company’s planned non-discretionary expenditures for one year past the issue date of these consolidated financial statements, exceed the cash on hand as of the date of these consolidated financial statements, excluding external funding opportunities and the Company’s current equity facility.    

At December 31, 2023 the Company’s cash balances were $10.9 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock through the Company’s ATM Offering Agreement totaling $4.7 million of net cash proceeds and sales of approximately 0.9 million shares of common stock sold pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA totaling $0.8 million in net cash proceeds.  As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $16.0 million remaining available for future sales under the ATM Offering Agreement and no shares of common stock available for future sales pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA, as that agreement expired pursuant to its terms in December 2023.

While the Company has advanced its business plan and has been successful in the past raising funds through equity and debt financings as well as through the sale of non-core assets, no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, or on terms acceptable to the Company.

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Recent volatility in the equity and debt capital markets, rising interest rates, inflation and generally uncertain economic conditions could significantly impact the Company’s ability to access the necessary funding to advance its business plan. Further, on March 13, 2023, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to the Registration Statement and as a result, the Company’s access to the available capacity under the Registration Statement is now subject to General Instructions I.B.6 of Form S-3, which limits the amounts that the Company may sell under the Registration Statement. As of December 31, 2023, after giving effect to these limitations and the current public float of our common stock, and after giving effect to the terms of the ATM Offering Agreement, we currently may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to approximately $16.0 million under the ATM Offering Agreement, which amount is in addition to the shares of common stock that we have sold to date in accordance with the ATM Offering Agreement under the Registration Statement and prospectus supplements thereto. The Company’s ability to raise additional funds under the ATM Offering Agreement may be further limited by the Company’s market capitalization, share price and trading volume.

When considering the above events and conditions in the aggregate, the Company believes such events and conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.

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Construction in Progress

Construction in progress represents assets that are not ready for service or are in the construction stage. Assets are depreciated based on the estimated useful life of the asset once it is placed in service.

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Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  As of December 31, 2023, the Company performed a recoverability test pursuant to ASC 360, primarily due to recent market trends in the graphite market and determined that there was no impairment.  For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no impairment charges were recorded on the Company’s assets.

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Land Addition

On June 22, 2021, AGP entered into incentive agreements with the State of Alabama and local municipalities for the siting of the Kellyton Graphite Plant. The incentive agreements provide certain tax credits and incentives under the Alabama Jobs Act in connection with the construction of the processing facility. Additionally, in connection with and in contemplation of the incentive agreements, on July 23, 2021, AGP entered into a land lease with the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority. The lease provides AGP rights to approximately 70 acres to construct and operate its commercial graphite processing facility in Coosa County, Alabama. The lease has a term of 10-years, a nominal lease payment, and transfer of title to AGP at the end of the lease term.

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Further, the lease provides AGP the option to purchase the land for a nominal amount during the term of the lease. The incentive agreements and the lease are accounted for by the Company as a government grant; whereby the Company realized the fair value of the land of $1.4 million as an increase to Property, plant, and equipment with a corresponding obligation recorded in Other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. The $1.4 million recognized represents the fair value of the land at the time of lease inception in 2021. The land represents a non-depreciable asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The corresponding obligation recorded in Other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet will be amortized to other income over the life of the Kellyton Graphite Plant once placed in service.

Accrued liabilities on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of:

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Common Stock Issued, Net of Issuance Costs

December 2020 Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park Capital, LLC (“Lincoln Park”)

On December 4, 2020, the Company entered into the 2020 Lincoln Park PA with Lincoln Park (the “2020 Lincoln Park PA”) to place up to $100.0 million or 16 million shares in the aggregate of the Company's common stock on an ongoing basis when required by the Company over a term of 36 months. As of December 31, 2023, the 2020 Lincoln Park PA has expired by its terms.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA, the Company sold approximately 0.9 million shares of common stock for net cash proceeds of $0.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not sell any shares of common stock pursuant to the 2020 Lincoln Park PA.  These shares were sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed on December 4, 2020, and in accordance with Rule 424(b)(5) as a takedown off the Company’s shelf registration statement, which had been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 1, 2020.

Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”)

On April 14, 2017, the Company entered into the ATM Offering Agreement (the “ATM Offering Agreement”) with Cantor acting as sales agent. Under the ATM Offering Agreement, the Company may from time to time sell shares of its common stock in “at-the-market” offerings. The Company pays Cantor a commission of up to 2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares pursuant to the ATM Offering Agreement.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock for net cash proceeds of $4.7 million pursuant to the ATM Offering Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold approximately 13.0 million shares of common stock for net cash proceeds of $25.9 million pursuant to the ATM Offering Agreement with Cantor.

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Sales made under the ATM Offering Agreement are made pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed March 13, 2023 which amends and supplements the prospectus supplement filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5), which registered for sale up to a total of $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock, which was filed on August 20, 2021 as a takedown off the Company’s Registration Statement, which was declared effective by the SEC on July 8, 2021.  The Company is subject to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, which limits the amount that we may sell under the Registration Statement. After giving effect to these limitations and the current public float of our common stock, and after giving effect to the terms of the ATM Offering Agreement, we currently may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to approximately $16.0 million under the ATM Offering Agreement, which amount is in addition to the shares of common stock that we have sold to date in accordance with the ATM Offering Agreement under the Registration Statement and prospectus supplements thereto.  

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As of December 31, 2023, the Company has received total gross proceeds of $34.0 million of the $50.0 million registered for sale under the ATM Offering Agreement pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) as described above.

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Stock-based compensation awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units and bonus shares issued under the Company’s equity incentive plans, which include the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2013 Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 2004 Directors’ Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2004 Directors’ Plan”). Under the 2013 Plan, the Company may grant awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), unrestricted stock, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares and other performance-based awards, other equity-based awards and cash bonus awards to eligible persons. Equity awards under the 2013 Plan are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Committee with a maximum term of 10 years. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Committee, which can delegate the administration to the Board, other committees or to such other officers and employees of the Company as designated by the Committee and permitted by the 2013 Plan.

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As of December 31, 2023, 560,254 shares were available for future issuances under the 2013 Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Stock compensation expense is recorded in general and administrative expenses.

In addition to the plans above, on May 9, 2022, the Board of Directors adopted an Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) and on May 13, 2022, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register an aggregate of 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. These shares may be issued pursuant to the Inducement Plan as equity awards to be granted for the sole purpose of recruiting and hiring new employees. Since inception of the Inducement Plan, 135,571 RSUs have been issued with vesting occurring over two years from the respective grant dates.  As of December 31, 2023, 109,023 RSUs granted pursuant to the Inducement Plan remain unvested.  

Stock Options

Stock options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant. The Company accounts for forfeitures upon occurrence.

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The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and changes during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

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The weighted average remaining term for stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023, is approximately 7.8 years.

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The following table summarizes assumptions used to assess the fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

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As of December 31, 2023, the Company had less than $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock options that will be recognized over a period of approximately five months.  

Restricted Stock Units

Time-based and performance-based RSUs are valued using the closing share price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The final number of shares issued under performance-based RSUs is generally based on the Company’s prior year performance as determined by the Committee at each vesting date, and the valuation of such awards assumes full satisfaction of all performance criteria when satisfaction of such criteria is deemed probable.

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

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As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $0.6 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock units that will be recognized over a period of approximately 2 years.  

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