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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023

 

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 For the transition period from ________to _______

 

Commission File Number: 001-41690

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   37-1792147

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation of organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, BC, Canada   V6E 4A2
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

(604) 388-9788

 
  (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   USGO   The Nasdaq Capital Market
Warrants, each warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00   USGOW   The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

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 an 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.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
       
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
       
Emerging growth company    

 

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 voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant on May 31, 2023, based on a closing price per share of $14.90 was $32,936,644.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 12,398,709 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of February 21, 2024

 

 

 


 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I   6
     
Item 1. Business 6
     
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 22
     
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 22
     
Item 2. Properties 22
     
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 31
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 31
     
PART II   32
     
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 32
     
Item 6. [Reserved] 33
     
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 33
     
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 41
     
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 41
     
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 41
     
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 41
     
Item 9B. Other Information 41
     
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 41
     
PART III   42
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 42
     
Item 11. Executive Compensation 46
     
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 58
     
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 59
     
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 61
     
PART IV   62
     
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 62
     
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 62

 

2
 

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) to “U.S. GoldMining”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to U.S. GoldMining Inc., a Nevada corporation.

 

We express all amounts in this Annual Report in U.S. dollars, except where otherwise indicated. References to “$” and “US$” are to U.S. dollars and references to “C$” are to Canadian dollars.

 

We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this Annual Report. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.

 

MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this Annual Report concerning our industry and the market in which we operate, including our market position, market opportunity and market size, is based on information from various sources such as industry publications, on assumptions that we have made based on such data and other similar sources and on our knowledge of the markets for our products. These data involve a number of assumptions and limitations. We have not independently verified any third-party information.

 

In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate is necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the sections entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, “- Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, and elsewhere herein. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.

 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TECHNICAL TERMS

 

In this Annual Report, the following abbreviations are used to express elements:

 

Abbreviation   Meaning   Abbreviation   Meaning
Ag   silver   Cu   copper
Au   gold        

 

In this Annual Report, the following abbreviations are used to express units of measurement:

 

Abbreviation   Meaning   Abbreviation   Meaning
g/t   grams per metric tonne   Moz   million troy ounces
        Mt   million metric tonnes
km   kilometers   Mlbs   million pounds
m   meters   μm   micrometer
Ma   million years   oz   troy ounces, with each troy ounce being equal to 31.1034768 grams
masl   meters above sea level   ppb   parts per billion
mm   millimeters   ppm   parts per million
km2   square kilometers        
wmt   wet metric tonnes   NSR   net smelter return

 

3
 

 

This Annual Report utilizes the following defined terms:

 

The term “Indicated Mineral Resource” or “Indicated Resource” means that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and quality, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed.

 

The term “Induced Polarization” or “IP” refers to a method of ground geophysical surveying employing an electrical current to determine indications of mineralization.

 

The term “Inferred Mineral Resource” or “Inferred Resource” is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.

 

The term “Measured Mineral Resource” means, under NI 43-101, that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques.

 

The term “Mineral Reserve” means the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource or Indicated Resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A Mineral Reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined.

 

The term “Mineral Resource” means a concentration or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.

 

The term “Preliminary Economic Assessment” or “PEA” means a preliminary economic assessment as defined under S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.

 

The term “Probable Mineral Reserve” means the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a Measured Mineral Resource.

 

The term “Proven Mineral Reserve” means the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This preliminary feasibility study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic, and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified.

 

The term “QA/QC” means quality assurance/quality control.

 

4
 

 

NOTICE REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF MINERAL PROPERTIES

 

The technical report summary for the gold-copper exploration project located in the Yentna Mining District, approximately 170 km northwest of Anchorage, in Alaska (the “Whistler Project”), included herewith, has been prepared in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K - Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations, (“S-K 1300”) as issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), which governs disclosure for mining registrants. Such technical report summary titled “S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary Initial Assessment for the Whistler Project, South Central Alaska” with a date of issue of September 23, 2022, and revised date of issue of December 16, 2022 (the “S-K 1300 Report”), which was prepared by Sue Bird, P. Eng. Of Moose Mountain Technical Services, who is a qualified person under S-K 1300 and is independent of us, is included as Exhibit 96.1 in this Annual Report.

 

Inferred Mineral Resources are subject to uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an Inferred Mineral Resource is too high to apply relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extraction in a manner useful for evaluation of economic viability.

 

For the meanings of certain technical terms used herein, see “- Glossary of Abbreviations and Technical Terms”.

 

Our disclosure regarding our mineral property is prepared in accordance with S-K 1300, and NI 43-101. Both of these reporting standards have similar goals in terms of conveying an appropriate level of confidence in the disclosures being reported, but the standards embody slightly different approaches and definitions.

 

In our public filings in the United States and Canada, we report Indicated Resources and Inferred Resources, each as defined in S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. As currently reported, there are no material differences in our disclosed Measured Mineral Resource, Indicated Mineral Resources and Inferred Mineral Resources under each of S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. The estimation of Indicated Mineral Resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, and therefore investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into S-K 1300-compliant or NI 43-101-compliant Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Inferred Mineral Resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of Mineral Resources.

 

The scientific and technical information concerning the Whistler Project in this Annual Report have been reviewed and approved by Tim Smith, P.Geo, our Chief Executive Officer, a “qualified person” under S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the scientific and technical information contained in this Annual Report regarding the Whistler Project has been derived from the S-K 1300 Report, which was included as Exhibit 96.1 to our registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC and declared effective on April 19, 2023, and is included as Exhibit 96.1 to this Annual Report. Canadian readers should also refer to our NI 43-101 Technical Report titled “NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Whistler Project” with an effective date of September 22, 2022 (the “NI 43-101 Report”), a copy of which is available under our profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Please see the note under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a description of special factors potentially affecting forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report.

 

5
 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Business Overview

 

We are a United States domiciled exploration stage company and our sole project is currently the Whistler Project. The Whistler Project is a gold-copper exploration project located in the Yentna Mining District, approximately 170 km northwest of Anchorage, in Alaska. See “Item 2. Properties” for further information.

 

We were incorporated on June 30, 2015, in Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” and on August 5, 2015, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated July 20, 2015, by and among us, GoldMining Inc. (“GoldMining”), Kiska Metals Corporation (“Kiska”) and Geoinformatics Alaska Exploration, Inc. (“Geoinformatics”), we acquired a 100% interest in the Whistler Project and certain related assets. On September 8, 2022, we redomiciled to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”.

 

Our sole subsidiary is US GoldMining Canada Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada and which is wholly-owned by us.

 

We are a subsidiary of GoldMining, a Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American listed precious metals exploration and development company that was incorporated in 2009 and whose disclosed strategy is to expand its property portfolio through accretive transactions of resource stage gold projects and to advance its properties towards development. As of the date hereof, GoldMining owns 9,878,261 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), representing approximately 79.7% of our outstanding Common Stock, and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 122,490 shares of Common Stock.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating offices are located at 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. Our website address is www.us.goldmining.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this Annual Report.

 

Our shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively.

 

General Development of Business

 

In April 2023, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”), pursuant to which we issued 2,000,000 units (the “ Units”) at an initial offering price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. Each Unit was comprised of one share of Common Stock and one Warrant, with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00. Each Warrant was immediately exercisable for a three-year period after the date of issuance.

 

Prior to our IPO, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoldMining and acquired the Whistler Project in 2015 from Kiska. Prior to the IPO, we had not completed any material exploration of the Whistler Project. For a description of exploration activities of past operators please see “Item 2. Properties”.

 

After completion of our IPO, on May 30, 2023, we announced that we had mobilized a field team to execute our initial 2023 confirmatory exploration program at the Whistler Project. On August 21, 2023, we announced commencement of our 2023 Phase 1 Drilling Project at the Whistler Project. The program was designed as part of a multi-phase program with the goal of expanding and increasing confidence in existing deposits and potentially test prospective exploration targets in proximity to areas with known Mineral Resource estimates. Phase I is proposed to include 5,000m of drilling. On January 16, 2024, we announced results from four initial confirmatory drill holes covering 2,234m at the Whistler Project. Drilling was paused thereafter for the winter break. See “Item 2. Properties” for further information.

 

6
 

 

Our Strategy

 

Our strategy is to enhance and grow the value of our asset base, with a focus on exploring and advancing the Whistler Project in Alaska. Our longer-term strategy may include seeking out compelling acquisition opportunities that enhance the value of our assets and demonstrate potential for significant growth through exploration and development.

 

Our management team and board of directors have extensive combined mining sector related experience, including exploration, development, operating and capital markets experience. We intend to capitalize on this significant experience as we seek to advance the Whistler Project and otherwise grow our business, following best practices with a dedication to safety, the environment and sustainable development for local communities.

 

As part of our strategy, we expect to utilize a cost-efficient business model by operating with an efficient, highly experienced team and calling upon third-party resources to supplement our skill set as opportunities and needs may arise. This strategy should enable us to maintain a high degree of flexibility in our cost structure. We believe it will also help to ensure that our business model is scalable and allows us to seek new growth opportunities in a cost effective and value enhancing manner.

 

Competition

 

The mining industry in general is extremely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources. Competition in the precious metals mining industry is primarily for: mineral rich properties that can be developed and produced economically; technical expertise to find, develop, and operate such properties; labor to operate the properties; and capital for the purpose of funding such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals, but also conduct refining and marketing operations on a global basis. Such factors may result in us being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund our operations and develop mining properties. Existing or future competition in the mining industry could materially adversely affect our Company’s prospects for mineral exploration and success in the future. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

 

Environmental, Social, and Governance

 

We are committed to the sustainable development of our projects by embedding environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) criteria in our decision-making framework from the earliest stages of project exploration and development. We are actively building partnerships with stakeholders around the Whistler project, through meeting with business, regulatory and community partners to identify opportunities to generate economic and social benefits. We aim to reduce our environmental impacts and put safety first, as well as employ responsible mineral exploration practices aligned to global best practices. We expect that our Sustainability Committee and board of directors will review and adopt various ESG and safety policies in due course. Key considerations that will influence our decision making include, but are not limited to, using clean and renewable energy in our future mining operations, optimizing and minimizing our water resource utilization, minimizing our environmental footprint, ensuring workforce diversity and hiring from local communities, health, safety and environmental performance as well as cultural heritage and biodiversity protection.

 

Government Regulation

 

Our exploration and development activities are subject to various national, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances, disclosure requirements and other matters. We have obtained or have pending applications for those licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct our exploration and development programs. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in the United States. There are no current orders or directions relating to us with respect to the foregoing laws and regulations. For a more detailed discussion of the various government laws and regulations applicable to our operations and potential negative effects of these laws and regulations, see also “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

 

7
 

 

The exploration and development of a mining prospect is subject to regulation by a number of federal and state government authorities. These include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and the United States Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) as well as the various state environmental protection agencies. The regulations address many environmental issues relating to air, soil and water contamination and apply to many mining related activities including exploration, mine construction, mineral extraction, ore milling, water use, waste disposal and use of toxic substances. In addition, we are subject to regulations relating to labor standards, occupational health and safety, mine safety, general land use, export of minerals and taxation. Many of the regulations require permits or licenses to be obtained and the filing of Notices of Intent and Plans of Operations, the absence of which or inability to obtain will adversely affect the ability for us to conduct our exploration, development and operation activities. The failure to comply with the regulations and terms of permits and licenses may result in fines or other penalties or in revocation of a permit or license or loss of a prospect.

 

In order to conduct drilling and other exploration activities under the laws of Alaska, we are required to submit an Application for Permit to Mine in Alaska (“APMA”) in Alaska. We submitted an APMA to Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources (“ADNR”) on June 30, 2022, and on September 22, 2022, the ADNR approved Multi-Year 2022-2026 Exploration and Reclamation Permit Number 2778 for Hardrock Exploration – Skwentna River – Yentna Mining District, and in addition also approved Reclamation Plan Approval Number 2778. On July 7, 2023, we received approval for amendments to the APMA which incorporate additional activities.

 

Federal

 

On lands owned by the United States, mining rights are governed by the General Mining Law of 1872, as amended, which allows the location of mining claims on certain federal lands upon the discovery of a valuable mineral deposit and compliance with location requirements. The exploration of mining properties and development and operation of mines is governed by both federal and state laws. Federal laws that govern mining claim location and maintenance and mining operations on federal lands are generally administered by the BLM. Additional federal laws, governing mine safety and health, also apply. State laws also require various permits and approvals before exploration, development or production operations can begin. Among other things, a reclamation plan must typically be prepared and approved, with bonding in the amount of projected reclamation costs. The bond is used to ensure that proper reclamation takes place, and the bond will not be released until that time. Local jurisdictions may also impose permitting requirements (such as conditional use permits or zoning approvals).

 

Alaska

 

In Alaska, low impact, initial stage surface exploration such as stream sediment, soil and rock chip sampling do not require any permits. The State of Alaska requires an APMA exploration permit for all substantial surface disturbances such as trenching, road building and drilling. These permits are also reviewed by related state and federal agencies that can comment and require specific changes to the proposed work plans to minimize impacts on the environment. The permitting process for significant disturbances generally requires 30 days for processing and all work must be bonded. Due to the northern climate, exploration work in some areas of Alaska can be limited by excessive snow cover and cold temperatures. In general, surface sampling work is limited to May through September and surface drilling from March through November, although some locations afford opportunities for year round exploration operations and others, such as wetland areas, may only be explored while frozen in the winter. Mining is conducted in a number of locations in Alaska on a year round basis, both open pit and underground.

 

Employees

 

As of November 30, 2023, we had 6 full time employees in Canada. We rely upon and engage consultants on a contract basis to provide services, management and personnel who assist us to carry on our administrative, shareholder communication and project exploration activities in the United States.

 

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We use the services of independent consultants and contractors to perform various professional services, including land acquisition, legal, environmental and tax services. In addition, we utilize the services of independent contractors to perform construction, geological, exploration and drilling operation services and independent third-party engineering firms assist with the design, engineering, and cost optimization of the proposed large-scale complex.

 

Reports to Security Holders

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we file annual reports, quarterly reports and proxy statements electronically with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site, at www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Copies of such documents are also available on our website at www.us.goldmining.com.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our shares of Common Stock or other securities. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks and caution that other unknown risks may exist or may arise that may affect our business.

 

An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk due to the nature of our business and the present stage of exploration and development of our mineral properties. The following risk factors, as well as risks not currently known to us, could materially adversely affect our future business, operations and financial condition and could cause them to differ materially from the estimates described in the forward-looking statements relating to us.

 

Risks Relating to our Business and Industry

 

Our success depends on the exploration development and operation of the Whistler Project, an exploration stage project which is currently our only project.

 

At present, our only mineral property is the interest that we hold in the Whistler Project, which is in the exploration stage. Unless we acquire or develop additional mineral properties, we will be solely dependent upon this property and our future success will be largely driven by our ability to explore and develop the Whistler Project successfully, including the results of such exploration and development efforts. If no additional mineral properties are acquired by us, any adverse development affecting our operations and further exploration or development of the Whistler Project may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Resource exploration and development is a high risk, speculative business.

 

The Whistler Project is at the exploration stage and is without identified Mineral Reserves. Mineral exploration and mine development are highly speculative in nature, involve many uncertainties and risks and are frequently unsuccessful. Mineral exploration is performed to demonstrate the dimensions, position and mineral characteristics of mineral deposits, estimate Mineral Resources, assess amenability of the deposit to mining and processing scenarios and estimate potential deposit size. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial exploration phases before mineral development and production is possible, during which time the potential feasibility of the Whistler Project may change adversely.

 

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While the discovery of an ore body may result in substantial rewards, few mineral properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits. Resource exploration and development is a speculative business, characterized by a number of significant risks including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting not only from the failure to discover mineral deposits but also from finding mineral deposits that, though present, are insufficient in quantity or quality to return a profit from production. The marketability of minerals acquired or discovered by us may be affected by numerous factors which are beyond our control and which cannot be accurately predicted, such as market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of milling facilities, mineral markets and processing equipment, and such other factors as government regulations, including regulations relating to allowable production, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental protection, the combination of which factors may result in our not receiving an adequate return of investment capital.

 

There is no assurance that our mineral exploration and development activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of ore. The long-term profitability of our operations will in part be directly related to the costs and success of our exploration programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling and to develop the mining and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major mineralized deposit, no assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis.

 

Additionally, significant capital investment is required to discover commercial ore and to commercialize production from successful exploration effort and maintain mineral concessions and other rights through payment of applicable taxes, advance royalties and other fees. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent on a number of factors, including, among others: (i) deposit attributes such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; (ii) current and future metal prices; and (iii) governmental regulations, including those relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and necessary supplies and environmental protection. The complete impact of these factors, either alone or in combination, cannot be entirely predicted and their impact may result in our not achieving an adequate return on invested capital.

 

There is no certainty that the expenditures made by us towards the search for and evaluation of mineral deposits will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of ore.

 

Mineral Resource estimates are based on interpretation and assumptions and could be inaccurate or yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated. Any material changes in these estimates could affect the economic viability of the Whistler Project, our financial condition and ability to be profitable.

 

The estimates for Mineral Resources contained herein are estimates only and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating Mineral Resources, including many factors beyond our control. Such estimation is a subjective process, and the accuracy of any Mineral Resource estimate is a function of the quantity and quality of available data and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation. In addition, there can be no assurance that gold recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in larger scale tests under on-site conditions or during production, if any. If our actual Mineral Resources are less than current estimates or if we fail to develop our Mineral Resource base through the realization of identified mineralized potential, our results of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. Evaluation of Mineral Resources occurs from time to time and they may change depending on further geological interpretation, drilling results and metal prices. The category of Inferred Mineral Resource is often the least reliable Mineral Resource category and is subject to the most variability. We regularly evaluate our Mineral Resources and consider the merits of increasing the reliability of its overall Mineral Resources.

 

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We have no history of earnings or mineral production, and there are currently no known commercial quantities of Mineral Reserves on the Whistler Project.

 

We have no history of earnings or mineral production and may never engage in mineral production. There are currently no known commercial quantities of Mineral Reserves on the Whistler Project. Development of the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future will only follow upon obtaining satisfactory results of further exploration work and geological and other studies. Exploration and the development of natural resources involve a high degree of risk and few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing properties. There is no assurance that our exploration and development activities will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of ore. The long-term profitability of our operations will be in part directly related to the cost and success of our exploration programs, which may be affected by a number of factors. Even if commercial quantities of minerals are discovered, the Whistler Project may not be brought into a state of commercial production. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered is also dependent on various factors, including particulars of the deposit itself, proximity to infrastructure, metal prices, and availability of power and water to permit development.

 

Further, we are subject to many risks common to mineral exploration companies, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial and other resources and the lack of revenues. There is no assurance we will be successful in achieving a return on stockholder’s investment and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of its early-stage operations.

 

Mining and project development is inherently risky and subject to conditions or events some of which are beyond our control, and which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our activities related to the exploration and development of the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future are subject to hazards and risks inherent in the mining industry. These risks, include, but are not limited to, rock falls, rock bursts, collapses, seismic activity, flooding, environmental pollution, mechanical equipment failure, facility performance issues, and periodic disruption due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. Such risks could result in personal injury or fatality, damage to equipment or infrastructure, environmental damage, delays, suspensions or permanent cessation of activities, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

 

Our current or future mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend on adequate infrastructure. Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources and water supply are important determinants that affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage and government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The development of the Whistler Project or any other projects we may acquire in the future into an operating mine will be subject to all of the risks associated with establishing and operating new mining operations.

 

If the development of the Whistler Project or any other projects we may acquire in the future is found to be economically feasible and we seek to develop an operating mine, the development of such a mine will require obtaining permits and financing the construction and operation of the mine itself, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we will be subject to certain risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including:

 

  uncertainties in timing and costs, which can be highly variable and considerable in amount, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure;
     
  we may find that skilled labor, mining equipment and principal supplies needed for operations, including explosives, fuels, chemical reagents, water, power, equipment parts and lubricants are unavailable or available at costs that are higher than we anticipated;
     
  we will need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits and the receipt of those approvals and permits may be delayed or extended beyond what we anticipated, or that the approvals and permits may contain conditions and terms that materially impact our ability to operate a mine;
     
  we may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to finance construction and development activities or such financing may be on terms and conditions costlier than anticipated, which may make mine development activities uneconomic;
     
  we may suffer industrial accidents as part of building or operating a mine that may subject us to significant liabilities;
     
  we may suffer mine failures, shaft failures or equipment failures which delay, hinder or halt mine development activities or mining operations;

 

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  our mining projects may suffer from adverse natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, droughts, rock slides and seismic activity;
     
  we may discover unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions that could cause us to have to revise or modify mine plans and operations in a materially adverse manner; and
     
  the exploration, development or operation of projects may become subject to opposition from nongovernmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups, which may delay, prevent, hinder or stop development activities or operations.

 

In addition, we may find that the costs, timing and complexities of developing the Whistler Project or any other future projects to be greater than we anticipated. Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work is completed on a project. It is common in mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. Accordingly, our activities may not result in profitable mining operations at our mineral properties.

 

Our growth strategy and future exploration and development efforts may be unsuccessful.

 

In order to grow our business and pursue our long-term growth strategy, we may seek to acquire additional mineral interests or merge with or invest in new companies or opportunities. A failure to make acquisitions or investments may limit our growth. In pursuing acquisition and investment opportunities, we face competition from other companies having similar growth and investment strategies, many of which may have substantially greater resources than us. Competition for these acquisitions or investment targets could result in increased acquisition or investment prices, higher risks and a diminished pool of businesses, services or products available for acquisition or investment. Additionally, if we lose or abandon our interest in any of our mineral projects, there is no assurance that we will be able to acquire another mineral property of merit or that such an acquisition would be approved by applicable regulators.

 

We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

 

Health epidemics or pandemics could adversely affect our ability to conduct planned exploration and development and otherwise adversely affect our financial position and results from operations. Health epidemics or pandemics have in the past and may in the future impact macroeconomic conditions, supply chains and other global economic activities. Governmental responses thereto, including operational restrictions adversely affect our business, operations and financial results. The duration and scope of a health epidemic or pandemic can be difficult to predict and depends on many factors, including the emergence of new variants and the availability, acceptance and effectiveness of preventative measures. Additionally, health epidemics, pandemics or other health crises may adversely impact or delay our ability to complete proposed work programs at the Whistler Project. The extent that an epidemic or pandemic may impact our business, operations, work programs or financial results will depend on numerous factors, which may be evolving and not subject to accurate prediction. Additionally, a health epidemic or pandemic may also heighten other risks disclosed in these risk factors, including, but not limited to, those related to the availability and costs of labor, raw materials and supply chain interruptions.

 

Increasing attention to ESG matters and conservation measures may adversely impact our business.

 

Increasing attention to, and societal expectations on companies to address, climate change and other environmental and social impacts and investor and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG disclosures may result in increased costs and reduced access to capital. While we may announce various voluntary ESG targets in the future, such targets are aspirational. Also, we may not be able to meet such targets in the manner or on such a timeline as initially contemplated, including, but not limited to, as a result of unforeseen costs or technical difficulties associated with achieving such results.

 

In addition, organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Unfavorable ESG ratings could lead to increased negative investor sentiment toward us and could impact our access to and costs of capital. Additionally, to the extent ESG matters negatively impact our reputation, we may not be able to compete as effectively to recruit or retain employees, which may adversely impact our business. Increased focus by stakeholders, regulators and others on ESG related matters may result in increased permitting requirements and delays in the future. Additionally, we may become subject to misinformation campaigns related to ESG and other matters which may require substantial management time and expense to address and could negatively impact community sentiment regarding the applicable project or delay expected development timelines.

 

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We rely on information technology systems and any inadequacy, failure, interruption or security breaches of those systems may harm our reputation and ability to effectively operate our business.

 

Our operations depend on information technology (“IT”) systems. These IT systems could be subject to network disruptions caused by a variety of sources, including computer viruses, security breaches and cyber-attacks, as well as disruptions resulting from incidents such as cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, terrorism, fire, power loss, vandalism and theft. Our operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in IT system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The failure of IT systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

 

Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not incur such losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources.

 

The mining industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases, and we compete with many companies possessing greater financial and technical resources. Competition in the precious metals mining industry is primarily for: (i) mineral rich properties that can be developed and produced economically; (ii) technical expertise to find, develop, and operate such properties; (iii) labor to operate the properties; and capital for the purpose of funding such properties. Many competitors not only explore for and mine precious metals but conduct refining and marketing operations on a global basis. Such competition may result in being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or retain qualified employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund its operations and develop mining properties. Existing or future competition in the mining industry could materially adversely affect our prospects for mineral exploration and success in the future.

 

Risks Related to Economic and Market Conditions

 

Global financial markets can have a profound impact on the global economy in general and on the mining industry in particular.

 

Many industries, including the precious metals mining industry, are impacted by volatile market conditions. Global financial conditions remain subject to sudden and rapid destabilization in response to economic shocks. A slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fluctuations in fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of financial markets, interest rates and tax rates may adversely affect our growth and financial condition. Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could impact our ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on favorable terms or at all. In such an event, our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

The volatility in gold and other commodity prices may adversely affect any future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.

 

We are exposed to commodity price risk. The price of gold or other commodities fluctuates widely and may be affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the sale or purchase of commodities by various central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, global and regional supply and demand, and political and economic climates and conditions of major mineral-producing countries around the world.

 

Declines in the market price of gold, base metals and other minerals may adversely affect our ability to raise capital or attract joint venture partners in order to fund our ongoing operations and meet obligations under option and other agreements underlying our mineral interests. Commodity price declines could also reduce the amount we would receive on the disposition of the Whistler Project to a third party. In addition, the decision to put a mine into production and to commit the funds necessary for that purpose must be made long before the first revenue from production would be received. A decrease in the price of gold may prevent a property from being economically mined or result in the write-off of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold prices.

 

We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.

 

Increased inflation has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, shipping costs, supply shortages, increased costs of labor, weakening exchange rates, and other similar effects. Our ability to conduct exploration of the Whistler Project is dependent on the acquisition of goods and services at a reasonable cost, such as drilling equipment and skilled labor, assay laboratory testing in a timeframe that allows us to execute on follow-up exploration phases expeditiously, and aircraft (fixed wing and helicopter) charter service availability to mobilize labor, position equipment and supply exploration campaigns. If we are unable to take effective measures in a timely manner to mitigate the impact of the inflation, the scope of our exploration of the Whistler Project may decrease and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

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Our results of operations could be affected by currency fluctuations.

 

We maintain accounts in currencies including the United States dollars and Canadian dollars. We conduct our business using both the aforementioned currencies depending on the location of the operations in question and the payment obligations involved. Accordingly, the results of our operations are subject to currency exchange risks. To date, we have not engaged in any formal hedging program to mitigate these risks. The fluctuations in currency exchange rates may significantly impact our financial position and results of operations in the future.

 

Risks Relating to Financial Matters

 

We have negative cash flows from operating activities.

 

We had negative cash flow from operating activities in the period from our incorporation until the date of this Annual Report. Given that we have no operating revenues, and do not anticipate generating operating revenues for the foreseeable future, we expect that expenditures to fund operating activities will be provided by financings. There is no assurance that future financings can be completed on acceptable terms or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could limit our ability to continue our operations in the future.

 

We will require additional financing to fund exploration and, if warranted, development and production. Failure to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation and could cast uncertainty on our ability to continue our operations in the future.

 

Even if the results of exploration are encouraging, we may not have sufficient funds to conduct the further exploration that may be necessary to determine whether or not a commercially minable deposit exists on any portion of the Whistler Project. While we may generate additional working capital through further equity offerings, there is no assurance that any such funds will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If available, future equity financing may result in substantial dilution to stockholders. At present it is impossible to determine what amounts of additional funds, if any, may be required.

 

There will be significant hazards associated with our activities, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance. To the extent we must pay the costs associated with such risks, our business may be negatively affected.

 

In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions including rock bursts, cave-ins, fires, flooding and earthquakes may occur. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or facilities thereon, personal injury or death, environmental damage to our properties or the properties of others, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.

 

Although we maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider being reasonable, our insurance will not cover all of the potential risks associated with our operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover certain risks at economically feasible premiums. In addition, insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of our securities.

 

Moreover, insurance against risks such as environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. As a result, we may become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards that may not be insured against. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial performance and results of operations.

 

Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of our current and future development projects and mines may not prove to be accurate.

 

Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of our current and future development projects and mines may not prove to be accurate. Capital and operating costs are estimated based on the interpretation of geological data, feasibility studies, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. Any of the following events, among the other events and uncertainties described herein, could affect the ultimate accuracy of such estimates: (i) unanticipated changes in grade and tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; (ii) incorrect data on which engineering assumptions are made; (iii) delay in construction schedules and unanticipated transportation costs; (iv) the accuracy of major equipment and construction cost estimates; (v) labor negotiations; (vi) changes in government regulation (including regulations regarding prices, cost of consumables, royalties, duties, taxes, permitting and restrictions on production quotas on exportation of minerals); and (vii) title claims.

 

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Risks Relating to Permitting, Regulatory and other Legal Matters

 

We may be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary permits to explore, develop or mine the Whistler Project in a timely manner or at all.

 

Exploration, development and mining activities will require certain permits and other governmental approvals. We may be unsuccessful in obtaining such permits and approvals on a timely basis, or on favorable terms or at all.

 

The State of Alaska requires that an APMA be submitted to obtain permits for all exploration, mining, or transportation of equipment and maintaining a camp. These permits are reviewed by related state and federal agencies that can comment on and require specific changes to proposed work plans to minimize impacts on the environment. We have submitted an APMA to the ADNR for the issuance of permits that will allow for future exploration work on the property in connection with the Whistler Project and on September 22, 2022, the ADNR approved Multi-Year 2022-2026 Exploration and Reclamation Permit Number 2778 for Hardrock Exploration – Skwentna River – Yentna Mining District, and in addition also approved Reclamation Plan Approval Number 2778. On July 7, 2023, we received approval for amendments to the APMA which incorporate additional activities.

 

Any failure to obtain permits and other governmental approvals could delay or prevent us from completing contemplated activities as planned which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Additionally, any failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, the installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of mining activities and may be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties for violations of applicable laws or regulations.

 

Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or a more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on us and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or other costs, or abandonment or delays in the exploration and development of new mining properties.

 

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into future production.

 

We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production. Our future operations may require permits from various governmental authorities and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, export, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, land use, environmental protections, mine safety and other matters. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses, permits and approvals that may be required to undertake exploration activity or commence construction or operation of mine facilities at the Whistler Project. Additionally, there can be no assurance that all permits and licenses we may require for future exploration or possible future development will be obtainable at all or on reasonable terms or that there will be no change in regulatory requirements.

 

The validity of our title to the Whistler Project and future mineral properties may be disputed by others claiming title to all or part of such properties.

 

The acquisition of title to mineral properties is a very detailed and time-consuming process. Title to, and the area of, mineral concessions may be disputed. Although we believe we have taken reasonable measures to ensure proper title to our interests in our properties, there is no guarantee that title to any such properties will not be challenged or impaired. Third parties may have valid claims underlying portions of our interests, including prior unregistered liens, agreements, transfers or claims and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. In addition, we may be unable to operate on such properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to such properties.

 

We are subject to various laws and regulations, and the costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations may cause substantial delays and require significant cash and financial expenditure, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We are subject to various laws and regulations. The costs associated with compliance with such laws and regulations may cause substantial delays and require significant cash and financial expenditure, which may have a material adverse effect on us or the development of the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future.

 

We rely on various counsel, consultants and advisors in respect of legal, environmental compliance, banking, financing and tax matters in order to ensure compliance with material legal, regulatory and governmental developments as they pertain to and affect our operations. Nevertheless, we may fail to comply with a legal or regulatory requirement, which may lead to the revocation of certain rights or to penalties or fees and in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.

 

Parties engaged in exploration operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the exploration activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations and, in particular, environmental laws. Any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on us or the development of the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future.

 

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Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.

 

Our activities are subject to environmental regulations in the jurisdiction in which we operate. Environmental legislation generally provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Certain types of operations require the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner involving stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations and future changes in these laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays, cause material changes or delays in our current and planned operations and future activities and reduce the profitability of operations. It is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on the Whistler Project or some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

 

Examples of current U.S. federal laws which may affect our current operations and may impact future business and operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

The Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), and comparable state statutes, impose strict, joint and several liability on current and former owners and operators of sites and on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at such sites. It is not uncommon for the government to file claims requiring cleanup actions, demands for reimbursement for government-incurred cleanup costs, or natural resource damages, or for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, govern the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste and authorize the imposition of substantial fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as requirements for corrective actions. CERCLA, RCRA and comparable state statutes can impose liability for clean-up of sites and disposal of substances found on exploration, mining and processing sites long after activities on such sites have been completed.

 

The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) restricts the emission of air pollutants from many sources, including mining and processing activities. Our mining operations may produce air emissions, including fugitive dust and other air pollutants from stationary equipment, storage facilities and the use of mobile sources such as trucks and heavy construction equipment, which are subject to review, monitoring or control requirements under the CAA and state air quality laws. New facilities may be required to obtain permits before work can begin, and existing facilities may be required to incur capital costs in order to remain in compliance. In addition, permitting rules may impose limitations on our production levels or result in additional capital expenditures in order to comply with the regulations.

 

The National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by evaluating the environmental impacts of their proposed actions, including issuance of permits to mining facilities, and assessing alternatives to those actions. If a proposed action could significantly affect the environment, the agency must prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), other federal agencies, and any interested third parties will review and comment on the scoping of the EIS and the adequacy of and findings set forth in the draft and final EIS. We are required to undertake the NEPA process for the Whistler Project permitting. The NEPA process can cause delays in issuance of required permits or result in changes to a project to mitigate its potential environmental impacts, which can in turn impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project or the ability to construct or operate the Whistler Project or other properties and may make them entirely uneconomic.

 

The Clean Water Act (“CWA”), and comparable state statutes, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water mining facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release.

 

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The Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated thereunder, regulate the drilling and operation of subsurface injection wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others the responsibility for the program has been delegated to the state. The program requires that a permit be obtained before drilling a disposal or injection well. Violation of these regulations or contamination of groundwater by mining related activities may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

 

Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry and our business.

 

In recent years, members of the United States Congress have repeatedly introduced bills which would supplant or alter the provisions of the U.S. General Mining Law. If adopted, such legislation, among other things, could eliminate or greatly limit the right to a mineral patent, impose federal royalties on mineral production from unpatented mining claims located on U.S. federal lands, result in the denial of permits to mine after the expenditure of significant funds for exploration and development, reduce estimates of Mineral Reserves and reduce the amount of future exploration and development activity on U.S. federal lands, all of which could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to operate and its cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and have a negative impact on our reputation or business.

 

From time to time, we may be party to various claims and litigation proceedings. All industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims, with and without merit. Defense and settlement costs of legal claims can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, the resolution of any particular legal proceeding to which we may become subject could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or our mining, project development operations and may divert our management’s attention.

 

Human Resources and Related Risks

 

We rely on third-party contractors.

 

As we continue with the exploration and advancement of the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future, timely and cost-effective completion of work will depend largely on the performance of our contractors. If any of these contractors or consultants do not perform to accepted or expected standards, we may be required to hire different contractors to complete tasks, which may impact schedules and add costs to the Whistler Project and any other projects we may acquire in the future, and in some cases, lead to significant risks and losses. A major contractor default or the failure to properly manage contractor performance could have an adverse effect on our results.

 

We are dependent on key personnel and the absence of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business. We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

 

Our success is or will be dependent on a relatively small number of key management personnel, employees and consultants. Such skills and knowledge include the areas of permitting, geology, drilling, metallurgy, logistical planning, engineering and implementation of exploration programs, as well as finance and accounting. The loss of the services of one or more of such key management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our ability to manage our exploration and future development activities, and hence our success, will depend in large part on the efforts of these individuals. We face intense competition for qualified personnel, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain such personnel.

 

Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development, which may cause them to have conflicts of interest.

 

Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development and, consequently, there exists the possibility for such directors and officers to be in a position of conflict. In addition, Alastair Still, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining and Garnet Dawson, a director of GoldMining, are also directors of the Company. Tim Smith, our Chief Executive Officer, is also Vice President, Exploration for GoldMining. As a result of their positions with GoldMining, they may have a potential conflict of interest with respect to ongoing matters relating to the Whistler Project. Additionally, the time and attention our directors and officers serving as directors and/or officers of other companies are required to dedicate to such positions could limit their ability to focus on our business and impact our business.

 

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We expect that any decision made by any of such directors and officers involving our business will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to our best interests and our stockholders’ best interests, but there can be no assurance in this regard.

 

Risks Relating to Our Securities and Corporate Structure

 

We may issue additional shares of our Common Stock from time to time for various reasons, resulting in the potential for significant dilution to existing stockholders.

 

We are authorized to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, and as such, we may issue additional shares of our Common Stock from time to time for various reasons, including, but not limited to, for the purposes of raising capital (including to fund exploration and development work) or acquiring additional interests. We may also issue additional shares of our Common Stock pursuant to equity incentive plans from time to time. These further issuances of our shares of Common Stock may have a depressive effect on the price of our shares of Common Stock and will dilute the voting power of our existing stockholders and the potential value thereof.

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest.

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest. GoldMining, or other related parties may have interests in such transactions that do not align with the interests of our security holders. There can be no assurance that we may have been able to achieve more favorable terms, including as to value and other key terms, if such transaction had not been with a related party.

 

We may in the future enter into transactions with entities in which our board of directors and other related parties hold ownership interests. Material transactions with related parties, if any, will be reviewed and approved by our Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that any such transactions will result in terms that are more favorable to us than if such transactions are not entered into with related parties. Furthermore, we may achieve more favorable terms if such transactions had not been entered into with related parties and, in such case, these transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, the price of our securities may be adversely affected.

 

We may fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, and we cannot ensure that we will conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal controls over financial reporting. Our failure to satisfy the requirements of applicable legislation on an ongoing, timely basis could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of its financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading price and market value of its shares or other securities. In addition, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause it to fail to meet its reporting obligations.

 

We may fail to maintain the adequacy of its disclosure controls. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed with securities regulatory agencies is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

No evaluation can provide complete assurance that our financial and disclosure controls will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be reported. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation. The effectiveness of our controls and procedures could also be limited by simple errors or faulty judgements. No material weaknesses have been identified for the year-ended November 30, 2023. We have identified material weaknesses in the past which were remediated and if we identify any future material weakness and are unable to successfully remediate any future material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

 

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We are an “emerging growth company”, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our securities less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an “emerging growth company”, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies”, including, but not limited to, not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm audit our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an “emerging growth company” for up to five years following the completion of the IPO. However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period exceeds $1.0 billion or revenues exceeds $1.235 billion, or the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company”, which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. Investors could find our securities less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our share price may be more volatile.

 

A small number of our stockholders could significantly influence our business.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, GoldMining owns approximately 79.7% of our outstanding Common Stock. As such, GoldMining is able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of us or our assets. This concentration of ownership may make it more difficult for other stockholders to effect substantial changes, may have the effect of delaying, preventing or expediting, as the case may be, a change in control and may adversely affect the market price of our securities. Further, the possibility that GoldMining or any other significant stockholders may sell all or a large portion of their securities in a short period of time could adversely affect the trading price of our shares of Common Stock. Also, the interests of such stockholder may not be in the best interests of all stockholders.

 

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market corporate governance requirements. As a result, we qualify for exemptions from certain U.S. corporate governance requirements and such exemptions could have an adverse effect on our public stockholders.

 

GoldMining controls a majority of the shares of our Common Stock. As a result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market corporate governance requirements. The Nasdaq Capital Market corporate governance requirements provides that a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, a group or another company, is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

 

  that we have a Compensation Committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities;

 

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  that our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities, or if no such committee exists, that our director nominees be selected or recommended by independent directors constituting a majority of the board of director’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate; and
     
  for an annual performance evaluation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees.

 

We have elected to rely on the “controlled company” exemption provided in the Nasdaq Capital Market corporate governance requirements to permit our Compensation Committee to include a non-independent director, and we could elect to rely on other exemptions in the future. Our status as a controlled company could cause our securities to look less attractive to certain investors or otherwise harm the trading price of our shares of Common Stock.

 

The market price of our securities may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors purchasing our securities.

 

The market price of our securities could be subject to significant fluctuations. In addition, securities markets worldwide have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could subject the market price of our securities to wide price fluctuations regardless of our operating performance. Some of the factors that may cause the market price of our securities to fluctuate include:

 

  price and volume fluctuations in the global stock markets from time to time;
     
  changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other companies in our industry;
     
  sales of our securities by us or GoldMining;
     
  failure of securities analysts and credit rating agencies to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts and credit rating agencies who follow us, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
     
  the financial projections we may provide to the public (in the event we decide to provide any such projections), any changes in those projections or our failure to meet those projections;
     
  rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
     
  actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations or fluctuations in our results of operations;
     
  litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
     
  announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors;
     
  new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;

 

  changes in tax laws and regulations as well as accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
     
  any significant change in our management team;
     
  general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets; and
     
  other risk factors described in this section of the prospectus.

 

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In addition, stock markets have historically experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations. Broad market and industry factors may harm the market price of our securities. Hence, the market price of our securities could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the market price of our securities regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has been instituted against that company. If we were involved in any similar litigation, we could incur substantial costs, our management’s attention and resources could be diverted and it could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Certain recent initial public offerings of companies with relatively small public floats comparable to our public float have experienced extreme volatility that was seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of the respective company, and our securities may potentially experience rapid and substantial price volatility, which may make it difficult for prospective investors to assess the value of our securities.

 

Recently, there have been instances of extreme stock price run-ups followed by rapid price declines and strong stock price volatility with a number of recent initial public offerings, especially among companies with relatively smaller public floats. As a relatively small-capitalization company with a relatively small public float, we may experience greater volatility in our securities, extreme price run-ups, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. In particular, our securities may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility, low volumes of trades and large spreads in bid and ask prices. Such volatility, including any run-up in the price of our securities, may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of our securities.

 

In addition, if the trading volumes of our securities are low, persons buying or selling in relatively small quantities may easily influence prices of our securities. This low volume of trades could also cause the price of our securities to fluctuate greatly, with large percentage changes in price occurring in any trading day session. Holders of our securities may also not be able to readily liquidate their investment or may be forced to sell at depressed prices due to low volume trading. Broad market fluctuations and general economic and political conditions may also adversely affect the market price of our securities. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our securities. A decline in the market price of our securities also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. No assurance can be given that an active market in our securities will develop or be sustained. If an active market does not develop, holders of our securities may be unable to readily sell the securities they hold or may not be able to sell their securities at all.

 

Our shares of Common Stock and Warrants are equity interests and would be subordinate to future issuances by us of either indebtedness or shares of preferred stock.

 

Our shares of Common Stock and Warrants are equity interests and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, they will rank junior to any indebtedness we may incur and to other non-equity claims against us and our assets available to satisfy claims against us, including in a liquidation. Additionally, holders of our shares of Common Stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of holders of our shares of preferred stock, to the extent we issue shares of preferred stock in the future and the shares of preferred stock remain outstanding at that time. Our board of directors is authorized to issue classes or series of shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of the holders of our shares of Common Stock and we are permitted to incur debt. Upon liquidation, lenders and holders of any outstanding debt securities and shares of preferred stock would receive distributions of our available assets prior to holders of our shares of Common Stock.

 

Additionally, any potential issuance of shares of preferred stock in the future may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our shares of Common Stock at a premium over the market price and adversely affect the market price and other rights of the holders of our shares of Common Stock.

 

We do not anticipate paying cash dividends, and accordingly, stockholders must rely on share appreciation for any return on their investment.

 

We have never paid any dividends on our shares of Common Stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our businesses and do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any cash dividends on our shares of Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

 

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U.S. civil liabilities may not be enforceable against our directors, our officers or certain experts named in this prospectus. Similarly, it may be difficult for investors to enforce civil liabilities against us, our directors and officers residing outside of the United States.

 

We are incorporated under the laws of Nevada and have an office in Canada. Many of our directors and officers, as well as certain experts named herein, reside outside of the United States, and a portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such directors, officers or experts or to enforce judgments obtained against such persons, in U.S. courts, in any action, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or any other laws of the United States.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 1C. Cybersecurity.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

Our sole exploration and development property is the Whistler Project, located in the Yentna Mining District of Alaska, approximately 170 km northwest of Anchorage.

 

We also lease and maintain an office at 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. We also maintain office space at 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4A2. We do not currently own any real estate. We believe that we have adequate space for our anticipated needs and that suitable additional space will be available at commercially reasonable prices as needed.

 

The Whistler Project

 

Other than under “2023 Exploration and Drilling Update” herein, the following information is condensed and extracted from the S-K 1300 Report. Readers should refer to the full text of the S-K 1300 Report, attached hereto as Exhibit 96.1, for further information regarding the Whistler Project.

 

Project Description, Location and Access

 

The Whistler Project is a gold-copper exploration project located in the Yentna Mining District of Alaska, approximately 170 km northwest of Anchorage.

 

As of the date hereof, the Whistler Project comprises 377 State of Alaska mining claims covering an aggregate area of approximately 217.5 km2. The center of the property is located at 152.566° longitude west and 61.983° latitude north. The Whistler Project is located in the drainage of the Skwentna River. Elevation varies from about 400m above sea level in the valley floors to over 5,000m in the highest peaks.

 

A base camp and gravel airstrip for wheel-based aircraft is established adjacent to the Skwentna River. The camp is equipped with diesel generators, a satellite communication link, tent structures on wooden floors and several wood-frame buildings. Although chiefly used for summer field programs, the camp is winterized. The camp has been maintained in good condition, and tent-based structures damaged by heavy snow loads prior to 2023 were subsequently repaired or replaced during the 2023 summer field season.

 

Additionally, the Alaska State Government in 2021 invested US$8.5M in a Roads to Resources initiative which is being managed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (“AIDEA”). AIDEA has published several studies since 2014 to assess route alternatives, impacts and benefits of constructing a public access road from Palmer/Wasilla to the ‘Susitna Mining District’ in the Alaska Range. In October 2021 AIDEA received US$8.5M to advance pre-development work on the West Susitna Access Road (“WSAR”). In 2022 AIDEA applied for a CWA 404 permit application to the US Army Corp of Engineers for the West Susitna Access project, initiating the environmental review process through compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Field studies proceeded in 2022 and 2023 with further evaluation of cultural and historical sites, fish and wildlife habitat, engineering refinement and alternative route analysis. On July 27, 2023, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (“DOT&PF”) announced plans to include the first 15 miles of the WSAR, including a bridge over the Susitna River, within the draft ‘2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program’, with funding set aside for construction to begin in 2025, pending permitting. Subsequent to the DOT&PF announcement, on July 28, 2023, AIDEA announced that it will continue working on a separate and additional portion of the WSAR, extending beyond the proposed DOT&PF road build to establish an industrial access corridor to several exploration and development projects in the West Susitna Mining District, including the Whistler Project. The development of this additional infrastructure may have a positive impact on reducing the future capital requirements and operating cost profile for the Whistler Project.

 

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The following map sets forth the location of the Whistler Project and shows the proposed alignment of the West Susitna Access Road.

 

 

We acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment in August 2015 for a total cost of approximately $1.32 million pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among us, GoldMining, Kiska and Geoinformatics. Pursuant to such agreement, we acquired rights and assumed obligations under several related underlying agreements. The related underlying agreements on the Whistler Project are listed below:

 

  1. The first underlying agreement is a royalty purchase agreement between Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, LLC, (“MF2”) dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a 2.75% NSR royalty over the Whistler Project area, and, extending outside the current claims, over an area of interest defined by certain maximum historical extent of claims held on the Whistler Project.
     
  2. The second underlying agreement is an earlier agreement between Cominco American Incorporated (“Cominco”) and Kent Turner dated October 1, 1999. This agreement concerns a 2.0% net profit interest to Teck Resources Limited (“Teck Resources”), which net profit interest was purchased by Sandstorm Gold Ltd. in connection with an area of interest specified by standard township sub-division.
     
  3. The third underlying agreement is a purchase and sale agreement among Kent Turner, Kiska and Geoinformatics, dated December 16, 2014, that terminated the “Turner Agreement” (which granted Kennecott Exploration Company (“Kennecott”) and its successors a 30-year lease on 25 unpatented State of Alaska Claims), and transferred to Kiska and Geoinformatics, and their successors, an undivided 100% of the legal and beneficial interest in, under, to, and respecting the Turner property free and clear of all encumbrances arising by, through or under Turner other than the Cominco American Incorporated net profit interest.

 

In January 2023, we were granted 73 new claims, acquired by staking, in Alaska by the Division of Mining, Land and Water, ADNR. These additional claims are ancillary to the core project area which contains the Whistler, Raintree and Island Mountain Mineral Resources. These new claims provide flexibility for possible future exploration or operational needs. There is no known extension of Mineral Resources or unclassified mineralization or interpreted geological prospectivity underlying the new claims. Currently, we have no immediate plans for exploration on these claims, however they will be assessed in the future for possible work programs. We may also in the future evaluate and acquire additional interests in gold and gold-copper projects in the Americas.

 

We are also party to a royalty agreement with Gold Royalty Corp. dated January 11, 2021. This agreement granted to Gold Royalty Corp. a 1.0% NSR royalty on each of the Whistler, Raintree West and Island Mountain deposits/properties comprising the Whistler Project.

 

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History

 

Mineral exploration in the Whistler area was initiated by Cominco in 1986 and continued through 1989. During this period, the Whistler and the Island Mountain gold-copper porphyry occurrences were discovered and partially tested by drilling. In 1990, Cominco ceased exploration and all cores from the Whistler region were donated to the State of Alaska and the property was allowed to lapse.

 

In 1999, Kent Turner staked 25 State of Alaska mining claims at Whistler and leased the property to Kennecott. From 2004 through 2006, Kennecott conducted extensive exploration of the Whistler region, including geological mapping, soil, rock and stream sediments sampling, ground Induced Polarization survey, and the evaluation of the Whistler gold-copper occurrence with fifteen core boreholes (7,948m) and reconnaissance core drilling at other targets in the Whistler region (4,184m). Over that period Kennecott invested over $6.3 million in exploration.

 

In June 2007, Geoinformatics announced the conditional acquisition of the Whistler Project as part of a strategic alliance with Kennecott.

 

From 2007 through 2008, Geoinformatics drilled twelve holes totaling 5,784m on the Whistler Deposit and six holes totaling 1,841m on other exploration targets in the Whistler area. Drilling by Geoinformatics on the Whistler Deposit was done to infill the deposit to sections spaced at 75m and to test for the north and south extensions of the deposit. Exploration drilling by Geoinformatics in the Whistler area targeted geophysical anomalies in the Raintree and Rainmaker areas, using the same basic porphyry exploration model as Kennecott.

 

In 2009, Kiska was formed by the merger of Geoinformatics and Rimfire Minerals Corporation. In total, Kiska completed 224 line-km of 3D Induced Polarization geophysics, 40 line-km of 2D IP geophysics, 327 line-km of cut-line, geological mapping on the 3D IP grid, detailed mapping of significant Au-Cu prospects, collection of 109 rock samples and 61 soil samples, 8,660m of diamond drilling from 23 drillholes (all greater than 200m in total length), petrographic analysis of mineralization at Island Mountain, a preliminary review of metallurgy at the Whistler Resource, and metallurgical testing of mineralization from the Discovery Breccia at Island Mountain. In August of 2010, Kiska delivered a report to Kennecott summarizing the results of the completed Trigger Program. In September of 2010, Kennecott informed Kiska that it would not exercise its back-in right on the Whistler Project and hence retained a 2% NSR on the property.

 

From this point forward, Kiska continued to drill and explore the Whistler Project for the duration of the 2010 and 2011 field seasons. The majority of this work included shallow grid drilling (25m to 50m top of bedrock drilling) in the Whistler area (also referred to as the Whistler Corridor), conventional step-out drilling from prospects in the Whistler area, step-out drilling at the Island Mountain Deposit, an airborne EM survey of the Island Mountain area, reconnaissance drilling at Muddy Creek, and minor infill drilling at the Whistler Deposit, followed by the publication of an updated resource estimate.

 

Geological Setting, Mineralization and Deposit Types

 

Geological Setting

 

The Whistler Project is located in the Alaska Range. The Alaska Range is a continuation of the Pacific Coastal Mountains extending in an arc across the northern Pacific, and represents a long-lived continental arc characterized by multiple magmatic events ranging in age from about 76 Ma to 30 Ma and associated with a wide range of base and precious metals hydrothermal sulphide mineralization. The geology of the Whistler Project is characterized by a thick succession of Cretaceous to early Tertiary (ca. 97 to 65 Ma) volcano-sedimentary rocks intruded by a diverse suite of plutonic rocks of Jurassic to mid-Tertiary age.

 

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Two main intrusive suites are important in the Whistler Project area:

 

  The Whistler Igneous Suite comprises alkali-calcic basalt-andesite, diorite and monzonite intrusive rocks with an age of approximately 76 Ma with restricted extrusive equivalent. These intrusions are commonly associated with gold-copper porphyry-style mineralization.
     
  The Composite Suite intrusions vary in composition from peridotite to granite and their ages span from 67 to about 64 Ma. Gold-copper veinlets and pegmatitic occurrences are characteristics of the composite plutons (e.g. the Mt. Estelle prospect, the Muddy Creek prospect).

 

GoldMining acquired the Whistler Project for its potential to host magmatic hydrothermal gold and copper mineralization. Magmatic hydrothermal deposits represent a wide clan of mineral deposits formed by the circulation of hydrothermal fluids into fractured rocks and associated with the intrusion of magma into the crust.

 

Mineralization and Deposit Types

 

Exploration on the Whistler Project by Kennecott, Geoinformatics and Kiska has identified three primary exploration targets for porphyry-style gold-copper mineralization. These include the Whistler Deposit, Raintree Deposit, and the Island Mountain Deposit. The porphyry deposits in the Whistler area share similar styles of alteration, mineralization, veining and cross-cutting relationships that are generally typical of porphyry systems associated with relatively oxidized magma series (A- and B-type quartz vein stockwork, chalcopyrite-pyrite mineralization assemblage, presence of sulphates, core of potassic alteration with well-developed peripheral phyllic alteration zones) and well developed airborne magnetic and Induced Polarization chargeability/resistivity anomalies.

 

The Whistler-Raintree and Island Mountain areas also host multiple porphyry prospects defined by drilling, anomalous soil samples, alteration, veining, surface rock samples, IP chargeability/resistivity anomalies, airborne magnetic anomalies and airborne electromagnetic anomalies. These include the Raintree North, Rainmaker, Round Mountain, Puntilla, Snow Ridge, Dagwood, Super Conductor, Howell Zone and Cirque Zones.

 

Island Mountain exhibits a different style of alteration, veining and sulphide mineralization. Principally the occurrence of pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite associated with Au-Cu mineralization, strong sodic-calcic alteration, lack of significant sulphates, minor hydrothermal quartz and weak to insignificant phyllic alteration. For these reasons, the porphyry system at Island Mountain may belong to the “reduced” subclass of porphyry copper-gold deposits.

 

The Muddy Creek area represents an additional exploration target with the potential to host a bulk tonnage, intrusion-related gold deposit. Exploration by Millrock Resources Inc. on claims directly adjacent to the Muddy Creek area, which are geologically analogous, have returned encouraging preliminary results. Like Island Mountain, the Muddy Creek mineralization is distinct from the Whistler Porphyry systems and shares more similarity with intrusion related gold systems characteristic of the Tintina Gold Belt. The Muddy Creek prospect may also share geological similarities with the Korbel deposit owned by Nova Minerals Limited located 12 miles north. The Muddy Creek prospect may also share geological similarities with the Korbel deposit owned by Nova Minerals Limited located 12 miles north. The intrusive complex at Muddy Creek is predominantly monzonitic grading to more mafic marginal phases, yet is generally more felsic in composition relative to the diorites of the Whistler area. Mineralization is restricted to sheeted vein zones with narrow millimeter scale veinlets and pegmatitic veinlets of quartz, feldspar, tourmaline and sulphides that include arsenopyrite, minor chalcopyrite and pyrite-pyrrhotite. Gold mineralization is largely confined to the minute veinlets whereas the intervening intrusive rocks are largely unaltered and unmineralized.

 

We will apply geologic search criteria to our property scale exploration programs to detect geological attributes similar to the recent discovery of the RPM prospect made by Nova Minerals Limited, located 7 miles southeast of Muddy Creek.

 

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Exploration

 

Prior to 2022, we had not completed exploration work at Whistler since acquiring the Whistler Project. The last previous exploration drilling was conducted by Kiska in 2011. Our strategy is to enhance and grow the value of our asset base, with a focus on exploring to grow the in situ Mineral Resource estimate and to advance mining, environmental and heritage studies on the Whistler Project towards delineation of a compelling business case optimizing bulk mineable near surface deposits. On June 30, 2022, we submitted an APMA to the ADNR in order to commence exploration field work activities in 2023. On September 22, 2022, the ADNR approved Multi-Year 2022-2026 Exploration and Reclamation Permit Number 2778 for Hardrock Exploration – Skwentna River – Yentna Mining District, and in addition also approved Reclamation Plan Approval Number 2778. Planned field work and studies comprises an initial two-year work program over 2023-2024 with the objective to consider initiating a PEA, pending exploration results, at the end of that period. Work conducted on the Whistler Project during 2022 comprised of identification and engagement with key business partners and subject matter expert consultants, stakeholder and community consultation, assessment of the condition of the existing Whistler camp, initial environmental baseline data collection, and desktop geological database validation, interpretation and analysis of potential drilling targets. The Whistler Multi-Year 2022-2026 Exploration and Reclamation Permit allows us to conduct exploration including drilling, operate and maintain a camp including storage of fuel, and to transport people, equipment and consumables to the Whistler Project.

 

Drilling

 

A total of 70,247m of diamond drilling in 257 holes has been completed on the Whistler Project by Cominco, Kennecott, Geoinformatics and Kiska from 1986 to the end of 2011. Of these drill holes, 21,132m in 52 holes have been drilled in the Whistler Deposit area, 20,479m in 94 holes have been drilled in the Raintree area and 14,410m in 36 holes comprise the Island Mountain resource area. There are 14,226m in 75 holes in areas outside the three resource areas.

 

Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification

 

There is no available documentation about sampling and analysis by Cominco. Previous operators Kennecott, Geoinformatics, and Kiska used industry standard practices to collect, handle and assay soil, rock and core samples collected during the period 2004-2011. These procedures are documented in detailed reports describing pertinent aspects of the exploration data collection and management.

 

All historic assay samples were assayed at either the Alaska Assay Laboratory (2004 and 2009) in Fairbanks, Alaska, or the accredited ALS-Chemex laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia for all other years. Sample preparation was accomplished in Alaska, either at the Alaska Assay Lab or ALS-Chemex preparation lab in Anchorage, Alaska. Samples were assayed for gold by fire assay and a suite of elements including silver and copper by aqua regia or multi-acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Operators Kennecott, Geoinformatics, and Kiska used industry standard quality control practices during exploration at Whistler. The S-K 1300 Report discloses that analysis of the QA/QC data indicates the assay data is of sufficient quantity and quality for resource estimation.

 

A site visit was conducted on September 14, 2022, by Sue Bird, the author of the S-K 1300 Report. No observations contradicting historic published information were made. The assay database did not have certificate numbers attached to the sample IDs, this was accomplished by the author of the S-K 1300 Report to the extent possible. Certificate checks revealed some minor errors which were corrected prior to resource modeling. Not all assay data in the database is fully supported by certificates and QA/QC. However, the percentage of data fully supported by certificates and QA/QC is consistent with similar projects that have the majority of drilling completed before 2010 and have undergone several changes in ownership. The S-K 1300 Report disclosed that the assay database is determined to be of sufficient quality and accuracy for resource estimation.

 

The Whistler Mineral Resource estimate and SK-1300 Report has not been updated subsequent to the 2023 drilling completed by us. On completion of the proposed exploration drilling program in 2024, and pending results of the program, geological modeling, Mineral Resource estimation, mine design and financial modeling may be initiated in late 2024 towards development of a mine scoping study (PEA).

 

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Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing

 

Metallurgical testing had been carried out in three phases starting with the 2004/05 preliminary testing in Salt Lake City under the general supervision of Kennecott and culminating in the two phases under Kiska conducted at G&T Laboratories in Kamloops during 2010 to 2012.

 

Whistler Deposit preliminary metallurgical testing included gravity concentration or flotation to recover the copper and gold. From the metallurgical testing results and subsequent analysis, it appears that the Whistler Deposit is metallurgically amenable to a conventional flotation route to produce saleable high quality copper concentrates with gold credits, despite the low head grade, and that the levels of recovery and upgrade for both copper and gold are relatively insensitive to feed grade. We believe that there are no processing factors or deleterious elements that could have significant effect of potential economic extraction.

 

The preliminary testing indicated that the Island Mountain material tested is amenable to copper recovery by flotation and that the gold is relatively free milling. The results indicate that in the range of 90% of the potential gold may be recoverable by either whole ore leaching or a combination of flotation and leaching of the tailings. Further flotation work is expected to improve both potential copper and gold recoveries to concentrate.

 

For both deposits further metallurgical development and assessment work is required to develop the best flowsheet with respect to capital and operating costs, metal recoveries and overall economics.

 

As of the date hereof, no metallurgical testing has been carried out on rocks from the Raintree West Deposit, however, given the similarities in geological setting, host rock, mineralization and alteration between Raintree West Deposit and the Whistler Deposit, it has been assumed by GoldMining that metallurgical processes and metal recoveries determined for the Whistler Deposit are a reasonable approximation for the Raintree West Deposit at this time.

 

Metal recoveries reported for the Whistler Project resource estimate include 83% for copper, 70% for gold and 65% for silver with silver grades below 10 g/t and 0% for silver grades above 10 g/t.

 

Mineral Resource Estimates

 

The following table sets forth the Mineral Resource estimate set forth in the S-K 1300 Report, with an effective date of September 22, 2022, date of issue of September 23, 2022, and revised date of issue of December 16, 2022.

 

Deposit          In Situ Grade   In Situ Metal 
   NSR Cutoff   Tonnage   NSR   Gold   Silver   Copper   Gold Eq   Gold   Silver   Copper   Gold Eq 
   (US$/t)   (Mt)   (US$/t)   (g/t)   (g/t)   (%)   (g/t)   (Moz)   (Moz)   (Mlbs)   (Moz) 
   Indicated Resources 
Whistler   10.50    107.77    26.44    0.50    1.95    0.17    0.79    1.75    6.76    399    2.74 
Raintree (Open Pit)   10.50    7.76    20.61    0.49    4.88    0.09    0.67    0.12    1.22    15    0.17 
Total Indicated (Open Pit)   10.50    115.53    26.05    0.50    2.15    0.16    0.78    1.87    7.97    414    2.90 
Raintree (Underground)   25.00 shell    2.68    34.02    0.79    4.18    0.13    1.03    0.07    0.36    8    0.09 
Total Indicated   Varies    118.20    26.23    0.51    2.19    0.16    0.79    1.94    8.33    422    2.99 
    Inferred Resources 
Whistler   10.50    153.54    19.17    0.35    1.48    0.13    0.57    1.71    7.31    455    2.83 
Island Mountain   10.50    111.90    18.99    0.47    1.06    0.05    0.57    1.70    3.81    131    2.04 
Raintree (Open Pit)   10.50    11.77    24.28    0.62    4.58    0.07    0.77    0.23    1.73    18    0.29 
Total Inferred (Open Pit)   10.50    277.21    19.32    0.41    1.44    0.10    0.58    3.64    12.85    604    5.16 
Raintree (Underground)   25.00 shell    39.77    32.65    0.80    2.51    0.12    1.00    1.03    3.21    107    1.28 
Total Inferred   varies    316.98    20.99    0.46    1.58    0.10    0.63    4.67    16.06    711    6.45 

 

Notes:

 

1. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves.

 

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2. The Mineral Resource for Whistler deposit and the upper portions of the Raintree West Deposits have been confined by an open pit with “reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction” using the 150% pit case and the following assumptions:

 

  Metal prices of US$1,600/oz Au, US$3.25/lb Cu and US$21/oz Ag;
  Payable metal of 99% payable Au, 90% payable Ag and 1% deduction for Cu;
  Offsite costs (refining, transport and insurance) of US$136/wmt proportionally distributed between Au, Ag and Cu;
  Royalty of 3% NSR has been assumed;
  Pit slopes are 50 degrees;
  Mining cost of US$1.80/t for waste and US$2.00/t for mineralized material; and
  Processing, general and administrative costs of US$10.50/t.

 

3. The lower portion of the Raintree West Deposit has been constrained by a mineable shape with “reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction” using a US$25.00/t cut-off.
   
4. Metallurgical recoveries are: 70% for Au, 83% for Cu, and 65% Ag for Ag grades below 10g/t. The Ag recovery is 0% for values above 10g/t for all deposits.
   
5. The NSR equations are: below 10g/t Ag: NSR (US$/t)=(100%-3%)*((Au*70%*US$49.273g/t) + (Cu*83%*US$2.966*2204.62 + Ag*65%*US$0.574)), and above 10g/t Ag: NSR (US$/t)=(100%-3%)*((Au*70%*US$49.256g/t) + (Cu*83%*US$2.965*2204.62))
   
6. The Au Equivalent equations are: below 10g/t Ag: AuEq=Au + Cu*1.5733 +0.0108Ag, and above 10g/t Ag: AuEq=Au + Cu*1.5733
   
7. The specific gravity for each deposit and domain ranges from 2.76 to 2.91 for Island Mountain, 2.60 to 2.72 for Whistler with an average value of 2.80 for Raintree West.
   
8. Numbers may not add due to rounding.

 

2023 Exploration and Drilling Update

 

Our initially planned exploration programs over the 2023 and 2024 field seasons consists of up to 10,000-meters of core drilling, which is reduced from the initial target of 15,000 meters drilling, in order to allow us to determine actual costs of drilling while it re-established filed operations. Additional surface exploration may include soil geochemical sampling and geophysical surveying, geological data processing and interpretation, and collection of mine planning and mineral processing information including metallurgical, geotechnical and hydrogeological data. Environmental baseline data collection, as well as archaeological and heritage land use studies were also initiated in 2023, with on-ground archaeological surveys expected to be initiated in 2024. We have also engaged in stakeholder consultation with respect to both the present and ongoing exploration activity and the potential future mine development of the Whistler Project.

 

On May 30, 2023, we announced that we mobilized field teams to execute our 2023 exploration program at the Whistler Project (the “2023 Program”). On August 21, 2023, we announced that drilling had commenced under the 2023 Program.

 

In 2023, four confirmatory drill holes were completed for a total of 2,234 meters at the Whistler Project from mid-August to mid-November, at which time the drilling program was paused for a winter break. On January 16, 2024, we announced the results from these initial four confirmatory drill holes.

 

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The HQ and NQ diamond drill core from the 2023 Program were logged and sampled at the Whistler field camp facility, supervised by qualified geologists (P.Geo. designation) from our lead exploration consultant, Equity Exploration Ltd., and supervised by our QP, Tim Smith (MSc., P.Geo.) Geologists marked out samples for assay after logging the drill core, predominantly at the maximum sample composite length of 2 meters in length. A minority of samples were cut at shorter intervals, at a minimum sample length of 0.5 meters, to honor lithological and alteration contacts logged by the geologists. All drillholes were systematically sampled from top of bedrock to bottom of hole, excepting the top sections of drill holes comprising unconsolidated sediments (soil, colluvium, alluvium). Sample tags were inserted into the core boxes and the core was photographed wet and dry, before being cut lengthways in half with a diamond saw. One half of the core was submitted for assay, one half was retained in core boxes at the Whistler site. A total of 1149 samples of half core were collected in total and the samples were sent to independent certified assay laboratory Bureau Veritas North America Ltd. located in Fairbanks, AK, for processing, where samples were dried then crushed to 70% passing 10 mesh, then a 250 gram split was pulverized to 90% passing 150 mesh. Bureau Veritas then transported the processed sample pulps to its assay laboratory in Vancouver, Canada. All samples were analyzed for 45 elements, including copper and silver, using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS determination (method MA200). Gold analyses were determined by 30g fire assay with AAS finish (method FA430) which is considered to provide a total assay for gold. A total of 1149 assays were accepted into the Whistler drilling assay database, following passing of standard QAQC protocols.

 

On January 16, 2024, we announced initial results from the first three drill holes from the 2023 Program. These included the following. Reported grades are un-cut, and intercept lengths represent a subset of the true width of the Whistler Deposit.

 

Hole Number  Interval From (m)   Interval To (m)   Core Length (m)   Gold Grade (g/t)   Copper Grade (%)   Silver Grade (g/t)   AuEq (g/t) (1) 
WH23-01   1.95    243.00    241.05    0.33    0.16    1.86    0.60 
Including   29.00    37.00    8.00    0.82    0.26    2.40    1.26 
Including   77.00    108.00    31.00    0.56    0.26    2.46    1.00 
Including   77.00    195.00    118.00    0.44    0.18    2.12    0.74 
Including   137.77    157.00    19.23    0.75    0.18    2.73    1.06 
Including   231.00    239.00    8.00    0.77    0.24    1.35    1.16 
                                    
WH23-02   305.00    447.34    142.34    0.17    0.21    1.05    0.51 
Including   379.00    423.00    44.00    0.29    0.30    1.51    0.77 
Including   401.00    423.00    22.00    0.42    0.42    2.33    1.10 
Including   415.00    423.00    8.00    0.51    0.51    3.25    1.32 
                                    
WH23-03   0.41    600.15 (2)   599.74    0.71    0.16    1.54    0.99 
Including   53.00    600.15 (2)   547.15    0.77    0.17    1.55    1.06 
Including   131.00    307.00    176.00    1.24    0.19    1.66    1.55 
And   373.50    423.00    49.50    0.92    0.11    1.82    1.10 
And   441.00    457.00    16.00    1.03    0.20    1.64    1.36 
And   480.00    501.00    21.00    0.80    0.35    2.11    1.37 
And   523.00    539.00    16.00    0.83    0.30    1.14    1.31 
And   575.00    600.15 (2)   25.15    0.86    0.16    0.93    1.12 

 

Notes:

 

  (1) AuEq equations are calculated consistent with the methodology outlined in the S-K 1300 Report and NI 43-101 Report. Specifically: below 10g/t Ag: AuEq=Au + Cu*1.5733 +0.0108Ag, and above 10g/t Ag: AuEq=Au +Cu*1.5733.
  (2) End of Hole.

 

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The following table sets out the drill locations and depths for the 2023 Program:

 

Hole Number 

Easting

Meters (UTM Zone 18)

   Northing Meters (UTM Zone 18)   Elevation (m above sea level)   Depth (m)  

Azimuth

(Degrees)

   Dip (Degrees)   Status
WH23-01   518782    6871260    904    467.87    140.8    -49.0   All assays received
WH23-02   518779    6871253    902    605.64    229.2    -60.1   All assays received
WH23-03   518776    6871253    903    600.15    189.2    -82.9   All assays received
WH23-04   520197    6869142    366    560.83    134.8    -78.0   Assays Pending

 

The 2023 Program comprised four confirmatory drill holes in total: WH23-01 to WH23-04. Drill holes WH23-01 and WH23-02 targeted the southeast and southwest extents of the Whistler Deposit, respectively. WH23-03 was drilled at a steeper angle to provide additional geological data from the southern portion of the ‘high-grade core’ and to test for extensions below the base of the current resource model however, drilling was terminated prematurely due to freeze-up of the water supply at the onset of winter conditions. We will attempt to re-enter and deepen the drill hole in 2024 to explore the depth extents of the Whistler mineral system. A fourth confirmatory drill hole, WH23-04 was drilled at the Raintree South target located one kilometer south of the Whistler Deposit, bringing the 2023 Program total to 2,234 meters drilled. While the drill hole successfully intersected porphyry intrusive rocks and thereby confirmed the geophysical modelling and targeting methodology, core logging indicates weak to absent veining and alteration. Assay results are currently pending as of date of publication; however, we are not expecting that the LSP drilled to date has intersected mineralization. For the first time at the Whistler Project, all drill holes incorporated core orientation surveying, thereby providing structural geometry and geotechnical data. We currently expect that the drill core from the 2023 Program, once all processed, should provide updated information for advancing mineralogical and geometallurgical test work in the future.

 

The following map sets forth the location of the Whistler deposit drilling with gold and copper histograms plotted (left and right respectively; see legend). Drill traces for the 2023 drill holes are shown in bold (with prefix ‘WH023’) and gold and copper assay histograms are highlighted. Drilling is overlain on a geological interpretation of the host diorite porphyry (cut at 200 meters below surface) to illustrate the overall geometry of mineralized porphyry phases (pale purple) and non-mineralized late-stage porphyry phases (darker purple).

 

 

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The Whistler Deposit is hosted within the Whistler Intrusive Suite, a composite suite of diorite stocks and dykes with clear cross-cutting relationships that divide the suite broadly into an early Main Stage Porphyry (“MSP”), a later Intermineral Porphyry Suite (“IMP”) and a late intrusive phase referred to as Late Stage Porphyry (“LSP”). Gold and copper mineralization is characterized by abundant disseminated sulphide and quartz + sulphide vein stockworks (including classic porphyry diagnostic ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘D’, and ‘M’ type veins), and potassic alteration which is variably overprinted by later phyllic alteration. The early stage MSP suite is most strongly altered, veined and mineralized, with the IMP being less intensely altered and veined but remaining consistently mineralized, and the late or post-mineralization LSP generally being below cutoff grade or unmineralized.

 

We are working to delineate the geometry, extents and continuity of the MSP and IMP suites, which serves to focus drilling on opportunities to expand mineralization where the potentially mineralized porphyry phases remain under-explored. In addition, the technical team has identified the presence of a robust core of higher-grade mineralization within the Whistler Deposit that correlates with intense alteration and veining within the MSP. Optimizing the geological model to improve confidence in the delineation of the MSP is a key focus of the 2024 drilling program as it will improve confidence in distribution and continuity of higher-grade zones within the Whistler Deposit.

 

We plan to re-commence the remainder of the previously announced approximate 10,000 meter drilling program at the Whistler Project at the start of the 2024 summer field season.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently a party to any material proceedings. Regardless of outcome, such proceedings or claims can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources and other factors, and there can be no assurances that favorable outcomes will be obtained.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Annual Report.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information

 

Our shares of Common Stock and Warrants are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGO.WT”, respectively.

 

As of February 21, 2024, there were 12,398,709 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by approximately 9 holders of record.

 

Dividends

 

We have never declared or paid any dividends on our Common Stock or any of our other securities. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the growth and development of our business, and we do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions under any future indebtedness and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.

 

Repurchases

 

We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023.

 

Unregistered Sales of Securities

 

On July 19, 2023, we issued an aggregate of 5,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant in consideration for services under a consulting agreement at a deemed issuance price of $12.96 per share.

 

The issuance of the shares of Common Stock as described above were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and the shares of the common stock were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

The following table sets out a comparison of how we have utilized the net proceeds realized under the IPO in comparison to the estimated use of proceeds disclosed in our final prospectus relating to the IPO, filed with the SEC on April 20, 2023 (the “IPO Prospectus”). The information therein is presented as of November 30, 2023:

 

   Estimated
Use of Proceeds
   Actual
Use of Proceeds
 
Exploration and development activities on Whistler Project, including infill and exploration drilling, metallurgical sampling, economic studies and consultation  $6,220,000   $4,359,000 
Permitting and Reporting   1,175,000    516,000 
Repayment of current liabilities, including advance from GoldMining(1)   2,381,000    1,759,000 
General and administrative expenses   3,240,000    2,376,000 
Other general working capital purposes   4,284,000    980,000 
Total  $17,300,000   $9,990,000 

 

Notes:

 

(1)Before our IPO, our liquidity needs were met through funding provided by GoldMining. Upon completion of the IPO, we utilized a portion of the proceeds to repay such advances.

 

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Actual use of proceeds for exploration and development activities on Whistler Project as of November 30, 2023 was $4,359,000, compared to $6,220,000 estimated as at April 19, 2023 in the IPO Prospectus. The proceeds used to date primarily relate to our confirmatory work program at the Whistler Project commenced in 2023. Actual use of proceeds for permitting and reporting was $516,000, compared to $1,175,000 estimated as at April 19, 2023 in the IPO Prospectus. The proceeds used to date primarily relate to planned permitted and reporting activities which have yet to commence. Actual use of proceeds for repayment of liabilities was $1,759,000, compared to $2,381,000 estimated as at April 19, 2023 in the IPO Prospectus. The difference was primarily related to actual IPO-related expenditures being less than initially estimated. Actual use of proceeds for general and administrative expenses was $2,376,000, compared to $3,240,000 estimated as at April 19, 2023 in the IPO Prospectus. The proceeds used to date primarily relate to actual general and administrative expenditures, and the difference is due to budgeted general and administrative expenditures for future activities, which have yet to be incurred. Actual use of proceeds for general working capital was $980,000, compared to $4,284,000 estimated as at April 19, 2023 in the IPO Prospectus. The proceeds used to date primarily relate to the construction of camp structures and purchase of equipment. The difference is due to budgeted future activities, which have yet to be incurred.

 

Item 6. [Reserved].

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “U.S. GoldMining”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to U.S. GoldMining Inc., a Nevada corporation and references to “$” or “dollars” are to United States dollars.

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, and related notes appearing at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. A copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be available under our profile at www.sec.gov and at www.sedarplus.ca.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include statements that relate to our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of terminology such as “subject to”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “target”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “outlook”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “can”, the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. In particular, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

  anticipated tonnages and grades of the mineral resources disclosed for the Whistler Project;
  our expectations regarding the continuity of mineral deposits;
  our expectations regarding raising capital and developing the Whistler Project;
  our planned exploration activities on the Whistler Project;
  expectations regarding environmental, social or political issues that may affect the exploration or development progress;
  our estimates regarding future revenue, expenses and needs for additional financing; and
  our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including that:

 

  the timing and ability to obtain requisite operational, environmental and other licenses, permits and approvals, including extensions thereof will occur and proceed as expected;
  current gold, silver, base metal and other commodity prices will be sustained, or will improve;
  the proposed development of the Whistler Project will be viable operationally and economically and will proceed as expected;
  any additional financing required by us will be available on reasonable terms or at all; and
  we will not experience any material accident, labor dispute or failure of plant or equipment.

 

Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking statements, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.

 

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risk factors described in greater detail under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our final prospectus for the IPO filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission on April 20, 2023 (the “Final Prospectus”). Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements.

 

These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read with other cautionary statements in this document. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements contained in this document represents our expectations as of the date of this Annual Report (or as the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, we disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

 

Overview

 

We are a United States domiciled exploration stage company and our sole project is currently the Whistler Project. The Whistler Project is a gold-copper exploration project located in the Yentna Mining District, approximately 170 km northwest of Anchorage, in Alaska.

 

We were incorporated on June 30, 2015, in Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” On September 8, 2022, we redomiciled to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”.We are a subsidiary of GoldMining, a company organized under the laws of Canada and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American. GoldMining is a public mineral exploration company that was incorporated in 2009 and is focused on the acquisition and development of gold assets in the Americas. Our principal executive offices are located at 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating offices are located at 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518. Our website address is www.usgoldmining.us. Our shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “Warrants”) are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively.

 

On April 24, 2023, in connection with the closing of our initial public offering (the “IPO”), we issued 2,000,000 units (the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of (i) one share of Common Stock and (ii) one Warrant at a price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share for a period of three years from the issue date. In connection with the IPO, we incurred securities issuance costs of $970,194, of which $650,000 represented cash fees paid to the underwriters. After the IPO, GoldMining continued to own a controlling interest in us of 9,622,491 shares of Common Stock and Warrants to purchase up to 122,490 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 79.3% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. As of November 30, 2023, GoldMining owned 79.7%.

 

On February 9, 2024, the board of directors approved a change of our fiscal year end from November 30 to December 31, effective beginning with the next fiscal year, which began on January 1, 2024, and will end on December 31, 2024 (the “Fiscal 2024”). As a result of the change in fiscal year, there was a one-month transition period beginning on December 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2023, the results of which are expected to be reported in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed for the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed for Fiscal 2024.

 

In 2023 we also commenced our initial confirmatory work program at our 100% owned Whistler Project. Subsequent to the year end, we announced initial results from such program.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Until the completion of the IPO, we operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoldMining. Accordingly, the financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2022, were prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the related years presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. However, these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2023, Compared to Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, we recorded a net loss of $9,356,577 ($0.82 per share) compared to a net loss of $1,738,657 ($0.17 per share) for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The $7,617,920 increase in net loss was primarily due to increased filing, listing, legal, accounting, and investor relations expenditures for the preparation and execution of our IPO and costs associated with the Whistler Project exploration program.

 

Exploration Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, we had exploration expenses of $5,054,500, compared to $543,322 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The $4,511,178 increase is primarily related to our confirmatory work program conducted in 2023 which included drilling, consulting fees to vendors that provided geological and environmental work, regulatory and community stakeholder engagements and other technical services, and maintenance costs.

 

Drilling Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, drilling expenses relating to our confirmatory drilling work in 2023 were $1,694,952 compared to $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.

 

Consulting Fees

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, exploration expenses included consulting fees of $1,499,000, compared to $256,275 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The increase of $1,242,725 was primarily related to consulting fees for the management of the confirmatory work program at the Whistler Project, overhead costs for work on the renovation of the existing Whistler Project camp, and initiation of regulator, community and other stakeholder engagements.

 

Land Fee, Camp Maintenance Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, land fee and camp maintenance expenses were $945,751 compared to $254,910 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The increase was primarily for the increase of camp costs, including equipment maintenance, camp management labor and supplies for the ongoing exploration program, freight and sampling, as well as work related to a road access study.

 

Transportation and Travel Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, transportation and travel expenses were $547,942 compared to $29,887 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The increase of $518,055 was mainly related to aircraft charter costs to bring crews, equipment and camp supplies to the Whistler Project site in connection with the ongoing exploration program, including mobilization of drilling equipment and major consumables.

 

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Other Exploration Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, other exploration expenses were $366,855 compared to $2,250 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The increase of $364,605 primarily consisted of equipment rental and fuel consumption for the ongoing exploration program.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, general and administrative expenditures were $4,670,248, compared to $1,172,810 for the year ended November 30, 2022. During the year ended November 30, 2023, general and administrative expenditures primarily consisted of professional fees of $1,665,183, compared to $883,664 during the year ended November 30, 2022. The increase in such expenses was primarily as a result of increased legal, audit, accounting and tax services relating to our IPO. General and administrative expenditures also included: (i) share-based compensation expenses of $423,831, which consisted of $48,756 related to the award of restricted shares vested during the year, $255,027 related to the fair value of stock options issued by us to management, directors and employees, $65,700 related to share compensation for consulting services, and $54,348 for GoldMining personnel, allocated for their time spent on our affairs, compared to $65,303 during the year ended November 30, 2022; (ii) management fees, salaries and benefits of $300,767, compared to $157,925 during the year ended November 30, 2022; (iii) consulting, corporate development and investor relations expenses of $1,742,904 compared to $24,170 during the year ended November 30, 2022. The increase was mainly for building corporate brand awareness after completion of the IPO; (iv) filing, listing, dues and subscriptions expenses of $178,595, compared to $10,882 during the year ended November 30, 2022; (v) office administrative, rental and insurance expenses of $325,551, compared to $13,909 during the year ended November 30, 2022; and (vi) travel, website design and hosting expenses of $33,417, compared to $16,957 during the year ended November 30, 2022. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily the result of a higher level of activity leading up to and after our IPO.

 

Accretion and Depreciation Expenses

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, accretion expenses for the asset retirement obligations were $21,051 compared to $19,255 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, depreciation expenses were $30,959 compared to $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to depreciation of the camp structures and equipment acquired during this year.

 

Loss from Operations

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, our loss from operations was $9,776,758 compared to $1,735,387 for the year ended November 30, 2022. The increase of $8,041,371 in operating loss was primarily the result of an increase in general and administrative expenses and exploration expenses after we completed our IPO and commenced our initial confirmatory work program at the Whistler Project.

 

Our operational costs, including, without limitation, labor costs, can be impacted by inflation. It is possible that in the future, high inflation in the countries in which we operate may result in an increase in operational costs in local currencies, which could have a significant effect on our operating cash flow.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

  

As at

November 30,

2023

  

As at

November 30,

2022

 
   ($)   ($) 
Cash and cash equivalents  $11,401,338   $54,508 
Working capital (deficit)(1)   11,493,428    (1,057,400)
Total assets   13,023,753    229,619 
Total current liabilities   513,075    1,287,019 
Accounts payable   197,978    466,127 
Accrued liabilities   112,048    26,922 
Total non-current liabilities   297,967    225,871 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)   12,212,711    (1,283,271)

 

(1)Working capital (deficit) is the difference between the total current assets and total current liabilities.

 

Prior to the completion of our IPO, capital resources consisted primarily of cash advanced and/or contributed from GoldMining. On April 24, 2023, we completed our IPO and issued 2,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit for net proceeds in an aggregate amount of approximately $19.1 million after deducting underwriting fees and offering costs. In May 2023, we repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to us by GoldMining.

 

As of November 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $11,401,338, compared to $54,508 as of November 30, 2022, and restricted cash of $86,870, compared to $0 as of November 30, 2022. As of November 30, 2023, we had other receivables of $115,113, compared to $68,000 as of November 30, 2022. The increase in other receivables was mainly due to interest receivable on term deposits held by us. As of November 30, 2023, we had inventories of $27,249, compared to $0 as of November 30, 2022, which included fuels held at the Whistler Project camp site. As of November 30, 2023, we had prepaid expenses and deferred costs of $375,933, compared to $107,111 as of November 30, 2022. The increase primarily consisted of a $172,566 increase in prepaid corporate development expenses, $179,014 increase in prepaid insurance costs and $12,174 increase in prepaid dues and subscriptions costs for activities after completion of the IPO, and offset $94,932 deferred financing costs as at November 30, 2022, which were reallocated to share issuance costs upon completion of the IPO.

 

As of November 30, 2023, current liabilities were $513,075, compared to $1,287,019 as of November 30, 2022. Current liabilities as of November 30, 2023, primarily consisted of: accounts payable of $197,978, compared to $466,127 as of November 30, 2022; accrued liabilities of $112,048, compared to $26,922 as of November 30, 2022; withholdings taxes payable of $180,863, compared to $116,187 as of November 30, 2022. The decreases in current liabilities were primarily related to the repayment of advances from GoldMining.

 

We have not generated any revenue from operations and the only sources of financing to date have been through advances from GoldMining and the IPO. Our ability to meet our obligations and finance exploration activities depends on our ability to generate cash flow through the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to private placements and short-term or long-term loans. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. This may be further complicated by the limited liquidity for our Common Stock, restricting access to some institutional investors. Our growth and success is dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

We believe that the existing cash on hand will enable us to meet our working capital requirements for the next twelve months commencing from the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued.

 

As of November 30, 2023, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Summary of Cash Flows

 

Operating Activities

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $9,428,815, compared to $1,322,149 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. Significant operating expenditures for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, included general and administrative expenses and exploration expenditures as we commenced our initial programs at the Whistler Project. The increase of net cash used in operating activities is primarily the result of increased filing, listing, legal, accounting, and investor relations expenditures for the preparation and execution of our IPO and costs associated with the Whistler Project exploration program.

 

Investing Activities

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $979,523, compared to $0 for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, of which, $866,140 related to the renovation of existing camp structures and construction of additional facilities for the Whistler Project, and $113,383 related to the purchase of equipment.

 

Financing Activities

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $21,842,038, which was primarily comprised of the net proceeds of $19,056,223 from the IPO, proceeds received from warrant exercises of $3,363,204, capital contribution from GoldMining of $46,459, withholding taxes received on return of capital of $53,935, advances from GoldMining of $1,003,142, offset by $1,680,925 for repayment of advances from GoldMining. Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended November 30, 2022, was $1,371,027, primarily from proceeds received from the settlement of a funding commitment of $1,158,143, advances from GoldMining of $183,302, and capital contributions from GoldMining of $87,284, offset by $57,702 withholding taxes paid on return of capital.

 

Commitments Required to Keep Whistler Project in Good Standing

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, we made annual land payments in the amount of $224,583. We are required to make annual land payments to the ADNR in the amount of $230,605 in 2024 and thereafter, to keep the Whistler Project in good standing. Additionally, we have an annual labor requirement of $135,200 for 2024 and thereafter, for which a cash-in-lieu payment equal to the value of the annual labor requirement may be made instead. We have excess labor carry forwards of $167,674 expiring in 2026 and $1,766,156 expiring in 2027, of which up to $135,200 can be applied each year to meet our annual labor requirements. The Whistler Project is in good standing as of the date of this Annual Report.

 

Future Commitments

 

On November 27, 2020, GoldMining agreed to cause us to issue a 1.0% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on our Whistler Project to Gold Royalty Corp. (“GRC”). We also assigned certain buyback rights relating to an existing third party royalty on the Whistler Project such that GRC has a right to acquire a 0.75% NSR (including an area of interest) on the Whistler Project for $5,000,000 pursuant to such buyback rights.

 

We acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment in August 2015 pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among us, GoldMining, Kiska and Geoinformatics. Pursuant to such agreement, we assumed an obligation on the Whistler Project pursuant to a royalty purchase agreement between Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a 2.75% NSR royalty over all 304 claims, and, extending outside the current claims, over an area of interest defined by the maximum historical extent of claims held on the Whistler Project.

 

In June 2023, we entered into an agreement with Equity Geoscience, Ltd. for the management of an exploration program for the Whistler Project. The agreement includes an approved work order totaling $5,255,500, for the period of June 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, which may be paused, postponed or terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. As at November 30, 2023, we have paid $5,066,720 towards the approved work order.

 

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Transactions with Related Parties

 

During the years presented, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services with other companies, including GoldMining which owns approximately 79.7% of our outstanding shares of our Common Stock and have common members of management and a director. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, the allocated costs from GoldMining to us were $100,807 and $147,349, respectively. Out of the allocated costs, $54,348 and $60,065 for the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively, were noncash share-based compensation costs. The allocated costs from GoldMining were treated as a capital contribution, as there is no obligation or intent regarding the repayment of such amounts by us.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,003,142. In May 2023, we repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to us. The amount paid represented the full amount of the outstanding loan from GoldMining at the time. For the year ended November 30, 2022, repayable amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,341,445, of which $1,158,143 was settled against a funding commitment. As at November 30, 2023, the loan payable to GoldMining Inc. was $0 ($677,783 as at November 30, 2022).

 

For the year ended November 30, 2022, we declared a return of capital to GoldMining of $1,096,343, which resulted in federal withholding taxes payable of $173,889, of which $57,702 was paid during the year ended November 30, 2022. Pursuant to the return of capital, a note payable was issued to GoldMining in the amount of $1,096,343, which was subsequently retired as a part of the settlement of the remaining funding commitment to us in the amount of $2,254,486, which included the settlement of amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143.

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, our board of directors approved a service agreement with Blender Media Inc. (“Blender”), a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining. During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, we incurred $233,978 and $16,957, respectively, in general and administrative costs, paid to Blender for various services, including information technology, corporate branding, advertising, media, website design, maintenance and hosting, provided by Blender to us and are within industry standards. As at November 30, 2023, prepaid expenses and deferred costs included service fees prepaid to Blender in the amount of $169,899 (November 30, 2022: $0).

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, share-based compensation costs included $31,127 and $3,516, respectively, in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based Restricted Shares granted in September 2022.

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO at a price of $10 per Unit for a total consideration of $1,224,900. Certain directors and officers of GoldMining also participated in the IPO.

 

Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.

 

Outstanding Securities

 

As of the date hereof, we have 12,398,709 shares of Common Stock outstanding. In addition, we had stock options outstanding representing 82,500 shares at an exercise price of $10 per share, and outstanding Warrants to purchase 1,741,292 shares at an exercise price of $13 per share. The exercise of stock options and Warrants is at the discretion of their respective holders and, accordingly, there is no assurance that any of the stock options or warrants will be exercised in the future.

 

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Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

 

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the year. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Information about judgments made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the financial statements is as follows:

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

An asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) represents the present value of estimated future costs for the rehabilitation of our mineral property. These estimates include assumptions as to the future activities, cost of services, timing of the rehabilitation work to be performed, inflation rates, exchange rates and interest rates. The actual cost to rehabilitate a mineral property may vary from the estimated amounts because there are uncertainties in factors used to estimate the cost and potential changes in regulations or laws governing the rehabilitation of a mineral property. Management periodically reviews the rehabilitation requirements and adjusts the liability as new information becomes available and will assess the impact of new regulations and laws as they are enacted.

 

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the ARO for the Whistler Project was revised due to changes in the estimated timing of reclamation activities and updated assumptions regarding reclamation costs. The estimated future costs for the rehabilitation activities were updated for camp structures due to additional facilities constructed during the year and for the exploration and evaluation assets due to surface disturbance resulting from past exploration programs. The life expectancy of the ARO was extended to 10 years. We recorded a change in estimate to the ARO of $67,042, resulting in the corresponding camp structures being decreased by $98,434, and the exploration and evaluation assets being increased by $31,392, respectively.

 

Allocation of expenses from GoldMining.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2023, certain general administrative expenses, including employment related expenditures for services and support functions provided by GoldMining, were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us.

 

Allocation of carve-out expenses from GoldMining.

 

The financial statements as of November 30, 2022, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the quarters presented. These expenses, assets, and liabilities have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with others allocated based on relevant data criteria as follows:

 

  General and administrative expenses- allocated all direct expenses and corporate expenses were allocated based on an estimate of time incurred to reflect the utilization of those services by us including:

 

  Office space, equipment and administrative services.
  Employment related expenses, including share-based compensation which was calculated using the Black-Scholes model.

 

  Accounts payable and accrued expenses, prepaid expenses and deposits, due to GoldMining, allocated all amounts directly related to us.

 

Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Therefore, these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

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Restricted Shares

 

The fair value of the restricted shares is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the restricted shares vest. When restricted shares are conditional upon the achievement of a performance condition, we estimate the length of the expected vesting period at grant date, based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of the restricted shares is determined based on the fair value of the shares of Common Stock on the grant date, adjusted for lack of marketability discount, minority shareholder discount, and other applicable factors that are generally recognized by market participants.

 

Stock Options

 

We grant stock options to certain of our directors, officers, employees and consultants. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling our activities, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model uses as inputs the fair value of our shares of Common Stock and assumptions we make for the volatility of our shares of Common Stock, the expected term of our stock options, the risk-free interest rate for a period that approximates the expected term of our stock options and our expected dividend yield. We have historically been a private company and continue to lack sufficient company-specific historical and implied volatility information. Therefore, we estimate our expected share volatility based on the historical volatility of a publicly traded set of peer companies and expect to continue to do so until such time as we have adequate historical data regarding the volatility of our own traded share price.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on our financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, the amendments “improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, 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. The purpose of the amendments is to enable “investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance” and assess “potential future cash flows.” The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements. 

 

JOBS Act

 

In April 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.

 

We continue the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements under the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions, as an emerging growth company, we may rely on certain of these exemptions, including without limitation, providing an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the completion of our IPO; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Financial Statements

 

The information required by this Item 8 is included at the end of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page F-1.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and, as of November 30, 2023, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

It should be noted that any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions designed to obtain reasonable (and not absolute) assurance as to its effectiveness, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

This annual report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our last completed fiscal quarter, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Our directors and executive officers and their respective ages as of February 21, 2024, are as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position   Principal occupation or employment for the past five years
Alastair Still   52   Director and Chairman   Director and Chairman of the Company, from September 2022 to present. Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining, from April 2021 to present. Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President of GoldMining, from 2020 to 2021. Director of Technical Services of Gold Royalty Corp., from October 2020 to present. Special Advisor to Kalo Gold Corp., from September 2020. Director, Corporate Development, Newmont Corporation (formerly Goldcorp Inc.), from 2015 to 2020.
             
Garnet Dawson   66   Director   President of the Company, from 2015 to 2022, Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining from December 2014 to April 2021, Director of GoldMining, from 2018 to present. Director of Gold Royalty Corp., from 2020 to February 2022. Director of Freegold Ventures Limited, from 2011 to present.
             
Ross Sherlock   60   Director   Vice President, Geoscience at Kinross Gold Corp. from 2015 to 2016, Exploration Manager, North America at Gold Fields from 2008 to 2015, and Project Manager, Senior Geologist at Miramar Mining Corporation/Newmont Mining Corporation from 2004 to 2008.
             
Lisa Wade   51   Director   Director, Liberty Gold Corp. since January 25, 2023. Director, Gold Standard Ventures Corp. from June 2021 to August 2022. Environmental Engineer, from August 2015 to April 2019, Corporate Vice President, Environmental, Reclamation and Closure at Goldcorp Inc., from August 2015 to April 2019.
             
Laura Schmidt   58   Director   GM Supply Chain in Shell, from July 2021 to present. Supply Chain Director at Shell secondee, from July 2018 to June 2021, V.P. Safety & Environment for Shell’s Integrated Gas & New Energies, from January 2016 to June 2018, V.P. Shell Alaska, from January 2015 to December 2015. Head of Audit for Shell’s Upstream and Projects & Technology Directorates, from September 2012 to December 2014.
             
Aleksandra Bukacheva   42   Director  

Director of Probe Metals Inc. since June 7, 2022. Director of Montage Gold Corp. since September 7, 2021. Director at Battle North Gold Corporation from April 2018 until May 2021 prior to its acquisition by Evolution Mining Limited.

Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of Element 29 Resources Inc., a junior explorer focused on copper resource development in Peru, from September 2018 until November 2020. Director of Gippsland Prospecting Pty. Ltd. Equity Research Analyst for BMO Capital Markets, from 2013 to 2016.

             
Tim Smith   53   Chief Executive Officer and President   Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, from September 12, 2022 to present. Vice President Exploration for GoldMining, from April 2022 to present. Regional Director Generative Exploration, North America for Newmont Corporation from June 2019 to March 2022. Exploration Director, Goldcorp Inc., from August 2016 to June 2019.
             
Tyler Wong   39   Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer   Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company beginning April 11, 2023. From June 2019 through April 11, 2023, Mr. Wong served as Corporate Controller of GoldMining and from June 2020 through June 2021, he served as Corporate Controller of Gold Royalty Corp. From June 2019 through October 2020, Mr. Wong served as Corporate Controller of Uranium Royalty Corp., and from June 2017 through June 2019 he served as Corporate Controller of King & Bay West Management Corp. From October 2014 through June 2017, Mr. Wong served as a Senior Accountant with Deloitte in Vancouver.

 

The following is a brief description of the business experience of each executive officer and director. The following describes the business experience of each of our non-director executive officers as of the date hereof:

 

Tim Smith, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Mr. Smith was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and President on September 12, 2022. Mr. Smith is also currently the Vice President, Exploration of GoldMining, having held such position since April 7, 2022. Mr. Smith is a professional geologist with 28 years mineral industry experience, at locations throughout Australia and Canada, principally in gold exploration with an expertise in gold mineral systems, and specializing in orogenic lode gold systems, area selection, project generation, exploration strategy, project rate & rank, drill delineation and project advancement through to feasibility study, and gold mine production. Prior to joining us, Mr. Smith was Regional Director Generative Exploration, North America for Newmont Corporation from June 2019 to March 2022, Exploration Director, Goldcorp Inc., from August 2016 to June 2019, and Vice President Exploration, Kaminak Gold Corp. from January 2010 to July 2016.

 

Tyler Wong, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

Mr. Wong was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer on April 11, 2023. From June 2019 through April 11, 2023, Mr. Wong served as Corporate Controller of GoldMining and from June 2020 through June 2021, he served as Corporate Controller of Gold Royalty Corp. From June 2019 through October 2020, Mr. Wong served as Corporate Controller of Uranium Royalty Corp., and from June 2017 through June 2019 he served as Corporate Controller of King & Bay West Management Corp. From October 2014 through June 2017, Mr. Wong served as a Senior Accountant with Deloitte in Vancouver, where he assisted with auditing work and obtained internal accreditation for US GAAP and US GAAS. Mr. Wong is a Chartered Accountant with experience dealing in complex accounting issues in several industries including mining, oil and gas, lumber, technology, gaming and manufacturing. Mr. Wong holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.

 

Alastair Still, Director and Chairman

 

Mr. Still was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and has served as the Chairman of the board of directors since September 12, 2022. Mr. Still is an experienced mining industry professional with over 25 years of experience including working for major operating gold mining companies. Mr. Still currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining and Director of Technical Services for Gold Royalty Corp., having held such positions since April 1, 2021, and October 1, 2020, respectively. Mr. Still also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of GoldMining from 2020 through 2021, and Director, Corporate Development for Newmont Corporation (formerly Goldcorp Inc.) from 2015 to 2020. Prior to 2015, Mr. Still also worked for major gold mining companies, including Placer Dome Inc., Kinross Gold Corporation and Goldcorp Inc. He has worked within Canada and internationally in a variety of leadership roles in mine operations and project development including as Project Director leading the acquisition, permitting and construction of the Cerro Negro gold mine in Argentina. Mr. Still has extensive experience in corporate development having formerly served most recently as Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer for GoldMining. Mr. Still graduated with a Bachelor of Science (First Class, Honours) from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Science (Structural Geology) from Queen’s University. Mr. Still serves on the Technical Advisory Committee of Geoscience BC and is a member of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia and Professional Geoscientists Ontario.

 

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Garnet Dawson, Director

 

Mr. Dawson was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and serves as the Chairperson of our Compensation Committee. Mr. Dawson served as our President from 2015 through September 12, 2022. Mr. Dawson has neither served nor been appointed to any other roles for the Company since September 12, 2022. Since 2018, Mr. Dawson has served as a member of the board of directors of GoldMining Inc., a public company listed on the NYSE American and Toronto Stock Exchange; and Freegold Ventures Limited, a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, since 2011. Mr. Dawson has also served as a member of the board of directors of Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. since October 2022. He was Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining Inc. from 2014 to April 2021. Mr. Dawson is a geologist with 40 years of experience in the exploration and mining business working with senior and junior mining companies in the Americas, Europe, Africa and China. He has held executive roles with several Canadian mining companies including Chief Executive Officer of GoldMining Inc., Vice President, Exploration of Brazilian Gold Corporation and Vice President, Exploration of EuroZinc Mining Corporation. Prior to joining EuroZinc, he consulted internationally and held a number of positions with Battle Mountain Canada Inc., British Columbia Geological Survey and Esso Minerals Canada Ltd. Mr. Dawson is a registered Professional Geologist with Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Science degree in Economic Geology from the University of British Columbia.

 

Ross Sherlock, Director

 

Ross Sherlock was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and serves as a member of our Audit Committee and our Compensation Committee. Dr. Sherlock is a professional geologist with over 30 years of experience in the mining industry and academic research. Dr. Sherlock has served as a Full Professor and Research Chair in Exploration Targeting at the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, since 2017. At Laureation, Dr. Sherlock is the Director of the Mineral Exploration Research Center and the Metal Earth project. Prior to this, he has held senior positions with major mining companies including Vice President, Geoscience at Kinross Gold Corp. from 2015 to 2016, Exploration Manager, North America at Gold Fields from 2008 to 2015, and Project Manager, Senior Geologist at Miramar Mining Corporation/Newmont Mining Corporation from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this, he was a Research Geoscientist at the Geological Survey of Canada and Senior Geologist at SRK Consulting Engineers. Dr. Sherlock completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia’s Mineral Deposits Research Unit, PhD at the University of Waterloo, MSc at Lakehead University, and BSc (Honors) at McMaster University, Canada. He is a member of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia and Professional Geoscientists Ontario.

 

Lisa Wade, Director

 

Ms. Wade was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and serves as a member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Chairperson of our Sustainability Committee. Ms. Wade was appointed as a director of Liberty Gold Corp. on January 25, 2023, a public company listed on Toronto Stock Exchange. Ms. Wade served as a member of the board of directors of Gold Standard Ventures Corp., a public company listed on the NYSE American and Toronto Stock Exchange, prior to its acquisition by Orla Mining Ltd. from June 2021 to August 2022. Ms. Wade is an environmental engineer with over 25 years of experience in the mining industry. Ms. Wade has held environmental engineering, community relations, permitting, managerial and executive positions with a number of mining companies. From January 2005 to June 2019, Ms. Wade held increasingly senior positions at Goldcorp Inc., in Central America and then as Corporate Vice President, Environmental, Reclamation and Closure. Ms. Wade holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Montana Tech in Butte, Montana.

 

Laura Schmidt, Director

 

Ms. Schmidt was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and serves as a member of our Audit Committee, our Sustainability Committee and the Chairperson of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Ms. Schmidt is a global executive with over 30 years of worldwide experience in the oil/gas/new energy industry in Shell. She currently works in Supply Chain in Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Directorate and has worked for Shell since 1990 in a variety of senior leadership roles across the globe. Ms. Schmidt has held numerous senior positions including V.P. Shell Alaska, V.P. Safety & Environment for Shell’s Integrated Gas & New Energies Directorate, Head of Audit for Shell’s Upstream and Projects & Technology Directorates, as well as engineering and operations positions. Ms. Schmidt holds a Bachelor of Science (cum laude) in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (magna cum laude) from the University of Houston. She is a licensed Professional Engineer, licensed US Patent Attorney, and a licensed attorney in Colorado and Texas. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. After attending INSEAD’s International Directors Program, she obtained a Certificate in Corporate Governance. She is also an alumnus of Stanford’s Directors College and Harvard Business School’s Women on Boards Program.

 

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Aleksandra Bukacheva, Director

 

Ms. Bukacheva was appointed as a director on September 12, 2022, and serves as a member of our Compensation Committee, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Chairperson of our Audit Committee. Ms. Bukacheva is currently a member of the board of directors of Probe Metals Inc., where she has served since June 7, 2022, and Montage Gold Corp. where she has served since September 2021, and was an independent director at Battle North Gold Corporation from April 2018 until May 2021 prior to its acquisition by Evolution Mining Limited. Ms. Bukacheva was Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of Element 29 Resources Inc., a junior explorer focused on copper resource development in Peru from September 2018 until November 2020. She was also a director of Gippsland Prospecting Pty. Ltd., a private Australian company, which was sold to Battery Minerals Limited in October 2020. From 2013 to 2016, Ms. Bukacheva was the Equity Research Analyst Base Metals at BMO Capital Markets. Ms. Bukacheva is the Managing Director of ABUK Consulting Corp., a resource investment and advisory company. Ms. Bukacheva received her Master of Science (MSc.) at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005. She also achieved a Certificate in Mining Studies at the University of British Columbia in 2016 and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

 

Term of Office

 

Directors serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Officers are appointed to serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our Audit Committee of the board of directors (the “Audit Committee”) is comprised of Aleksandra Bukacheva, Laurie J. Schmidt and Ross Sherlock, each of whom is independent pursuant to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market and under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Aleksandra Bukacheva is an “audit committee” financial expert as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Aleksandra Bukacheva serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s duties are specified in our Audit Committee charter, and include, but are not limited to:

 

appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;

 

reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;

 

discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

 

reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures;

 

reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;

 

annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our Audit Committee charter;

 

meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and

 

monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance.

 

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Audit Committee Independence

 

Our board of directors has determined that each member of our Audit Committee meets the independence requirements, including the heightened independence standards for members of the Audit Committee, of the Nasdaq Capital Market and Canadian National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”) and under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee will at all times be composed exclusively of “independent directors”, as defined for audit committee members under the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market and the rules and regulations of the SEC, who are “financially sophisticated”. “Financially sophisticated” generally means having past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the individual’s being able to read, understand, and prepare fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. In addition, our board of directors will have to determine that each of the members of our Audit Committee is financially literate, including within the meaning of NI 52-110. Ms. Bukacheva has been identified as an audit committee financial expert as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Information

 

Our nominating and corporate governance committee of the board of directors is comprised of Laurie J. Schmidt, Lisa Wade and Aleksandra Bukacheva, each of whom is independent pursuant to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Laurie J. Schmidt is the Chairperson of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee will assist the board in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee’s duties are specified in our nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and include, but are not limited to:

 

● recommending nominees to the board for election by the stockholders, or for appointment to fill any vacancy on the board;

 

● reviewing annually with the board of directors the current structure and composition of the board committees with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity to ensure compliance with applicable criteria of the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Nasdaq Capital Market;

 

● making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and

 

● advising the board of directors periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken.

 

Our board of directors and nominating and corporate governance committee will review our strategies to determine the composition of the board of directors and the appropriate candidates to be nominated for election as directors at annual general meetings. This review will take into account the desirability of maintaining a balance of skills, experience and background.

 

In identifying new candidates for our board of directors, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider what competencies and skills our board of directors, as a whole, should possess and assess what competencies and skills each existing director possesses, considering our board of directors as a group, and the personality and other qualities of each director, as these may ultimately determine the boardroom dynamic.

 

It will be the responsibility of the nominating and corporate governance committee to regularly evaluate the overall efficiency of our board of directors and our Chairman and all board committees and their chairs. As part of its mandate, the nominating and corporate governance committee will conduct the process for the assessment of our board of directors, each committee and each director regarding his, her or its effectiveness and contribution, and report evaluation results to our board of directors on a regular basis.

 

Insider Trading Policies

 

All of our executives, other employees and directors are subject to our insider trading restriction contained in our code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”), which prohibits trading in our securities while in possession of material undisclosed information about us. Under this policy, such individuals are also prohibited from entering into hedging transactions involving our securities, such as short sales, puts and calls. Furthermore, we permit executives, including our “named executive officers”, to trade in our securities, only during prescribed trading windows.

 

In addition, we have adopted an Insider Trading Policy, effective August 28, 2023, which govern the purchase, sale and other dispositions of our securities by our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The Insider Trading Policy is attached as Exhibit 14.2 to this Annual Report.

 

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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We have the Code of Conduct, which applies to all of our employees, officers, and directors. This includes our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The full text of our Code of Conduct is posted on our website at www.us.goldmining.com and is attached as Exhibit 14.1 to this Annual Report. We intend to disclose on our website any future amendments of the Code of Conduct or waivers that exempt any executive officer, principal accounting officer or controller, persons performing similar functions, or our directors from provisions in the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct sets out our fundamental values and standards of behavior that are expected from our directors, officers and employees with respect to all aspects of our business. Its objective is to provide guidelines for maintaining our integrity, reputation and honesty with a goal of honoring others’ trust in us at all times.

 

Our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the Code of Conduct periodically and will recommend any necessary or appropriate changes thereto to our board of directors for consideration.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Oversight of Executive Compensation Program

 

Our board of directors has established a Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) that operates under a written Charter approved by the board of directors. Our Compensation Committee of the board of directors is comprised of Garnet Dawson, Ross Sherlock and Aleksandra Bukacheva, and each of Dr. Sherlock and Ms. Bukacheva are independent pursuant to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Mr. Dawson serves as the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee. The independence of the Compensation Committee members is re-assessed regularly by our board of directors.

 

The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and administering our executive and director compensation.

 

The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, as stated in its Charter, include the following:

 

review and approve our compensation guidelines and structure;

 

review and approve on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives with respect to compensation for the Chief Executive Officer;

 

review and approve on an annual basis the evaluation process and compensation structure for our other officers, including base compensation, bonus, incentive and equity compensation; and

 

periodically review and make recommendations to the board of directors regarding the compensation of non-management directors.

 

The Compensation Committee is responsible for developing the executive compensation philosophy and reviewing and recommending to the board of directors for approval all compensation policies and compensation programs for the executive team.

 

Compensation Elements

 

The compensation program is designed to reward each executive based on individual, business and corporate performance and is also designed to incentivize such executives to drive the annual and long-term business goals of the organization to enhance our sustainable growth in a manner which is fair and reasonable to our stockholders.

 

The following key principles guide our overall compensation philosophy:

 

compensation is designed to align executives to the critical business issues facing us;
compensation is fair and reasonable to our stockholders and is set with reference to the local market;
the compensation design supports and rewards executives for entrepreneurial and innovative efforts and results;
an appropriate portion of total compensation is equity-based, aligning the interests of executives with our stockholders; and
compensation is transparent to the board of directors, executives and our stockholders.

 

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As we recently completed our IPO, we do not currently assess our compensation through benchmarks or peer groups.

 

When reviewing the compensation of executive officers, our Compensation Committee considers the following objectives:

 

to engage individuals critical to our growth and success;
to reward performance of individuals by recognizing their contributions to our growth and achievements; and
to compensate individuals based on performance.

 

Our executive compensation program consists of Salaries; Bonuses; and Long-Term Equity Incentives.

 

Salaries: For executive officers who are offered compensation, the base salary is the foundation of such compensation and is intended to compensate competitively. The desire is for base salary to be high enough to secure talented, qualified and effective personnel which, when coupled with performance-based compensation, provides for a direct correlation between individual accomplishment and our success as a whole. Salaries are fixed and therefore not subject to uncertainty and are used as the base to determine other elements of compensation.

 

Bonuses: Annual bonuses are a variable component of total cash compensation, designed to reward executives for individual achievements, maximizing annual operating performance, including in relation to our acquisition and growth initiatives. Annual bonuses (if any) are discretionary and are to incentivize management during the year to take actions and make decisions within their control, and, as a result, the performance criteria do not include matters outside of the control of management, most notably commodity pricing.

 

Long-term Equity Incentives: Although we do not have a formal policy with respect to the grant of equity incentive awards to our executive officers, we believe that equity grants provide our executives with a strong link to our long-term performance, create an ownership culture and help to align the interests of our executives and our stockholders. In addition, we believe that equity grants with a time-based vesting feature promote executive retention because this feature incentivizes our executive officers to remain in our employment during the vesting period.

 

2023 Incentive Plan

 

The 2023 Incentive Plan was approved by our board of directors and adopted by us on February 6, 2023 (such date of effectiveness, the “Effective Date”). Unless sooner terminated by our board of directors, the 2023 Incentive Plan will terminate and expire on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. No award may be made under the 2023 Incentive Plan after its expiration date, but awards made prior thereto may extend beyond that date.

 

The purpose of the 2023 Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for our employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors to remain in our service, to extend to them the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in us so that they will apply their best efforts for our benefit, and to aid us in attracting able persons to provide services to us. The 2023 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance awards, restricted stock awards and other cash and equity-based awards.

 

Share Authorization. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the 2023 Incentive Plan in respect of awards is equal to 10% of the aggregate number of shares issued and outstanding determined as of the Effective Date, of which 100% of the available shares may be delivered pursuant to incentive stock options (the “ISO Limit”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, on the first trading date immediately following the issuance of any shares by the us to any person (the “Adjustment Date”), the number of shares of Common Stock available under the 2023 Incentive Plan shall be increased so that the total number of shares issuable under the 2023 Incentive Plan shall be equal to 10% of the total number of shares issued and outstanding, as determined as of the Adjustment Date, provided that no such adjustment shall have any effect on the ISO Limit, except for any adjustments summarized below.

 

Shares to be issued may be made available from authorized but unissued Common Stock, Common Stock held by us in our treasury, or Common Stock purchased by us on the open market or otherwise. During the term of the 2023 Incentive Plan, we will at all times reserve and keep enough Common Stock available to satisfy the requirements of the 2023 Incentive Plan. If an award under the 2023 Incentive Plan is cancelled, forfeited or expires, in whole or in part, the shares subject to such forfeited, expired or cancelled award may again be awarded under the 2023 Incentive Plan.

 

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Awards that may be satisfied either by the issuance of Common Stock or by cash or other consideration shall be counted against the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2023 Incentive Plan only during the period that the award is outstanding or to the extent the award is ultimately satisfied by the issuance of shares of Common Stock. Shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable pursuant to an award that are withheld upon exercise or vesting of an award for purposes of paying the exercise price or tax withholdings shall be treated as delivered to the participant and shall be counted against the maximum number of available shares. Awards will not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued, however, if the settlement of the award will not require the issuance of shares of Common Stock. Only shares forfeited back to us, shares cancelled on account of termination, or expiration or lapse of an award, shall again be available for grant of incentive stock options under the 2023 Incentive Plan, but shall not increase the maximum number of shares described above as the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to incentive stock options.

 

Administration. The 2023 Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee or such other committee of the board of directors as is designated by the board of directors. Membership on the Compensation Committee shall include at least two independent directors who are “non-employee directors” in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee may delegate certain duties to one or more officers as provided in the 2023 Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee will determine the persons to whom awards are to be made, determine the type, size and terms of awards, interpret the 2023 Incentive Plan, establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the 2023 Incentive Plan and make any other determinations that it believes necessary for the administration of the 2023 Incentive Plan.

 

Eligibility. Employees (including any employee who is also a director or an officer), contractors, and non-employee directors whose judgment, initiative and efforts contributed to or may be expected to contribute to our successful performance are eligible to participate in the 2023 Incentive Plan.

 

Financial Effect of Awards. We will receive no monetary consideration for the granting of awards under the 2023 Incentive Plan, unless otherwise provided when granting restricted stock or restricted stock units. We will receive no monetary consideration other than the option price for Common Stock issued to participants upon the exercise of their stock options and we will receive no monetary consideration upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights.

 

Stock Options. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant either incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Code or non-qualified stock options, provided that only our employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options. Stock options may not be granted with an option price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the stock option is granted. If an incentive stock option is granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock, the option price shall be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee will determine the terms of each stock option at the time of grant, including without limitation, the methods by or forms in which shares will be delivered to participants. The maximum term of each option, the times at which each option will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised options at or following termination of employment or service generally are fixed by the Compensation Committee, except that the Compensation Committee may not grant stock options with a term exceeding 10 years.

 

Recipients of stock options may pay the option exercise price (i) in cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to us, (ii) by delivering to us Common Stock already owned by the participant having a fair market value equal to the aggregate option exercise price, (iii) by delivering to us or its designated agent an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to us, to sell certain of the Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of the option or to pledge such shares to the broker as collateral for a loan from the broker and to deliver to us the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and (iv) by any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) as a stand-alone award (or freestanding SARs), or in conjunction with stock options granted under the 2023 Incentive Plan (or tandem SARs). A SAR is the right to receive an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price. The exercise price may be equal to or greater than the fair market value of share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, will be permitted to place a ceiling on the amount payable on the exercise of a SAR, but any such limitation shall be specified at the time the SAR is granted. A SAR granted in tandem with a stock option will require the holder, upon exercise, to surrender the related stock option with respect to the number of shares as to which the SAR is exercised. The Compensation Committee will determine the terms of each SAR at the time of the grant, including without limitation, the methods by or forms in which the value will be delivered to participants (whether made in Common Stock, in cash or in a combination of both). The maximum term of each SAR, the times at which each SAR will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised SARs at or following termination of employment or service generally are fixed by the Compensation Committee, except that no freestanding SAR may have a term exceeding 10 years and no tandem SAR may have a term exceeding the term of the option granted in conjunction with the tandem SAR.

 

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Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock consists of shares that are transferred or sold by us to a participant, but are subject to substantial risk of forfeiture and to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. Restricted stock units are the right to receive Common Stock at a future date in accordance with the terms of such grant upon the attainment of certain conditions specified by the Compensation Committee, which include substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. The Compensation Committee will determine the eligible participants to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units will be made, the number of shares or units to be granted, the price to be paid, if any, the time or times within which the shares covered by such grants will be subject to forfeiture, the time or times at which the restrictions will terminate, and all other terms and conditions of the grants. Restrictions or conditions could include, but are not limited to, the attainment of performance goals (as described below), continuous service with us, the passage of time or other restrictions or conditions. The value of the restricted stock units may be paid in Common Stock, cash, or a combination of both, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

Performance Awards. The Compensation Committee is permitted to grant performance awards payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination thereof at the end of a specified performance period. Payment will be contingent upon achieving pre-established performance goals (as discussed below) by the end of the performance period. The Compensation Committee will determine the length of the performance period, the maximum payment value of an award, and the minimum performance goals required before payment will be made, so long as such provisions are not inconsistent with the terms of the 2023 Incentive Plan, and to the extent an award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, are in compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any applicable regulations or guidance. With respect to a performance award, if the Compensation Committee determines in its sole discretion that the established performance measures or objectives are no longer suitable because of a change in our business, operations, corporate structure, or for other reasons that the Compensation Committee deems satisfactory, the Compensation Committee may modify the performance measures or objectives and/or the performance period.

 

Other Awards. The Compensation Committee is permitted to grant other forms of awards payable in cash or Common Stock if the Compensation Committee determines that such other form of award is consistent with the purpose and restrictions of the 2023 Incentive Plan. The terms and conditions of such other form of award shall be specified by the grant. Such other awards may be granted for no cash consideration, for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, or for such other consideration as may be specified by the grant.

 

Dividend Equivalent Rights. The Compensation Committee is permitted to grant a dividend equivalent right either as a component of another award or as a separate award. The terms and conditions of the dividend equivalent right shall be specified by the grant. Dividend equivalents credited to the holder of a dividend equivalent right shall be paid only as the applicable Award vests or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional Common Stock. Any such reinvestment shall be at the fair market value at the time thereof. Dividend equivalent rights may be settled in cash or Common Stock. No dividends or dividend equivalent rights may be granted with respect to stock options or SAR.

 

Performance Goals. Awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other awards (whether relating to cash or Common Stock) under the 2023 Incentive Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria, and may consist of one or more or any combination of the following criteria: cash flow; cost; revenues; sales; ratio of debt to debt plus equity; net borrowing, credit quality or debt ratings; profit before tax; economic profit; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; gross margin; earnings per share (whether on a pre-tax, after-tax, operational or other basis); operating earnings; capital expenditures; expenses or expense levels; economic value added; ratio of operating earnings to capital spending or any other operating ratios; free cash flow; net profit; net sales; net asset value per share; the accomplishment of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, public offerings or similar extraordinary business transactions; sales growth; price of our shares of Common Stock; return on assets, equity or stockholders’ equity; market share; inventory levels, inventory turn or shrinkage; or total return to stockholders (“Performance Criteria”). Any Performance Criteria may be used to measure our performance as a whole or any of our business units and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. Any Performance Criteria may include or exclude (i) events that are of an unusual nature or indicate infrequency of occurrence, (iii) changes in tax or accounting regulations or laws, (iv) the effect of a merger or acquisition, as identified in our quarterly and annual earnings releases, or (v) other similar occurrences. In all other respects, Performance Criteria shall be calculated in accordance with our financial statements, under generally accepted accounting principles, or under a methodology established by the Compensation Committee prior to the issuance of an award which is consistently applied and identified in the audited financial statements, including footnotes, or the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of our annual report.

 

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Vesting of Awards; Forfeiture; Assignment. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, will be permitted to establish the vesting terms applicable to an award, subject in any case to the terms of the 2023 Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee will be permitted to impose on any award, at the time of grant or thereafter, such additional terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee determines, including terms requiring forfeiture of awards in the event of a participant’s termination of service. The Compensation Committee will specify the circumstances under which performance awards may be forfeited in the event of a termination of service by a participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of awards. Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, restricted stock will be forfeited upon a participant’s termination of service during the applicable restriction period.

 

Awards granted under the 2023 Incentive Plan generally will not be assignable or transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, except that the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion and pursuant to the terms of an award agreement, permit certain transfers of nonqualified stock options or SARs to: (i) the spouse (or former spouse), children or grandchildren of the participant (“Immediate Family Members”); (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members; (iii) a partnership in which the only partners are (1) such Immediate Family Members and/or (2) entities which are controlled by the participant and/or Immediate Family Members; (iv) an entity exempt from federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or any successor provision; or (v) a split interest trust or pooled income fund described in Section 2522(c)(2) of the Code or any successor provision, provided that (x) there shall be no consideration for any such transfer, (y) the applicable award agreement pursuant to which such award is granted must be approved by the Compensation Committee and must expressly provide for such transferability and (z) subsequent transfers of transferred awards shall be prohibited except those by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event that any dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, rights offering, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination, subdivision, repurchase, or exchange of the Common Stock or our other securities, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or our other securities, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the fair value of an award, then the Compensation Committee shall adjust any or all of the following so that the fair value of the award immediately after the transaction or event is equal to the fair value of the award immediately prior to the transaction or event (i) the number of shares and type of common stock (or the securities or property) which thereafter may be made the subject of awards, (ii) the number of shares and type of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding awards, (iii) the option price of each outstanding award, (iv) the amount, if any, we pay for forfeited Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the 2023 Incentive Plan, and (vi) the number of or exercise price of Common Stock then subject to outstanding SARs previously granted and unexercised under the 2023 Incentive Plan to the end that the same proportion of our issued and outstanding Common Stock in each instance shall remain subject to exercise at the same aggregate exercise price; provided however, that the number of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any award shall always be a whole number. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such adjustment shall be made or authorized to the extent that such adjustment would cause the 2023 Incentive Plan or any stock option to violate Section 422 of the Code or Section 409A of the Code. All such adjustments must be made in accordance with the rules of any securities exchange, stock market, or stock quotation system to which we are subject.

 

Amendment or Discontinuance of the 2023 Incentive Plan. The board of directors will be permitted to, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of the participants, alter, amend, revise, suspend or discontinue the 2023 Incentive Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that (i) no amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the 2023 Incentive Plan and any awards under the 2023 Incentive Plan to continue to comply with Sections 421 and 422 of the Code (including any successors to such Sections, or other applicable law) or any applicable requirements of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which our stock is listed or traded, shall be effective unless such amendment is approved by the requisite vote of our stockholders entitled to vote on the amendment; and (ii) unless required by law, no action by the board of directors regarding amendment or discontinuance of the 2023 Incentive Plan may adversely affect any rights of any participants or our obligations to any participants with respect to any outstanding award under the 2023 Incentive Plan without the consent of the affected participant.

 

No Repricing of Stock Options or SARs. The Compensation Committee will not be permitted to, without the approval of our stockholders, “reprice” any stock option or SAR. For purposes of the 2023 Incentive Plan, “reprice” means any of the following or any other action that has the same effect: (i) amending a stock option or SAR to reduce its exercise price or base price, (ii) canceling a stock option or SAR at a time when its exercise price or base price exceeds the fair market value of a share of Common Stock in exchange for cash or a stock option, SAR, award of restricted stock or other equity award with an exercise price or base price less than the exercise price or base price of the original stock option or SAR, or (iii) taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, provided that nothing shall prevent the Compensation Committee from (x) making adjustments to awards upon changes in capitalization, (y) exchanging or cancelling awards upon a merger, consolidation, or recapitalization, or (z) substituting awards for awards granted by other entities, to the extent permitted by the 2023 Incentive Plan.

 

Recoupment for Restatements. The Compensation Committee is permitted to recoup all or any portion of any shares or cash paid to a participant in connection with an award, in the event of a restatement of our financial statements as set forth in our clawback policy as may be amended by the board of directors from time to time.

 

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Legacy Incentive Plan

 

On September 23, 2022, we adopted the Legacy Incentive Plan. On September 23, 2022, we granted awards of an aggregate of 635,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares under the Legacy Incentive Plan to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers and directors. These awards are subject to performance based restrictions, whereby the restrictions will be cancelled if certain performance conditions are met in specified periods. As of the date hereof, 349,250 of the 635,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares remain unvested, with the balance having become vested and no longer subject to restrictions.

 

The Performance-Based Restricted Shares were subject to restrictions that, among other things, prohibit the transfer thereof until certain performance conditions were met. In addition, if such conditions are not met within applicable periods, the Performance-Based Restricted Shares will be deemed forfeited and surrendered by the holder thereof to us without the requirement of any further consideration. These conditions are:

 

(a) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if we did not complete equity financings in an aggregate amount of at least $15,000,000 prior to or concurrently with the earlier of: (i) the date that is two years after the grant date; and (ii) the occurrence of a liquidation event, as such term is defined in the Legacy Incentive Plan, or any merger with or sale of our outstanding shares or all or substantially all of our assets to a third-party, referred to as an “Exit Transaction”, provided that, for greater certainty, the following shall not be considered an Exit Transaction: (A) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation of our business with or into a related entity; (B) a transaction undertaken solely for the purpose of changing our place of domicile or jurisdiction of incorporation; (C) an equity financing; and (D) completion of an initial public offering, spin-off from GoldMining or other going public transaction, referred to as an “IPO Event”;

 

(b) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, an IPO Event did not occur that valued our business at a minimum of $100,000,000 prior to the date that is two years after the grant date;

 

(c) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if the recipient of such award ceases to be our or our affiliates’ director, officer, employee or consultant, as applicable, at any time during the period from the date of grant of such award until the date that is two years after grant date;

 

(d) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if we have not re-established the Whistler Project camp and performed of a minimum of 10,000 meters of drilling prior to the date that is three years after the grant date;

 

(e) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if we have not achieved a share price of $15.00 prior to the date that is four years after the grant date;

 

(f) with respect to 15% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if we have not achieved a $250,000,000 market capitalization (as determined pursuant to the Legacy Incentive Plan) prior to the date that is five years after the grant date; or

 

(g) with respect to 10% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, if we have not achieved a share price of $25.00 prior to the date that is six years after the grant date.

 

In the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the conditions in (a), (b) and (e) above were met. Accordingly, 45% of the originally granted Performance-Based Restricted Shares were released and no longer subject to restrictions.

 

Additionally, in the year ended November 30, 2023, our board of directors approved a modification to the above conditions under the Performance-Based Restricted Shares such that: (i) if both conditions in (f) and (g) above are met, then all other remaining unsatisfied conditions under the Performance-Based Restricted Shares will be deemed satisfied and the remaining Performance-Based Restricted Shares will be fully vested; and (ii) in the event that the Company files disclosure under S-K 1300 or NI 43-101 that includes an aggregate estimate of Mineral Resources for the Whistler Project or any other project of the Company in excess of 3,000,000 gold or gold equivalent ounces, then 30% of the initial number of Performance-Based Restricted Shares would no longer be subject to conditions and any remaining conditions will be reduced on a proportional basis.

 

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Unless sooner terminated by our board of directors, the Legacy Incentive Plan will terminate and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date our board of directors adopted the Legacy Incentive Plan. No award may be made under the Legacy Incentive Plan after its expiration date, but awards made prior thereto may extend beyond that date.

 

The purpose of the Legacy Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for our employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors to remain in our service, to extend to them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in us so that they will apply their best efforts for our benefit, and to aid us in attracting able persons to enter our service. The Legacy Incentive Plan only provides for the grant of restricted stock awards.

 

No further awards will be made under Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

Share Authorization. Subject to certain adjustments, we had reserved an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for the issuance of awards under the Legacy Incentive Plan. As of the date hereof, 349,250 Performance-Based Restricted Shares, that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met, are still outstanding under the Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

Shares to be issued may be made available from authorized but unissued Common Stock, Common Stock held by us in our treasury, or Common Stock purchased by us on the open market or otherwise. During the term of the Legacy Incentive Plan, we will at all times reserve and keep enough Common Stock available to satisfy the requirements of the Legacy Incentive Plan. If an award under the Legacy Incentive Plan is cancelled, forfeited or expires, in whole or in part, the shares subject to such forfeited, expired or cancelled award may again be awarded under the Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

Administration. The Legacy Incentive Plan was administered by our board of directors. Our board will determine the persons to whom awards are to be made, determine the type, size and terms of awards, interpret the Legacy Incentive Plan, establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the Legacy Incentive Plan and make any other determinations that it believes necessary for the administration of the Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

Eligibility. Employees (including any employee who is also a director or an officer), contractors, and our non-employee directors whose judgment, initiative and efforts contributed to or may be expected to contribute to our successful performance are eligible to participate in the Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

Other Non-Cash Compensation

 

We provide standard health benefits to its executive officers, including medical, dental and disability insurance.

 

Our other non-cash compensation is intended to provide a similar level of benefits as those provided by comparable companies within our industry.

 

Executive Compensation

 

The following is a discussion of the material components of the executive compensation arrangements of our named executive officers, comprised of (i) our principal executive officer, (ii) the two most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer who were serving as executive officers at the end of the 2023 fiscal year and whose salary, as determined by Regulation S-K, Item 402, exceeded $100,000 and (iii) up to two most highly compensated former executive officers who were no longer serving as an executive officer at the end of the 2023 fiscal year (the individuals falling within categories (i), (ii) and (iii) are collectively referred to as the “Named Executive Officers”).

 

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Tim Smith, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Mr. Smith was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and President on September 12, 2022. In September 2022, Mr. Smith received 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares under the Legacy Incentive Plan. As of the date hereof, 45% of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares (22,500 Performance-Based Restricted Shares) had vested, per the terms of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares, and no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition resulting from completion of the IPO. The remainder of such Performance-Based Restricted Shares are subject to surrender and cancelation if certain performance conditions are not met. In connections with the receipt of the 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares, on September 23, 2022, Mr. Smith waived his entitlement to an option to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock included in his employment agreement. Mr. Smith’s compensation for serving as an executive officer is disclosed below in the “Summary Compensation Table”.

 

Tyler Wong, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

Mr. Wong was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer on April 11, 2023. Mr. Wong is retained according to an employment arrangement with us, and his compensation for serving as an executive officer of the Company is disclosed below in the “Summary Compensation Table”. Our compensation policy for Mr. Wong is based on comparisons of other companies’ remunerations made to their Chief Financial Officers and the value of Mr. Wong’s expertise to the Company.

 

Pat Obara, Former Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

We appointed Pat Obara as our Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer on October 29, 2015, effective as of the same date. Mr. Obara served as our Chief Financial Officer from August 2006 to January 2011 and as our Vice President Administration from January 2011 to October 2015. Mr. Obara resigned as Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer on April 11, 2023, and his compensation for serving as a former executive officer of the Company is disclosed below in the “Summary Compensation Table”.

 

Retirement, Resignation or Termination Plans

 

Executive officers with contracts for services have notice requirements which permit pay in lieu of notice.

 

Each of our executive services arrangements contemplates the case of termination due to various provisions whereby the named executive officers will receive termination payments, as described below under the heading “Executive Services Agreements”.

 

Compensation and Risk

 

We do not believe that our compensation policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. We have taken steps to ensure that our executive compensation program does not incentivize risk outside the Company’s risk appetite. Some of the key ways that we currently manage compensation risk are as follows:

 

appointed a Compensation Committee which is composed of a majority of independent directors to oversee the executive compensation program;

 

the use of performance based long-term incentive compensation to encourage a focus on long-term corporate performance;

 

disclosure of executive compensation to stakeholders; and

 

established a clawback policy applicable to all cash and equity incentive compensation.

 

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We adopted a Clawback Policy, effective November 16, 2023, as an additional safeguard to mitigate compensation risks (the “Clawback Policy”). The Clawback Policy requires that any incentive compensation (including both cash and equity compensation) paid to any current or former “executive officer” during the three years preceding a financial year restatement is subject to recoupment if: the incentive compensation was calculated based on financial statements that were required to be restated due to material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements, without regard to any fault or misconduct; and that noncompliance resulted in overpayment of the incentive compensation within the three fiscal years preceding the date the restatement was required.

 

The brief overview above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of our Clawback Policy, which is attached as Exhibit 97.1 to this Annual Report.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth all compensation paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly, by the Company to our Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023.

 

Name and Principal Position  Year  Salary (1) ($)   Bonus ($)   Stock-based Awards (2) ($)   Option Awards (3) ($)   Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation($)   Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings($)  

All Other Compensation

($)

   Total($) 

Tim Smith (4)

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2023   92,531                            92,531 
   2022   20,113        6,900 (5)                   27,013 

Tyler Wong (6)

Secretary, Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

  2023   25,909             33,443            

40,713

 (9)   100,065 
   2022                                

Patrick Obara (7)

Former Chief Financial Officer

  2023                                
   2022           5,520  (8)                   5,520 

 

(1)Salary paid to Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wong are in Canadian dollars. For the purposes hereof, such amounts have been converted from U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars based upon an exchange rate of C$1.3509 per U.S. dollar, being the weighted average exchange rate for the period from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. Mr. Smith’s base salary is C$125,000 per annum and Mr. Wong’s base salary is C$60,000 per annum.
(2)These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of Performance-Based Restricted Shares. The grant date fair value is calculated based on our net assets at the time of the grant, the proportion of Performance-Based Restricted Shares in total shares and expected possibility that vesting conditions will be met, adjusted for minority shareholder discount and liquidity discount.
(3)These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of options, which was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to value the options granted on May 4, 2023: exercise price: $10.00; expected risk free interest rate: 3.47%; expected annual volatility: 64.34%; expected life in years: 3.0; expected annual dividend yield: 0%; and Black-Scholes value: $4.1803.
(4)Mr. Smith was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer on September 12, 2022, effective as of the same date.
(5)In September 2022, we issued 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to Mr. Smith. The grant date fair market value for each Performance-Based Restricted Share is $0.1380 per share. The fair value is calculated based on our net assets at the time of the grant on September 23, 2022. 22,500 of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares have vested and are no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition. 27,500 Performance-Based Restricted Shares remain unvested and subject to certain conditions. See “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.
(6)Mr. Wong was appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer on April 11, 2023, effective as of the same date.
(7)Mr. Obara resigned as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer on April 11, 2023, effective as of the same date.
(8)In September 2022, we issued 40,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to Mr. Obara. The grant date fair market value for each Performance-Based Restricted Share is $0.1380 per share. The fair value is calculated based on our net assets at the time of the grant on September 23, 2022. 18,000 of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares have vested and are no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition. 22,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares remain unvested and subject to certain conditions. See “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.
(9)These amounts represent the aggregate amount paid to Mr. Wong for (i) his services to the Company for the period from December 1, 2022, to April 1, 2023, and (ii) one time signing bonus in connection with his appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer.

 

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Outstanding Share-based Awards and Option-based Awards

 

The following table states the name of each Named Executive Officers and option-based and share-based awards outstanding as of the financial year ended November 30, 2023.

 

       Option-based Awards (1)   Share-based Awards (2) 
Name and Principal Position  Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#)(3)   Option Exercise Price ($)   Option Expiration Date   Value of Unexercised in-the-money Options ($)   Number of Shares or Units of Shares That Have Not Vested (#)   Market or Payout Value of Share-based Awards That Have Not Vested ($)(4)   Market or Payout Value of Vested Share-based Awards Not Paid Out or Distributed ($) 
Tim Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
                            27,500  (5)   210,375             
Tyler Wong
Secretary, Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
   4,000    10.00   May 4, 2028                     
Patrick Obara
Former Chief Financial Officer
                      22,000  (6)   168,300      

 

(1)Options expiring on May 4, 2028, were granted on May 4, 2023, and vest as to 25% immediately and on each day that is the 6, 12 and 18 month anniversary of the date of grant. As of November 30, 2023, options to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,000 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Wong have vested.
(2)The share-based awards consist of Performance-Based Restricted Shares. Each Performance-Based Restricted Share entitles the holder to receive one share of Common Stock upon certain conditions being met. Please see “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.
(3)Each option entitles the holder to one share of Common Stock upon exercise.
(4)The value shown is based on the closing price of $7.65 per share of our Common Stock on November 30, 2023, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
(5)In September 2022, we issued 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to Mr. Smith. 22,500 of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares have vested and are no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition. 27,500 Performance-Based Restricted Shares are subject to certain conditions. See “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.
(6)In September 2022, we issued 40,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to Mr. Obara. 18,000 of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares have vested and are no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition. 22,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares are subject to certain conditions. See “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.

 

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Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During the Year

 

The table below discloses the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized by a named executive officer if Options under Option-based awards had been exercised on the vesting date, as well as the aggregate dollar value realized upon vesting of Share-based awards by a named executive officer.

 

   Option Awards   Share-based Awards 
Name  Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)   Value Realized on Exercise ($)   Number of Shares or units of Shares That Have Vested (#) (1)   Value Realized on Vesting ($)(1) 

Tim Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer

                     22,500 (2)    249,150 (2) 
Tyler Wong
Secretary, Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
             -    - 
Patrick Obara
Former Chief Financial Officer
             18,000 (3)    199,320 (3) 

 

(1)Consists of Performance-Based Restricted Shares, where the underlying conditions were satisfied in the year ended November 30, 2023. See “- Legacy Incentive Plan” for more information.
(2)Consists of 15,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares which vested on April 24, 2023, at a market price of $9.15 based on the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on such date and 7,500 Restricted Shares which vested on May 15, 2023, at a market price of $14.92 based on the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on such date.
(3)Consists of 12,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares which vested on April 24, 2023, at a market price of $9.15 based on the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on such date and 6,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares which vested on May 15, 2023, at a market price of $14.92 based on the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on such date.

 

No Pension Benefits

 

We do not maintain any plan that provides for payments or other benefits to its executive officers at, following or in connection with their retirement and including, without limitation, any tax-qualified defined benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement plans.

 

No Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

We do not maintain any defined contribution or other plan that provides for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified.

 

Director Compensation

 

The annual cash component of the board compensation package was set at $10,000 per annum. The directors’ fees have been paid quarterly at the end of each financial quarter, effective as of April 24, 2023. Other than directors’ fees, no committee fees have been provided to the committee members.

 

The following table sets forth information relating to compensation paid to the directors during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023.

 

Name  Fees Earned
Or Paid In
Cash ($)
   Share-Based
Awards ($)
   Option Awards ($) (1)   Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation ($)
   Non-Qualified Deferred
Compensation Earnings ($)
   All Other Compensation ($)   Total($) 
Alastair Still (2)                            
Garnet Dawson   6,033                        6,033 
Ross Sherlock   6,033        41,803                47,836 
Lisa Wade   6,033        41,803                47,836 
Laura Schmidt   6,033        41,803                47,836 
Aleksandra Bukacheva   6,033        41,803                47,836 

 

(1)For the year ended November 30, 2023, these amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of options, which was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to value the options granted on May 4, 2023: exercise price: $10.00; expected risk free interest rate: 3.47%; expected annual volatility: 61.34%; expected life in years: 3.0; expected annual dividend yield: 0%; and Black-Scholes value: $4.1803. The options vest as to 25% immediately and on each day which is 6, 12 and 18 months from the date of grant. On May 4, 2023, options to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to Mr. Sherlock, options to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock to Ms. Wade, options to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to Ms. Schmidt and options to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to Ms. Bukacheva.
   
(2)For the year ended November 30, 2023, Mr. Still did not receive compensation from us for his services as a director.

 

56
 

 

Executive Services Agreements

 

Smith Employment Arrangement

 

On August 4, 2022, GoldMining entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Smith, effective April 7, 2022, regarding his employment with GoldMining as Vice President, Exploration, and his appointment as our Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to arrangements between us and GoldMining, we pay Mr. Smith C$125,000 per annum, being one half of his base salary under his employment agreement. The agreement had an initial term of twelve months and will continue and remain in effect until terminated pursuant to the provisions therein. The agreement may be terminated by Mr. Smith on at least 60 days’ prior written notice to GoldMining during the first twelve months of the term. Following the first twelve months of the term, the agreement may be terminated by Mr. Smith, as noted, or by GoldMining on at least 30 days’ prior written notice to Mr. Smith. If terminated by GoldMining, such termination is subject to applicable notice periods under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, including the common law applicable therein. The agreement may be terminated by GoldMining for cause, as such term is interpreted at common law, at any time, without notice or payment in lieu thereof.

 

The agreement provides that Mr. Smith will be eligible to participate, from time to time, in long-term compensation and incentive plans and other benefit plans, as may be adopted and implemented from time to time on a basis commensurate with his position and responsibilities.

 

In September 2022, Mr. Smith received 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares under the Legacy Incentive Plan. As of the date hereof, 45% of these Performance-Based Restricted Shares, or 22,500 shares, have vested per the terms of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares and no longer subject to such restrictions as a result of the satisfaction of a condition resulting from completion of the IPO. The remainder of such Performance-Based Restricted Shares are subject to surrender and cancelation if certain performance conditions are not met. In connections with the receipt of the 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares on September 23, 2022, Mr. Smith waived his entitlement to an option to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Common Stock included in his employment agreement.

 

Wong Employment Arrangement

 

On July 25, 2023, our subsidiary, US GoldMining Canada Inc., entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Wong, effective May 1, 2023, regarding his appointment as our Interim Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to such agreement, we pay Mr. Wong a base salary of C$60,000 per annum. Additionally, pursuant to his employment agreement, we paid Mr. Wong C$40,000 for his services for the period from December 1, 2022, to April 1, 2023, and a one-time signing bonus of C$15,000 in connection with his appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer on April 11, 2023. The agreement will continue and remain in effect until terminated pursuant to the provisions therein. The agreement may be terminated by Mr. Wong with at least 30 days’ prior written notice to the Company, or by US GoldMining Canada Inc with at least 60 days’ prior written notice to Mr. Wong. If terminated by US GoldMining Canada Inc., such termination is subject to applicable notice periods under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, including the common law applicable therein. The agreement may be terminated by US GoldMining Canada Inc. for cause, as such term is interpreted at common law, at any time, without notice or payment in lieu thereof.

 

The agreement provides that Mr. Wong will be eligible to participate, from time to time, in short-term incentive compensation programs and other benefit plans, as may be adopted and implemented from time to time on a basis commensurate with his position and responsibilities.

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing compensation discussion and analysis contained under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” herein with our management. Based on that review and those discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board of directors that the compensation discussion and analysis be included in this Annual Report. This report is provided by Garnet Dawson, Ross Sherlock and Aleksandra (Sasha) Bukacheva, who comprise our Compensation Committee.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

No person who served as a member of our Compensation Committee during the year ended November 30, 2023, was a current or former officer or employee or engaged in certain transactions with us required to be disclosed by regulations of the SEC. Additionally, during the year ended November 30, 2023, there were no Compensation Committee “interlocks”, which generally means that none of our executive officers served: (i) as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity which had an executive officer serving as a member of our Company’s Compensation Committee; (ii) as a director of another entity which had an executive officer serving as a member of our Company’s Compensation Committee; or (iii) as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity which had an executive officer serving as a director.

 

57
 

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of [February 21], 2024, by:

 

each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Common Stock;
each of our named executive officers and directors; and
 all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

The number of shares beneficially owned and the related percentages are based on 12,398,709 Common Stock outstanding as of February 21, 2024.

 

For the purposes of the information provided below, shares that may be issued upon the exercise or conversion of stock options, warrants and other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days following February 21, 2024, are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the holder for the purpose of computing the number of shares and percentage ownership of that holder, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)

 

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
(1)

 

Percentage of
Beneficial Ownership

         
Directors and Named Executive Officers:        
         

Alastair Still
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  115,200 (2)   *
         

Garnet Dawson
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

 

20,000 (3)

 

  *
         

Ross Sherlock
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  5,000 (4)   *
         

Lisa Wade
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  5,000 (4)   *
         

Laura Schmidt
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  5,000 (4)   *
         

Aleksandra Bukacheva
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  7,000 (5)   *
         

Tim Smith

1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  57,000 (6)   *
         

Tyler Wong
1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  4,000 (7)   *
         

Pat Obara

1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  40,000 (8)   *
         
All directors and executive officers as a group
(8 persons)
  218,200 (9)   1.76%
         
Major Stockholders:        
         

GoldMining

1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830

Vancouver BC, Canada, V6E 4A2

  10,000,751(10)   80.7%

 

Notes:

 

*Less than one percent.

 

58
 

 

(1)Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of such security; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of the security. Certain shares of Common Stock may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, Common Stock are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding is deemed to include the number of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding Common Stock of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock actually outstanding as of the date hereof. As of February 21, 2024, there were 12,398,709 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
(2)This figure represents 52,600 shares of Common Stock, Warrants to purchase 7,600 shares of Common Stock and 55,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met.
(3)This figure represents 9,000 shares of Common Stock and 11,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met.
(4)This figure represents stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000 shares of Common Stock, which have vested or will vest within 60 days of the date hereof.
(5)This figure represents 1,000 shares of Common Stock, Warrants to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock and stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000 shares of Common Stock, which have vested or will vest within 60 days of the date hereof.
(6)This figure represents 26,000 shares of Common Stock, Warrants to purchase 3,500 shares of Common Stock and 27,500 Performance-Based Restricted Shares that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met.
(7)This figure represents stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,000 shares of Common Stock, which have vested or will vest within 60 days of the date hereof.

(8)

This figure represents 18,000 shares of Common Stock and 22,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met.

(9)This figure represents (i) 88,600 shares of Common Stock; (ii) Warrants to purchase 12,100 shares of Common Stock (iii) 93,500 Performance-Based Restricted Shares that are subject to cancellation if certain performance conditions are not met, (iv) stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 24,000 shares of Common Stock, which have vested or will vest within 60 days of the date hereof.
(10)This information is based on Form 4s filed with the SEC on April 21, 2023, and May 23, 2023, as amended on February 20, 2024.

 

Changes in Control

 

We have no knowledge of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of our securities, the operation of which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in our control.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of our shares of Common Stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our shares of Common Stock.

 

Based solely upon a review of copies of Section 16(a) reports and representations received by us from reporting persons, and without conducting any independent investigation of our own, in fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, all Forms 3, 4 and 5 were timely filed with the SEC by such reporting persons, except with respect to GoldMining Inc. in connection with 29,709 shares of Common Stock acquired by it on April 22, 2023, where a corresponding Form 4 was not filed until after the expiry of the prescribed period for such filing due to a clerical error.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

Except as described in this Annual Report, in each of the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, we were not involved in any transactions, and are not involved in any currently proposed transaction, in which we are or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets as of the end of our last fiscal year.

 

In addition to the compensation arrangements discussed under “Item 11. Executive Compensation” the following is a description of the material terms of: (i) those transactions within the last two fiscal years to which we are party and in which any of our directors, executive officers or stockholders that beneficially own or control (directly or indirectly) more than 10% of any class of series of our outstanding voting securities, or any associate or affiliate of the forgoing persons, has, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest; and (ii) any other material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we were a party within the last two fiscal years.

 

Initially GoldMining planned to utilize U.S. Goldmining Inc. or “US Gold Canada”, a company organized under the federal laws of Canada, as the entity to pursue a going public transaction to separate the Whistler Project. However, after reviewing its corporate structure, a determination was made to pursue an initial public offering directly through the Company. In September 2022, in recognition of past service and to incentivize the execution of our business plan, our growth and the completion of the IPO, US Gold Canada awarded Performance-Based Restricted Share awards consisting of 585,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers and directors. As a result of our pursuit of an initial public offering, in September 2022, we agreed to issue an equal number of shares of our performance based Common Stock and issued a further 50,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to a member of our management. The restrictions and performance-based conditions were substantially the same as those governing the Performance-Based Restricted Shares previously awarded by US Gold Canada. In connection therewith, in September 2022, we issued 635,000 Performance-Based Restricted Shares to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers and directors and consultant under the Legacy Incentive Plan.

 

59
 

 

In January 2021, we issued a 1.0% NSR royalty to Gold Royalty Corp. pursuant to an agreement entered into with GoldMining. In consideration for our agreement to issue such royalty, GoldMining agreed to, among other things, fund certain qualifying exploration expenditures in an amount of up to $2,570,700, subject to the terms and conditions therein. Such commitment was later assigned and assumed by US Gold Canada and BRI Holdings, two of our parent companies at the time prior to their dissolution into GoldMining. In September 2022, GoldMining and we agreed to fully settle the funding commitment against certain amounts previously advanced by it to us and in satisfaction of a return of capital declared by us. In September 2022, we and GoldMining agreed to fully settle the outstanding funding commitment of $2,254,486 against certain amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143 and in satisfaction of a $1,096,343 return of capital of $1,096,343 declared by us.

 

In the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services with other companies, including GoldMining which owns approximately 79.7% of our outstanding shares and shares certain common directors and officers. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the allocated costs from GoldMining to us were $100,807 and $147,349, respectively. Out of the allocated costs, $54,348 and $60,065 for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were noncash share-based compensation costs. The allocated costs from GoldMining were treated as a capital contribution, as there is no obligation or intent regarding the repayment of such amounts by us.

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,003,142. In May 2023, we repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to the Company. The amount paid represented the full amount of the outstanding loan from GoldMining at the time. For the year ended November 30, 2022, repayable amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,341,445, of which $1,158,143 was settled against the funding commitment. As of November 30, 2023, the loan payable to GoldMining Inc. was $0 ($677,783 as of November 30, 2022).

 

For the year ended November 30, 2022, the Company declared a return of capital to GoldMining of $1,096,343, which resulted in federal withholding taxes payable of $173,889, of which $57,702 was paid during the year ended November 30, 2022. Pursuant to the return of capital, a note payable was issued to GoldMining in the amount of $1,096,343, which was subsequently retired as a part of the settlement of the remaining funding commitment to the Company in the amount of $2,254,486, which included the settlement of amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143.

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, our board of directors approved a service agreement with Blender Media Inc. (“Blender”), a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we incurred $233,978 and $16,957, respectively, in general and administrative costs, paid to Blender for services related to information technology, corporate branding, advertising, media, website design, maintenance and hosting, provided by Blender to the Company, which are within industry standards. As of November 30, 2023, prepaid expenses and deferred costs included service fees prepaid to Blender in the amount of $169,899 ($0 as of November 30, 2022).

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, share-based compensation costs included $31,127 and $3,516, respectively, in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based Restricted Shares granted in September 2022.

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO at a price of $10 per Unit for a total gross consideration of $1,224,900, before deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses.

 

Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the years ended November 30, 2023, and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.

 

Our Audit Committee is charged with reviewing and approving all related party transactions and reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors, or approving any contracts or other transactions with any of our current or former executive officers. The Charter of the Audit Committee sets forth our written policy for the review of related party transactions.

 

60
 

 

Director Independence

 

Under the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. In addition, rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees be independent. Under Canadian National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practice, (“NI 58-101”).

 

Our board of directors has determined that Ross Sherlock, Lisa Wade, Aleksandra Bukacheva and Laurie J. Schmidt are “independent directors” as defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, the listing requirements and rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market and applicable Canadian requirements, representing four of our six directors. Under the applicable rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market and NI 58-101, Alastair Still and Garnet Dawson are not considered independent by virtue of their prior executive positions with or current executive positions with the Company or GoldMining.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Deloitte LLP has served as our independent registered public accountants since January 26, 2023 and audited the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

Aggregate fees for professional services rendered to us by our auditors for our last two years are set forth below:

 

  

Year Ended

November 30, 2023
(In CAD)

  

Year Ended

November 30, 2022
(In CAD)

 
Audit Fees  $172,000   $100,000 
Audit Related Fees   80,000    50,000 
Tax Fees   -    - 
Total  $252,000   $150,000 

 

Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of aggregate fees for professional services in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and quarterly reviews of our interim financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

 

Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees consist of services in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. Audit-Related fees incurred for services rendered by Deloitte LLP for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 were C$80,000 and C$50,000, respectively.

 

Tax Fees. Tax fees consist of aggregate fees for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, primarily, fees related to tax preparation services.

 

Pre-Approval of Services by the Independent Auditor

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for the pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor. The Audit Committee will, on an annual basis, consider and, if appropriate, approve the provision of audit and non-audit services by our independent auditor. Thereafter, the Audit Committee will, as necessary, consider and, if appropriate, approve the provision of additional audit and non-audit services by our independent auditor which are not encompassed by the Audit Committee’s annual pre-approval and are not prohibited by law. The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve, on a case-by-case basis, non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor. The Audit Committee has approved all audit and permitted non-audit services performed by its independent auditor, Deloitte LLP, for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023.

 

61
 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

(1)Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 1208)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(2)Financial Statement Schedules.

 

[None]

 

(3)Exhibits:

 

Exhibit   Description of Exhibit
     
3.1   Articles of Incorporation. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
3.2   Amendment No. 1 to Articles of Incorporation. Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
3.3   Bylaws. Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
4.1   Specimen common stock certificate. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
4.2   Form of Warrant. Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
4.3*   Warrant Agency Agreement between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company dated March 9, 2023.
10.1#   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Tim Smith dated August 4, 2022, by and between GoldMining Inc. and Tim Smith. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
10.2#   Legacy Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
10.3#   2023 Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
10.4#   Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
10.5#   Form of Legacy Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
10.6   Underwriting Agreement by and among the Company, H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Sprott Capital Partners LP dated April 19, 2023. Filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2023 (File No. 001-41690) and incorporated by reference herein.
10.7#*   Employment Agreement dated July 25, 2023, by and between the US GoldMining Canada Inc. and Tyler Wong.
10.8#*   Form of 2023 Incentive Plan Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement.
10.9#*   Form of Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Legacy Incentive Plan.
14.1*   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
14.2*   Insider Trading Policy.
21.1*   List of Significant Subsidiaries.
23.1*   Consent of Tim Smith.
23.2*   Consent of Sue Bird.
31.1*   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive Officer.
31.2*   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Financial Officer.
32.1**   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive Officer.
32.2**  

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Financial Officer.

95*   Mine Safety Disclosure.
96.1   S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, Initial Assessment for the Whistler Project. Filed as Exhibit 96.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269693), originally filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, and incorporated by reference herein.
97.1*   Clawback Policy
101.INS*   Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
101.LAB*   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

 

None.

 

62
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  U.S. GOLDMINING INC.
     
Date: February 21, 2024 By: /s/ Tim Smith
  Name: Tim Smith
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Tim Smith   Chief Executive Officer and President   February 21, 2024
Tim Smith   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Tyler Wong   Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer   February 21, 2024
Tyler Wong   (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Alastair Still   Chairman of the Board   February 21, 2024
Alastair Still        
         
/s/ Garnet Dawson   Director   February 21, 2024
Garnet Dawson        
         
/s/ Ross Sherlock   Director   February 21, 2024
Ross Sherlock        
         
/s/ Lisa Wade   Director   February 21, 2024
Lisa Wade        
         
/s/ Laurie J. Schmidt   Director   February 21, 2024
Laurie J. Schmidt        
         
/s/ Aleksandra Bukacheva   Director   February 21, 2024
Aleksandra Bukacheva        

 

63
 

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc.

 

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of and for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 1208) F-2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) F-6
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-7

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of U.S. Goldmining Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of U.S. Goldmining Inc. (formerly, BRI Alaska Corp.) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 30, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended November 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended November 30, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

Vancouver, Canada

February 21, 2024

We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2023.

 

F-2

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

   Notes  November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
            
Current assets             
Cash and cash equivalents  3  $11,401,338   $54,508 
Restricted cash  3   86,870    - 
Other receivables  4   115,113    68,000 
Inventories      27,249    - 
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs  5   375,933    107,111 
Total current assets      12,006,503    229,619 
              
Exploration and evaluation assets  8   31,392    - 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net  7   135,728    - 
Property and equipment, net  6   850,130    - 
Total assets     $13,023,753   $229,619 
              
              
Current liabilities             
Accounts payable     $197,978   $466,127 
Accrued liabilities      112,048    26,922 
Current portion of lease liabilities  7   17,268    - 
Withholdings taxes payable      180,863    116,187 
Income tax payable  15   4,918    - 
Due to GoldMining  16   -    677,783 
Total current liabilities      513,075    1,287,019 
              
Lease liabilities  7   118,087    - 
Asset retirement obligations  10   179,880    225,871 
Total liabilities      811,042    1,512,890 
              
Stockholders’ equity             
Capital stock             
Common stock $0.001 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized as at November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022; 12,398,709 and 10,135,001 shares issued and outstanding as at November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022  11   12,399    10,135 
Additional paid-in capital      26,678,252    3,827,957 
Accumulated deficit      (14,477,940)   (5,121,363)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)      12,212,711    (1,283,271)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)     $13,023,753   $229,619 

 

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

 

F-3

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

            
      Year Ended November 30
   Notes  2023   2022 
Operating expenses             
Exploration expenses  8  $5,054,500   $543,322 
General and administrative expenses  9   4,670,248    1,172,810 
Accretion  10   21,051    19,255 
Depreciation  6   30,959    - 
Total operating expenses      9,776,758    1,735,387 
Loss from operations      (9,776,758)   (1,735,387)
              
Other income (expenses)             
Interest income      426,919    - 
Foreign exchange loss      (1,801)   (3,270)
Net loss for the year before tax     $(9,351,640)  $(1,738,657)
Current income tax expense  15   (4,937)   - 
Net loss for the year     $(9,356,577)  $(1,738,657)
              
Loss per share             
Basic and diluted  12  $(0.82)  $(0.17)
              
Weighted average shares outstanding1             
Basic and diluted      11,480,346    9,937,248 

 

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

 

 

1The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).

 

F-4

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

   2023   2022 
   Year Ended November 30 
   2023   2022 
Net cash provided by (used in):          
           
Operating activities          
Net loss for the year  $(9,356,577)  $(1,738,657)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Accretion   21,051    19,255 
Depreciation   30,959    - 
Share-based compensation   423,831    65,303 
Non-cash lease expenses   10,735    - 
Foreign exchange translation gain   1,616    - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities          
Inventories   (27,249)   - 
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs   (307,963)   (90,074)
Other receivables   (47,113)   (68,000)
Accounts payable   (268,149)   466,102 
Accrued liabilities   85,126    23,922 
Income tax payable   4,918    - 
Net cash used in operating activities   (9,428,815)   (1,322,149)
           
Investing activities          
Construction of camp structures   (866,140)   - 
Purchase of equipment   (113,383)   - 
Net cash used in investing activities   (979,523)   - 
           
Financing activities          
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriters’ fees and issuance costs   19,056,223    - 
Proceeds from common shares issued for warrant exercise   3,363,204    - 
Capital contributions from GoldMining   46,459    87,284 
Withholding taxes on return of capital   53,935    (57,702)
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment   -    1,158,143 
Advance from GoldMining   1,003,142    183,302 
Repayment of advance from GoldMining   (1,680,925)   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   21,842,038    1,371,027 
           
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   11,433,700    48,878 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year   54,508    5,630 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year  $11,488,208   $54,508 
           
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Common share issuance costs included in prepaid expenses and deferred costs  $26,416   $- 
Allocation of share-based compensation expenses from GoldMining  $54,348   $60,065 
ARO change in estimates included in camp structures  $(98,434)  $- 

 

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

 

F-5

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

   Note  Shares1   Amount1   Capital   Deficit   Equity (Deficit) 
      Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In

   Accumulated   Total
Stockholders’ Equity
 
   Note  Shares1   Amount1   Capital   Deficit   (Deficit) 
Balance at November 30, 2021      9,500,001   $9,500   $3,108,874   $(3,382,706)  $(264,332)
Performance based restricted shares issued      635,000    635    (635)   -    - 
Return of capital  8,16   -    -    (1,096,343)   -    (1,096,343)
Withholding taxes on return of capital  16   -    -    (173,889)   -    (173,889)
Settlement of funding agreement  8,16   -    -    1,837,363    -    1,837,363 
Capital contributions from GoldMining  16   -    -    87,284    -    87,284 
Share-based compensation - performance based restricted shares      -    -    5,238    -    5,238 
Share-based compensation - allocated from GoldMining  16   -    -    60,065    -    60,065 
Net loss for the year      -    -    -    (1,738,657)   (1,738,657)
Balance, at November 30, 2022      10,135,001   $10,135   $3,827,957   $(5,121,363)  $(1,283,271)
Common stock                            
Issued under initial public offering 

11.1

   2,000,000    2,000    18,206,955    -    18,208,955 
Underwriter fees and issuance costs 

11.1

   -    -    (883,311)   -    (883,311)
Issued upon exercise of warrants 

11.4

   258,708    259    3,362,945    -    3,363,204 
Warrants                            
Issued in connnection with initial public offering 

11.1

   -    -    1,791,045    -    1,791,045 
Underwriter fees and issuance costs 

11.1

   -    -    (86,883)   -    (86,883)
Withholding taxes on return of capital      -    -    (10,741)   -    (10,741)
Capital contributions from GoldMining  16   -    -    46,459    -    46,459 
Share-based compensation                            
Common stock issued for consulting services 

11.2

   5,000    5    65,695    -    65,700 
Allocated from GoldMining  16   -    -    54,348    -    54,348 
Amortization of share-based compensation 

11.3,11.5

   -    -    303,783    -    303,783 
Net loss for the year      -    -    -    (9,356,577)   (9,356,577)
Balance at November 30, 2023      12,398,709   $12,399   $26,678,252   $(14,477,940)  $12,212,711 

 

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

 

 

1The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).

 

F-6

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Note 1: Business

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc. (formerly BRI Alaska Corp.) (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” on June 30, 2015. On September 8, 2022, the Company redomiciled from Alaska to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”.

 

The Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of BRI Alaska Holdings Inc., a company organized under the laws of British Columbia (“BRI Alaska Holdings”), until September 23, 2022, which was at such time a wholly owned subsidiary of GoldMining Inc. (“GoldMining”), a mineral exploration and development company organized under the laws of Canada listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American. On September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings was dissolved, and the Company became a direct majority owned subsidiary of GoldMining. On April 24, 2023, the Company completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and its common stock and common stock purchase warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively. After the IPO, GoldMining continued to own a controlling interest in the Company of 9,622,491 shares of common stock and common stock purchase warrants to purchase up to 122,490 shares of common stock, representing approximately 79.3% of the outstanding shares of the Company. As of November 30, 2023, GoldMining owned 79.7% of the Company.

 

The Company is a mineral exploration company with a focus on the exploration and development of a project located in Alaska, USA. Our registered office is 3773 Howard Hughes Pkwy #500s Las Vegas, NV 89169 and our principal executive office address is 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating office address is 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518.

 

Our primary asset is the 100%-owned Whistler exploration property (the “Whistler Project” or “Project”) located in Alaska, USA. Access to the Whistler Project area is by fixed wing aircraft to a gravel airstrip located adjacent to the Whistler Project exploration camp. We have not yet determined whether the Whistler Project contains mineral reserves where extraction is both technically feasible and commercially viable and have not determined whether the Whistler Project will be mined by open-pit or underground methods.

 

Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Our financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“$” or “dollars”) and the functional currency of the Company is the United States dollar.

 

The balance sheet as of November 30, 2022 and statements of operations, stockholder’s deficit and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2022 have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the year presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the comparative financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Therefore, these comparative financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the year presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

F-7

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of U.S. GoldMining Inc. and US GoldMining Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company from its incorporation on October 27, 2022. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that control ceases. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

 

All inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated through the consolidation process.

 

Management’s Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the years presented. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, share-based compensation, and allocation of expenses from GoldMining.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share includes no potential dilution and is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Common stockholder by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year.

 

The basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.

 

Segment Information

 

We have determined that we operate and report in one segment, which focuses on the exploration and development of mineral properties. Our operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) who is identified as our Chief Executive Officer. The majority of our non-current assets are located in Alaska, USA and with the remaining located in Vancouver, Canada.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at cost. The Company’s cash is held in Canada and the United States with large, reputable financial institutions and considers risk of unexpected loss to be unlikely.

 

Restricted cash includes cash that has been pledged for credit facilities which are not available for immediate disbursement.

 

F-8

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Camp Structures  10 years 
Exploration equipment  5 years 
Vehicles  5 years 

 

Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property and equipment that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures are capitalized if the recognition criteria are satisfied. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the statements of operations as incurred.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company’s long-lived assets consist of exploration and evaluation assets and property and equipment. Management continually evaluates whether events or changes in circumstances might indicate that the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision, or that the remaining balance may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset (asset group). If the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charged is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Determination of the fair value would be based on generally accepted valuation methodologies, as deemed appropriate. If the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying amount of the asset is adjusted to the asset’s fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized immediately as an operating expense in the statement of operations. The adjusted carrying amount of the long-lived asset shall be its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis shall be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Reversal of previously recorded impairment losses are prohibited.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly. An impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash flows. The Company determined that there are not multiple independent cash flows, so the Company’s assets are assessed for impairment as a whole.

 

Mineral properties are subject to impairment tests, with one property representing an asset, or asset group. The Company currently has one mineral property, which is associated with the Whistler Project. An impairment review is undertaken when indicators of impairment arise. The Company considers the following to be examples of such indicators that would trigger an impairment review:

 

  The right to explore the area has expired or will expire in the near future with no expectation of renewal;
  Substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the area is neither planned nor budgeted;
  No commercially viable deposits have been discovered, and the decision had been made to discontinue exploration in the area; and
  Sufficient work has been performed to indicate that the carrying amount of the expenditure carried as an asset will not be fully recovered.

 

F-9

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the useful life of the Company’s camp structures was determined to be 10 years after the renovation of existing fully depreciated camp structures and construction of additional facilities (Note 6). Management believed that no revision to the remaining useful lives of property and equipment or impairment of our long-lived assets was required.

 

Mineral Exploration Rights and Costs, Exploration, Evaluation and Development Expenditures

 

All direct costs related to the acquisition of exploration rights are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. There is no certainty that costs incurred to acquire exploration rights will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of minerals.

 

All cost recoveries attributable to selling economic interests in exploration rights, such as royalties, are credited against acquisition costs.

 

All other exploration and evaluation expenditures are charged to operations until such time as it has been determined that a property has economically recoverable reserves, in which case subsequent exploration and evaluation costs and the costs incurred to develop a property are capitalized into mineral properties. On the commencement of production, depletion of each mineral property will be provided on a units-of-production basis using estimated reserves as the depletion base.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

At the end of each period, asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) represents the present value of estimated future costs for the rehabilitation of our mineral properties. These estimates include assumptions as to the future activities, cost of services, timing of the rehabilitation work to be performed, inflation rates, exchange rates and risk-adjusted discount rate. The actual cost to rehabilitate a mineral property may vary from the estimated amounts because there are uncertainties in factors used to estimate the cost and potential changes in regulations or laws governing the rehabilitation of a mineral property. Management periodically reviews the rehabilitation requirements and adjusts the liability as new information becomes available and will assess the impact of new regulations and laws as they are enacted.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences, at the end of each reporting period, between the income tax bases of assets and liabilities and financial reporting basis.

 

Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is not more likely than not that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be realized. The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets reassessed at the end of each reporting period and is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the statements of comprehensive loss.

 

F-10

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if, and only if, a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend to either settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

 

Leases

 

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. At contract inception, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. If a contract is determined to be or contain a lease, the lease is assessed for classification as either an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date, defined as the date on which the leased asset is made available for use by the Company, based on the economic characteristics of the lease. For each lease with a term greater than twelve months, the Company records a right-of-use asset and lease liability. A right-of-use asset represents the economic benefit conveyed to the Company by the right to use the underlying asset over the lease term. A lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company records amortization of operating right-of-use assets and accretion of lease liabilities as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date and calculated as the present value of the future lease payments in the contract using the rate implicit in the contract, when available. If an implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate measured as the rate at which the Company could borrow, on a fully collateralized basis, a commensurate loan in the same currency over a period consistent with the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets are measured as the lease liability plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, less lease incentives granted by the lessor. The lease term is measured as the noncancelable period in the contract, adjusted for any options to extend or terminate when it is reasonably certain the Company will extend the lease term via such options based on an assessment of economic factors present as of the lease commencement date. The Company elected the practical expedient to not recognize leases with a lease term of twelve months or less. The Company assesses its right-of-use assets for impairment consistent with the assessment performed for long-lived assets used in operations. If an impairment is recognized on operating lease right-of-use assets, the lease liability continues to be recognized using the same effective interest method as before the impairment and the operating lease right-of-use asset is amortized over the remaining term of the lease on a straight-line basis.

 

The Company’s operating leases are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, classified as noncurrent assets, and operating lease liabilities, classified as current and noncurrent liabilities based on the discounted lease payments to be made within the proceeding twelve months. Variable costs associated with a lease, such as maintenance and utilities, are not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets but rather are expensed when the events determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid have occurred.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories include materials and supplies, which are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

 

F-11

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Share-based Compensation

 

The Company grants stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

 

The fair value of the restricted shares is measured at the grant date and recognized over the period during which the restricted shares vest. When restricted shares are conditional upon the achievement of a performance condition, the Company estimates the length of the expected vesting period at grant date, based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of the restricted shares is determined based on the fair value of the common stock on the grant date, adjusted for lack of marketability discount, minority shareholder discount, and other applicable factors that are generally recognized by market participants.

 

The fair value of restricted shares is recognized as an expense over the vesting period based on the best available estimate of the number of restricted shares expected to vest and will revise that estimate if subsequent information indicates that the number of restricted shares expected to vest differs from previous estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency of our Company, including its subsidiary, is the United States dollar. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange translations and foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than our Company’s functional currency are included in the determination of net loss in the period.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs are unadjusted 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, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these balances.

 

F-12

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, the amendments “improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, 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. The purpose of the amendments is to enable “investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance” and assess “potential future cash flows.” The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.

 

Note 3: Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:          
Cash at bank   $901,338   $54,508 
Term deposits    10,500,000    - 
Total   $11,401,338   $54,508 

 

    November 30, 2023    November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents  $11,401,338   $54,508 
Restricted cash   86,870    - 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $11,488,208   $54,508 

 

Restricted cash of $86,870 (2022: $nil) relates to the term deposits held by the bank as security for corporate credit cards.

 

Note 4: Other Receivables

 

Other receivables consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Federal corporate tax receivable  $45,500   $45,500 
State of Alaska corporate tax receivable   -    22,500 
Interest receivable   67,224    - 
Other   2,389    - 
Total  $115,113   $68,000 

 

F-13

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Note 5: Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs

 

Prepaid expenses and deferred costs consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Prepaid insurance  $186,014    7,000 
Prepaid corporate development expenses(1)   172,566    - 
Other prepaid expenses   17,353    5,179 
Deferred financing costs(2)   -    94,932 
Total  $375,933   $107,111 

 

  (1) Prepaid corporate development costs include fees prepaid to Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining Inc. (Note 16).
     
  (2) The deferred financing costs relate to the incremental share issue costs associated with the IPO, which were reallocated to share issuance costs upon completion of the IPO, and included in the additional paid-in capital in our financial statements.

 

Note 6: Property and Equipment

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
 
Camp structures  $767,706   $(27,179)  $740,527   $    -   $    -   $                - 
Exploration equipment   52,846    (1,762)   51,084    -    -    - 
Vehicles   60,537    (2,018)   58,519    -    -    - 
   $881,089   $(30,959)  $850,130   $-   $-   $- 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the Company incurred $866,140 in costs related to the renovation of existing camp structures and construction of additional facilities for the Whistler Project. In July 2023, the camp structures were available for their intended use.

 

Prior to the current year additions, the existing camp structures, exploration equipment and vehicles were at the end of their useful lives and were fully amortized by the end of fiscal year 2020.

 

Note 7: Leases

 

In May 2023, the Company entered into a sublease agreement to lease a portion of an office premises in Vancouver, British Columbia with a term of 5.33 years. In September 2023, the headlease under which the company leased its office space was terminated by the landlord as it pertained to its sub-lessor. As a result, the Company’s sublease for the office space was terminated. In November 2023, the Company entered into a new lease directly with the landlord with a term of 4.88 years. As at November 30, 2023, the remaining lease term was 4.84 years and the discount rate was 11.34%.

 

F-14

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Minimum future lease payments under operating leases with terms longer than one year are as follows:

 

      
Fiscal 2024   31,079 
Fiscal 2025   37,472 
Fiscal 2026   38,360 
Fiscal 2027   38,360 
Fiscal 2028   28,770 
Total lease payments   174,041 
Less: imputed interest   (38,686)
Present value of lease liabilities  $135,355 
      
Current portion of lease liabilities  $17,268 
Non-current portion of lease liabilities  $118,087 

 

During the years ended November 30 2023 and 2022, total lease expenses include the following components:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Operating Leases  $10,735   $- 
Short-term Leases   21,919    - 
Total Lease Expenses  $32,654   $- 

 

Note 8: Exploration and Evaluation Assets

 

Exploration and evaluation assets for our Whistler Project consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $-   $417,123 
Settlement of Funding Commitment   -    (417,123)
Change in ARO estimate   31,392    - 
Balance, end of year  $31,392   $- 

 

On November 27, 2020, GoldMining agreed to cause us to issue a 1.0% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on our Whistler Project to Gold Royalty Corp. (“GRC”). The Company also assigned certain buyback rights relating to an existing third party royalty on the Whistler Project such that GRC has right to acquire a 0.75% NSR (including an area of interest) on the Whistler Project for $5,000,000 pursuant to such buyback rights.

 

Due to this transaction and our agreements with GoldMining, GoldMining received shares of GRC with a fair value of $2,570,700, and in turn GoldMining agreed to provide $2,570,700 (the “Funding Commitment”) to the Company for future qualifying expenditures under a funding agreement in consideration for us issuing the royalty to GRC.

 

On September 26, 2022 we agreed to fully settle the outstanding Funding Commitment of $2,254,486 against certain amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143 and a promissory note issued by us in the amount of $1,096,343 in connection with a return of capital of $1,096,343 declared by us in September 2022 to GoldMining. As a result, the exploration and evaluation asset was reduced to $nil and the remaining amount of the Funding Commitment in the amount of $1,837,163 was recorded to additional paid-in capital.

 

F-15

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, exploration and evaluation assets increased $31,392 due to the change in ARO estimate (Note 10).

 

The following table presents costs incurred for exploration activities at the Whistler Project for the year ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Drilling  $1,694,952   $- 
Consulting fees   1,499,000    256,275 
Land fee, camp maintenance expenses   945,751    254,910 
Transportation and travel   547,942    29,887 
Other exploration expenses   366,855    2,250 
Total  $5,054,500   $543,322 

 

Note 9: General and Administrative Expenses

 

The following table presents general and administrative expenses for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel(1)  $2,101,872   $55,036 
Professional fees   1,665,183    883,664 
Share-based compensation(2)   423,831    65,303 
Management fees, salaries and benefits(2)   300,767    157,925 
Filing, listing, dues and subscriptions   178,595    10,882 
Total  $4,670,248   $1,172,810 

 

  (1) Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel expenses include costs for Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining (Note 16).
     
  (2) During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation and management fees, salaries and benefits include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 16).

 

Note 10: Asset Retirement Obligations

 

The Whistler Project’s exploration activities are subject to the State of Alaska’s laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. The Whistler Project ARO is valued under the following assumptions:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows  $385,600   $235,000 
Life expectancy (years)   10    3 
Inflation rate   2.00%   2.00%
Discount rate   9.32% to 11.40%   9.32%

 

F-16

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the movements of the Company’s ARO:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $225,871   $206,616 
Accretion   21,051    19,255 
Change in estimate   (67,042)   - 
Balance, end of year  $179,880   $225,871 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the ARO for the Whistler Project was revised due to changes in the estimated timing of reclamation activities and updated assumptions regarding reclamation costs. The estimated future costs for the rehabilitation activities were updated for camp structures due to additional facilities constructed during the year and for the exploration and evaluation assets due to surface disturbance resulting from past exploration programs. The life expectancy of the ARO was extended to 10 years. The Company recorded a change in estimate to the ARO of $67,042, resulting in the corresponding camp structures being decreased by $98,434 (Note 6), and the exploration and evaluation assets being increased by $31,392 (Note 8), respectively.

 

Note 11: Capital Stock

 

11.1 Initial Public Offering

 

On April 19, 2023, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Sprott Capital Partners LP (collectively, the “Underwriters”) for an offering of 2,000,000 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock and one common stock purchase warrant, and each common stock purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire a share of common stock at a price of $13.00 per share until April 24, 2026. On April 24, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), the Company issued 2,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. In connection with the IPO, the Company incurred securities issuance costs of $970,194, of which $650,000 represented cash fees paid to the Underwriters.

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO for total consideration of $1,224,900.

 

The net proceeds from the issuance of the Units were allocated to the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants on a relative fair value basis. Inputs used to calculate the relative fair value of the common stock and common stock purchase warrants are based on the quoted closing prices of the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the Closing Date of IPO. The allocation of the fair value of the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants is as follows:

 

   ($) 
Fair value of common stock   18,208,955 
Fair value of common stock purchase warrants   1,791,045 
Total gross proceeds from the IPO   20,000,000 
      
Gross proceeds   20,000,000 
Common stock issuance costs   (883,311)
Common stock purchase warrant issuance costs   (86,883)
Net proceeds received   19,029,806 
      
Fair value allocation to:     
Common stock   17,325,644 
Common stock purchase warrants   1,704,162 
Total Fair Value Allocated to Shares and Warrants   19,029,806 

 

F-17

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

11.2 Common and Preferred Shares

 

On September 22, 2022, we filed a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Secretary of State of Nevada to effect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of the shares of our common stock, either issued and outstanding or held by the Company as treasury stock, effective as of such date (the “Stock Split”).

As a result of the Stock Split, every one share of issued and outstanding common stock was automatically split into 2.714286 issued and outstanding shares of common stock, without any change in the par value per share. No fractional shares were issued as a result of the Stock Split. The Stock Split increased the number of shares of common stock outstanding from 3,500,000 shares to 9,500,001 shares. Additionally, we changed: (a) the Company’s common stock par value from nil to $0.001 and increased the authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000; and (b) the Company’s preferred stock par value from nil to $0.001, and increased the authorized shares of preferred stock from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000.

 

On September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings transferred 100% of its shares in us to GoldMining and was dissolved.

 

On July 19, 2023, we issued 5,000 shares of common stock to a consultant in consideration for services under a consulting agreement.

 

As of November 30, 2023, there were 12,398,709 common stock issued and outstanding and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.

 

11.3 Restricted Shares

 

On September 23, 2022, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “Legacy Incentive Plan”). The Legacy Incentive Plan only provides for the grant of restricted stock awards. The purpose of the Legacy Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the grant of the restricted stock awards is 1,000,000 shares of common stock in the Company.

 

On September 23, 2022, we granted awards of an aggregate of 635,000 shares of performance based restricted shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of common stock under the Legacy Incentive Plan to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers, directors and consultants, the terms of which were amended on May 4, 2023.

 

The Restricted Shares are subject to restrictions that, among other things, prohibit the transfer thereof until certain performance conditions are met. In addition, if such conditions are not met within applicable periods, the restricted shares will be deemed forfeited and surrendered by the holder thereof to us without the requirement of any further consideration. The performance conditions are as follows:

 

  (a) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not completed equity financing(s) in an aggregate amount of at least $15,000,000 prior to or concurrently with the earlier of: (i) the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award; and (ii) the occurrence of a liquidation event, as such term is defined in the Legacy Incentive Plan, or any merger with or sale of our outstanding shares or all or substantially all of our assets to a third-party, referred to as an “Exit Transaction”, provided that, for greater certainty, the following shall not be considered an Exit Transaction: (A) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation of our business with or into a related entity; (B) a transaction undertaken solely for the purpose of changing our place of domicile or jurisdiction of incorporation; (C) an equity financing; and (D) completion of an initial public offering, spin-off from GoldMining or other going public transaction, referred to as an “IPO Event” (condition met);
     
  (b) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, an IPO Event has not occurred that values our business at a minimum of $100,000,000 prior to the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);

 

F-18

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

  (c) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if the recipient of such award ceases to be our or our affiliates’ director, officer, employee or consultant, as applicable, at any time during the period from the date of grant of such award until the date that is two years after the date of grant;
     
  (d) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not re-established the Whistler Project camp and performed of a minimum of 10,000 meters of drilling prior to the date that is three years after the date of grant of such award;
     
  (e) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $15.00 prior to the date that is four years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);
     
  (f) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a $250,000,000 market capitalization, based on the number of shares of our outstanding common stock multiplied by the volume-weighted average price for any applicable five (5) consecutive trading day period on the principal stock exchange on which our common stock is listed prior to the date that is five years after the date of grant of such award; or
     
  (g)

with respect to 10% of the performance based restricted common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $25.00 prior to the date that is six years after the date of grant of such award.

 

Upon satisfaction of the conditions referenced in both (f) and (g) above (regardless of whether they occur simultaneously or consecutively), all of the unvested Restricted Shares will be 100% vested and will be deemed Released Stock.

 

In the event the Company files the disclosure specified in Subpart 1300 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-K Report with the SEC or the disclosure specified in Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Products, to the relevant Canadian securities regulator (the “Securities Filing”) that includes, in either disclosure, an aggregate estimate of mineral resources for the Whistler Project or any other project owned or operated by the Company of 3,000,000 additional gold or gold equivalent ounces from the amount reported on the disclosure specified in the Company’s Subpart 1300 of the SEC Regulation S-K Report dated September 22, 2022, 190,500 shares of the Restricted Shares will be deemed Released Shares as of the date of such Securities Filing (or if such amount exceeds the number of shares of Restricted Shares that have not yet become Released Shares at the time, such lesser number of shares of Restricted Shares) reducing, on a proportional basis, the number of unvested shares of Restricted Shares subject to each vesting condition.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized share-based compensation expenses of $48,756 and $5,238, respectively, related to the Restricted Shares.

 

11.4 Share Purchase Warrants

 

A continuity schedule of our outstanding share purchase warrants for the year ended November 30, 2023, is as follows:

 

   Number of
Warrants
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Common stock purchase warrants issued at the IPO   2,000,000    13.00 
Exercised   (258,708)   13.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   1,741,292   $13.00 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, share purchase warrants were exercised for a total of $3,363,204. The number of common stock purchase warrants outstanding as at November 30, 2023 was 1,741,292 warrants at an exercise price of $13.00 per share and with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.40 years.

 

F-19

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

11.5 Stock Options

 

On February 6, 2023, the Company adopted a long term incentive plan (“2023 Incentive Plan”). The purpose of the 2023 Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2023 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance awards, restricted stock awards and other cash and equity-based awards. The aggregate number shares of common stock issuable under the 2023 Incentive Plan in respect of awards shall not exceed 10% of the common stock issued and outstanding.

 

On May 4, 2023, the Company granted 82,500 stock options at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant and will vest as follows: (a) 25% on the grant date; and (b) 25% on each of the dates that are 6, 12 and 18 months thereafter. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.47%, expected life of 3 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, estimated forfeiture rate of 0% and expected volatility of 61.34%. As there is limited trading history of the Company’s common stock prior to the date of grant, the expected volatility is based on the historical share price volatility of a group of comparable companies in the sector the Company operates over a period similar to the expected life of the stock options. The grant-date fair value of stock options granted was $4.18 per share.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during this year:

 

   Number of
Stock Options
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Granted   82,500    10.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   82,500   $10.00 

 

As at November 30, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value under the provisions of ASC 718 of all outstanding stock options was $nil. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion of stock options totaled $89,852 to be recognized over the next 0.74 years.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses of $255,027 and $nil, respectively, for the stock options granted.

 

F-20

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Note 12: Net Loss Per Share

 

The following table provides reconciliation between earnings per share of common stock:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year Ended November 30 
   2023   2022 
Numerator        
Net loss for the year  $(9,356,577)  $(1,738,657)
           
Denominator          
Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted   11,480,346    9,937,248 
           
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.82)  $(0.17)

 

The basic and diluted net loss per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.

 

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, includes stock options (82,500 outstanding as at November 30, 2023, nil as at November 30, 2022) and warrants (1,741,292 outstanding as at November 30, 2023, nil as at November 30, 2022), have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect would be to reduce the net loss per share. Therefore, the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is the same.

 

Note 13: Financial Instruments

 

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

 

The financial risks arising from the Company’s operations are credit risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. These risks arise from the normal course of operations and all transactions undertaken are to support our ability to continue as a going concern. The risks associated with these financial instruments and the policies on how we mitigate these risks are set out below. Management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented in a timely and effective manner.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk is primarily associated with our bank balances. We mitigate credit risk associated with its bank balances by holding cash with large, reputable financial institutions.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to settle or manage its obligations associated with financial liabilities. To manage liquidity risk, the Company closely monitors its liquidity position to ensure it has adequate sources of funding to finance its projects and operations. We had working capital as at November 30, 2023 of $11,493,428. Our accounts payable, accrued liabilities, current portion of lease liabilities, withholding taxes payable, and income tax payable are expected to be realized or settled within a one-year period.

 

We have not generated any revenue from operations and the only sources of financing to date have been through advances from GoldMining and the IPO. Our ability to meet our obligations and finance exploration activities depends on our ability to generate cash flow through the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to private placements and short-term or long-term loans. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. This may be further complicated by the limited liquidity for our common stock, restricting access to some institutional investors. Our growth and success is dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

The Company believes that the existing cash on hand will enable us to meet our working capital requirements for the next twelve months commencing from the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued.

 

F-21

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Currency Risk

 

We report our financial statements in U.S. dollars. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it undertakes transactions and holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than our functional currency. Financial instruments that impact our net loss due to currency fluctuations include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities which are denominated in Canadian dollars. The impact of a U.S. dollar change against Canadian dollars of 10% would have an impact of approximately $233 on net loss for the year ended November 30, 2023.

 

Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies

 

Payments Required to Maintain the Whistler Project

 

The Company is required to make annual land payments to the Department of Natural Resources of Alaska in the amount of $230,605 in 2024 and thereafter, to keep the Whistler Project in good standing. Additionally, we have an annual labor requirement of $135,200 for 2024 and thereafter, for which a cash-in-lieu payment equal to the value of the annual labor requirement may be made instead. The Company has excess labor carry forwards of $167,674 expiring in 2026 and $1,766,156 expiring in 2027, of which up to $135,200 can be applied each year to the Company’s annual labor requirements.

 

Future Commitments

 

In August 2015, the Company acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among the Company, GoldMining, Kiska Metals Corporation (“Kiska”) and Geoinformatics Alaska Exploration Inc (“Geoinformatics”). Pursuant to such agreement, the Company assumed an obligation on the Whistler Project pursuant to a royalty purchase agreement between Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, LLC (“MF2”), dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a 2.75% NSR royalty over the Whistler Project area, and, extending outside the current claims, over an area of interest defined by certain maximum historical extent of claims held on the Whistler Project.

 

In June 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Equity Geoscience, Ltd. for the management of an exploration program for the Whistler Project. The agreement includes an approved work order totaling $5,255,500, for the period of June 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 which may be paused, postponed or terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. As at November 30, 2023, the Company has paid $5,066,720 towards the approved work order.

 

F-22

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Note 15: Income Tax

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the combined federal and state statutory rate to the provision for income taxes as shown in the statements of operations for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Federal income tax provision rate   21.00%   21.00%
State income tax provision rate, net of federal tax   7.43%   7.43%
    28.43%   28.43%

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Net loss for the year before tax  $(9,351,640)  $(1,738,657)
Statutory federal income rate   21.00%   21.00%
Recovery of income taxes at statutory rates  $(1,963,844)  $(365,118)
State tax   (696,186)   (129,182)
Permanent differences   448,615    525,401 
Adjustments to valuation allowance related to prior years   58,886    - 
Change in valuation allowance   2,157,466    (31,101)
Other   -    - 
Tax expense for the year  $4,937   $- 

 

Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized are attributable to the following:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Non-capital loss carry-forward  $2,453,215   $652,677 
Resource properties   446,198    90,923 
Equipment   59,110    58,741 
Others   7,707    6,423 
Deferred income tax assets   2,966,230    808,764 
Valuation allowance   (2,966,230)   (808,764)
Deferred income tax assets  $-   $- 

 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in the financial statements, as management does not consider it more likely than not that those assets will be realized in the near future.

 

The Company has non-capital federal losses which may be carried forward to reduce taxable income in future years. As at November 30, 2023, the Company has non-capital losses of $8,628,966 in the United States of which $897,219 will expire between 2034 and 2037 and $7,731,747 may be carried forward indefinitely.

 

Our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:

 

      
November 30, 2034  $46,930 

November 30, 2035

   289,455 

November 30, 2036

   283,286 

November 30, 2037

   277,548 
Indefinite   7,731,747 
Total  $8,628,966 

 

F-23

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Note 16: Related Party Transactions

 

During the years presented, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services with other companies, including GoldMining. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the allocated costs from GoldMining to the Company were $100,807 and $147,349, respectively. Out of the allocated costs, $54,348 and $60,065 for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were noncash share-based compensation costs. The allocated costs from GoldMining were treated as a capital contribution, as there is no obligation or intent regarding the repayment of such amounts by the Company.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,003,142. In May 2023, the Company repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to the Company. The amount paid represented the full amount of the outstanding loan from GoldMining at the time. For the year ended November 30, 2022, repayable amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,341,445, of which $1,158,143 was settled against the Funding Commitment (Note 8). As at November 30, 2023, the loan payable to GoldMining Inc. was $nil ($677,783 as at November 30, 2022).

 

For the year ended November 30, 2022, the Company declared a return of capital to GoldMining of $1,096,343, which resulted in federal withholding taxes payable of $173,889, of which $57,702 was paid during the year ended November 30, 2022. Pursuant to the return of capital, a note payable was issued to GoldMining in the amount of $1,096,343, which was subsequently retired as a part of the settlement of the remaining Funding Commitment to the Company in the amount of $2,254,486, which included the settlement of amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143 (Note 8).

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, our board of directors approved a service agreement with Blender Media Inc. (“Blender”), a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we incurred $233,978 and $16,957, respectively, in general and administrative costs, paid to Blender for various services, including information technology, corporate branding, advertising, media, website design, maintenance and hosting, provided by Blender to the Company and are within industry standards. As at November 30, 2023, prepaid expenses and deferred costs included service fees prepaid to Blender in the amount of $169,899 (November 30, 2022: $Nil). (Note 5).

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation costs included $31,127 and $3,516, respectively, in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based Restricted Shares granted in September 2022 (Note 11.3).

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO at a price of $10 per Unit for a total consideration of $1,224,900 (Note 11.1).

 

Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.

 

F-24

 

 

Exhibit 4.3

 

 

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc.

 

and

 

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as

Warrant Agent

 

 

 

Warrant Agency Agreement

 

Dated as of March 9, 2023

 

 
 

 

WARRANT AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

WARRANT AGENCY AGREEMENT, dated as of March 9, 2023 (“Agreement”), between U.S. GoldMining Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation (the “Warrant Agent”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to a registered offering by the Company of an aggregate of 2,000,000 units (each a “Unit” and collectively, the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (each a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”), pursuant to an effective registration statement, as amended on Form S-1 (File No. 333-269693) (the “Registration Statement”) and prospectus (the “Prospectus”), the Company wishes to issue the Warrants in book entry form entitling the respective holders of the Warrants (the “Holders”, which term shall include a Holder’s transferees, successors and assigns and “Holder” shall include, if the Warrants are held in “street name,” a Participant (as defined below) or a designee appointed by such Participant) to purchase an aggregate of up to 2,300,000 shares of Common Stock (including up to 300,000 Warrants subject to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters by the Company described in the Registration Statement) upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth (the “Offering”);

 

WHEREAS, the shares of Common Stock and Warrants to be issued in connection with the Offering shall be immediately separable and will be issued separately, but will be purchased together in the Offering; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing so to act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, exercise and replacement of the Warrants and, in the Warrant Agent’s capacity as the Company’s transfer agent, the delivery of the Warrant Shares (as defined below).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

 

(a) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York are generally are open for use by customers on such day.

 

(b) “Close of Business” on any given date means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on such date; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day it means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(c) “Person” means an individual, corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, government or political subdivision thereof or governmental agency or other entity.

 

(d) “Warrant Certificate” means a certificate issued to a Holder, representing such number of Warrant Shares as is indicated therein.

 

(e) “Warrant Shares” means the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants and issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

 

All other capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Warrant.

 

Section 2. Appointment of Warrant Agent. The Company hereby appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof, and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The Company may from time to time appoint a Co-Warrant Agent as it may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable. The Warrant Agent shall have no duty to supervise, and will in no event be liable for the acts or omissions of, any co-Warrant Agent.

 

2
 

 

Section 3. Global Warrants.

 

(a) The Warrants shall be issuable in book entry form (the “Global Warrants”). All of the Warrants shall initially be represented by one or more Global Warrants deposited with the Warrant Agent and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary”), or as otherwise directed by the Depositary. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Warrants shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected through, records maintained by (i) the Depositary or its nominee for each Global Warrant or (ii) institutions that have accounts with the Depositary (such institution, with respect to a Warrant in its account, a “Participant”).

 

(b) If the Depositary subsequently ceases to make its book-entry settlement system available for the Warrants, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent regarding other arrangements for book-entry settlement. In the event that the Warrants are not eligible for, or it is no longer necessary to have the Warrants available in, book-entry form, the Warrant Agent shall provide written instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation each Global Warrant, and the Company shall instruct the Warrant Agent to deliver to each Holder a Warrant Certificate.

 

(c) A Holder has the right to elect at any time or from time to time a Warrant Exchange (as defined below) pursuant to a Warrant Certificate Request Notice (as defined below). Upon written notice by a Holder to the Warrant Agent for the exchange of some or all of such Holder’s Global Warrants for a Warrant Certificate evidencing the same number of Warrants, which request shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex A (a “Warrant Certificate Request Notice” and the date of delivery of such Warrant Certificate Request Notice by the Holder, the “Warrant Certificate Request Notice Date” and the deemed surrender upon delivery by the Holder of a number of Global Warrants for the same number of Warrants evidenced by a Warrant Certificate, a “Warrant Exchange”), the Warrant Agent shall promptly effect the Warrant Exchange and shall promptly issue and deliver to the Holder a Warrant Certificate for such number of Warrants in the name set forth in the Warrant Certificate Request Notice. Such Warrant Certificate shall be dated the original issue date of the Warrants and shall be manually executed by an authorized signatory of the Company. In connection with a Warrant Exchange, the Company agrees to deliver, or to direct the Warrant Agent to deliver, the Warrant Certificate to the Holder within five (5) Business Days of the Warrant Certificate Request Notice pursuant to the delivery instructions in the Warrant Certificate Request Notice (“Warrant Certificate Delivery Date”). If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Certificate subject to the Warrant Certificate Request Notice by the Warrant Certificate Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares evidenced by such Warrant Certificate (based on the VWAP (as defined in the Warrant) of the Common Stock on the Warrant Certificate Request Notice Date), $5.00 per Business Day (increasing to $10.00 per Business Day on the fifth Business Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Business Day after such Warrant Certificate Delivery Date until such Warrant Certificate is delivered or, prior to delivery of such Warrant Certificate, the Holder rescinds such Warrant Exchange. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon the date of delivery of the Warrant Certificate Request Notice, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of the Warrant Certificate and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Warrant Certificate shall be deemed for all purposes to contain all of the terms and conditions of the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate and the terms of this Agreement, other than Section 3(c), which shall not apply to the Warrants evidenced by a Warrant Certificate. In the event a beneficial owner requests a Warrant Exchange, upon issuance of the paper Warrant Certificate, the Company shall act as warrant agent and the terms of the paper Warrant Certificate so issued shall exclusively govern in respect thereof. For purposes of clarity, the Company and the Warrant Agent acknowledge and agree that, with respect to the terms of the Warrants, the Warrant Certificate or Global Warrant shall set forth the terms of the Warrants and, in the event of any conflict between the Warrant Certificate or the Global Warrant and this Agreement, the Warrant Certificate or the Global Warrants, as the case may be, shall control. For purposes of Regulation SHO, a holder whose interest in this Warrant is a beneficial interest in certificate(s) representing this Warrant held in book-entry form through DTC shall be deemed to have exercised its interest in this Warrant upon instructing its broker that is a DTC participant to exercise its interest in this Warrant, except that, if the date of exercise is a date when the stock transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the open of business on the next succeeding date on which the stock transfer books are open

 

Section 4. Form of Warrant. The Warrants, together with the form of election to purchase Common Stock (the “Exercise Notice”) and the form of assignment to be printed on the reverse thereof, whether a Warrant Certificate or a Global Warrant, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 hereto.

 

Section 5. Countersignature and Registration. The Warrants shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, either manually or by facsimile signature. The Warrants shall be countersigned by the Warrant Agent either manually or by facsimile signature and shall not be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned. In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed a Warrant shall cease to be such officer of the Company before countersignature by the Warrant Agent and issuance and delivery by the Company, such Warrant, nevertheless, may be countersigned by the Warrant Agent, issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though the person who signed such Warrant had not ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Warrant may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at the actual date of the execution of such Warrant, shall be a proper officer of the Company to sign such Warrant, although at the date of the execution of this Warrant Agreement any such person was not such an officer.

 

3
 

 

The Warrant Agent will keep or cause to be kept, at one of its offices, or at the office of one of its agents, books for registration and transfer of the Warrant Certificates issued hereunder. Such books shall show the names and addresses of the respective Holders of the Warrant Certificates, the number of warrants evidenced on the face of each of such Warrant Certificate and the date of each of such Warrant Certificate. The Warrant Agent will create a special account for the issuance of Warrant Certificates.

 

Section 6. Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Warrant Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Warrant Certificates. Subject to the provisions of the Warrant and the last sentence of this first paragraph of Section 6 of this Agreement and subject to applicable law, rules or regulations, or any “stop transfer” instructions the Company may give to the Warrant Agent, at any time after the closing date of the Offering, and at or prior to the Close of Business on the Termination Date, any Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates or Global Warrant or Global Warrants may be transferred, split up, combined or exchanged for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates or Global Warrant or Global Warrants, entitling the Holder to purchase a like number of shares of Common Stock as the Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates or Global Warrant or Global Warrants surrendered then entitled such Holder to purchase. Any Holder desiring to transfer, split up, combine or exchange any Warrant Certificate or Global Warrant shall make such request in writing delivered to the Warrant Agent, and shall surrender the Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates to be transferred, split up, combined or exchanged at the principal office of the Warrant Agent, provided that no such surrender is applicable to the Holder of a Global Warrant. Any requested transfer of Warrants, whether a Global Warrant or a Warrant Certificate, shall be accompanied by reasonable evidence of authority of the party making such request that may be required by the Warrant Agent. Thereupon the Warrant Agent shall, subject to the last sentence of this first paragraph of Section 6 of this Agreement, countersign and deliver to the Person entitled thereto any Warrant Certificate or Global Warrant, as the case may be, as so requested. The Company may require payment from the Holder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer, split up, combination or exchange of Warrants. The Company shall compensate the Warrant Agent per the fee schedule mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto and provided separately on the date hereof.

 

Upon receipt by the Warrant Agent of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Warrant Certificate, which evidence shall include an affidavit of loss, or in the case of mutilated certificates, the certificate or portion thereof remaining, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity in customary form and amount, and reimbursement to the Company and the Warrant Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender to the Warrant Agent and cancellation of the Warrant Certificate if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor to the Warrant Agent for delivery to the Holder in lieu of the Warrant Certificate so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated.

 

Section 7. Exercise of Warrants; Exercise Price; Termination Date.

 

(a) The Warrants shall be exercisable commencing on the Initial Exercise Date. The Warrants shall cease to be exercisable and shall terminate and become void, and all rights thereunder and under this Agreement shall cease, at or prior to the Close of Business on the Termination Date. Subject to the foregoing and to Section 7(b) below, the Holder of a Warrant may exercise the Warrant in whole or in part upon providing the items required by Section 7(c) below to the Warrant Agent at the principal office of the Warrant Agent or to the office of one of its agents as may be designated by the Warrant Agent from time to time. In the case of the Holder of a Global Warrant, the Holder shall deliver the executed Exercise Notice and payment of the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Warrant. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, a holder whose interest in a Global Warrant is a beneficial interest in a Global Warrant held in book-entry form through the Depositary (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions), shall effect exercises by delivering to the Depositary (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable) the appropriate instruction form for exercise, complying with the procedures to effect exercise that are required by the Depositary (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable). The Company acknowledges that the bank accounts maintained by the Warrant Agent in connection with the services provided under this Agreement will be in its name and that the Warrant Agent may receive investment earnings in connection with the investment at Warrant Agent risk and for its benefit of funds held in those accounts from time to time. Neither the Company nor the Holders will receive interest on any deposits or Exercise Price.

 

(b) Upon receipt of an Exercise Notice for a cashless exercise pursuant to Section 2(c) of the Warrant (each, a “Cashless Exercise”), the Company will promptly calculate and transmit to the Warrant Agent the number of Warrant Shares issuable in connection with such Cashless Exercise and deliver a copy of the Exercise Notice to the Warrant Agent, which shall issue such number of Warrant Shares in connection with such Cashless Exercise.

 

4
 

 

(c) Upon the Warrant Agent’s receipt, at or prior to the Close of Business on the Termination Date set forth in a Warrant, of the executed Exercise Notice, accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Warrant, the shares to be purchased (other than in the case of a Cashless Exercise), an amount equal to any applicable tax, governmental charge or expense reimbursement referred to in Section 6 by wire transfer, payable to the order of the Warrant Agent and, in the case of an exercise of a Warrant in the form of a Warrant Certificate for all of the Warrant Shares represented thereby, the Warrant Certificate, the Warrant Agent shall cause the Warrant Shares underlying such Warrant to be delivered to or upon the order of the Holder of such Warrant, registered in such name or names as may be designated by such Holder, no later than the Warrant Share Delivery Date. If the Company is then a participant in the DWAC system of the Depositary and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the Warrant is being exercised via Cashless Exercise, then the certificates for Warrant Shares shall be transmitted by the Warrant Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s broker with the Depositary through its DWAC system. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Company becomes obligated to pay any amounts to any Holders pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) or 2(d)(iv) of the Warrant, such obligation shall be solely that of the Company and not that of the Warrant Agent. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, except in the case of a Cashless Exercise, if any Holder fails to duly deliver payment to the Warrant Agent of an amount equal to the aggregate Exercise Price for the Warrant Shares to be purchased upon exercise of such Holder’s Warrant as set forth in Section 7(a) hereof, the Warrant Agent will not be obligated to deliver certificates representing any such Warrant Shares (via DWAC or otherwise) until following receipt of such payment, and the applicable Warrant Share Delivery Date shall be deemed extended by one day for each day (or part thereof) until such payment is delivered to the Warrant Agent.

 

(d) The Warrant Agent shall deposit all funds received by it in payment of the Exercise Price for all Warrants in the account of the Company maintained with the Warrant Agent for such purpose (or to such other account as directed by the Company in writing) and shall advise the Company via telephone at the end of each day on which funds for the exercise of any Warrant are received of the amount so deposited to its account. The Warrant Agent shall promptly confirm such telephonic advice to the Company in writing.

 

(e) In case the Holder of any Warrant Certificate exercises fewer than all Warrants evidenced thereby and surrenders such Warrant Certificate in connection with such partial exercise, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of Warrant Shares equivalent to the number of Warrant Shares remaining unexercised may be issued by the Warrant Agent to the Holder of such Warrant Certificate or to his duly authorized assigns in accordance with Section 2(d)(ii) of the Warrant, subject to the provisions of Section 6 hereof.

 

Section 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Warrant Certificates. All Warrant Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise, transfer, split up, combination or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Company or to any of its agents, be delivered to the Warrant Agent for cancellation or in canceled form, or, if surrendered to the Warrant Agent, shall be canceled by it, and no Warrant Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation and retirement, and the Warrant Agent shall so cancel and retire, any other Warrant Certificate purchased or acquired by the Company otherwise than upon the exercise thereof. The Warrant Agent shall deliver all canceled Warrant Certificates to the Company, or shall, at the written request of the Company, destroy such canceled Warrant Certificates, and in such case shall deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to the Company, subject to any applicable law, rule or regulation requiring the Warrant Agent to retain such canceled certificates.

 

Section 9. Certain Representations; Reservation and Availability of Shares of Common Stock or Cash.

 

(a) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Warrant Agent, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, and the Warrants have been duly authorized, executed and issued by the Company and, assuming due authentication thereof by the Warrant Agent pursuant hereto and payment therefor by the Holders as provided in the Registration Statement, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms and entitled to the benefits thereof; in each case except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

(b) As of the date hereof and prior to the Offering, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 300,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 10,135,001 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred shares issuable in series, no par value per share, none of which are issued and outstanding. As of the date hereof, 2,300,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Warrants, inclusive of any Warrants the Underwriter may acquire upon exercise of its over-allotment option described in the Registration Statement. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, there are no other outstanding obligations, warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for or purchase from the Company any class of capital stock of the Company.

 

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(c) The Company covenants and agrees that it will cause to be reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock or its authorized and issued shares of Common Stock held in its treasury, free from preemptive rights, the number of shares of Common Stock that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Warrants.

 

(d) The Warrant Agent will create a special account for the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of Warrants.

 

(e) The Company further covenants and agrees that it will pay when due and payable any and all federal and state transfer taxes and charges which may be payable in respect of the original issuance or delivery of the Warrant Certificates or certificates evidencing Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any tax or governmental charge which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the transfer or delivery of Warrant Certificates or the issuance or delivery of certificates for Common Stock in a name other than that of the Holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing Warrants surrendered for exercise or to issue or deliver any certificate for shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of any Warrants until any such tax or governmental charge shall have been paid (any such tax or governmental charge being payable by the Holder of such Warrant Certificate at the time of surrender) or until it has been established to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction that no such tax or governmental charge is due.

 

Section 10. Common Stock Record Date. Each Holder shall be deemed to have become the holder of record for the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) of the Warrants.

 

Section 11. Adjustment of Exercise Price, Number of Shares of Common Stock or Number of the Company Warrants. The Exercise Price, the number of shares covered by each Warrant and the number of Warrants outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 3 of the Warrant. In the event that at any time, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to Section 3 of the Warrant, the Holder of any Warrant thereafter exercised shall become entitled to receive any shares of capital stock of the Company other than shares of Common Stock, thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon exercise of any Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the shares contained in Section 3 of the Warrant. All Warrants originally issued by the Company subsequent to any adjustment made to the Exercise Price pursuant to the Warrant shall evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted Exercise Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable from time to time hereunder upon exercise of the Warrants, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.

 

Section 12. Certification of Adjusted Exercise Price or Number of Shares of Common Stock. Whenever the Exercise Price or the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of each Warrant is adjusted as provided in Section 11 or 13 of this Agreement, the Company shall (a) promptly prepare a certificate setting forth the Exercise Price of each Warrant as so adjusted, and a brief statement of the facts accounting for such adjustment, (b) promptly file with the Warrant Agent and with each transfer agent for the Common Stock a copy of such certificate and (c) instruct the Warrant Agent to send a brief summary thereof to each Holder of a Warrant.

 

Section 13. Fractional Shares of Common Stock.

 

(a) The Company shall not issue fractions of Warrants or distribute a Global Warrant or Warrant Certificates that evidence fractional Warrants. Whenever any fractional Warrant would otherwise be required to be issued or distributed, the actual issuance or distribution shall reflect a rounding of such fraction down to the nearest whole Warrant.

 

(b) The Company shall not issue fractions of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of Warrants or distribute stock certificates that evidence fractional shares of Common Stock. Whenever any fraction of a share of Common Stock would otherwise be required to be issued or distributed, the actual issuance or distribution in respect thereof shall be made in accordance with Section 2(d)(v) of the Warrant.

 

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Section 14. Conditions of the Warrant Agent’s Obligations. The Warrant Agent accepts its obligations herein set forth upon the terms and conditions hereof, including the following to all of which the Company agrees and to all of which the rights hereunder of the Holders from time to time of the Warrant shall be subject:

 

  (a) Compensation and Indemnification. The Company agrees promptly to pay the Warrant Agent the compensation detailed on Exhibit 2 hereto for all services rendered by the Warrant Agent and to reimburse the Warrant Agent for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable and documented counsel fees) incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by the Warrant Agent in connection with the services rendered hereunder by the Warrant Agent. The Company also agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Warrant Agent, arising out of or in connection with its acting as Warrant Agent hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending against any claim of such liability.
     
  (b) Agent for the Company. In acting under this Warrant Agreement and in connection with the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent is acting solely as agent of the Company and does not assume any obligations or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the Holders of Warrant Certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants.
     
  (c) Counsel. The Warrant Agent may consult with counsel satisfactory to it and the Company, which may include counsel for the Company, and the written advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice of such counsel.
     
  (d) Documents. The Warrant Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken or omitted by it in reliance upon any Warrant Certificate, notice, direction, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been presented or signed by the proper parties.
     
  (e) Certain Transactions. The Warrant Agent, and its officers, directors and employees, may become the owner of, or acquire any interest in, Warrants, with the same rights that it or they would have if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, it or they may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Company and may act on, or as depositary, trustee or agent for, any committee or body of Holders of Warrants or other obligations of the Company as freely as if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder. Nothing in this Warrant Agreement shall be deemed to prevent the Warrant Agent from acting as trustee under any indenture to which the Company is a party.
     
  (f) No Liability for Interest. Unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the Warrant Agent shall have no liability for interest on any monies at any time received by it pursuant to any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Warrant Certificates.
     
  (g) No Liability for Invalidity. The Warrant Agent shall have no liability with respect to any invalidity of this Agreement or any of the Warrant Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent’s countersignature thereon).
     
  (h) No Responsibility for Representations. The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible for any of the recitals or representations herein or in the Warrant Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent’s countersignature thereon), all of which are made solely by the Company.
     
  (i) No Implied Obligations. The Warrant Agent shall be obligated to perform only such duties as are herein and in the Warrants specifically set forth and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement or the Warrants against the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action hereunder which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability, the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in its reasonable opinion, assured to it. The Warrant Agent shall not be accountable or under any duty or responsibility for the use by the Company of any of the Warrants authenticated by the Warrant Agent and delivered by it to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or for the application by the Company of the proceeds of the Warrants. The Warrant Agent shall have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company in the performance of its covenants or agreements contained herein or in the Warrants or in the case of the receipt of any written demand from a Holder of a Warrant Certificate with respect to such default, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any duty or responsibility to initiate or attempt to initiate any proceedings at law.

 

Section 15. Purchase or Consolidation or Change of Name of Warrant Agent. Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent or any successor Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent or any successor Warrant Agent shall be party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Warrant Agent or any successor Warrant Agent, shall be the successor to the Warrant Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided that such corporation would be eligible for appointment as a successor Warrant Agent under the provisions of Section 17 of this Agreement. In case at the time such successor Warrant Agent shall succeed to the agency created by this Agreement any of the Warrants shall have been countersigned but not delivered, any such successor Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature of the predecessor Warrant Agent and deliver such Warrants so countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Warrants shall not have been countersigned, any successor Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrants either in the name of the predecessor Warrant Agent or in the name of the successor Warrant Agent; and in all such cases such Warrants shall have the full force provided in the Warrants and in this Agreement.

 

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In case at any time the name of the Warrant Agent shall be changed and at such time any of the Warrants shall have been countersigned but not delivered, the Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior name and deliver Warrants so countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Warrants shall not have been countersigned, the Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrants either in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such cases such Warrants shall have the full force provided in the Warrants and in this Agreement.

 

Section 16. Duties of Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent undertakes the duties and obligations imposed by this Agreement upon the following terms and conditions, by all of which the Company, by its acceptance hereof, shall be bound:

 

(a) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company; and such certificate shall be full authentication to the Warrant Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.

 

(b) Subject to the limitation set forth in Section 14 of this Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, or for a breach by it of this Agreement.

 

(c) The Warrant Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the Warrants (except its countersignature thereof) by the Company or be required to verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company only.

 

(d) The Warrant Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due execution hereof by the Warrant Agent) or in respect of the validity or execution of any Warrant (except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any Warrant; nor shall it be responsible for the adjustment of the Exercise Price or the making of any change in the number of shares of Common Stock required under the provisions of Section 11 or 13 or responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such change or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment or change (except with respect to the exercise of Warrants evidenced by Warrant Certificates after actual notice of any adjustment of the Exercise Price); nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any shares of Common Stock will, when issued, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(e) Each party hereto agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the other party hereto for the carrying out or performing by any party of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(f) The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to accept instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and to apply to such officers for advice or instructions in connection with its duties, and it shall not be liable and shall be indemnified and held harmless for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer, provided Warrant Agent carries out such instructions without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

 

(g) The Warrant Agent and any shareholder, director, officer or employee of the Warrant Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Warrants or other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Warrant Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any other capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity.

 

(h) The Warrant Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through its attorney or agents, and the Warrant Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorney or agents or for any loss to the Company resulting from any such act, default, neglect or misconduct, provided reasonable care was exercised in the selection and continued employment thereof.

 

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Section 17. Change of Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement upon 30 days’ notice in writing sent to the Company and to each transfer agent of the Common Stock, and to the Holders of the Warrant Certificates. The Company may remove the Warrant Agent or any successor Warrant Agent upon 30 days’ notice in writing, sent to the Warrant Agent or successor Warrant Agent, as the case may be, and to each transfer agent of the Common Stock, and to the Holders of the Warrant Certificates. If the Warrant Agent shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor to the Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after such removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Warrant Agent or by the Holder of a Warrant Certificate (who shall, with such notice, submit his Warrant Certificate for inspection by the Company), then the Holder of any Warrant Certificate may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Warrant Agent. Any successor Warrant Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such a court, shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of a state thereof, in good standing, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and which has at the time of its appointment as Warrant Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. After appointment, the successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Warrant Agent without further act or deed; but the predecessor Warrant Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Warrant Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment, the Company shall file notice thereof in writing with the predecessor Warrant Agent and each transfer agent of the Common Stock, and mail a notice thereof in writing to the Holders of the Warrant Certificates. However, failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 17, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent or the appointment of the successor Warrant Agent, as the case may be.

 

Section 18. Issuance of New Warrants. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Warrants to the contrary, the Company may, at its option, issue a new Global Warrant or Warrant Certificates, if any, evidencing Warrants in such form as may be approved by its Board of Directors to reflect any adjustment or change in the Exercise Price per share and the number or kind or class of shares of stock or other securities or property purchasable under the Global Warrant or Warrant Certificates, if any, made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 19. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made (i) by the Warrant Agent or by the Holder of any Warrant Certificate to or on the Company, (ii) subject to the provisions of Section 17, by the Company or by the Holder of any Warrant Certificate to or on the Warrant Agent or (iii) by the Company or the Warrant Agent to the Holder of any Warrant Certificate, shall be deemed given (a) on the date delivered, if delivered personally, (b) on the first Business Day following the deposit thereof with Federal Express or another recognized overnight courier, if sent by Federal Express or another recognized overnight courier, (c) on the fourth Business Day following the mailing thereof with postage prepaid, if mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), and (d) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or email attachment at or prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Business Day and (e) the next Business Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or email attachment on a day that is not a Business Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Business Day, in each case to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

 

(a) If to the Company, to:

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc.

1830 – 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

 

(b) If to the Warrant Agent, to:

 

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street, 30 Floor

New York, NY 10004-1561

Attn: Compliance Department

 

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(c) If to the Holder of any Warrant Certificate, to the address of such Holder as shown on the registry books of the Company. Any notice required to be delivered by the Company to the Holder of any Warrant may be given by the Warrant Agent on behalf of the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, where this Agreement provides for notice of any event to a Holder of any Warrant Certificate, for a Global Warrant, such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary (or its designee) pursuant to the procedures of the Depositary or its designee.

 

For any notice delivered by email to be deemed given or made, such notice must be followed by notice sent by overnight courier service to be delivered on the next business day following such email, unless the recipient of such email has acknowledged via return email receipt of such email.

 

Section 20. Supplements and Amendments.

 

(a) The Company and the Warrant Agent may from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement without the approval of any Holders of Warrant Certificates in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, or to make any other provisions with regard to matters or questions arising hereunder which the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Warrants Certificates in any material respect.

 

(b) In addition to the foregoing, with the consent of Holders of Warrants entitled, upon exercise thereof, to receive not less than a majority of the shares of Common Stock issuable thereunder, the Company and the Warrant Agent may modify this Agreement for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Warrant Agreement or modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Warrant Certificates; provided, however, that no modification of the terms (including but not limited to the adjustments described in Section 11 of this Agreement) upon which the Warrants are exercisable or reducing the percentage required for consent to modification of this Agreement may be made without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding warrant certificate affected thereby. As a condition precedent to the Warrant Agent’s execution of any amendment, the Company shall deliver to the Warrant Agent a certificate from a duly authorized officer of the Company that states that the proposed amendment complies with the terms of this Section 20 of this Agreement.

 

Section 21. Successors. All covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

 

Section 22. Benefits of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any Person other than the Company, the Holders of Warrant Certificates and the Warrant Agent any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company, the Warrant Agent and the Holders of the Warrant Certificates.

 

Section 23. Governing Law. This Agreement and each Warrant issued hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

Section 25. Captions. The captions of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

 

Section 26. Information. The Company agrees to promptly provide to the Holders of the Warrants any information it provides to all holders of the Common Stock, except to the extent any such information is publicly available on the EDGAR system (or any successor thereof) of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 27. Force Majeure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of God, terrorist acts, shortage of supply, breakdowns or malfunctions, interruptions or malfunction of computer facilities, or loss of data due to power failures or mechanical difficulties with information storage or retrieval systems, labor difficulties, war, or civil unrest, it being understood that the Warrant Agent shall use reasonable best efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  U.S. GoldMining Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Tim Smith
  Name: Tim Smith
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
     
  By: /s/ Steven Vacante
  Name: Steven Vacante
  Title: Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Warrant Agency Agreement]

 

 
 

 

Annex A: Form of Warrant Certificate Request Notice

 

WARRANT CERTIFICATE REQUEST NOTICE

 

To: Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Warrant Agent for U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”)

 

The undersigned Holder of Common Stock Purchase Warrants (“Warrants”) in the form of Global Warrants issued by the Company hereby elects to receive a Warrant Certificate evidencing the Warrants held by the Holder as specified below:

 

1. Name of Holder of Warrants in form of Global Warrants: _____________________________
   
2. Name of Holder in Warrant Certificate (if different from name of Holder of Warrants in form of Global Warrants): ________________________________
   
3. Number of Warrants in name of Holder in form of Global Warrants: ___________________
   
4. Number of Warrants for which Warrant Certificate shall be issued: __________________
   
5. Number of Warrants in name of Holder in form of Global Warrants after issuance of Warrant Certificate, if any: ___________
   
6. Warrant Certificate shall be delivered to the following address:

 

______________________________

 

______________________________

 

______________________________

 

______________________________

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees that, in connection with this Warrant Exchange and the issuance of the Warrant Certificate, the Holder is deemed to have surrendered the number of Warrants in form of Global Warrants in the name of the Holder equal to the number of Warrants evidenced by the Warrant Certificate.

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity: ____________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: ______________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: ________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: _________________________________________________

 

Date: _______________________________________________________________

 

A-1
 

 

Exhibit 1: Form of Warrant

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

 

 

US GOLDMINING CANADA INC.

1830 - 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6E 2Y3

 

VIA E-MAIL

 

July 25, 2023

 

Tyler Wong

2489 East 15th Avenue

Vancouver, BC V5M 2J7

 

Dear Mr. Wong:

 

Re: Employment Agreement

 

 

GoldMining Inc. (“GMI”) and Tyler Wong (the “Executive”) previously entered into an employment agreement dated June 4, 2019 (the “Prior Agreement”), pursuant to which the Executive agreed to, among other things, provide services as Corporate Controller of GMI and its subsidiaries. Further to the Prior Agreement, the Executive provided services as Corporate Controller to U.S. GoldMining Inc. (“USGOLD”) and was subsequently appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company on April 11, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). The Executive is a Canadian citizen resident in Canada and US GoldMining Canada Inc. (“USGOLD Canada” and, together with USGOLD, the “Company”) is a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of USGOLD.

 

This letter agreement (the “Agreement”) confirms and sets forth the agreement of the parties, pursuant to which the Company will employ the Executive, through direct employment with USGOLD Canada pursuant to this Agreement, to provide services to the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Services”), including those set forth at Schedule “A” hereto, and to provide services as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company as of, and from, the Effective Date.

 

1. Employment

 

The Company hereby engages the Executive to provide the Services to the Company and the Executive hereby accepts such employment by the Company, all upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as of and from the Effective Date.

 

2. Duties and Functions

 

2.1 Provision of Services

 

The Executive shall be responsible to, and shall report, to the Chief Executive Officer and the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Executive’s duties will include those duties set forth in Schedule “A” hereto, and such other responsibilities and duties reasonably commensurate therewith as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Board may require and assign to the Executive from time to time. As an officer of the Company, the Company expects the Executive to act in a competent, trustworthy and loyal manner that promotes the interests of the Company. The Executive agrees to carry out the Services using the Executive’s reasonable best efforts and in a manner that will promote the business of the Company.

 

The Executive hereby accepts the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and to serve in such position as of, and from, the Effective Date.

 

 
 

 

2.2 Interim Basis and Reversion to Former Position

 

The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the Services provided by the Executive under this Agreement and the Executive’s appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer of USGOLD are on an interim basis. The Executive acknowledges that the Company may ultimately determine to fill the office of Chief Financial Officer with another person and/or change the position of the Executive, including his role, duties and responsibilities, to that of a position to be determined by the Company, which position shall not be lesser than the position the Executive held prior to being appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In such event, such change in position, role, duties or responsibilities shall not constitute a termination under Section 6 of this Agreement or constructive dismissal or termination under applicable law and the Executive shall not be entitled to any termination payment, notice or payment in lieu of notice or any similar compensation or payment in connection therewith under this Agreement or otherwise under applicable law. In the event that the Executive’s position is changed as contemplated in this Section 2.2, notwithstanding Section 2.1 hereof, the Executive will report to the then Chief Financial Officer of the Company and his duties will be those customary for a Corporate Controller, as may be determined by the Company from time to time.

 

3. Compensation

 

3.1 Base Salary

 

Effective May 1, 2023, as compensation for his Services to the Company, the Executive shall receive a base salary of $60,000 (Canadian dollars) per annum (the “Base Salary”). Such Base Salary will be due and payable by the Company to the Executive in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, and shall be subject to deductions in respect of statutory remittances, including, without limitation, deductions for income tax, pension plan premiums and employment insurance premiums, in a manner consistent with the general payroll practice of the Company, or at such other time and in such other manner as the Executive and the Company may agree in writing, from time to time.

 

In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive in respect of each calendar year (or portion thereof) additional variable compensation, in an amount determined in accordance with any bonus, profit sharing or short term incentive compensation program which may be established by the Board either for the Executive or for senior officers of the Company.

 

3.2 Additional Compensation

 

As compensation for his services as Corporate Controller to the Company for the period from December 1, 2022 to April 10, 2023, the Executive shall receive an aggregate of $40,000 (Canadian dollars) in satisfaction of the prior verbal agreement between the parties hereto for payment of $8,500 per month for services as Corporate Controller.

 

In consideration for, and as an inducement to, agreeing to enter into this Agreement and provide the Services hereunder, as well as compensation for his services rendered as Interim Chief Financial Officer in relation to the Company’s initial public offering for the period from April 11, 2023 to April 30, 2023, the Executive shall receive a one-time signing bonus of $15,000 (Canadian dollars).

 

3.3 Benefit Plan

 

The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the benefit plans of the Company, if any, in accordance with the terms of such plans in effect from time to time and as determined by the Board and/or its compensation committee. The Executive understands and agrees that the Company reserves the right to revise, amend or discontinue any such benefit plans without notice.

 

3.4 Vacation

 

The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks, based on a regular work week, of paid vacation in each calendar year of employment, to be taken during the calendar year in which it is earned. Vacation entitlement may not be carried over into subsequent calendar years without express written consent of the Company.

 

 
 

 

3.5 Expenses

 

The Company agrees to pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable travel and business-related expenses actually and properly incurred by the Executive in connection with the Executive’s provision of the Services under this Agreement in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in place from time to time, and provided that the Executive furnishes receipts to the Company in respect of such expenses. The Company shall provide underground parking to the Executive, should the Executive require it for providing Services while in the office of the Company.

 

4. Time and Energy

 

This is a full-time position. Unless prevented by ill health, or physical or mental disability or impairment, the Executive shall, during the term hereof, devote substantially all his business time, care and attention to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries to properly discharge the Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

The Executive shall well and faithfully serve the Company and use his reasonable best efforts to promote the interests thereof and shall not use for the Executive’s own purposes, or for any purposes other than those of the Company, any non-public information he may acquire with respect to the business, affairs and operations of the Company. The Executive shall refrain from any situation in which the Executive’s own interests conflict, or appear to conflict, with the Executive’s duties to the Company and/or its subsidiaries. The Executive acknowledges that in the case of any doubt in this respect, the Executive shall inform the Board and obtain written authorization from such persons.

 

5. Term

 

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue and shall remain in effect until terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 herein.

 

6. Termination

 

(a)The Company may immediately terminate this Agreement and the Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined herein) at any time without notice or payment in lieu thereof.
  
(b)Subject to Section 2.2, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause on providing at least 60 days’ notice of such termination and the Executive agrees that such notice will constitute full satisfaction of any of the Executive’s entitlement to notice, pay in lieu of notice or other payments (other than expense reimbursements under Section 3.5 hereof) pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s position as an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than any indemnity obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries).
  
(c)Subject to Section 2.2, the Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement at any time by providing the Company at least 30 days’ written notice.
  
(d)For the purposes of this Agreement “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) serious misconduct, dishonesty or disloyalty of the Executive directly related to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company or its subsidiaries which results from a willful act or omission or from gross negligence and which is materially injurious to the operations, financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) failure by the Executive to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Board; (iii) failure and continued failure by the Executive to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental disability or impairment); (iv) the Executive’s embezzlement, misappropriation or fraud, whether or not related to the Executive’s employment with the Company; (v) theft, fraud, dishonesty or misconduct of the Executive involving the property, business or affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in the carrying out of the duties of the Executive’s employment (vi) any material failure by the Executive to comply with the Company’s or its applicable subsidiaries’ written policies or rules, as they may be in effect from time to time; (vii) any other material breach of this Agreement by the Executive; or (viii) any event or circumstance that would constitute cause for termination of an employment under law. For purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, shall be “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, in bad faith and without a reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

 

 
 

 

(e)Subject to Section 2.2, the Executive agrees that if he is a director or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at the time of termination of this Agreement or at the time of his resignation or termination as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, he will, if requested by the Company, immediately resign his position as a director or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

7. Confidentiality

 

(a)

Confidential Information” means information known or used by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with their respective businesses and affairs that is not known to the general public and includes, but is not limited to, research, strategic plans or objectives, potential acquisitions or other transactions, unpublished financial information, unpublished exploration data and other information relating to the Company or the Company’s subsidiaries, including their respective mineral interests and other assets and all intellectual property, but does not include any information that: (i) is or becomes a matter of public knowledge through no breach of this Agreement by the Executive; (ii) any information of which the Executive had specific knowledge prior to this employment; or (iii) any information of which the Executive obtains specific knowledge from a third party after the termination of this Agreement, unless the third party obtained such information directly or indirectly from a person in violation of a duty of confidence owed to the Company.
  
(b)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that: (i) during the course of the Executive’s employment hereunder, the Executive will have an opportunity to learn or otherwise become aware of Confidential Information; (ii) the Confidential Information is a valuable asset which is the property of the Company exclusively, the unauthorized use or disclosure of which would cause very serious harm to the economic interests of the Company; (iii) it is important in the interests of the Company that the Confidential Information remain the exclusive confidential property of the Company and that it not be used or disclosed except in accordance with the knowledge and consent of the Company; and (iv) other than in the course of performing duties in accordance with the Executive’s employment hereunder or as otherwise approved by the Company in writing, the Executive shall hold in confidence all Confidential Information, not directly or indirectly use any Confidential Information and not directly or indirectly disclose any Confidential Information.

 

8. Ownership of Documents and Records

 

All documents, software, records, work papers, notes, memoranda and similar records of or containers of Confidential Information made or compiled by the Executive at any time or made available to him at any time during the term of this Agreement (whether before the Effective Date of this Agreement or thereafter) including all copies thereof, shall be the property of the Company and belong solely to it, and shall be held by such person solely for the benefit of the Company and shall be immediately delivered by him to the Company upon the termination of this Agreement or at any other time upon request by the Company.

 

9. Non-Solicitation

 

The Executive acknowledges and agrees that during the term of the employment of the Executive hereunder and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, he shall not solicit, directly or indirectly, employees of the Company or its subsidiaries for the purpose of having them terminate their employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, provided, however, that any general solicitation of employment that does not target the Company’s employees shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 9.

 
 

 

10. Corporate Opportunities

 

The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will not, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, appropriate for himself or for any organization or person by which he is engaged, employed or retained, any Company or its subsidiaries property or business opportunity that had arisen through the use of Company property, information or by virtue of the Executive’s employment with the Company unless first obtaining written permission from the Company.

 

The restriction as described above on the Executive appropriating any business opportunity the Executive (or for any organization or person by which the Executive is engaged, employed or retained) is meant to protect business opportunities that are confidential to the Company, and that the Executive could only have learned about through the Executive’s provision of Services to the Company. For periods after the termination of this Agreement, the foregoing restriction will not prevent the Executive from pursuing business opportunities where information about such business opportunities is not confidential to the Company, such as where information about such business opportunities is made available to other companies, organizations, the public, or the Executive after the term of the Agreement on a non-confidential basis and where the person making such opportunity or information known was not under an obligation of confidentiality to the Company.

 

11. Acknowledgment

 

The Executive acknowledges that the restrictions and covenants contained in Sections 7 through 10 hereof are reasonably required for the protection of the Company. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s ongoing employment with the Company and all remuneration and benefits coverage will be conferred by the Company upon the Executive only because and on condition of the Executive’s willingness to commit his best efforts and loyalty to the Company and its subsidiaries, including protecting the right of the Company and its subsidiaries to have their Confidential Information protected against disclosure by the Executive and abiding by the confidentiality, non-solicitation, and other provisions herein. The Executive further acknowledges that: (i) the Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 through 10 hereof would not unduly restrict or curtail his legitimate efforts to conduct business or earn a livelihood following any termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company hereunder; and (ii) without prejudice to any and all other rights of the Company, in the event of a violation or attempted violation of any of the restrictions and covenants contained in Sections 7 through 10 hereof an injunction or other like remedy shall be the only effective immediate remedy to protect the rights and properties of the Company as set out above, and that an injunction or other like remedy may be granted immediately on the commencement of any suit. The preceding does not in any way restrict the Company from pursuing all legal remedies available to it if the Executive breaches the restrictions and covenants contained in Sections 7 through 10 hereof.

 

12. Independent Legal Advice

 

The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive has had the opportunity to seek and was not prevented nor discouraged by the Company from seeking independent legal advice prior to the execution of this Agreement and that, in the event that the Executive did not avail himself of that opportunity prior to signing this Agreement, he did so voluntarily without any undue pressure and agrees that his failure to obtain independent legal advice shall not be used by him as a defence to the enforcement of his obligations under this Agreement.

 

13. Director’s & Officer’s Liability Insurance

 

The Company will provide the Executive with Director’s & Officer’s Liability Insurance as a named insured in connection with acting as an officer of the Company and/or its subsidiaries.

 

 
 

 

14. General

 

(a)By executing this Agreement the Executive hereby agrees to perform and abide by all of the Executive’s obligations under this Agreement and hereby guarantees to the Company such performance by the Executive.
  
(b)Sections 7 through 10 and this Section 14 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. Any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to any rights and obligations of the parties hereto arising or existing up to the effective date of such expiration or termination, or any remedies of the parties with respect thereto.
  
(c)This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and cancels and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements between the parties hereto with respect thereto. There are no representations, warranties, forms, conditions, undertakings or collateral agreements, express, implied or statutory between the parties other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
  
(d)Each party must, from time to time, execute and deliver all such further documents and instruments and do all acts and things as the other party may reasonably require to effectively carry out or better evidence or perfect the full intent and meaning of this Agreement.
  
(e)This Agreement is personal in nature and may not be assigned in whole or in part as security or otherwise by any party hereto without the express written consent of the Company.
  
(f)Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns.
  
(g)Any modification to this Agreement must be in writing, signed by each of the parties hereto, or it shall have no effect and shall be void.
  
(h)The waiver by any party of any breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation.
  
(i)If any term of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
  
(j)This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the province of British Columbia and the federal laws applicable therein. All disputes arising under this Agreement will be referred to the courts of British Columbia which will have jurisdiction, but not exclusive jurisdiction, and each party hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

 

[remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

 
 

 

(k)This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts (including by e-mail or fax), each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and shall have the same force and effect as an original and such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

The Executive hereby acknowledge his agreement to this arrangement by signing below as provided.

 

Yours truly,    
US GOLDMINING CANADA INC.    
     
By: /s/ Tim Smith  
Name: Tim Smith  
Title: President  

 

AGREED TO as of the date first written above.

 

 /s/ Tyler Wong  
TYLER WONG  

 

 
 

 

Schedule “A”

 

SERVICES

 

The Services provided by the Executive to the Company shall include, without limitation:

 

(a)supervision and management of all accounting and financial reporting functions, all treasury, receivable and payable functions, all banking arrangements and all other internal financial functions and controls of the Company;

 

(b)supervision and management of all employees in the financial and accounting departments of the Company;

 

(c)preparation of all budget and business plans, and reporting on the same;

 

(d)participation in the development of policies and programs, and reporting on the same; and

 

(e)performance of such other functions and duties normally performed by a chief financial officer of publicly held companies comparable to the Company, and such other duties and functions consistent with the Executive’s position, which the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and/or the Board shall, from time to time, reasonably direct.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

2023 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Grant of Option. Pursuant to the U.S. Goldmining Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for Employees, Contractors, and Outside Directors of U.S. Goldmining Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), the Company grants to

 

 

(the “Participant”)

 

1. an option (the “Stock Option”) to purchase a total of full ______________ shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Optioned Shares”) at an “Option Price” equal to $10.00 per share (being the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant).

 

The “Date of Grant” of this Stock Option is May 4, 2023. The “Option Period” shall commence on the Date of Grant and shall expire on the date immediately preceding the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Date of Grant, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 4 below. The Stock Option is a Nonqualified Stock Option that is intended to comply with the provisions governing nonqualified stock options under the final Treasury Regulations issued on April 17, 2007, in order to exempt this Stock Option from application of Section 409A of the Code.

 

2. Subject to Plan. The Stock Option and its exercise are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, and the terms of the Plan shall control to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (this “Agreement”). The capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meanings assigned to them in the Plan. The Stock Option is subject to any rules promulgated pursuant to the Plan by the Board or the Committee, as applicable, and communicated to the Participant in writing.

 

3. Vesting; Time of Exercise. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement and subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Plan, the Optioned Shares shall be vested and the Stock Option shall be exercisable as follows:

 

a. 25% of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall be exercisable on the Date of Grant.

 

b. 25% of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on November 4, 2023, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

c. 25% of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on May 4, 2024, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

d. 25% of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on November 4, 2024, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.]

 

 
 

 

In the event that a Change in Control occurs, then immediately prior to the effective date of such Change in Control, the total Optioned Shares not previously vested shall thereupon immediately become vested and this Stock Option shall become fully exercisable, if not previously so exercisable.

 

4. Term; Forfeiture.

 

a. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, to the extent the unexercised portion of the Stock Option relates to Optioned Shares that are not vested on the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service, the Stock Option will be terminated on that date. The unexercised portion of the Stock Option that relates to Optioned Shares which are vested on such date will terminate at the first of the following to occur:

 

i. 5 p.m. on the date the Option Period terminates;

 

ii. 5 p.m. on the date which is twelve (12) months following the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service due to death or Total and Permanent Disability;

 

iii. immediately upon the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company for Cause (as defined herein);

 

iv. 5 p.m. on the date of the Participant’s voluntary Termination of Service, without the consent of the Company; or

 

v. 5 p.m. on the date the Company causes any portion of the Stock Option to be forfeited pursuant to Section 7 hereof.

 

b. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean that the Participant shall have committed (i) an intentional material act of fraud or embezzlement in connection with his duties in the course of his employment with the Company; (ii) intentional wrongful material damage to property of the Company; or (iii) intentional wrongful disclosure of material secret processes or material confidential information of the Company. For the purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Participant shall be deemed “intentional” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Participant not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

 

5. Who May Exercise. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Sections 3 and 4 above, during the lifetime of the Participant, the Stock Option may be exercised only by the Participant, or by the Participant’s guardian or personal or legal representative. If the Participant’s Termination of Service is due to his death prior to the dates specified in Section 4.a. hereof, and the Participant has not exercised the Stock Option as to the maximum number of vested Optioned Shares as set forth in Section 3 hereof as of the date of death, the following persons may exercise the exercisable portion of the Stock Option on behalf of the Participant at any time prior to the earliest of the dates specified in Section 4.a. hereof: the personal representative of his estate or the person who acquired the right to exercise the Stock Option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the Participant, provided that the Stock Option shall remain subject to the other terms of this Agreement, the Plan, and all Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations.

 

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6. No Fractional Shares. The Stock Option may be exercised only with respect to full shares, and no fractional share of stock shall be issued.

 

7. Manner of Exercise. Subject to such administrative regulations as the Committee may from time to time adopt, the Stock Option may be exercised by the delivery of written notice to the Committee setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Option is to be exercised and the date of exercise thereof (the “Exercise Date”), which shall be at least three (3) days after giving such notice unless an earlier time shall have been mutually agreed upon. On the Exercise Date, the Participant shall deliver to the Company consideration with a value equal to the total Option Price of the shares to be purchased, payable as follows: (a) cash, check, bank draft, or money order payable to the order of the Company; (b) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, Common Stock (including Restricted Stock) owned by the Participant on the Exercise Date, valued at its Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date, and which the Participant has not acquired from the Company within six (6) months prior to the Exercise Date; (c) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, by delivery (including by FAX) to the Company or its designated agent of an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the Participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Stock Option or to pledge such shares as collateral for a loan and promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay such purchase price; (d) by requesting the Company to withhold the number of shares otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the Stock Option by the number of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Price at the time of exercise (i.e., a cashless net exercise), and/or (e) in any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion. In the event that shares of Restricted Stock are tendered as consideration for the exercise of a Stock Option, a number of shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of the Stock Option equal to the number of shares of Restricted Stock used as consideration therefor shall be subject to the same restrictions and provisions as the Restricted Stock so tendered.

 

Upon payment of all amounts due from the Participant, the Company shall cause the Common Stock then being purchased to be registered in the Participant’s name (or the person exercising the Participant’s Stock Option in the event of the Participant’s death) promptly after the Exercise Date. The obligation of the Company to register shares of Common Stock shall, however, be subject to the condition that, if at any time the Company shall determine in its discretion that the listing, registration, or qualification of the Stock Option or the Common Stock upon any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with, the Stock Option or the issuance or purchase of shares of Common Stock thereunder, then the Stock Option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not reasonably acceptable to the Committee.

 

If the Participant fails to pay for any of the Optioned Shares specified in such notice or fails to accept delivery thereof, that portion of the Participant’s Stock Option and the right to purchase such Optioned Shares may be forfeited by the Participant.

 

8. Nonassignability. The Stock Option is not assignable or transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

9. Rights as Stockholder. The Participant will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any of the Optioned Shares until the issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Participant or the registration of such shares in the Participant’s name for the shares of Common Stock. The Optioned Shares shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10 hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the issuance of such certificate or certificates. The Participant, by his execution of this Agreement, agrees to execute any documents requested by the Company in connection with the issuance of the shares of Common Stock.

 

 3 
 

 

10. Adjustment of Number of Optioned Shares and Related Matters. The number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Stock Option, and the Option Prices thereof, shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Articles 11 - 13 of the Plan.

 

11. Nonqualified Stock Option. The Stock Option shall not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

12. Voting. The Participant, as record holder of some or all of the Optioned Shares following exercise of this Stock Option, has the exclusive right to vote, or consent with respect to, such Optioned Shares until such time as the Optioned Shares are transferred in accordance with this Agreement; provided, however, that this Section shall not create any voting right where the holders of such Optioned Shares otherwise have no such right.

 

13. Specific Performance. The parties acknowledge that remedies at law will be inadequate remedies for breach of this Agreement and consequently agree that this Agreement shall be enforceable by specific performance. The remedy of specific performance shall be cumulative of all of the rights and remedies at law or in equity of the parties under this Agreement.

 

14. Participant’s Representations. Notwithstanding any of the provisions hereof, the Participant hereby agrees that he will not exercise the Stock Option granted hereby, and that the Company will not be obligated to issue any shares to the Participant hereunder, if the exercise thereof or the issuance of such shares shall constitute a violation by the Participant or the Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority. Any determination in this connection by the Company shall be final, binding, and conclusive. The obligations of the Company and the rights of the Participant are subject to all Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations.

 

15. Investment Representation. Unless the shares of Common Stock are issued to the Participant in a transaction registered under applicable federal and state securities laws, by his execution hereof, the Participant represents and warrants to the Company that all Common Stock which may be purchased hereunder will be acquired by the Participant for investment purposes for his own account and not with any intent for resale or distribution in violation of federal or state securities laws. Unless the Common Stock is issued to the Participant in a transaction registered under the applicable federal and state securities laws, all certificates issued with respect to the Common Stock shall bear an appropriate restrictive investment legend and shall be held indefinitely, unless they are subsequently registered under the applicable federal and state securities laws or the Participant obtains an opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and its counsel, that such registration is not required.

 

16. Participant’s Acknowledgments. The Participant acknowledges that a copy of the Plan has been made available for his review by the Company and represents that he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Stock Option subject to all the terms and provisions thereof. The Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee or the Board, as appropriate, upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.

 

17. Law Governing. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada (excluding any conflict of laws rule or principle of Nevada law that might refer the governance, construction, or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state).

 

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18. No Right to Continue Service or Employment. Nothing herein shall be construed to confer upon the Participant the right to continue in the employ or to provide services to the Company or any Subsidiary, whether as an Employee, Contractor, or Outside Director, or to interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to discharge the Participant as an Employee, Contractor, or Outside Director at any time.

 

19. Legal Construction. In the event that any one or more of the terms, provisions, or agreements that are contained in this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable term, provision, or agreement shall not affect any other term, provision, or agreement that is contained in this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable term, provision, or agreement had never been contained herein.

 

20. Covenants and Agreements as Independent Agreements. Each of the covenants and agreements that is set forth in this Agreement shall be construed as a covenant and agreement independent of any other provision of this Agreement. The existence of any claim or cause of action of the Participant against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements that are set forth in this Agreement.

 

21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Plan supersede any and all other prior understandings and agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitute the sole and only agreements between the parties with respect to the said subject matter. All prior negotiations and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof are merged into this Agreement. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party or by anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied in this Agreement or the Plan and that any agreement, statement, or promise that is not contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall not be valid or binding or of any force or effect.

 

22. Parties Bound. The terms, provisions, and agreements that are contained in this Agreement shall apply to, be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, and permitted successors and assigns, subject to the limitation on assignment expressly set forth herein.

 

23. Modification. No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the parties unless the change or modification is in writing and signed by the parties; provided, however, that the Company may change or modify this Agreement without the Participant’s consent or signature if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that such change or modification is necessary for purposes of compliance with or exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or any regulations or other guidance issued thereunder. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company may amend the Plan to the extent permitted by the Plan.

 

24. Headings. The headings that are used in this Agreement are used for reference and convenience purposes only and do not constitute substantive matters to be considered in construing the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

25. Gender and Number. Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.

 

 5 
 

 

26. Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered only when actually received by the Company or by the Participant, as the case may be, at the addresses set forth below, or at such other addresses as they have theretofore specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith:

 

a. Notice to the Company shall be addressed and delivered as follows:

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc.

1830 – 1030 W. Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

 

b. Notice to the Participant shall be addressed and delivered as set forth on the signature page.

 

27. Tax Requirements. The Participant is hereby advised to consult immediately with his own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of this Agreement. The Company or, if applicable, any Subsidiary (for purposes of this Section 27, the term “Company” shall be deemed to include any applicable Subsidiary), shall have the right to deduct from all amounts paid in cash or other form in connection with the Plan and this Agreement, any federal, state, local, or other taxes required by law to be withheld in connection with this Award. The Company may, in its sole discretion, also require the Participant receiving shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan to pay the Company the amount of any taxes that the Company is required to withhold in connection with the Participant’s income arising with respect to this Award. Such payments shall be required to be made when requested by the Company and may be required to be made prior to the delivery of any certificate representing shares of Common Stock. Such payment may be made by (a) the delivery of cash to the Company in an amount that equals or exceeds (to avoid the issuance of fractional shares under (c) below) the required tax withholding obligations of the Company; (b) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, the actual delivery by the exercising Participant to the Company of shares of Common Stock that the Participant has not acquired from the Company within six (6) months prior to the date of exercise, which shares so delivered have an aggregate Fair Market Value that equals or exceeds (to avoid the issuance of fractional shares under (c) below) the required tax withholding payment; (c) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, the Company’s withholding of a number of shares to be delivered upon the exercise of the Stock Option, which shares so withheld have an aggregate Fair Market Value that equals (but does not exceed) the required tax withholding payment; or (d) any combination of (a), (b), or (c). The Company may, in its sole discretion, withhold any such taxes from any other cash remuneration otherwise paid by the Company to the Participant.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank;

Signature Page Follows.]

 

 6 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant, to evidence his consent and approval of all the terms hereof, has duly executed this Agreement, as of the date specified in Section 1 hereof.

 

  U.S. GOLDMINING INC.:
     
  By:  
  Name: Tim Smith
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  PARTICIPANT:
     
   
  Signature  
                   
  Name:  
  Address:  
     

 

 7 

 

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

This amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreement (this “Amendment”) is effective as of May __, 2023 (the “Effective Date”) and is entered into by and between ______________________ (the “Awardee”) and U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in that certain Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2022, by and between the Awardee and the Company (the “Award Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company previously granted the Awardee _____________________ restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Restricted Stock”), pursuant to the U.S. GoldMining Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which Restricted Stock were subject to certain vesting and forfeiture conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, Section 3.6 of the Award Agreement provides that the Award Agreement may be amended or modified by means of a written document signed by the Company and the Awardee if such amendment or modification shall adversely affect any rights of the Awardee; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Awardee mutually desire and agree to amend the Award Agreement to modify the vesting conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock as provided herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Section 3.6 of the Award Agreement and in consideration of the mutual promises, conditions, and covenants contained herein and in the Award Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree to amend the Award Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date, as follows:

 

1. Section 2.1 of the Award Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new paragraph to the end of Section 2.1:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) upon satisfaction of the conditions referenced in both Section 2.1(f) and Section 2.1(g) (regardless of whether they occur simultaneously or consecutively), all of the unvested Restricted Stock will be 100% vested and will be deemed Released Stock; or (ii) in the event the Company files the disclosure specified in Subpart 1300 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-K Report with the SEC or the disclosure specified in Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Products, to the relevant Canadian securities regulator (the “Securities Filing”) that includes, in either disclosure, an aggregate estimate of mineral resources for the Whistler Project or any other project owned or operated by the Company of 3,000,000 additional gold or gold equivalent ounces from the amount reported on the disclosure specified in the Company’s Subpart 1300 of the SEC Regulation S-K Report dated September 22, 2022, ________1 shares of the Restricted Stock will be deemed Released Stock as of the date of such Securities Filing (or if such amount exceeds the number of shares of Restricted Stock that have not yet become Released Stock at the time, such lesser number of shares of Restricted Stock) reducing, on a proportional basis, the number of unvested shares of Restricted Stock subject to each vesting condition in Section 2.1 (for instance, if the conditions in Sections 2.1(a) and (b) have been met prior to the date of the Securities Filing and no other conditions have been satisfied, the unvested percentages subject to satisfaction of the conditions referenced in Sections 2.1(c) – (g) shall be reduced to 8.6% for Sections 2.1(c)-(f) and 5.7% for Section 2.1(g)).

 

2. Section 2.4(d) of the Award Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the section reference “Section 5.04” and replacing it with the following new section reference “Section 6.2”.

 

3. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by facsimile or portable document format (“.pdf”) counterparts), all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument. The exchange of copies of this Amendment and of signature pages by facsimile or .pdf transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Amendment as to the parties and may be used in lieu of the original document for all purposes. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile or .pdf shall be deemed to be their original signatures for any purpose whatsoever.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

1 30% of the number of shares of Restricted Stock.

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Awardee have executed, or caused to be executed, this Amendment, to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

  THE COMPANY
     
  U.S. GoldMining Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
  THE AWARDEE
   
   

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 14.1

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

1. Introduction.

 

1.1 The Board of Directors of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) has adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) in order to:

 

(a) promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest;

 

(b) promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other applicable regulatory bodies, and in other public communications made by the Company;

 

(c) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

(d) promote the protection of Company assets, including corporate opportunities and confidential information;

 

(e) promote fair dealing practices;

 

(f) deter wrongdoing; and

 

(g) ensure accountability for adherence to the Code.

 

1.2 All directors, officers and employees are required to be familiar with the Code, comply with its provisions and report any suspected violations as described below in Section 10, Reporting and Enforcement.

 

2. Honest and Ethical Conduct.

 

2.1 The Company’s policy is to promote high standards of integrity by conducting its affairs honestly and ethically.

 

2.2 Each director, officer and employee must act with integrity and observe the highest ethical standards of business conduct in his or her dealings with the Company’s customers, suppliers, partners, service providers, competitors, employees and anyone else with whom he or she has contact in the course of performing his or her job.

 

 
 

 

3. Conflicts of Interest.

 

3.1 A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest (or the interest of a member of his or her family) interferes, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company as a whole. A conflict of interest can arise when an employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work for the Company objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise when an employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company.

 

3.2 Loans by the Company to, or guarantees by the Company of obligations of, employees or their family members are of special concern and could constitute improper personal benefits to the recipients of such loans or guarantees, depending on the facts and circumstances. Loans by the Company to, or guarantees by the Company of obligations of, any director or officer or their family members are expressly prohibited.

 

3.3 Whether or not a conflict of interest exists or will exist can be unclear. Conflicts of interest should be avoided unless specifically authorized as described in Section 3.4.

 

3.4 Persons other than directors and executive officers who have questions about a potential conflict of interest or who become aware of an actual or potential conflict should discuss the matter with, and seek a determination and prior authorization or approval from, their supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer. A supervisor may not authorize or approve conflict of interest matters or make determinations as to whether a problematic conflict of interest exists without first providing the Chief Executive Officer with a written description of the activity and seeking the Chief Executive Officer’s written approval. If the supervisor is themself involved in the potential or actual conflict, the matter should instead be discussed directly with the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Directors and executive officers must seek determinations and prior authorizations or approvals of potential conflicts of interest exclusively from the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”).

 

4. Compliance.

 

4.1 Employees, officers and directors should comply, both in letter and spirit, with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the cities, states and countries in which the Company operates.

 

4.2 Although not all employees, officers and directors are expected to know the details of all applicable laws, rules and regulations, it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from appropriate personnel. Questions about compliance should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

2
 

 

4.3 No director, officer or employee may purchase or sell any Company securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the Company, nor may any director, officer or employee purchase or sell another company’s securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding that company. It is against Company policies and illegal for any director, officer or employee to use material nonpublic information regarding the Company or any other company to:

 

(a) obtain profit for himself or herself; or

 

(b) directly or indirectly “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of that information.

 

5. Disclosure.

 

5.1 The Company’s periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC and other applicable regulatory bodies, including all financial statements and other financial information, must comply with applicable securities laws, SEC rules and other rules from applicable regulatory bodies.

 

5.2 Each director, officer and employee who contributes in any way to the preparation or verification of the Company’s financial statements and other financial information must ensure that the Company’s books, records and accounts are accurately maintained. Each director, officer and employee must cooperate fully with the Company’s accounting and internal audit departments, as well as the Company’s independent public accountants and counsel.

 

5.3 Each director, officer and employee who is involved in the Company’s disclosure process must:

 

(a) be familiar with and comply with the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(b) take all necessary steps to ensure that all filings with the SEC or other applicable regulatory body, and all other public communications about the financial and business condition of the Company provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.

 

6. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets.

 

6.1 All directors, officers and employees should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability and are prohibited.

 

6.2 All Company assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes, though incidental personal use is permitted. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be reported for investigation immediately.

 

6.3 The obligation to protect Company assets includes the Company’s proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business and marketing plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records and any nonpublic financial data or reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited and could also be illegal and result in civil or criminal penalties.

 

3
 

 

7. Corporate Opportunities. All directors, officers and employees owe a duty to the Company to advance its interests when the opportunity arises. Directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking for themselves personally (or for the benefit of friends or family members) opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company assets, property, information or position. Directors, officers and employees may not use Company assets, property, information or position for personal gain (including gain of friends or family members). In addition, no director, officer or employee may compete with the Company.

 

8. Confidentiality. Directors, officers and employees should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company or by its customers, suppliers or partners, except when disclosure is expressly authorized or is required or permitted by law. Confidential information includes all nonpublic information (regardless of its source) that might be of use to the Company’s competitors or harmful to the Company or its customers, suppliers or partners if disclosed.

 

9. Fair Dealing. Each director, officer and employee must deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, partners, service providers, competitors, employees and anyone else with whom he or she has contact in the course of performing his or her job. No director, officer or employee may take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

10. Reporting and Enforcement.

 

10.1 Reporting and Investigation of Violations.

 

(a) Actions prohibited by this Code involving directors or executive officers must be reported to the Committee.

 

(b) Actions prohibited by this Code involving anyone other than a director or executive officer must be reported to the reporting person’s supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c) After receiving a report of an alleged prohibited action, the Committee, the relevant supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer, as applicable, must promptly take all appropriate actions necessary to investigate.

 

(d) All directors, officers and employees are expected to cooperate in any internal investigation of misconduct.

 

10.2 Enforcement.

 

(a) The Company must ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code.

 

(b) If, after investigating a report of an alleged prohibited action by a director or executive officer, the Committee determines that a violation of this Code has occurred, the Committee will report such determination to the Board of Directors.

 

4
 

 

(c) If, after investigating a report of an alleged prohibited action by any other person, the relevant supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer determines that a violation of this Code has occurred, the supervisor or the Chief Executive Officer will report such determination to the Board of Directors.

 

(d) Upon receipt of a determination that there has been a violation of this Code, the Board of Directors will take such preventative or disciplinary action as it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, reassignment, demotion, dismissal and, in the event of criminal conduct or other serious violations of the law, notification of appropriate governmental authorities.

 

10.3 Waivers.

 

(a) The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, waive any violation of this Code.

 

(b) Any waiver for a director or an executive officer shall be disclosed as required by SEC, other applicable regulatory body and NASDAQ rules.

 

10.4 Prohibition on Retaliation.

 

The Company does not tolerate acts of retaliation against any director, officer or employee who makes a good faith report of known or suspected acts of misconduct or other violations of this Code.

 

5
 

 

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review

 

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review

 

I, _______________________, acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the U.S. GoldMining Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”). I understand the contents of the Code and I agree to comply with the policies and procedures set out in the Code.

 

I understand that I should approach the Chief Executive Officer if I have any questions about the Code generally or any questions about reporting a suspected conflict of interest or other violation of the Code.

 

   
  NAME
   
  PRINTED NAME
   
  DATE

 

6

 

 

Exhibit 14.2

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

 

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

(August 28, 2023)

 

This Insider Trading Policy (this “Policy”) describes the standards of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”) on trading, and causing the trading of, the Company’s securities or securities of certain other publicly traded companies while in possession of confidential information.

 

One of the principal purposes of United States federal and Canadian securities laws is to prohibit so-called “insider trading”. Simply stated, insider trading occurs when a person uses material, non-public information obtained through involvement with the Company to make decisions to purchase, sell, give away or otherwise trade the Company’s securities or the securities of certain other companies or to provide that information to others outside the Company.

 

The prohibitions against insider trading apply to trades, tips and recommendations by virtually any person, including all persons associated with the Company, if the information involved is “material” and “non-public”. These terms are further explained under “Material Non-Public Information” below. The prohibitions would apply to any director, officer or employee who buys or sells securities on the basis of material non-public information that he or she obtained about the Company, its partners, suppliers, competitors or other companies with which the Company has contractual relationships or may be negotiating transactions.

 

The objective of the Policy is to help prevent any actual or apparent impropriety, either of which could lead to allegations of insider trading and the potential for significant liability on the part of any implicated parties. This Policy does not replace your responsibility to understand and comply with applicable insider trading laws. Because insider trading laws are technical, and changes and new interpretations are frequent, you should not assume that compliance with this Policy automatically gives rise to compliance with applicable insider trading laws, and this Policy should not be relied upon for that purpose in any particular instance.

 

I. APPLICATION

 

This Policy applies to all trading or other transaction in: (i) the Company’s securities, including common stock, warrants options and any other securities the Company may issue; and (ii) the securities of certain other companies, including common stock, warrants, options and other securities issued by those companies as well as derivative securities relating to any of those companies’ securities, where the person trading used information obtained while working for the Company.

 

This Policy applies to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants and contractors identified by the Policy Administrator (as defined herein) from time to time (collectively, “Covered Persons”).

 

 
 

 

 

II. MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION

 

Insider trading restrictions come into play when information is material and non-public.

 

(a) Material - Information is generally regarded as “material” if it has market significance, that is, if its public dissemination is likely to affect the market price of securities, or if it otherwise is information that a reasonable investor would want to know before making an investment decision. It is important to note that materiality may involve a relatively low threshold. Examples of types of information that may be found to be material in particular situations, include, among others:

 

  significant changes in Company’s prospects;
     
  significant drilling results or the results of economic or other studies relating to mineral projects;
     
  developments regarding significant litigation or government agency investigations;
     
  the grant or rejection of significant mining, development or environmental permits;
     
  financial and operating performance;
     
  plans for significant capital expenditures or investments;
     
  significant changes in financial performance, outlook or liquidity, including liquidity problems;
     
  changes in earnings estimates or unusual gains or losses in major operations;
     
  major changes in the Company’s management or board of directors;
     
  plans or agreements, even potentially if preliminary in nature, respecting mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, strategic alliances, joint ventures or purchases or sales of substantial assets;
     
  offerings of the Company’s securities;
     
  redemptions or repurchases by the Company of its securities.
     
  extraordinary borrowings;
     
  cybersecurity risks and incidents, including vulnerabilities and breaches; and
     
  actual or threatened major litigation, developments in major litigation or the resolution of such litigation.

 

Material information is not limited to historical facts but may also include projections and forecasts. With respect to a future event, such as a merger or acquisition, the point at which negotiations are determined to be material is determined by balancing the probability that the event will occur against the magnitude of the effect the event would have on a company’s operations or stock price should it occur. Thus, information concerning an event that would have a large effect on stock price, such as a merger, may be material even if the possibility that the event will occur is relatively small.

 

When in doubt about whether particular non-public information is material, you should presume it is material. If you are unsure whether information is material, you should either consult the Policy Administrator before making any decision to disclose such information (other than to persons who need to know it) or to trade in or recommend securities to which that information relates or assume that the information is material.

 

Material information also consists of “material changes” and “material facts” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. A material change is a change in the business, operations or capital of the Company that would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on the market price or value of any of the securities of the Company and also includes a decision to implement such change made by the board of directors or by senior management of the Company who believe that confirmation of the decision by the Board is probable. A material fact is a fact that significantly affects or would reasonably be expected to have a significant effect on, the market price or value of the Company’s securities.

 

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(b) Non-Public Information: “Non-public information” is information about the Company that is not known to the general public. The fact that information has been disclosed to a few members of the public does not make it public for insider trading purposes. To be “public” the information must have been disseminated in a manner designed to reach investors generally, and the investors must be given the opportunity to absorb the information. Even after public disclosure of information about the Company, you must wait until the close of business on the trading day after the information was publicly disclosed before you can treat the information as public. Non-public information may include:

 

  information available to a select group of analysts or brokers or institutional investors;
     
  undisclosed facts that are the subject of rumors, even if the rumors are widely circulated; and
     
  information that has been entrusted to the Company on a confidential basis until a public announcement of the information has been made and enough time has elapsed for the market to respond to a public announcement of the information.

 

As with questions of materiality, if you are not sure whether information is considered public, you should either consult with the Policy Administrator or assume that the information is non-public and treat it as confidential.

 

III. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

 

Transactions in Company Securities.

 

When a Covered Person knows material, non-public information about the Company, he or she may not:

 

  Trade in Company securities. Buying or selling securities of the Company, whether in the form of common shares, warrants, options or any other type of security, is prohibited. Indirectly trading in Company securities through a corporation or other entity that you control (directly or indirectly, alone or with others), including family or any other trust, private superannuation fund, through RRSPs, RESPs or TFSAs or otherwise, is also prohibited.
     
  Advise others to buy, hold or sell Company securities. Even if no material, non-public information is actually disclosed, Covered Persons may not suggest buying or selling any Company securities while in possession of material, non-public information.
     
  Have others trade for them in Company securities. Covered Persons may not authorize any member of his or her immediate family or anyone acting on his or her behalf to trade in Company securities.
     
  Disclose the information to anyone else who might then trade (i.e. tipping). Passing material, non-public information on to a friend, relative or anyone else that buys, sells or holds a security on the basis of that information is prohibited. Covered Persons should not make recommendations or express opinions on the basis of material, non-public information as to trading in the Company’s securities.
     
  Assist anyone in any of these activities.

 

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Transactions in the Securities of Other Companies.

 

Covered Persons may also become aware of material, non-public information about other companies from time to time as a result of their jobs. The Company’s prohibitions against insider trading in the Company’s securities apply equally to transactions in those companies’ securities while the Covered Person is in possession of their material, non-public information.

 

Covered Transactions.

 

The transactions covered by the restrictions under this Policy include not only purchases and sales of, and other transactions in, Company common shares or other Company securities made by Covered Persons privately or through a broker, but also:

 

  1. transactions in securities acquired for the Covered Person’s account under a share purchase plan (if any) of the Company,
     
  2. transactions in common shares which were awarded to a Covered Person pursuant to an equity incentive plan of the Company, and
     
  3. any market sale for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price of an option or to pay taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock.

 

Additionally, directors and officers of the Company who purchase Company securities may not sell any Company securities of the same class for at least six months after purchase. Directors and officers should be familiar with the short-swing trading provisions under Section 16(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Excluded Transactions.

 

Transactions by Covered Persons that are not covered by the foregoing trading restrictions are:

 

  1. elections to participate in or withdraw from a share purchase plan (if any) of the Company. However, electing to enroll in such plan, making any changes to your elections under such plan and selling securities acquired under such plan are subject to trading restrictions under this Policy; and
     
  2. the election to have the Company withhold shares to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of restricted stock.

 

Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provides an affirmative defense from insider trading liability under U.S. securities laws. If Covered Persons desire to rely on this defense for future trading on the Company’s securities and if permitted under applicable Canadian securities laws, they are permitted to, and must first, enter into a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that meets the requirements for such a plan and is approved in writing by Policy Administrator. Covered Persons may also enter into a pre-arranged structured trading plan or automatic security disposition plan for future trading in the Company’s securities, provided such plan complies with applicable securities laws and is approved in writing by the Policy Administrator. Any transactions in Company securities under such plans must be made in compliance with applicable requirements of such plans and any requisite cooling-off periods under applicable securities laws.

 

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Short Sales; Trading in Options or Speculative Trading.

 

It is Company policy that any investing in the Company’s securities, or the securities of any company that has a significant relationship with the Company, be on a “buy and hold” basis. Active trading, or short-term speculation, is improper. Short-term speculation can harm the Company by sending inappropriate or potentially misleading signals to the market. As a matter of Company policy, Covered Persons, regardless of whether or not they are aware of material, non-public information about the Company, may not at any time:

 

1. sell Company securities short;
   
2. engage in any transaction in publicly traded options on Company shares, including put or call options,
   
3. enter into hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangement with respect to Company securities; or
   
4. engage in short-term, speculative trading in Company securities.

 

Short selling is the act of borrowing securities to sell with the expectation of the price dropping and the intent of buying the securities back at a lower price to replace the borrowed securities. The prohibition against engaging in transactions in options on Company stock does not include employee share options granted by the Company.

 

IV. PRE-CLEARANCE

 

The Company requires all Covered Persons to refrain from trading, even during a trading window (as described below) without first pre-clearing all transactions in the Company’s securities with the Policy Administrator. The Policy Administrator shall record the date each request is received and the date and time each request is approved or disapproved. Pre-clearance is not required for purchases and sales of securities under approved Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.

 

V. TRADING WINDOWS

 

To ensure compliance with this Policy and applicable securities laws, all Covered Persons shall refrain from conducting transactions involving the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities other than during the period commencing at the close of business on the trading day following the date of public disclosure of the financial results for a particular fiscal quarter and ending 15 days prior to the scheduled release of financial results for the next fiscal quarter.

 

From time to time, the Company may also impose a trading ban or “blackout” period on Covered Persons and others who may be in possession of material, non-public information in order to suspend trading because of special circumstances relating to the Company, including developments known to the Company and not yet disclosed to the public. In such event, such persons shall not to engage in any transaction involving the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities during such period and should not disclose to others the facts of such suspension of trading.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Policy Administrator may waive the prohibitions contained herein in exceptional circumstances, provided that the individual seeking the waiver does not possess any material, non-public information concerning the Company and that making such an exception would not violate any applicable securities laws or stock exchange policies.

 

The foregoing restrictions respecting trading windows do not apply to approved Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.

 

VI. POLICY ADMINISTRATOR

 

The Company has appointed its Chief Financial Officer as the “Policy Administrator” for this Policy. The duties of the Policy Administrator include:

 

  assisting with the implementation and enforcement of this Policy;
     
  circulating this Policy to all directors, officers, employees and ensuring that this Policy is amended as necessary to remain up-to-date with insider trading laws;
     
  pre-clearing all trading in securities of the Company by Covered Persons as contemplated herein;
     
  providing approval of any Rule 10b5-1 or similar plans and any covered transactions during trading windows described herein;

 

VII. APPLICABILITY OF THIS POLICY TO EMPLOYEES’ FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

 

This Policy applies not only to Covered Persons but also to their respective spouses, minor children, other relatives who live in their households and trusts and similar entities with respect to which Covered Persons otherwise are beneficial owners or are trustees (each, a “Related Party”). For example:

 

1. a Related Party of a Covered Person may not purchase Company securities while the Covered Person is in possession of material, non-public information, even if the Covered Person does not actually “tip” the Related Party regarding such information; and
   
2. a Related Party is subject to the trading window restrictions set forth in this Policy. Covered Persons are expected to be responsible for the compliance with this Policy of their Related Parties.

 

VIII. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

 

Any Covered Person who becomes aware of a violation of this Policy should:

 

1. report the violation to the Policy Administrator; or
   
2. submit an anonymous report pursuant to the Company’s Whistleblower Policy.

 

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IX. INQUIRIES

 

If you have any questions about any of the matters discussed in this Policy, a particular transaction or proposed transaction or insider trading laws generally, please contact the Policy Administrator (described below). Advice from the Policy Administrator should not be regarded as investment advice or as a guarantee that your transaction will not violate insider trading laws. You are ultimately responsible for your compliance with this Policy and all applicable laws.

 

X. PENALTIES FOR INSIDER TRADING

 

A Covered Person’s failure to comply with this Policy may subject the Covered Person to Company-imposed sanctions, including dismissal, regardless of whether or not the Covered Person’s failure to comply with this Policy results in a violation of law. Persons who engage in insider trading and/or tipping by participating in any of the above-noted prohibited activities may be subject to:

 

1. sanctions under securities legislation, such as fines or penalties, or imprisonment, or both;
   
2. administrative sanctions under securities legislation, such as “cease trading orders”, denial of exemptions under securities legislation and prohibitions from acting as a director or officer of company; and
   
3. civil sanctions in which the securities regulatory authority applies to court for any order the court deems appropriate.

 

The person may be subject to the sanctions even where he or she did not profit financially from the insider trading and/or tipping. In addition to the above sanctions, civil actions can be brought against the trader or tipper for damages.

 

XI. CERTIFICATIONS

 

All Covered Persons are required to sign the attached acknowledgment and certification.

 

This Policy was reviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and approved by the Board on August 28p, 2023.

 

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Certification Under Insider Trading Policy

 

The undersigned does hereby acknowledge receipt of the Insider Trading Policy of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Policy”). The undersigned has read and understands (or has had explained) such Policy and agrees to be governed by such Policy at all times in connection with the purchase and sale of securities and the confidentiality of nonpublic information.

 

Date:     Signature  
         
      Name:  
         
      (Please Print)

 

 

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

 

Subsidiaries   Jurisdiction
     
     
     
US GoldMining Canada Inc   British Columbia, Canada

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT

 

The undersigned consents to being named as a Qualified Person in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”) being filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any amendments thereto, and to the reference to the undersigned in the Annual Report as having reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information contained therein.

 

February 21, 2024  
   
/s/ Tim Smith  
   
Tim Smith, P.Geo  

 

 

 .

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Sue Bird

 

The undersigned hereby consents to (i) the references to, and the information derived from, the technical report entitled “S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary Initial Assessment for the Whistler Project, South Central Alaska” with a date of issue of September 23, 2022, and revised date of issue of December 16, 2022; and (ii) the references, as applicable, to the undersigned’s name included in or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K being filed by U.S. GoldMining Inc. with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and any amendments thereto.

 

 /s/ Sue Bird  
   
Sue Bird, P. Eng.  
   
February 21, 2024  

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Tim Smith, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) of U.S. GoldMining Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Annual Report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Annual Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Annual Report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Annual Report is being prepared;
     
  (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Annual Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report based on such evaluation; and
     
  (c) Disclosed in this Annual Report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 21, 2024

 

By: /s/ Tim Smith  
  Tim Smith  
  President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Tyler Wong, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) of U.S. GoldMining Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this Annual Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Annual Report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Annual Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Annual Report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Annual Report is being prepared;
     
  (b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Annual Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report based on such evaluation; and
     
  (c) Disclosed in this Annual Report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     
  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 21, 2024

 

By: /s/ Tyler Wong  
  Tyler Wong  
  Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)  

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

 

This certification is furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) and accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) for the year ended November 30, 2023, of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”). I, Tim Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify that, based on my knowledge:

 

  (1) The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
  (2) The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in this report.

 

Date: February 21, 2024 By: /s/ Tim Smith
  Name: Tim Smith
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

This certification is furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) and accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) for the year ended November 30, 2023, of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”). I, Tyler Wong, the Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify that, based on my knowledge:

 

  (1) The Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
  (2) The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in this report.

 

Date: February 21, 2024 By: /s/ Tyler Wong
  Name: Tyler Wong
  Title: Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 95

 

Mine Safety Disclosure

 

The following disclosures are provided pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, which require certain disclosures by companies required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). We currently do not act as the owner of any mines but we may act as a mining operator as defined under the Mine Act in connection with our continued exploration or mining operations.

 

The following table provides information for the year ended November 30, 2023. Due to timing and other factors, the data below may not agree with the mine data retrieval system maintained by MSHA.

 

  Mine or Operation (1)  
  Whistler Project  
     
Total # of “Significant and Substantial” Violations Under §104(a)    
Total # of Orders Issued Under §104(b)    
Total # of Citations and Orders Issued Under §104(d)    
Total # of Flagrant Violations Under §110(b)    
Total # of Imminent Danger Orders Under §107(a)    
Total Amount of Proposed Assessments from MSHA under the Mine Act $         —  
Total # of Mining-Related Fatalities(1)    
Received Notice of Pattern of Violations under Section 104(e)   No  
Received Notice of Potential to have Patterns under Section 104(e)   No  
Pending Legal Actions    
Legal Actions Instituted    
Legal Actions Resolved    

 

 

(1) The definition of “mine” under section 3 of the Mine Act includes the mine, as well as roads, land, structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools, and minerals preparation facilities used in or resulting from the work of extracting minerals.

 

Additional information about the Act and MSHA references used in the table are as follows:

 

  Section 104(a) S&S Citations: Citations received from MSHA under section 104(a) of the Mine Act for violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard.
  Section 104(b) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 104(b) of the Mine Act, which represents a failure to abate a citation under section 104(a) within the period of time prescribed by MSHA. This results in an order of immediate withdrawal from the area of the mine affected by the condition until MSHA determines that the violation has been abated.
  Section 104(d) S&S Citations and Orders: Citations and orders issued by MSHA under section 104(d) of the Mine Act for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory, significant and substantial health or safety standards.
  Section 110(b)(2) Violations: Flagrant violations issued by MSHA under section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act.
  Section 107(a) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 107(a) of the Mine Act for situations in which MSHA determined an “imminent danger” (as defined by MSHA) existed.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 97.1

 

 

 

 

Clawback Policy

(Effective November 16, 2023)

 

 

 

Introduction

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of U.S. GoldMining Inc. (the “Company”) believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to create and maintain a culture that emphasizes integrity and accountability and that reinforces the Company’s compensation philosophy. The Board has therefore adopted this clawback policy (the “Policy”), as amended and restated as of the date hereof, which provides for the recoupment of certain executive compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws of the United States and in certain other cases of misconduct. This Policy is designed to comply with, and shall be interpreted to be consistent with Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 10D-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10D-1”) and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5608 (the “Listing Standards”).

 

Administration

 

This Policy shall be administered by the Board or, if so designated by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of the Board as the Board may deem appropriate (the “Committee”), in which case references herein to the Board shall be deemed references to the Committee. Any determinations made by the Board shall be final and binding on all affected individuals.

 

Covered Executives; Incentive Compensation

 

This Policy applies to Incentive Compensation received by a Covered Executive: (a) after beginning services as a Covered Executive; (b) if that person served as a Covered Executive at any time during the performance period for such Incentive Compensation; and (c) while the Company has a listed class of securities on a national securities exchange. A “Covered Executive” is any current and former executive officer of the Company as determined by the Board in accordance with the definition of “executive officer” set forth in Rule 10D-1 and the Listing Standards, and such other senior executives/employees who may from time to time be deemed by the Board and/or the Committee to be subject to the Policy.

 

Definitions

 

For the purposes of this Policy, the following defined terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Accounting Restatement” means an accounting restatement due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period.

 

 
 

 

 

 

Applicable Period” means the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, as well as any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years (except that a transition period that comprises a period of at least nine months shall count as a completed fiscal year). The “date on which the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement” is the earlier to occur of (a) the date the Board concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement or (b) the date a court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement, in each case regardless of if or when the restated financial statements are filed.

 

Erroneously Awarded Compensation” has the meaning ascribed to it under “Recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation” below.

 

Financial Reporting Measure” means any measure that is determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measure that is derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return (and any measures that are derived wholly or in part from stock price or total shareholder return) shall, for the purposes of this Policy, be considered financial reporting measures. For the avoidance of doubt, a Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented in the Company’s financial statements or included in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Financial Reporting Measures include, without limitation:

 

Company stock price;
Operating EBITDA or EBITDA (as may be defined by the Company from time to time);
Financial ratios;
Absolute and relative total shareholder return;
Net income;
Operating income;
Revenues;
Funds from operations;
Other earnings measures, such as earnings per share;
Liquidity measures such as working capital or operating cash flow;
Return measures such as return on invested capital, return on assets, return on investments and/or similar type measures; and
Any such Financial Reporting Measures relative to a peer group, where the Company’s Financial Reporting Measure is subject to an Accounting Restatement.

 

Incentive Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. Incentive Compensation is “received” for purposes of this Policy in the Company’s fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of such Incentive Compensation occurs after the end of that period.

 

 -2- 
 

 

 

Recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

 

In the event the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, the Company shall reasonably promptly recoup the Erroneously Awarded Compensation received by any Covered Executive, as calculated pursuant to this Policy, during the Applicable Period.

 

The amount of “Erroneously Awarded Compensation” subject to recovery under this Policy, as determined by the Board, is the amount of Incentive Compensation received by the Covered Executive that exceeds the amount of Incentive Compensation that would have been received by the Covered Executive had it been determined based on the restated amounts. Erroneously Awarded Compensation shall be computed by the Board without regard to any taxes paid by the Covered Executive in respect of the Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

 

In the case of Incentive Compensation based on (or derived from) the Company’s stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the applicable Accounting Restatement:

 

(a)the amount to be repaid or returned shall be determined by the Board based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the Company’s stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive Compensation was received; and
   
(b)the Company shall maintain documentation of the determination of such reasonable estimate and provide the relevant documentation as required to the Nasdaq.

 

Other Misconduct

 

In addition to recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation under other parts of this Policy, if: (a) the Company is required to undertake an Accounting Restatement as a result of Misconduct by a Covered Executive; or (b) the Board determines that a Covered Executive has engaged in Misconduct, then the Board may, in its sole discretion, take remedial action against such Covered Executive, including: (i) the recovery of any or all of the Recoverable Amounts that such Covered Executive was awarded and paid during the period commencing thirty-six (36) months immediately prior to the date of Misconduct and ending thirty-six (36) months following such Misconduct; (ii) the cancellation of some or all the Covered Executive’s then outstanding vested but unsettled equity or other incentive awards and outstanding unvested equity or other incentive awards; and (iii) the forfeiture of any Recoverable Amounts that have not yet become due or payable.

 

For purposes of Section, the following definitions will apply:

 

Misconduct” means the: (i) Covered Executive’s conviction of, or plea of no contest contendere to, a felony (excluding motor vehicle violations); (ii) the Covered Executive’s theft or embezzlement, or attempted theft or embezzlement, of money or property or assets of the Company; (iii) the Covered Executive’s commission of, or participation in, intentional acts of fraud or dishonesty that in either case results in material harm to the business or reputation of the Company; (iv) material breach by the Covered Executive of the Covered Executive’s employment agreement or any of the Company’s policies, including its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and that results in material harm to the reputation or business of the Company; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the Covered Executive’s duties; (vi) the Covered Executive’s intentional, material refusal to follow the lawful directions of the Board, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or their direct manager (other than as a result of physical or mental illness); or (vii) breach by the Covered Executive of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company, including, without limitation, engaging in competitive acts while employed by the Company.

 

 -3- 
 

 

 

 

Recoverable Amounts” means any: (i) equity compensation (including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units and any other equity awards) awarded under the Company’s equity or other long term incentive plans; and (ii) any severance or cash incentive-based compensation (other than base salary), in any case to the extent permitted under applicable law. Recoverable Amounts shall not include Erroneously Awarded Compensation that has been recouped pursuant to this Policy.

 

If the Board determines to seek recovery of Recoverable Amounts under this Section, the Board has the right to demand that the applicable Covered Executive repay such Recoverable Amounts to the Company. In addition, the Board may seek to recover any shares of common stock issued in connection with Recoverable Amounts and to require the Covered Executive to pay to the Company the proceeds resulting from the sale or other disposition of shares issued upon the exercise of options or the settlement or vesting of equity awards.

 

To the extent the Covered Executive does not reimburse the Company for the demanded Recoverable Amounts, the Company shall have the right to sue for repayment and enforce the repayment through the reduction or cancellation of outstanding and future incentive compensation, if applicable. To the extent any shares have been issued under vested awards or such shares have been sold by the Covered Executive, the Company shall have the right to cancel any other outstanding stock-based awards with a value equivalent to incentive compensation that the Board has determined should be subject to recoupment under this Section.

 

Method of Recoupment

 

The Board will determine, in its sole discretion, the timing and method for promptly recouping Erroneously Awarded Compensation or Recoverable Amounts hereunder, which may include, without limitation:

 

(a)requiring reimbursement of cash Incentive Compensation previously paid;

 

(b)seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise, settlement, sale, transfer or other disposition of any equity-based awards;

 

(c)offsetting the recouped amount from any compensation otherwise owed by the Company to the Covered Executive;

 

(d)cancelling outstanding vested or unvested equity awards; and/or

 

(e)taking any other remedial and recovery action permitted by law, as determined by the Board.

 

The Company is authorized and directed pursuant to this Policy to recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation in compliance with this Policy unless the Compensation Committee (or, in the absence of such committee, a majority of the independent directors) has determined that the recovery would be impracticable solely for the following limited reasons, and subject to the following procedural and disclosure requirements:

 

(a)the Compensation Committee (or, in the absence of such committee, a majority of the independent directors) has determined that the direct expenses paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered. Before making this determination, the Company must make a reasonable attempt to recover the Erroneously Awarded Compensation, documented such attempt(s) and provided such documentation to the Nasdaq; or

 

(b)recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the requirements of Section 401(a)(13) or Section 411(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder.

 

 -4- 
 

 

 

 

No Indemnification

 

The Company shall not indemnify any Covered Executives against the loss of any incorrectly awarded Incentive Compensation, including any payment or reimbursement for the cost of third-party insurance purchased by any Covered Executives to fund potential clawback obligations under this Policy.

 

Interpretation

 

The Board is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate or advisable for the administration of this Policy. It is intended that this Policy be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any other applicable law, regulation, rule or interpretations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the rules and standards of any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, including the Listing Standards.

 

Effective Date

 

This Policy shall be effective as of the date it is adopted by the Board (the “Effective Date”). The terms of this Policy shall apply to any Incentive Compensation or Recoverable Amounts that is received by the Covered Executives on or after the Effective Date (even if such compensation was granted prior to the Effective Date). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, and subject to applicable law, the Board may affect recovery under this Policy from any amount of compensation approved, awarded, granted, payable or paid to the Covered Executive prior to, on or after the Effective Date. To the extent Incentive Compensation or Recoverable Amounts received by Covered Executives prior to the Effective Date are not subject to this Policy, the Company’s applicable Clawback Policy for such periods shall continue to apply thereto.

 

Amendment; Termination

 

The Board may amend, modify, supplement, rescind or replace all or any portion of this Policy at any time and from time to time in its discretion, as may be allowed under applicable law, including Rule 10D-1 and the Listing Standards, and shall amend this Policy as it deems necessary to comply with applicable law, including Rule 10D-1 and any rules and standards adopted by an applicable stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, including the Listing Standards.

 

Other Recoupment Rights

 

The Board intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. The Board may require that any employment agreement, equity award agreement or similar agreement entered into on or after the Effective Date shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require a Covered Executive to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company pursuant to the terms of any similar policy in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, or similar agreement and any other legal remedies available to the Company.

 

This Policy does not preclude any other arrangements as agreed to between the Company and a Covered Executive, including an agreement to offset recoupment against future income to the extent permissible under applicable law and the rules and standards of any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, including the Listing Standards.

 

Successors

 

This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Covered Executives and their respective beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.

 

Mandatory Disclosure

 

A copy of this Policy and any amendments thereto shall be posted on the Company’s website and filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the event of an Accounting Restatement, the Company will disclose such information as may be required by applicable law, including Rule 10D-1 and the Listing Standards.

 

 -5- 
 

 

CLAWBACK POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

I, the undersigned, agree and acknowledge that I am fully bound by, and subject to, all of the terms and conditions of U.S. GoldMining Inc.’s Clawback Policy (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Policy”). In the event of any inconsistency between the Policy and the terms of any employment agreement to which I am a party, or the terms of any compensation plan, program or agreement under which any compensation has been granted, awarded, earned or paid, the terms of the Policy shall govern. In the event it is determined by the Board or Committee that any amounts granted, awarded, earned or paid to me must be forfeited or reimbursed to the Company, I will promptly take any action necessary to effectuate such forfeiture and/or reimbursement. Any capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning set forth in the Policy.

 

By:      
      Date
Name:      
       
Title:      

 

 

 

v3.24.0.1
Cover - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Feb. 21, 2024
May 31, 2023
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Nov. 30, 2023    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --11-30    
Entity File Number 001-41690    
Entity Registrant Name U.S. GOLDMINING INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001947244    
Entity Tax Identification Number 37-1792147    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NV    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1188 West Georgia Street    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 1830    
Entity Address, City or Town Vancouver    
Entity Address, State or Province BC    
Entity Address, Country CA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code V6E 4A2    
City Area Code (604)    
Local Phone Number 388-9788    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company true    
Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 32,936,644
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   12,398,709  
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Auditor Firm ID 1208    
Auditor Name Deloitte LLP    
Auditor Location Vancouver, Canada    
Common Share, par value $0.001 per share      
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share    
Trading Symbol USGO    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Warrants, each warrant exercisable for one share of Common Share at an exercise price of $13.00      
Title of 12(b) Security Warrants, each warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00    
Trading Symbol USGOW    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,401,338 $ 54,508
Restricted cash 86,870
Other receivables 115,113 68,000
Inventories 27,249
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs 375,933 107,111
Total current assets 12,006,503 229,619
Exploration and evaluation assets 31,392
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 135,728
Property and equipment, net 850,130
Total assets 13,023,753 229,619
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable 197,978 466,127
Accrued liabilities 112,048 26,922
Current portion of lease liabilities 17,268
Withholdings taxes payable 180,863 116,187
Income tax payable 4,918
Due to GoldMining 677,783
Total current liabilities 513,075 1,287,019
Lease liabilities 118,087
Asset retirement obligations 179,880 225,871
Total liabilities 811,042 1,512,890
Stockholders’ equity    
Common stock $0.001 par value: 300,000,000 shares authorized as at November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022; 12,398,709 and 10,135,001 shares issued and outstanding as at November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022 12,399 10,135
Additional paid-in capital 26,678,252 3,827,957
Accumulated deficit (14,477,940) (5,121,363)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) 12,212,711 (1,283,271)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 13,023,753 $ 229,619
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Sep. 22, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]      
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 300,000,000 300,000,000 10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 12,398,709 10,135,001  
Common stock, shares outstanding 12,398,709 10,135,001  
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Operating expenses    
Exploration expenses $ 5,054,500 $ 543,322
General and administrative expenses 4,670,248 1,172,810
Accretion 21,051 19,255
Depreciation 30,959
Total operating expenses 9,776,758 1,735,387
Loss from operations (9,776,758) (1,735,387)
Other income (expenses)    
Interest income 426,919
Foreign exchange loss (1,801) (3,270)
Net loss for the year before tax (9,351,640) (1,738,657)
Current income tax expense (4,937)
Net loss for the year $ (9,356,577) $ (1,738,657)
Loss per share    
Loss per share Basic $ (0.82) $ (0.17)
Loss per share Diluted $ (0.82) $ (0.17)
Weighted average shares outstanding    
Weighted average shares outstanding Basic [1] 11,480,346 9,937,248
Weighted average shares outstanding Diluted [1] 11,480,346 9,937,248
[1] The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Sep. 22, 2022
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Stock split ratio 2.714286-for-1    
Common stock, shares authorized 10,000,000 300,000,000 300,000,000
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Operating activities    
Net loss for the year $ (9,356,577) $ (1,738,657)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Accretion 21,051 19,255
Depreciation 30,959
Share-based compensation [1] 423,831 65,303
Non-cash lease expenses 10,735
Foreign exchange translation gain 1,616
Changes in operating assets and liabilities    
Inventories (27,249)
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs (307,963) (90,074)
Other receivables (47,113) (68,000)
Accounts payable (268,149) 466,102
Accrued liabilities 85,126 23,922
Income tax payable 4,918
Net cash used in operating activities (9,428,815) (1,322,149)
Investing activities    
Construction of camp structures (866,140)
Purchase of equipment (113,383)
Net cash used in investing activities (979,523)
Financing activities    
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriters’ fees and issuance costs 19,056,223
Proceeds from common shares issued for warrant exercise 3,363,204
Capital contributions from GoldMining 46,459 87,284
Withholding taxes on return of capital 53,935 (57,702)
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment 1,158,143
Advance from GoldMining 1,003,142 183,302
Repayment of advance from GoldMining (1,680,925)
Net cash provided by financing activities 21,842,038 1,371,027
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 11,433,700 48,878
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 54,508 5,630
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year 11,488,208 54,508
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Common share issuance costs included in prepaid expenses and deferred costs 26,416
Allocation of share-based compensation expenses from GoldMining 54,348 60,065
ARO change in estimates included in camp structures $ (98,434)
[1] During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation and management fees, salaries and benefits include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 16).
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($)
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Total
Balance at Nov. 30, 2021 $ 9,500 [1] $ 3,108,874 $ (3,382,706) $ (264,332)
Balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2021 [1] 9,500,001      
Performance based restricted shares issued $ 635 [1] (635)
Performance based restricted shares issued, shares [1] 635,000      
Return of capital [1] (1,096,343) (1,096,343)
Withholding taxes on return of capital [1] (173,889) (173,889)
Settlement of funding agreement [1] 1,837,363 1,837,363
Capital contributions from GoldMining [1] 87,284 87,284
Share-based compensation - performance based restricted shares [1] 5,238 5,238
Allocated from GoldMining [1] 60,065 60,065
Net loss for the year [1] (1,738,657) (1,738,657)
Balance at Nov. 30, 2022 $ 10,135 [1] 3,827,957 (5,121,363) (1,283,271)
Balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2022 [1] 10,135,001      
Withholding taxes on return of capital [1] (10,741) (10,741)
Capital contributions from GoldMining [1] 46,459 46,459
Allocated from GoldMining [1] 54,348 54,348
Net loss for the year [1] (9,356,577) (9,356,577)
Common stock        
Issued under initial public offering $ 2,000 [1] 18,206,955 18,208,955
Issued under initial public offering, shares [1] 2,000,000      
Underwriter fees and issuance costs [1] (883,311) (883,311)
Issued upon exercise of warrants $ 259 [1] 3,362,945 3,363,204
Issued upon exercise of warrants, shares [1] 258,708      
Warrants        
Issued in connnection with initial public offering [1] 1,791,045 1,791,045
Underwriter fees and issuance costs [1] (86,883) (86,883)
Share-based compensation        
Common stock issued for consulting services $ 5 [1] 65,695 65,700
Common stock issued for consulting services, shares [1] 5,000      
Amortization of share-based compensation [1] 303,783 303,783
Balance at Nov. 30, 2023 $ 12,399 [1] $ 26,678,252 $ (14,477,940) $ 12,212,711
Balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2023 [1] 12,398,709      
[1] The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).
v3.24.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Sep. 22, 2022
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Stock split ratio 2.714286-for-1    
Common stock, shares authorized 10,000,000 300,000,000 300,000,000
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
v3.24.0.1
Business
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Business  
Business

Note 1: Business

 

U.S. GoldMining Inc. (formerly BRI Alaska Corp.) (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Alaska as “BRI Alaska Corp.” on June 30, 2015. On September 8, 2022, the Company redomiciled from Alaska to Nevada and changed our name to “U.S. GoldMining Inc.”.

 

The Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of BRI Alaska Holdings Inc., a company organized under the laws of British Columbia (“BRI Alaska Holdings”), until September 23, 2022, which was at such time a wholly owned subsidiary of GoldMining Inc. (“GoldMining”), a mineral exploration and development company organized under the laws of Canada listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American. On September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings was dissolved, and the Company became a direct majority owned subsidiary of GoldMining. On April 24, 2023, the Company completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and its common stock and common stock purchase warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USGO” and “USGOW”, respectively. After the IPO, GoldMining continued to own a controlling interest in the Company of 9,622,491 shares of common stock and common stock purchase warrants to purchase up to 122,490 shares of common stock, representing approximately 79.3% of the outstanding shares of the Company. As of November 30, 2023, GoldMining owned 79.7% of the Company.

 

The Company is a mineral exploration company with a focus on the exploration and development of a project located in Alaska, USA. Our registered office is 3773 Howard Hughes Pkwy #500s Las Vegas, NV 89169 and our principal executive office address is 1188 West Georgia Street, Suite 1830, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4A2 and our head operating office address is 301 Calista Court, Suite 200, Office 203, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518.

 

Our primary asset is the 100%-owned Whistler exploration property (the “Whistler Project” or “Project”) located in Alaska, USA. Access to the Whistler Project area is by fixed wing aircraft to a gravel airstrip located adjacent to the Whistler Project exploration camp. We have not yet determined whether the Whistler Project contains mineral reserves where extraction is both technically feasible and commercially viable and have not determined whether the Whistler Project will be mined by open-pit or underground methods.

 

v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Our financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“$” or “dollars”) and the functional currency of the Company is the United States dollar.

 

The balance sheet as of November 30, 2022 and statements of operations, stockholder’s deficit and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2022 have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the year presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the comparative financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Therefore, these comparative financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the year presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of U.S. GoldMining Inc. and US GoldMining Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company from its incorporation on October 27, 2022. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that control ceases. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

 

All inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated through the consolidation process.

 

Management’s Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the years presented. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, share-based compensation, and allocation of expenses from GoldMining.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share includes no potential dilution and is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Common stockholder by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year.

 

The basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.

 

Segment Information

 

We have determined that we operate and report in one segment, which focuses on the exploration and development of mineral properties. Our operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) who is identified as our Chief Executive Officer. The majority of our non-current assets are located in Alaska, USA and with the remaining located in Vancouver, Canada.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at cost. The Company’s cash is held in Canada and the United States with large, reputable financial institutions and considers risk of unexpected loss to be unlikely.

 

Restricted cash includes cash that has been pledged for credit facilities which are not available for immediate disbursement.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Camp Structures  10 years 
Exploration equipment  5 years 
Vehicles  5 years 

 

Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property and equipment that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures are capitalized if the recognition criteria are satisfied. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the statements of operations as incurred.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company’s long-lived assets consist of exploration and evaluation assets and property and equipment. Management continually evaluates whether events or changes in circumstances might indicate that the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision, or that the remaining balance may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset (asset group). If the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charged is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Determination of the fair value would be based on generally accepted valuation methodologies, as deemed appropriate. If the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying amount of the asset is adjusted to the asset’s fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized immediately as an operating expense in the statement of operations. The adjusted carrying amount of the long-lived asset shall be its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis shall be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Reversal of previously recorded impairment losses are prohibited.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly. An impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash flows. The Company determined that there are not multiple independent cash flows, so the Company’s assets are assessed for impairment as a whole.

 

Mineral properties are subject to impairment tests, with one property representing an asset, or asset group. The Company currently has one mineral property, which is associated with the Whistler Project. An impairment review is undertaken when indicators of impairment arise. The Company considers the following to be examples of such indicators that would trigger an impairment review:

 

  The right to explore the area has expired or will expire in the near future with no expectation of renewal;
  Substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the area is neither planned nor budgeted;
  No commercially viable deposits have been discovered, and the decision had been made to discontinue exploration in the area; and
  Sufficient work has been performed to indicate that the carrying amount of the expenditure carried as an asset will not be fully recovered.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the useful life of the Company’s camp structures was determined to be 10 years after the renovation of existing fully depreciated camp structures and construction of additional facilities (Note 6). Management believed that no revision to the remaining useful lives of property and equipment or impairment of our long-lived assets was required.

 

Mineral Exploration Rights and Costs, Exploration, Evaluation and Development Expenditures

 

All direct costs related to the acquisition of exploration rights are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. There is no certainty that costs incurred to acquire exploration rights will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of minerals.

 

All cost recoveries attributable to selling economic interests in exploration rights, such as royalties, are credited against acquisition costs.

 

All other exploration and evaluation expenditures are charged to operations until such time as it has been determined that a property has economically recoverable reserves, in which case subsequent exploration and evaluation costs and the costs incurred to develop a property are capitalized into mineral properties. On the commencement of production, depletion of each mineral property will be provided on a units-of-production basis using estimated reserves as the depletion base.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

At the end of each period, asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) represents the present value of estimated future costs for the rehabilitation of our mineral properties. These estimates include assumptions as to the future activities, cost of services, timing of the rehabilitation work to be performed, inflation rates, exchange rates and risk-adjusted discount rate. The actual cost to rehabilitate a mineral property may vary from the estimated amounts because there are uncertainties in factors used to estimate the cost and potential changes in regulations or laws governing the rehabilitation of a mineral property. Management periodically reviews the rehabilitation requirements and adjusts the liability as new information becomes available and will assess the impact of new regulations and laws as they are enacted.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences, at the end of each reporting period, between the income tax bases of assets and liabilities and financial reporting basis.

 

Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is not more likely than not that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be realized. The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets reassessed at the end of each reporting period and is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the statements of comprehensive loss.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if, and only if, a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend to either settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

 

Leases

 

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. At contract inception, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. If a contract is determined to be or contain a lease, the lease is assessed for classification as either an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date, defined as the date on which the leased asset is made available for use by the Company, based on the economic characteristics of the lease. For each lease with a term greater than twelve months, the Company records a right-of-use asset and lease liability. A right-of-use asset represents the economic benefit conveyed to the Company by the right to use the underlying asset over the lease term. A lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company records amortization of operating right-of-use assets and accretion of lease liabilities as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date and calculated as the present value of the future lease payments in the contract using the rate implicit in the contract, when available. If an implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate measured as the rate at which the Company could borrow, on a fully collateralized basis, a commensurate loan in the same currency over a period consistent with the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets are measured as the lease liability plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, less lease incentives granted by the lessor. The lease term is measured as the noncancelable period in the contract, adjusted for any options to extend or terminate when it is reasonably certain the Company will extend the lease term via such options based on an assessment of economic factors present as of the lease commencement date. The Company elected the practical expedient to not recognize leases with a lease term of twelve months or less. The Company assesses its right-of-use assets for impairment consistent with the assessment performed for long-lived assets used in operations. If an impairment is recognized on operating lease right-of-use assets, the lease liability continues to be recognized using the same effective interest method as before the impairment and the operating lease right-of-use asset is amortized over the remaining term of the lease on a straight-line basis.

 

The Company’s operating leases are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, classified as noncurrent assets, and operating lease liabilities, classified as current and noncurrent liabilities based on the discounted lease payments to be made within the proceeding twelve months. Variable costs associated with a lease, such as maintenance and utilities, are not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets but rather are expensed when the events determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid have occurred.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories include materials and supplies, which are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Share-based Compensation

 

The Company grants stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

 

The fair value of the restricted shares is measured at the grant date and recognized over the period during which the restricted shares vest. When restricted shares are conditional upon the achievement of a performance condition, the Company estimates the length of the expected vesting period at grant date, based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of the restricted shares is determined based on the fair value of the common stock on the grant date, adjusted for lack of marketability discount, minority shareholder discount, and other applicable factors that are generally recognized by market participants.

 

The fair value of restricted shares is recognized as an expense over the vesting period based on the best available estimate of the number of restricted shares expected to vest and will revise that estimate if subsequent information indicates that the number of restricted shares expected to vest differs from previous estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency of our Company, including its subsidiary, is the United States dollar. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange translations and foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than our Company’s functional currency are included in the determination of net loss in the period.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs are unadjusted 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, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these balances.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, the amendments “improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, 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. The purpose of the amendments is to enable “investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance” and assess “potential future cash flows.” The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.

 

v3.24.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Note 3: Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:          
Cash at bank   $901,338   $54,508 
Term deposits    10,500,000    - 
Total   $11,401,338   $54,508 

 

    November 30, 2023    November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents  $11,401,338   $54,508 
Restricted cash   86,870    - 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $11,488,208   $54,508 

 

Restricted cash of $86,870 (2022: $nil) relates to the term deposits held by the bank as security for corporate credit cards.

 

v3.24.0.1
Other Receivables
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]  
Other Receivables

Note 4: Other Receivables

 

Other receivables consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Federal corporate tax receivable  $45,500   $45,500 
State of Alaska corporate tax receivable   -    22,500 
Interest receivable   67,224    - 
Other   2,389    - 
Total  $115,113   $68,000 

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

v3.24.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs

Note 5: Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs

 

Prepaid expenses and deferred costs consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Prepaid insurance  $186,014    7,000 
Prepaid corporate development expenses(1)   172,566    - 
Other prepaid expenses   17,353    5,179 
Deferred financing costs(2)   -    94,932 
Total  $375,933   $107,111 

 

  (1) Prepaid corporate development costs include fees prepaid to Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining Inc. (Note 16).
     
  (2) The deferred financing costs relate to the incremental share issue costs associated with the IPO, which were reallocated to share issuance costs upon completion of the IPO, and included in the additional paid-in capital in our financial statements.

 

v3.24.0.1
Property and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment

Note 6: Property and Equipment

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
 
Camp structures  $767,706   $(27,179)  $740,527   $    -   $    -   $                - 
Exploration equipment   52,846    (1,762)   51,084    -    -    - 
Vehicles   60,537    (2,018)   58,519    -    -    - 
   $881,089   $(30,959)  $850,130   $-   $-   $- 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the Company incurred $866,140 in costs related to the renovation of existing camp structures and construction of additional facilities for the Whistler Project. In July 2023, the camp structures were available for their intended use.

 

Prior to the current year additions, the existing camp structures, exploration equipment and vehicles were at the end of their useful lives and were fully amortized by the end of fiscal year 2020.

 

v3.24.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases

Note 7: Leases

 

In May 2023, the Company entered into a sublease agreement to lease a portion of an office premises in Vancouver, British Columbia with a term of 5.33 years. In September 2023, the headlease under which the company leased its office space was terminated by the landlord as it pertained to its sub-lessor. As a result, the Company’s sublease for the office space was terminated. In November 2023, the Company entered into a new lease directly with the landlord with a term of 4.88 years. As at November 30, 2023, the remaining lease term was 4.84 years and the discount rate was 11.34%.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Minimum future lease payments under operating leases with terms longer than one year are as follows:

 

      
Fiscal 2024   31,079 
Fiscal 2025   37,472 
Fiscal 2026   38,360 
Fiscal 2027   38,360 
Fiscal 2028   28,770 
Total lease payments   174,041 
Less: imputed interest   (38,686)
Present value of lease liabilities  $135,355 
      
Current portion of lease liabilities  $17,268 
Non-current portion of lease liabilities  $118,087 

 

During the years ended November 30 2023 and 2022, total lease expenses include the following components:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Operating Leases  $10,735   $- 
Short-term Leases   21,919    - 
Total Lease Expenses  $32,654   $- 

 

v3.24.0.1
Exploration and Evaluation Assets
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Exploration And Evaluation Assets  
Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Note 8: Exploration and Evaluation Assets

 

Exploration and evaluation assets for our Whistler Project consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $-   $417,123 
Settlement of Funding Commitment   -    (417,123)
Change in ARO estimate   31,392    - 
Balance, end of year  $31,392   $- 

 

On November 27, 2020, GoldMining agreed to cause us to issue a 1.0% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on our Whistler Project to Gold Royalty Corp. (“GRC”). The Company also assigned certain buyback rights relating to an existing third party royalty on the Whistler Project such that GRC has right to acquire a 0.75% NSR (including an area of interest) on the Whistler Project for $5,000,000 pursuant to such buyback rights.

 

Due to this transaction and our agreements with GoldMining, GoldMining received shares of GRC with a fair value of $2,570,700, and in turn GoldMining agreed to provide $2,570,700 (the “Funding Commitment”) to the Company for future qualifying expenditures under a funding agreement in consideration for us issuing the royalty to GRC.

 

On September 26, 2022 we agreed to fully settle the outstanding Funding Commitment of $2,254,486 against certain amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143 and a promissory note issued by us in the amount of $1,096,343 in connection with a return of capital of $1,096,343 declared by us in September 2022 to GoldMining. As a result, the exploration and evaluation asset was reduced to $nil and the remaining amount of the Funding Commitment in the amount of $1,837,163 was recorded to additional paid-in capital.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, exploration and evaluation assets increased $31,392 due to the change in ARO estimate (Note 10).

 

The following table presents costs incurred for exploration activities at the Whistler Project for the year ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Drilling  $1,694,952   $- 
Consulting fees   1,499,000    256,275 
Land fee, camp maintenance expenses   945,751    254,910 
Transportation and travel   547,942    29,887 
Other exploration expenses   366,855    2,250 
Total  $5,054,500   $543,322 

 

v3.24.0.1
General and Administrative Expenses
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
General And Administrative Expenses  
General and Administrative Expenses

Note 9: General and Administrative Expenses

 

The following table presents general and administrative expenses for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel(1)  $2,101,872   $55,036 
Professional fees   1,665,183    883,664 
Share-based compensation(2)   423,831    65,303 
Management fees, salaries and benefits(2)   300,767    157,925 
Filing, listing, dues and subscriptions   178,595    10,882 
Total  $4,670,248   $1,172,810 

 

  (1) Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel expenses include costs for Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining (Note 16).
     
  (2) During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation and management fees, salaries and benefits include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 16).

 

v3.24.0.1
Asset Retirement Obligations
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations

Note 10: Asset Retirement Obligations

 

The Whistler Project’s exploration activities are subject to the State of Alaska’s laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. The Whistler Project ARO is valued under the following assumptions:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows  $385,600   $235,000 
Life expectancy (years)   10    3 
Inflation rate   2.00%   2.00%
Discount rate   9.32% to 11.40%   9.32%

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the movements of the Company’s ARO:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $225,871   $206,616 
Accretion   21,051    19,255 
Change in estimate   (67,042)   - 
Balance, end of year  $179,880   $225,871 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the ARO for the Whistler Project was revised due to changes in the estimated timing of reclamation activities and updated assumptions regarding reclamation costs. The estimated future costs for the rehabilitation activities were updated for camp structures due to additional facilities constructed during the year and for the exploration and evaluation assets due to surface disturbance resulting from past exploration programs. The life expectancy of the ARO was extended to 10 years. The Company recorded a change in estimate to the ARO of $67,042, resulting in the corresponding camp structures being decreased by $98,434 (Note 6), and the exploration and evaluation assets being increased by $31,392 (Note 8), respectively.

 

v3.24.0.1
Capital Stock
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]  
Capital Stock

Note 11: Capital Stock

 

11.1 Initial Public Offering

 

On April 19, 2023, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Sprott Capital Partners LP (collectively, the “Underwriters”) for an offering of 2,000,000 units of the Company (the “Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of common stock and one common stock purchase warrant, and each common stock purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire a share of common stock at a price of $13.00 per share until April 24, 2026. On April 24, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), the Company issued 2,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. In connection with the IPO, the Company incurred securities issuance costs of $970,194, of which $650,000 represented cash fees paid to the Underwriters.

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO for total consideration of $1,224,900.

 

The net proceeds from the issuance of the Units were allocated to the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants on a relative fair value basis. Inputs used to calculate the relative fair value of the common stock and common stock purchase warrants are based on the quoted closing prices of the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the Closing Date of IPO. The allocation of the fair value of the Company’s common stock and common stock purchase warrants is as follows:

 

   ($) 
Fair value of common stock   18,208,955 
Fair value of common stock purchase warrants   1,791,045 
Total gross proceeds from the IPO   20,000,000 
      
Gross proceeds   20,000,000 
Common stock issuance costs   (883,311)
Common stock purchase warrant issuance costs   (86,883)
Net proceeds received   19,029,806 
      
Fair value allocation to:     
Common stock   17,325,644 
Common stock purchase warrants   1,704,162 
Total Fair Value Allocated to Shares and Warrants   19,029,806 

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

11.2 Common and Preferred Shares

 

On September 22, 2022, we filed a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Secretary of State of Nevada to effect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of the shares of our common stock, either issued and outstanding or held by the Company as treasury stock, effective as of such date (the “Stock Split”).

As a result of the Stock Split, every one share of issued and outstanding common stock was automatically split into 2.714286 issued and outstanding shares of common stock, without any change in the par value per share. No fractional shares were issued as a result of the Stock Split. The Stock Split increased the number of shares of common stock outstanding from 3,500,000 shares to 9,500,001 shares. Additionally, we changed: (a) the Company’s common stock par value from nil to $0.001 and increased the authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000; and (b) the Company’s preferred stock par value from nil to $0.001, and increased the authorized shares of preferred stock from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000.

 

On September 23, 2022, BRI Alaska Holdings transferred 100% of its shares in us to GoldMining and was dissolved.

 

On July 19, 2023, we issued 5,000 shares of common stock to a consultant in consideration for services under a consulting agreement.

 

As of November 30, 2023, there were 12,398,709 common stock issued and outstanding and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.

 

11.3 Restricted Shares

 

On September 23, 2022, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan (the “Legacy Incentive Plan”). The Legacy Incentive Plan only provides for the grant of restricted stock awards. The purpose of the Legacy Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the grant of the restricted stock awards is 1,000,000 shares of common stock in the Company.

 

On September 23, 2022, we granted awards of an aggregate of 635,000 shares of performance based restricted shares (the “Restricted Shares”) of common stock under the Legacy Incentive Plan to certain of our and GoldMining’s executive officers, directors and consultants, the terms of which were amended on May 4, 2023.

 

The Restricted Shares are subject to restrictions that, among other things, prohibit the transfer thereof until certain performance conditions are met. In addition, if such conditions are not met within applicable periods, the restricted shares will be deemed forfeited and surrendered by the holder thereof to us without the requirement of any further consideration. The performance conditions are as follows:

 

  (a) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not completed equity financing(s) in an aggregate amount of at least $15,000,000 prior to or concurrently with the earlier of: (i) the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award; and (ii) the occurrence of a liquidation event, as such term is defined in the Legacy Incentive Plan, or any merger with or sale of our outstanding shares or all or substantially all of our assets to a third-party, referred to as an “Exit Transaction”, provided that, for greater certainty, the following shall not be considered an Exit Transaction: (A) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation of our business with or into a related entity; (B) a transaction undertaken solely for the purpose of changing our place of domicile or jurisdiction of incorporation; (C) an equity financing; and (D) completion of an initial public offering, spin-off from GoldMining or other going public transaction, referred to as an “IPO Event” (condition met);
     
  (b) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, an IPO Event has not occurred that values our business at a minimum of $100,000,000 prior to the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

  (c) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if the recipient of such award ceases to be our or our affiliates’ director, officer, employee or consultant, as applicable, at any time during the period from the date of grant of such award until the date that is two years after the date of grant;
     
  (d) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not re-established the Whistler Project camp and performed of a minimum of 10,000 meters of drilling prior to the date that is three years after the date of grant of such award;
     
  (e) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $15.00 prior to the date that is four years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);
     
  (f) with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a $250,000,000 market capitalization, based on the number of shares of our outstanding common stock multiplied by the volume-weighted average price for any applicable five (5) consecutive trading day period on the principal stock exchange on which our common stock is listed prior to the date that is five years after the date of grant of such award; or
     
  (g)

with respect to 10% of the performance based restricted common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $25.00 prior to the date that is six years after the date of grant of such award.

 

Upon satisfaction of the conditions referenced in both (f) and (g) above (regardless of whether they occur simultaneously or consecutively), all of the unvested Restricted Shares will be 100% vested and will be deemed Released Stock.

 

In the event the Company files the disclosure specified in Subpart 1300 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-K Report with the SEC or the disclosure specified in Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Products, to the relevant Canadian securities regulator (the “Securities Filing”) that includes, in either disclosure, an aggregate estimate of mineral resources for the Whistler Project or any other project owned or operated by the Company of 3,000,000 additional gold or gold equivalent ounces from the amount reported on the disclosure specified in the Company’s Subpart 1300 of the SEC Regulation S-K Report dated September 22, 2022, 190,500 shares of the Restricted Shares will be deemed Released Shares as of the date of such Securities Filing (or if such amount exceeds the number of shares of Restricted Shares that have not yet become Released Shares at the time, such lesser number of shares of Restricted Shares) reducing, on a proportional basis, the number of unvested shares of Restricted Shares subject to each vesting condition.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized share-based compensation expenses of $48,756 and $5,238, respectively, related to the Restricted Shares.

 

11.4 Share Purchase Warrants

 

A continuity schedule of our outstanding share purchase warrants for the year ended November 30, 2023, is as follows:

 

   Number of
Warrants
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Common stock purchase warrants issued at the IPO   2,000,000    13.00 
Exercised   (258,708)   13.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   1,741,292   $13.00 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, share purchase warrants were exercised for a total of $3,363,204. The number of common stock purchase warrants outstanding as at November 30, 2023 was 1,741,292 warrants at an exercise price of $13.00 per share and with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.40 years.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

11.5 Stock Options

 

On February 6, 2023, the Company adopted a long term incentive plan (“2023 Incentive Plan”). The purpose of the 2023 Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive for employees, directors and certain consultants and advisors of the Company or its subsidiaries to remain in the service of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2023 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance awards, restricted stock awards and other cash and equity-based awards. The aggregate number shares of common stock issuable under the 2023 Incentive Plan in respect of awards shall not exceed 10% of the common stock issued and outstanding.

 

On May 4, 2023, the Company granted 82,500 stock options at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant and will vest as follows: (a) 25% on the grant date; and (b) 25% on each of the dates that are 6, 12 and 18 months thereafter. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.47%, expected life of 3 years, expected dividend yield of 0%, estimated forfeiture rate of 0% and expected volatility of 61.34%. As there is limited trading history of the Company’s common stock prior to the date of grant, the expected volatility is based on the historical share price volatility of a group of comparable companies in the sector the Company operates over a period similar to the expected life of the stock options. The grant-date fair value of stock options granted was $4.18 per share.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during this year:

 

   Number of
Stock Options
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Granted   82,500    10.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   82,500   $10.00 

 

As at November 30, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value under the provisions of ASC 718 of all outstanding stock options was $nil. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion of stock options totaled $89,852 to be recognized over the next 0.74 years.

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses of $255,027 and $nil, respectively, for the stock options granted.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

v3.24.0.1
Net Loss Per Share
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Loss per share  
Net Loss Per Share

Note 12: Net Loss Per Share

 

The following table provides reconciliation between earnings per share of common stock:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year Ended November 30 
   2023   2022 
Numerator        
Net loss for the year  $(9,356,577)  $(1,738,657)
           
Denominator          
Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted   11,480,346    9,937,248 
           
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.82)  $(0.17)

 

The basic and diluted net loss per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.

 

The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, includes stock options (82,500 outstanding as at November 30, 2023, nil as at November 30, 2022) and warrants (1,741,292 outstanding as at November 30, 2023, nil as at November 30, 2022), have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect would be to reduce the net loss per share. Therefore, the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is the same.

 

v3.24.0.1
Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]  
Financial Instruments

Note 13: Financial Instruments

 

Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

 

The financial risks arising from the Company’s operations are credit risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. These risks arise from the normal course of operations and all transactions undertaken are to support our ability to continue as a going concern. The risks associated with these financial instruments and the policies on how we mitigate these risks are set out below. Management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented in a timely and effective manner.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company’s credit risk is primarily associated with our bank balances. We mitigate credit risk associated with its bank balances by holding cash with large, reputable financial institutions.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to settle or manage its obligations associated with financial liabilities. To manage liquidity risk, the Company closely monitors its liquidity position to ensure it has adequate sources of funding to finance its projects and operations. We had working capital as at November 30, 2023 of $11,493,428. Our accounts payable, accrued liabilities, current portion of lease liabilities, withholding taxes payable, and income tax payable are expected to be realized or settled within a one-year period.

 

We have not generated any revenue from operations and the only sources of financing to date have been through advances from GoldMining and the IPO. Our ability to meet our obligations and finance exploration activities depends on our ability to generate cash flow through the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to private placements and short-term or long-term loans. Capital markets may not be receptive to offerings of new equity from treasury or debt, whether by way of private placements or public offerings. This may be further complicated by the limited liquidity for our common stock, restricting access to some institutional investors. Our growth and success is dependent on external sources of financing which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

The Company believes that the existing cash on hand will enable us to meet our working capital requirements for the next twelve months commencing from the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Currency Risk

 

We report our financial statements in U.S. dollars. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when it undertakes transactions and holds assets and liabilities in currencies other than our functional currency. Financial instruments that impact our net loss due to currency fluctuations include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities which are denominated in Canadian dollars. The impact of a U.S. dollar change against Canadian dollars of 10% would have an impact of approximately $233 on net loss for the year ended November 30, 2023.

 

v3.24.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies

 

Payments Required to Maintain the Whistler Project

 

The Company is required to make annual land payments to the Department of Natural Resources of Alaska in the amount of $230,605 in 2024 and thereafter, to keep the Whistler Project in good standing. Additionally, we have an annual labor requirement of $135,200 for 2024 and thereafter, for which a cash-in-lieu payment equal to the value of the annual labor requirement may be made instead. The Company has excess labor carry forwards of $167,674 expiring in 2026 and $1,766,156 expiring in 2027, of which up to $135,200 can be applied each year to the Company’s annual labor requirements.

 

Future Commitments

 

In August 2015, the Company acquired rights to the Whistler Project and associated equipment pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among the Company, GoldMining, Kiska Metals Corporation (“Kiska”) and Geoinformatics Alaska Exploration Inc (“Geoinformatics”). Pursuant to such agreement, the Company assumed an obligation on the Whistler Project pursuant to a royalty purchase agreement between Kiska, Geoinformatics, and MF2, LLC (“MF2”), dated December 16, 2014. This agreement granted MF2 a 2.75% NSR royalty over the Whistler Project area, and, extending outside the current claims, over an area of interest defined by certain maximum historical extent of claims held on the Whistler Project.

 

In June 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Equity Geoscience, Ltd. for the management of an exploration program for the Whistler Project. The agreement includes an approved work order totaling $5,255,500, for the period of June 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 which may be paused, postponed or terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. As at November 30, 2023, the Company has paid $5,066,720 towards the approved work order.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

v3.24.0.1
Income Tax
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Tax

Note 15: Income Tax

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the combined federal and state statutory rate to the provision for income taxes as shown in the statements of operations for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Federal income tax provision rate   21.00%   21.00%
State income tax provision rate, net of federal tax   7.43%   7.43%
    28.43%   28.43%

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Net loss for the year before tax  $(9,351,640)  $(1,738,657)
Statutory federal income rate   21.00%   21.00%
Recovery of income taxes at statutory rates  $(1,963,844)  $(365,118)
State tax   (696,186)   (129,182)
Permanent differences   448,615    525,401 
Adjustments to valuation allowance related to prior years   58,886    - 
Change in valuation allowance   2,157,466    (31,101)
Other   -    - 
Tax expense for the year  $4,937   $- 

 

Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized are attributable to the following:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Non-capital loss carry-forward  $2,453,215   $652,677 
Resource properties   446,198    90,923 
Equipment   59,110    58,741 
Others   7,707    6,423 
Deferred income tax assets   2,966,230    808,764 
Valuation allowance   (2,966,230)   (808,764)
Deferred income tax assets  $-   $- 

 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in the financial statements, as management does not consider it more likely than not that those assets will be realized in the near future.

 

The Company has non-capital federal losses which may be carried forward to reduce taxable income in future years. As at November 30, 2023, the Company has non-capital losses of $8,628,966 in the United States of which $897,219 will expire between 2034 and 2037 and $7,731,747 may be carried forward indefinitely.

 

Our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:

 

      
November 30, 2034  $46,930 

November 30, 2035

   289,455 

November 30, 2036

   283,286 

November 30, 2037

   277,548 
Indefinite   7,731,747 
Total  $8,628,966 

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

v3.24.0.1
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions

Note 16: Related Party Transactions

 

During the years presented, we shared personnel, including key management personnel, office space, equipment, and various administrative services with other companies, including GoldMining. Costs incurred by GoldMining were allocated between its related subsidiaries based on an estimate of time incurred and use of services and are charged at cost. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, the allocated costs from GoldMining to the Company were $100,807 and $147,349, respectively. Out of the allocated costs, $54,348 and $60,065 for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were noncash share-based compensation costs. The allocated costs from GoldMining were treated as a capital contribution, as there is no obligation or intent regarding the repayment of such amounts by the Company.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2023, the amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,003,142. In May 2023, the Company repaid GoldMining $1,680,925, for amounts previously advanced to the Company. The amount paid represented the full amount of the outstanding loan from GoldMining at the time. For the year ended November 30, 2022, repayable amounts advanced to us and paid on our behalf by GoldMining totaled $1,341,445, of which $1,158,143 was settled against the Funding Commitment (Note 8). As at November 30, 2023, the loan payable to GoldMining Inc. was $nil ($677,783 as at November 30, 2022).

 

For the year ended November 30, 2022, the Company declared a return of capital to GoldMining of $1,096,343, which resulted in federal withholding taxes payable of $173,889, of which $57,702 was paid during the year ended November 30, 2022. Pursuant to the return of capital, a note payable was issued to GoldMining in the amount of $1,096,343, which was subsequently retired as a part of the settlement of the remaining Funding Commitment to the Company in the amount of $2,254,486, which included the settlement of amounts previously advanced by GoldMining to us in the amount of $1,158,143 (Note 8).

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, our board of directors approved a service agreement with Blender Media Inc. (“Blender”), a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we incurred $233,978 and $16,957, respectively, in general and administrative costs, paid to Blender for various services, including information technology, corporate branding, advertising, media, website design, maintenance and hosting, provided by Blender to the Company and are within industry standards. As at November 30, 2023, prepaid expenses and deferred costs included service fees prepaid to Blender in the amount of $169,899 (November 30, 2022: $Nil). (Note 5).

 

During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation costs included $31,127 and $3,516, respectively, in amounts incurred for the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining for performance based Restricted Shares granted in September 2022 (Note 11.3).

 

GoldMining acquired 122,490 Units in the IPO at a price of $10 per Unit for a total consideration of $1,224,900 (Note 11.1).

 

Related party transactions are based on the amounts agreed to by the parties. During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, we did not enter into any contracts or undertake any commitment or obligation with any related parties other than as described herein.

v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Our financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“$” or “dollars”) and the functional currency of the Company is the United States dollar.

 

The balance sheet as of November 30, 2022 and statements of operations, stockholder’s deficit and cash flows for the year ended November 30, 2022 have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis to include allocations of certain assets, liabilities and expenses related to services and support functions from GoldMining, which were allocated on a pro-rata basis considered by GoldMining to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to us for the year presented. Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the comparative financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Therefore, these comparative financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would be attained if we had operated as a separate legal entity during the year presented and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Consolidation

Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of U.S. GoldMining Inc. and US GoldMining Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company from its incorporation on October 27, 2022. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that control ceases. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

 

All inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated through the consolidation process.

 

Management’s Use of Estimates

Management’s Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the years presented. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgments and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management uses historical experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under given circumstances as the basis for its judgments and estimates. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, share-based compensation, and allocation of expenses from GoldMining.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share includes no potential dilution and is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Common stockholder by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year.

 

The basic and diluted net income (loss) per share are the same as the Company is in a net loss position.

 

Segment Information

Segment Information

 

We have determined that we operate and report in one segment, which focuses on the exploration and development of mineral properties. Our operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) who is identified as our Chief Executive Officer. The majority of our non-current assets are located in Alaska, USA and with the remaining located in Vancouver, Canada.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at cost. The Company’s cash is held in Canada and the United States with large, reputable financial institutions and considers risk of unexpected loss to be unlikely.

 

Restricted cash includes cash that has been pledged for credit facilities which are not available for immediate disbursement.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Camp Structures  10 years 
Exploration equipment  5 years 
Vehicles  5 years 

 

Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property and equipment that is accounted for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures are capitalized if the recognition criteria are satisfied. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the statements of operations as incurred.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Company’s long-lived assets consist of exploration and evaluation assets and property and equipment. Management continually evaluates whether events or changes in circumstances might indicate that the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived assets may warrant revision, or that the remaining balance may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset (asset group). If the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charged is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Determination of the fair value would be based on generally accepted valuation methodologies, as deemed appropriate. If the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying amount of the asset is adjusted to the asset’s fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized immediately as an operating expense in the statement of operations. The adjusted carrying amount of the long-lived asset shall be its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis shall be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Reversal of previously recorded impairment losses are prohibited.

 

Exploration and evaluation assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly. An impairment loss is recognized in the statement of operations.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash flows. The Company determined that there are not multiple independent cash flows, so the Company’s assets are assessed for impairment as a whole.

 

Mineral properties are subject to impairment tests, with one property representing an asset, or asset group. The Company currently has one mineral property, which is associated with the Whistler Project. An impairment review is undertaken when indicators of impairment arise. The Company considers the following to be examples of such indicators that would trigger an impairment review:

 

  The right to explore the area has expired or will expire in the near future with no expectation of renewal;
  Substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the area is neither planned nor budgeted;
  No commercially viable deposits have been discovered, and the decision had been made to discontinue exploration in the area; and
  Sufficient work has been performed to indicate that the carrying amount of the expenditure carried as an asset will not be fully recovered.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

During the year ended November 30, 2023, the useful life of the Company’s camp structures was determined to be 10 years after the renovation of existing fully depreciated camp structures and construction of additional facilities (Note 6). Management believed that no revision to the remaining useful lives of property and equipment or impairment of our long-lived assets was required.

 

Mineral Exploration Rights and Costs, Exploration, Evaluation and Development Expenditures

Mineral Exploration Rights and Costs, Exploration, Evaluation and Development Expenditures

 

All direct costs related to the acquisition of exploration rights are capitalized on a property-by-property basis. There is no certainty that costs incurred to acquire exploration rights will result in discoveries of commercial quantities of minerals.

 

All cost recoveries attributable to selling economic interests in exploration rights, such as royalties, are credited against acquisition costs.

 

All other exploration and evaluation expenditures are charged to operations until such time as it has been determined that a property has economically recoverable reserves, in which case subsequent exploration and evaluation costs and the costs incurred to develop a property are capitalized into mineral properties. On the commencement of production, depletion of each mineral property will be provided on a units-of-production basis using estimated reserves as the depletion base.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

At the end of each period, asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) represents the present value of estimated future costs for the rehabilitation of our mineral properties. These estimates include assumptions as to the future activities, cost of services, timing of the rehabilitation work to be performed, inflation rates, exchange rates and risk-adjusted discount rate. The actual cost to rehabilitate a mineral property may vary from the estimated amounts because there are uncertainties in factors used to estimate the cost and potential changes in regulations or laws governing the rehabilitation of a mineral property. Management periodically reviews the rehabilitation requirements and adjusts the liability as new information becomes available and will assess the impact of new regulations and laws as they are enacted.

 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences, at the end of each reporting period, between the income tax bases of assets and liabilities and financial reporting basis.

 

Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is not more likely than not that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be realized. The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets reassessed at the end of each reporting period and is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the statements of comprehensive loss.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if, and only if, a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend to either settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

 

Leases

Leases

 

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. At contract inception, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease. A lease conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. If a contract is determined to be or contain a lease, the lease is assessed for classification as either an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date, defined as the date on which the leased asset is made available for use by the Company, based on the economic characteristics of the lease. For each lease with a term greater than twelve months, the Company records a right-of-use asset and lease liability. A right-of-use asset represents the economic benefit conveyed to the Company by the right to use the underlying asset over the lease term. A lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company records amortization of operating right-of-use assets and accretion of lease liabilities as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease liabilities are measured at the lease commencement date and calculated as the present value of the future lease payments in the contract using the rate implicit in the contract, when available. If an implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate measured as the rate at which the Company could borrow, on a fully collateralized basis, a commensurate loan in the same currency over a period consistent with the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets are measured as the lease liability plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, less lease incentives granted by the lessor. The lease term is measured as the noncancelable period in the contract, adjusted for any options to extend or terminate when it is reasonably certain the Company will extend the lease term via such options based on an assessment of economic factors present as of the lease commencement date. The Company elected the practical expedient to not recognize leases with a lease term of twelve months or less. The Company assesses its right-of-use assets for impairment consistent with the assessment performed for long-lived assets used in operations. If an impairment is recognized on operating lease right-of-use assets, the lease liability continues to be recognized using the same effective interest method as before the impairment and the operating lease right-of-use asset is amortized over the remaining term of the lease on a straight-line basis.

 

The Company’s operating leases are presented in the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets, classified as noncurrent assets, and operating lease liabilities, classified as current and noncurrent liabilities based on the discounted lease payments to be made within the proceeding twelve months. Variable costs associated with a lease, such as maintenance and utilities, are not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets but rather are expensed when the events determining the amount of variable consideration to be paid have occurred.

 

Inventories

Inventories

 

Inventories include materials and supplies, which are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Share-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation

 

The Company grants stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options. The fair value of stock options granted to employees is recognized as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, provides services that could be provided by a direct employee, or has authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including non-executive directors. The fair value is measured at grant date and recognized over the period during which the options vest. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.

 

The fair value of the restricted shares is measured at the grant date and recognized over the period during which the restricted shares vest. When restricted shares are conditional upon the achievement of a performance condition, the Company estimates the length of the expected vesting period at grant date, based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition. The fair value of the restricted shares is determined based on the fair value of the common stock on the grant date, adjusted for lack of marketability discount, minority shareholder discount, and other applicable factors that are generally recognized by market participants.

 

The fair value of restricted shares is recognized as an expense over the vesting period based on the best available estimate of the number of restricted shares expected to vest and will revise that estimate if subsequent information indicates that the number of restricted shares expected to vest differs from previous estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency of our Company, including its subsidiary, is the United States dollar. Net gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange translations and foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than our Company’s functional currency are included in the determination of net loss in the period.

 

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

 

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

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs are unadjusted 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, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

 

The carrying value of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these balances.

 

 

U.S. GOLDMINING INC.

(formerly BRI Alaska Corp.)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Management has assessed and concluded there is no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, the amendments “improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, 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. The purpose of the amendments is to enable “investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance” and assess “potential future cash flows.” The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.

v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Equipment

Camp Structures  10 years 
Exploration equipment  5 years 
Vehicles  5 years 
v3.24.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:          
Cash at bank   $901,338   $54,508 
Term deposits    10,500,000    - 
Total   $11,401,338   $54,508 
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

    November 30, 2023    November 30, 2022 
Cash and cash equivalents  $11,401,338   $54,508 
Restricted cash   86,870    - 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $11,488,208   $54,508 
v3.24.0.1
Other Receivables (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Receivables

Other receivables consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Federal corporate tax receivable  $45,500   $45,500 
State of Alaska corporate tax receivable   -    22,500 
Interest receivable   67,224    - 
Other   2,389    - 
Total  $115,113   $68,000 
v3.24.0.1
Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs

Prepaid expenses and deferred costs consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Prepaid insurance  $186,014    7,000 
Prepaid corporate development expenses(1)   172,566    - 
Other prepaid expenses   17,353    5,179 
Deferred financing costs(2)   -    94,932 
Total  $375,933   $107,111 

 

  (1) Prepaid corporate development costs include fees prepaid to Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining Inc. (Note 16).
     
  (2) The deferred financing costs relate to the incremental share issue costs associated with the IPO, which were reallocated to share issuance costs upon completion of the IPO, and included in the additional paid-in capital in our financial statements.
v3.24.0.1
Property and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
   Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
   Net Book
Value
 
Camp structures  $767,706   $(27,179)  $740,527   $    -   $    -   $                - 
Exploration equipment   52,846    (1,762)   51,084    -    -    - 
Vehicles   60,537    (2,018)   58,519    -    -    - 
   $881,089   $(30,959)  $850,130   $-   $-   $- 
v3.24.0.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Operating Lease Payments

Minimum future lease payments under operating leases with terms longer than one year are as follows:

 

      
Fiscal 2024   31,079 
Fiscal 2025   37,472 
Fiscal 2026   38,360 
Fiscal 2027   38,360 
Fiscal 2028   28,770 
Total lease payments   174,041 
Less: imputed interest   (38,686)
Present value of lease liabilities  $135,355 
      
Current portion of lease liabilities  $17,268 
Non-current portion of lease liabilities  $118,087 
Schedule of Total lease Payments

During the years ended November 30 2023 and 2022, total lease expenses include the following components:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Operating Leases  $10,735   $- 
Short-term Leases   21,919    - 
Total Lease Expenses  $32,654   $- 

 

v3.24.0.1
Exploration and Evaluation Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Exploration And Evaluation Assets  
Schedule of Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Exploration and evaluation assets for our Whistler Project consist of the following:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $-   $417,123 
Settlement of Funding Commitment   -    (417,123)
Change in ARO estimate   31,392    - 
Balance, end of year  $31,392   $- 

Schedule of Exploration and Evaluation Expenses

The following table presents costs incurred for exploration activities at the Whistler Project for the year ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Drilling  $1,694,952   $- 
Consulting fees   1,499,000    256,275 
Land fee, camp maintenance expenses   945,751    254,910 
Transportation and travel   547,942    29,887 
Other exploration expenses   366,855    2,250 
Total  $5,054,500   $543,322 
v3.24.0.1
General and Administrative Expenses (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
General And Administrative Expenses  
Schedule of General And Administrative Expenses

The following table presents general and administrative expenses for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel(1)  $2,101,872   $55,036 
Professional fees   1,665,183    883,664 
Share-based compensation(2)   423,831    65,303 
Management fees, salaries and benefits(2)   300,767    157,925 
Filing, listing, dues and subscriptions   178,595    10,882 
Total  $4,670,248   $1,172,810 

 

  (1) Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel expenses include costs for Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining (Note 16).
     
  (2) During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation and management fees, salaries and benefits include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 16).
v3.24.0.1
Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations Value Assumptions

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows  $385,600   $235,000 
Life expectancy (years)   10    3 
Inflation rate   2.00%   2.00%
Discount rate   9.32% to 11.40%   9.32%
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations

The following table summarizes the movements of the Company’s ARO:

 

   November 30, 2023   November 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of year  $225,871   $206,616 
Accretion   21,051    19,255 
Change in estimate   (67,042)   - 
Balance, end of year  $179,880   $225,871 
v3.24.0.1
Capital Stock (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Allocation of Fair Value of Common Shares and Common Share Purchase Warrants

   ($) 
Fair value of common stock   18,208,955 
Fair value of common stock purchase warrants   1,791,045 
Total gross proceeds from the IPO   20,000,000 
      
Gross proceeds   20,000,000 
Common stock issuance costs   (883,311)
Common stock purchase warrant issuance costs   (86,883)
Net proceeds received   19,029,806 
      
Fair value allocation to:     
Common stock   17,325,644 
Common stock purchase warrants   1,704,162 
Total Fair Value Allocated to Shares and Warrants   19,029,806 
Schedule of Outstanding Share Purchase Warrants

   Number of
Warrants
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Common stock purchase warrants issued at the IPO   2,000,000    13.00 
Exercised   (258,708)   13.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   1,741,292   $13.00 
Schedule of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during this year:

 

   Number of
Stock Options
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Balance, November 30, 2022   -   $- 
Granted   82,500    10.00 
Balance, November 30, 2023   82,500   $10.00 
v3.24.0.1
Net Loss Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Loss per share  
Schedule of Earnings Per Common Share

The following table provides reconciliation between earnings per share of common stock:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year Ended November 30 
   2023   2022 
Numerator        
Net loss for the year  $(9,356,577)  $(1,738,657)
           
Denominator          
Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted   11,480,346    9,937,248 
           
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.82)  $(0.17)
v3.24.0.1
Income Tax (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Effective Tax Rate

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the combined federal and state statutory rate to the provision for income taxes as shown in the statements of operations for the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Federal income tax provision rate   21.00%   21.00%
State income tax provision rate, net of federal tax   7.43%   7.43%
    28.43%   28.43%

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Net loss for the year before tax  $(9,351,640)  $(1,738,657)
Statutory federal income rate   21.00%   21.00%
Recovery of income taxes at statutory rates  $(1,963,844)  $(365,118)
State tax   (696,186)   (129,182)
Permanent differences   448,615    525,401 
Adjustments to valuation allowance related to prior years   58,886    - 
Change in valuation allowance   2,157,466    (31,101)
Other   -    - 
Tax expense for the year  $4,937   $- 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets

Deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized are attributable to the following:

 

   2023   2022 
   Year ended November 30, 
   2023   2022 
Non-capital loss carry-forward  $2,453,215   $652,677 
Resource properties   446,198    90,923 
Equipment   59,110    58,741 
Others   7,707    6,423 
Deferred income tax assets   2,966,230    808,764 
Valuation allowance   (2,966,230)   (808,764)
Deferred income tax assets  $-   $- 
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards

Our U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:

 

      
November 30, 2034  $46,930 

November 30, 2035

   289,455 

November 30, 2036

   283,286 

November 30, 2037

   277,548 
Indefinite   7,731,747 
Total  $8,628,966 
v3.24.0.1
Business (Details Narrative) - shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 24, 2023
Nov. 30, 2023
Apr. 23, 2023
Common Stock [Member]      
Controlling interest of shares [1]   2,000,000  
GoldMining Inc [Member]      
Controlling interest of shares 9,622,491    
Ownership percentage   79.70% 79.30%
GoldMining Inc [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Number of warrants issued 122,490    
[1] The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Equipment (Details)
Nov. 30, 2023
Camp Structures [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 10 years
Exploration and Production Equipment [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 5 years
Vehicles [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 5 years
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Narrative)
Nov. 30, 2023
Camp Structures [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 10 years
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]    
Cash at bank $ 901,338 $ 54,508
Term deposits 10,500,000
Total $ 11,401,338 $ 54,508
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,401,338 $ 54,508
Restricted cash 86,870
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 11,488,208 $ 54,508
v3.24.0.1
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]    
Restricted cash $ 86,870
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Other Receivables (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Receivables [Abstract]    
Federal corporate tax receivable $ 45,500 $ 45,500
State of Alaska corporate tax receivable 22,500
Interest receivable 67,224
Other 2,389
Total $ 115,113 $ 68,000
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Costs (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Prepaid insurance $ 186,014 $ 7,000
Prepaid corporate development expenses [1] 172,566
Other prepaid expenses 17,353 5,179
Deferred financing costs [2] 94,932
Total $ 375,933 $ 107,111
[1] Prepaid corporate development costs include fees prepaid to Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining Inc. (Note 16).
[2] The deferred financing costs relate to the incremental share issue costs associated with the IPO, which were reallocated to share issuance costs upon completion of the IPO, and included in the additional paid-in capital in our financial statements.
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Cost $ 881,089
Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation (30,959)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Book Value 850,130
Camp Structures [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Cost 767,706
Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation (27,179)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Book Value 740,527
Exploration Equipment [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Cost 52,846
Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation (1,762)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Book Value 51,084
Vehicles [Member]    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Cost 60,537
Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation (2,018)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Book Value $ 58,519
v3.24.0.1
Property and Equipment (Details Narrative)
Nov. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Cost of camp structures renovation $ 866,140
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Operating Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]    
Fiscal 2024 $ 31,079  
Fiscal 2025 37,472  
Fiscal 2026 38,360  
Fiscal 2027 38,360  
Fiscal 2028 28,770  
Total lease payments 174,041  
Less: imputed interest (38,686)  
Present value of lease liabilities 135,355  
Current portion of lease liabilities 17,268
Non-current portion of lease liabilities $ 118,087
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Total lease Payments (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating Leases $ 10,735
Short-term Leases 21,919
Total Lease Expenses $ 32,654
v3.24.0.1
Leases (Details Narrative)
Nov. 30, 2023
May 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating Lease for years 4 years 10 months 17 days 5 years 3 months 29 days
Remaining lease for years 4 years 10 months 2 days  
Operating lease discount rate 11.34%  
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Exploration and Evaluation Assets (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Exploration And Evaluation Assets    
Balance, beginning of year $ 417,123
Settlement of Funding Commitment (417,123)
Change in ARO estimate 31,392
Balance, end of year $ 31,392
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Exploration and Evaluation Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Exploration And Evaluation Assets    
Drilling $ 1,694,952
Consulting fees 1,499,000 256,275
Land fee, camp maintenance expenses 945,751 254,910
Transportation and travel 547,942 29,887
Other exploration expenses 366,855 2,250
Total $ 5,054,500 $ 543,322
v3.24.0.1
Exploration and Evaluation Assets (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 26, 2022
Nov. 27, 2020
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Nov. 30, 2021
Aug. 31, 2015
Net smelter return, percentage           2.75%
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment     $ 1,158,143    
Return of capital       (1,096,343)    
Exploration and evaluation assets     31,392 $ 417,123  
Funding commitment       1,837,363    
Exploration and evaluation assets     $ 31,392    
Funding Agreement [Member]            
Outstanding funding commitment $ 2,254,486          
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment 1,158,143          
Settlement of promissory note payable 1,096,343          
Return of capital 1,096,343          
Exploration and evaluation assets          
Funding commitment $ 1,837,163          
Gold Royalty Corp [Member]            
Net smelter return, percentage   1.00%        
Net smelter return acquisition, percentage   0.75%        
Net smelter return acquisition value   $ 5,000,000        
Gold Royalty Corp [Member] | Funding Agreement [Member]            
Fair value of shares received transaction   2,570,700        
Outstanding funding commitment   $ 2,570,700        
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of General And Administrative Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
General And Administrative Expenses    
Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel [1] $ 2,101,872 $ 55,036
Professional fees 1,665,183 883,664
Share-based compensation [2] 423,831 65,303
Management fees, salaries and benefits [2] 300,767 157,925
Filing, listing, dues and subscriptions 178,595 10,882
Total $ 4,670,248 $ 1,172,810
[1] Office, consulting, investor relations, insurance and travel expenses include costs for Blender Media Inc., a company controlled by a direct family member of the co-chairman and a director of GoldMining (Note 16).
[2] During the years ended November 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation and management fees, salaries and benefits include costs allocated from GoldMining (Note 16).
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations Value Assumptions (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows $ 385,600 $ 235,000
Life expectancy (years) 10 years 3 years
Inflation rate 2.00% 2.00%
Percentage of asset retirement obligations discount rate   9.32%
Minimum [Member]    
Percentage of asset retirement obligations discount rate 9.32%  
Maximum [Member]    
Percentage of asset retirement obligations discount rate 11.40%  
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]    
Balance $ 225,871 $ 206,616
Accretion 21,051 19,255
Change in estimate (67,042)
Balance $ 179,880 $ 225,871
v3.24.0.1
Asset Retirement Obligations (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]    
Life expectancy (years) 10 years 3 years
Change in estimate $ 67,042
ARO change in estimates included in camp structures 98,434
Exploration and evaluation assets $ 31,392
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Allocation of Fair Value of Common Shares and Common Share Purchase Warrants (Details)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]  
Fair value of common stock $ 18,208,955
Fair value of common stock purchase warrants 1,791,045
Total gross proceeds from the IPO 20,000,000
Gross proceeds 20,000,000
Common stock issuance costs (883,311)
Common stock purchase warrant issuance costs (86,883)
Net proceeds received 19,029,806
Common stock 17,325,644
Common stock purchase warrants 1,704,162
Total Fair Value Allocated to Shares and Warrants $ 19,029,806
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Outstanding Share Purchase Warrants (Details) - Warrant [Member]
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Number of warrants, beginning balance | shares
Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance | $ / shares
Number of warrants issued at the IPO | shares 2,000,000
Weighted average exercise price, issued at the ipo | $ / shares $ 13.00
Exercised | shares (258,708)
Weighted average exercise price, exercised | $ / shares $ 13.00
Number of warrants, ending balance | shares 1,741,292
Weighted average exercise price, ending balance | $ / shares $ 13.00
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Equity [Abstract]  
Number of stock options outstanding beginning | shares
Weighted average exercise price outstanding beginning | $ / shares
Number of stock options outstanding beginning | shares 82,500
Weighted average exercise price outstanding beginning | $ / shares $ 10.00
Number of stock options outstanding beginning | shares 82,500
Weighted average exercise price outstanding beginning | $ / shares $ 10.00
v3.24.0.1
Capital Stock (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 19, 2023
May 04, 2023
Apr. 24, 2023
Apr. 19, 2023
Sep. 23, 2022
Sep. 22, 2022
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Feb. 06, 2023
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Market capital value             $ 18,208,955    
Stock split descriptions           2.714286-for-1      
Common stock, shares outstanding             12,398,709 10,135,001  
Common stock par value           $ 0.001 $ 0.001  
Common stock, shares authorized           10,000,000 300,000,000 300,000,000  
Preferred stock par value           $ 0.001    
Preferred stock, shares authorized           1,000,000 10,000,000    
Shares issued for services 5,000                
Common stock, shares issued             12,398,709 10,135,001  
Preferred stock, shares issued             0    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding             0    
Performance based restricted stock granted         635,000        
Description of terms and conditions in the event of disclosure of mineral products         aggregate estimate of mineral resources for the Whistler Project or any other project owned or operated by the Company of 3,000,000 additional gold or gold equivalent ounces from the amount reported on the disclosure specified in the Company’s Subpart 1300 of the SEC Regulation S-K Report dated September 22, 2022, 190,500 shares of the Restricted Shares will be deemed Released Shares as of the date of such Securities Filing (or if such amount exceeds the number of shares of Restricted Shares that have not yet become Released Shares at the time, such lesser number of shares of Restricted Shares) reducing, on a proportional basis, the number of unvested shares of Restricted Shares subject to each vesting condition.        
Optios granted             82,500    
Exercise price             $ 10.00    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense             $ 89,852    
Weighted-average period unrecognized             8 months 26 days    
Share-based compensation expenses             $ 255,027  
2023 Incentive Plan [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Percentage of shares issued and outstanding                 10.00%
Restricted Stock [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Maximum number of shares of common stock may be issued         1,000,000        
Recognition of share based compensation expenses             48,756 $ 5,238  
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition One [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not completed equity financing(s) in an aggregate amount of at least $15,000,000 prior to or concurrently with the earlier of: (i) the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award; and (ii) the occurrence of a liquidation event, as such term is defined in the Legacy Incentive Plan, or any merger with or sale of our outstanding shares or all or substantially all of our assets to a third-party, referred to as an “Exit Transaction”, provided that, for greater certainty, the following shall not be considered an Exit Transaction: (A) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation of our business with or into a related entity; (B) a transaction undertaken solely for the purpose of changing our place of domicile or jurisdiction of incorporation; (C) an equity financing; and (D) completion of an initial public offering, spin-off from GoldMining or other going public transaction, referred to as an “IPO Event” (condition met);        
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Gross proceeds equity financing         $ 15,000,000        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Two [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Market capital value         $ 100,000,000        
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, an IPO Event has not occurred that values our business at a minimum of $100,000,000 prior to the date that is two years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);        
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Three [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if the recipient of such award ceases to be our or our affiliates’ director, officer, employee or consultant, as applicable, at any time during the period from the date of grant of such award until the date that is two years after the date of grant;        
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Four [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not re-established the Whistler Project camp and performed of a minimum of 10,000 meters of drilling prior to the date that is three years after the date of grant of such award;        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Five [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $15.00 prior to the date that is four years after the date of grant of such award (condition met);        
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Share price         $ 15.00        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Six [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Offering description         with respect to 15% of the performance based restricted shares of common stock, if we have not achieved a $250,000,000 market capitalization, based on the number of shares of our outstanding common stock multiplied by the volume-weighted average price for any applicable five (5) consecutive trading day period on the principal stock exchange on which our common stock is listed prior to the date that is five years after the date of grant of such award; or        
Equity issued percentage         15.00%        
Market capitalization of equity         $ 250,000,000        
Restricted Stock [Member] | Condition Seven [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Offering description         with respect to 10% of the performance based restricted common stock, if we have not achieved a share price of $25.00 prior to the date that is six years after the date of grant of such award.        
Equity issued percentage         10.00%        
Share price         $ 25.00        
Warrant [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Proceeds from warrant exercised             $ 3,363,204    
Warrants outstanding             1,741,292  
Warrant exercise price             $ 13.00  
Warrants outstanding, term             2 years 4 months 24 days    
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Share price   $ 4.18              
Optios granted   82,500              
Exercise price   $ 10.00              
Description of vesting of options   The stock options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant and will vest as follows: (a) 25% on the grant date; and (b) 25% on each of the dates that are 6, 12 and 18 months thereafter.              
Risk-free interest rate   3.47%              
Expected life   3 years              
Expected dividend yield   0.00%              
Estimated forfeiture rate   0.00%              
Expected volatility rate   61.34%              
BRI Alaska Holdings Inc [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Equity method investment ownership percentage         100.00%        
Minimum [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Common stock, shares outstanding           3,500,000      
Maximum [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Common stock, shares outstanding           9,500,001      
IPO [Member]                  
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]                  
Issued under initial public offering, shares     2,000,000 2,000,000          
Price per unit     $ 10.00 $ 10.00          
Warrant exercise price per share       $ 13.00          
Market capital value     $ 20,000,000            
Securities issuance costs     970,194            
Cash fees paid to the underwriters     $ 650,000            
Acquired units, shares     122,490            
Total consideration     $ 1,224,900            
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Numerator    
Net loss for the year $ (9,356,577) $ (1,738,657)
Weighted average number of shares, basic [1] 11,480,346 9,937,248
Weighted average number of shares, diluted [1] 11,480,346 9,937,248
Net loss per share, basic $ (0.82) $ (0.17)
Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.82) $ (0.17)
[1] The shares and associated amounts have been retrospectively restated to reflect a 2.714286-for-1 stock split of each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, an increase in its authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 300,000,000, as well as the increase in par value to $0.001, which occurred in September 2022 (see Note 11).
v3.24.0.1
Net Loss Per Share (Details Narrative)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
shares
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]  
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]  
Antidilutive securities 82,500
Warrant [Member]  
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]  
Antidilutive securities 1,741,292
v3.24.0.1
Financial Instruments (Details Narrative)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]  
Working capital $ 11,493,428
Foreign currency transaction loss $ 233
v3.24.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Aug. 31, 2015
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]    
Fiscal 2024 $ 31,079  
Annual labor requirement 2024 135,200  
Labor and related carry forward expense 135,200  
Net smelter return, percentage   2.75%
Fees amount 5,066,720  
Expiring in 2026 [Member]    
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]    
Labor and related carry forward expense 167,674  
Expiring in 2027 [Member]    
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]    
Labor and related carry forward expense 1,766,156  
June 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 [Member]    
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]    
Fees amount 5,255,500  
Whistler Project [Member]    
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]    
Fiscal 2024 $ 230,605  
v3.24.0.1
Schedule Of Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Statutory federal income rate 21.00% 21.00%
Statutory federal income rate 7.43% 7.43%
Statutory federal income rate 28.43% 28.43%
Net loss for the year before tax $ (9,351,640) $ (1,738,657)
Recovery of income taxes at statutory rates (1,963,844) (365,118)
State tax (696,186) (129,182)
Permanent differences 448,615 525,401
Adjustments to valuation allowance related to prior years 58,886
Change in valuation allowance 2,157,466 (31,101)
Other
Tax expense for the year $ 4,937
v3.24.0.1
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Non-capital loss carry-forward $ 2,453,215 $ 652,677
Resource properties 446,198 90,923
Equipment 59,110 58,741
Others 7,707 6,423
Deferred income tax assets 2,966,230 808,764
Valuation allowance (2,966,230) (808,764)
Deferred income tax assets
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details)
Nov. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
November 30, 2034 $ 46,930
November 30, 2035 289,455
November 30, 2036 283,286
November 30, 2037 277,548
Indefinite 7,731,747
Total $ 8,628,966
v3.24.0.1
Income Tax (Details Narrative)
Nov. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Non capital losses $ 8,628,966
Non capital losses carryforward 7,731,747
Between 2034 and 2037 [Member]  
Non capital losses $ 897,219
v3.24.0.1
Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 24, 2023
Sep. 26, 2022
May 31, 2023
Nov. 30, 2023
Nov. 30, 2022
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
Share-based compensation costs       $ 255,027
Repayment of previously advanced amount       1,680,925
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment       1,158,143
Loans payable       677,783
Return of capital         1,096,343
Return of capital distributions, tax withholdings       10,741 173,889
Withholding taxes paid on return of capital       (53,935) 57,702
General and Administrative costs incurred       4,670,248 1,172,810
IPO [Member]          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
Sale of stock shares, transaction 122,490        
Price per unit $ 10        
Sale of stock consideration receive transaction $ 1,224,900        
Director [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
Share-based compensation costs       31,127 3,516
Blender Media Inc [Member]          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
General and Administrative costs incurred       233,978 16,957
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs including service fees prepaid       169,899
Funding Agreement [Member]          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
Proceeds from settlement of funding commitment   $ 1,158,143      
Return of capital   (1,096,343)      
Settlement of promissory note payable   1,096,343      
Funding commitment   $ 2,254,486      
GoldMining Inc [Member]          
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]          
Related party cost       100,807 147,349
Share-based compensation costs       54,348 60,065
Advance paid during the period       $ 1,003,142 1,341,445
Repayment of previously advanced amount     $ 1,680,925    
Withholding taxes paid on return of capital         $ 57,702

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