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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
  x  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
     
  o  
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission file number 333-129321 
 
GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Colorado
 
84-1473173
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
222 Milwaukee Street, Suite 301, Denver, CO
 
80206
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(303) 320-7708
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes   o  No x
 
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   o   No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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   x     No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No  o
 
Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer,"  "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
  Large accelerated filer   o Accelerated filer   x
 
 
Non-accelerated filer   o
 
Smaller reporting company   o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o    No  x
 
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of Gold Resource Corporation held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $107,919,257 based on the closing price of the common stock of $4.18.
 
As of March 15, 2010 there were 48,700,284 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
 
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:  None
 

 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
Page
 
PART I
 
     
     
     
 
PART II
 
     
     
 
PART III
 
     
     
 
PART IV
 
     


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Descriptions of agreements or other documents contained in this report are intended as summaries and are not necessarily complete.  Please refer to the agreements or other documents filed or incorporated herein by reference as exhibits.  Please see the exhibit index at the end of this report for a complete list of those exhibits.
 
 
i
 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  When used in this report, the words “plan,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend” and “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding Gold Resource Corporation’s strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material.  All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to Gold Resource Corporation on the date of this report, and the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.  Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate.  Gold Resource Corporation’s actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this report.  In particular, there can be no assurance that commercial production at the El Aguila Project will be achieved in the time frames estimated, at the rates and costs estimated, or even at all.  Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the “Item 1A. Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-K.

In addition to the specific factors identified under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this report, other uncertainties that could affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements include:
 
• 
decisions of foreign countries and banks within those countries;
• 
unexpected changes in business and economic conditions;
• 
changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates;
• 
timing and amount of production, if any;
• 
technological changes in the mining industry;
• 
our costs;
• 
changes in exploration and overhead costs;
  ▪ 
access and availability of materials, equipment, supplies, labor and supervision, power and water;
• 
results of current and future feasibility studies;
• 
the level of demand for our products;
• 
changes in our business strategy;
  ▪ 
interpretation of drill hole results and the geology, grade and continuity of mineralization;
  ▪ 
the uncertainty of mineralized material estimates and timing of development expenditures; and
• 
commodity price fluctuations.
 
This list, together with the factors identified under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements.  You should read this report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.  These forward-looking statements represent our beliefs, expectations and opinions only as of the date of this report.  We do not intend to update these forward looking statements except as required by law.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
 
 
ii
 

 
PART I


History and Organization

We are engaged in the exploration for and production of gold and silver, primarily in Mexico.  We were organized under the laws of the State of Colorado in 1998.  We pursue exploration of gold and silver projects that we believe feature low operating costs and have the potential to produce a high return on the capital invested.  We hold a 100% interest in five properties in Mexico's southern State of Oaxaca.  SeeItem 2. Properties” for more information about our properties.  We are constructing a mill and a mine at our flagship property, the El Aguila Project, which will be our first mine if successfully operated, which is targeted for 2010.

We completed our IPO in August 2006 and received gross proceeds of $4,600,000.  We raised additional capital pursuant to several private placements of our common stock since that time.  We used the initial proceeds of our IPO and a private placement conduced in 2006 to conduct exploration activities at the El Aguila property.  We decided to move forward with efforts to construct a mill and a mine at the El Aguila Project on April 11, 2007.  We used the funds from subsequent private placements to commence construction of a mine and mill at the El Aguila Project.  We anticipate using the funds provided by the most recent private placement to continue these efforts, as well as to undertake additional exploration activities.  See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” for more information.

Our principal executive offices are located at 222 Milwaukee Street, Suite 301, Denver, Colorado 80206, and our telephone number is (303) 320-7708.  Our operations in Mexico are conducted through our wholly-owned Mexican subsidiaries, Don David Gold, S.A. de C.V. and Golden Trump Resources S. A. de C.V.  We maintain a website at www.goldresourcecorp.com and through a link on our website you can view the periodic filings that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Please refer to page 17 of this report for a glossary of certain terms used herein.

Developments During 2009

Construction at El Aguila Project.  In late 2009, we completed construction of the flotation circuit of the mill at the El Aguila Project.  To date, we have committed or spent approximately $35,496,000 on construction of a mill and initial infrastructure.  We anticipate that the facility we have built with the assistance of the engineering firm of Lyntek Inc. of Denver, Colorado, will process 850 to 1100 tonnes of ore per day, depending on ore type, through a flotation circuit and 150 to 250 tonnes of ore per day, depending on ore type, through an agitated leach circuit.  We conducted pre-stripping and stock piling of mineralized material from the open pit, and began processing that material upon completion of the mill. We first produced concentrate at the mill in February 2010 and we expect to achieve “commercial production” in March or April, which we consider to be when the mill throughput and recoveries are at least 80% of the mill design.  See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” for more information.

During 2009, we received from the Mexican government the permit allowing us to remove the mineralized material from the open pit area at the El Aguila Project.  Pursuant to the permit, we have stockpiled ore for processing at the mill. We expect that mining in the first year of production will take place at the El Aguila open pit mine and have begun mining of the mineralized material at this site.  Mining in the second year of commercial production is anticipated to come from the La Arista vein mineralized material and will require development of an underground mine.  We are constructing surface facilities associated with the underground mine.  In early 2010, we contracted with a local Mexican firm to construct the decline ramp and additional developments at the La Arista vein. Construction of the decline ramp is presently underway.
 
 
1

Exploration.  Our flagship property, the El Aguila property, continued to be the primary focus of our exploration program during 2009.  Using funds obtained from our private placements in 2009, we focused exploration drilling on three areas: the El Aguila near-surface mineralized area, the El Aire vein area, which is located along the same structural zone two kilometers from the near-surface mineralized area, and a new discovery of mineralization near El Aire which we call the La Arista area.  A substantial amount of our business activities during 2009 were focused toward that goal.  In 2009, we completed a total of 7,242 meters (23,753 feet) in exploration drilling and spent approximately $7,800,000 on exploration at our properties in Mexico, which was relatively the same amount we spent in 2008.  However, we have not established proven or probable reserves as defined by regulation of the SEC on our El Aguila Project or any of our other properties.

Acquisition of Alta Gracia Property.  In August 2009, we acquired claims adjacent to the Las Margaritas property in the Alta Gracia Mining District by filing concessions under the Mexican mining laws.  These concessions are comprised of three mining claims, which total 5,175 hectares, and the acquisition of these claims extended our land position along what is known as the San Jose structural corridor to just over 16 kilometers.  SeeItem 2. Properties” below for additional information.

Strategic Alliance & Financing Transactions

In December 2008, we entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (“Hochschild”).  Hochschild is a Peruvian based, precious metals producer operating primarily in the Americas.  Hochschild is a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and an affiliate of publicly-traded Hochschild Mining plc, whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOC.”

Pursuant to the terms of the strategic alliance agreement, we initially sold Hochschild 1,670,000 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $5,010,000 in a private placement.  We also granted Hochschild an 80-day option to purchase 4,330,000 additional shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $12,990,000, which was exercised on February 25, 2009.  As part of the strategic alliance, we have agreed, among other things, to the following:

•  
To offer Hochschild a right of first refusal to participate in future equity financings solicited by us prior to commencement of commercial production;
•  
To afford it a first right of refusal to participate in any joint ventures we might pursue with regard to any of our properties;
•  
To grant Hochschild preemptive rights to participate in certain financing transactions; and
•  
To appoint one individual nominated by Hochschild to our Board of Directors under certain conditions.

In addition to the exercise of its option, Hochschild exercised its right of first refusal to provide us with additional financing and we completed additional private placement transactions with Hochschild in June and December of 2009 and March 2010 for total gross proceeds of $41,172,000.  See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” for more information regarding these transactions.  Certain of the rights discussed above will be forfeited by Hochschild at such time as its percentage ownership in our company decreases below 14.5%.  Hochschild agreed to a standstill provision prohibiting it from acquiring more than 40% of our outstanding common stock through purchases in the market or directly from us until February 25, 2011.
 
 
2

Competitive Business Conditions

The exploration for, and the acquisition of gold and silver properties, are subject to intense competition.  Due to our limited capital and personnel, we are at a competitive disadvantage compared to many other companies with regard to exploration and, if warranted, development of mining properties.  Our present limited funding means that our ability to compete for properties to be explored and developed is limited.  We believe that competition for acquiring mineral prospects will continue to be intense in the future.

The availability of funds for exploration is sometimes limited, and we may find it difficult to compete with larger and more well-known companies for capital.  Our inability to develop our mining properties due to lack of funding, even if warranted, could have a material adverse effect on our operation and financial position.

Government Regulations and Permits

In connection with mining, milling and exploration activities, we are subject to extensive Mexican federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, including laws and regulations relating to protection of air and water quality, hazardous waste management and mine reclamation as well as the protection of endangered or threatened species.  The department responsible for environmental protection in Mexico is SEMARNAT, which is similar to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  SEMARNAT has broad authority to shut down and/or levy fines against facilities that do not comply with its environmental regulations or standards.  Potential areas of environmental consideration for mining companies, including ours if we are successful in commencing mining operations, include, but are not limited to, acid rock drainage, cyanide containment and handling, contamination of water courses, dust and noise.

In connection with our mill and mining operations at the El Aguila Project, we have and will continue to secure various regulatory permits from federal, state and local agencies.  These governmental and regulatory permits generally govern the processes being used to operate, the stipulations concerning air quality and water issues, and the plans and obligations for reclamation of the properties at the conclusion of operations.  Regulations require that an environmental impact statement, known in Mexico as a Manifiestacion de Impacto Ambiental ("MIA"), be prepared by a third-party contractor for submission to SEMARNAT.  We have submitted our MIA to SEMARNAT for their review and it has been approved. Studies required to support the MIA include a detailed analysis of these areas, among others: soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources and socio-economic impacts.  Although the regulatory process in Mexico has a public review component, proof of local community support for a project is required to gain final MIA approval.  We have received the required local community support.

We received a federal permit granting permission to begin open pit mining at the El Aguila Project from SEMARNAT in August 2009 and have commenced mining operations.  In December 2009, we also received a permit allowing us to begin developing our underground mine.  We purchased a permitted water well for the mill site at the El Aguila Project.  We believe the water provided by this well will be adequate to meet the needs for any mining activity for the foreseeable future.
 
 
3

We have obtained, and will obtain at the appropriate time, environmental permits, licenses or approvals required for operations.  We are not aware of any material violations of environmental permits, licenses or approvals issued with respect to our operations.

Employees

We currently have four full-time employees, three of which serve as our executive officers.  These individuals devote all of their business time to our affairs.  We also engage a financial consultant who provides his services to us as necessary to assist with our administrative and financial affairs.

  Through our wholly-owned Mexican subsidiaries, we employ approximately 107 Mexican nationals, including one who serves as our El Aguila Project Manager.  We also use various independent contractors for our exploration, mining and construction activities.


This report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, contains forward-looking statements that may be materially affected by several risk factors, including those summarized below:

Risks Relating to Our Company

Since we have no operating history, investors have no basis to evaluate our ability to operate profitably.  We were organized in 1998 but have had no revenue from operations since our inception.  Our activities to date have been limited to organizational efforts, raising financing, acquiring mining properties, conducting limited exploration and preparation for production at the El Aguila Project.  We have never produced gold or other metals and have received no revenue from operations to date.  We face all of the risks commonly encountered by other businesses that lack an established operating history, including the need for additional capital and personnel, and intense competition.  There is no assurance that our business plan will be successful.  In particular, there can be no assurance that commercial production at our El Aguila Project will be achieved in the time frames estimated, at the rates and costs estimated, if at all.
 
We have a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.  We have incurred losses since inception and may incur losses in the future.  We incurred the following losses from operations during each of the following periods:
 
·  
Approximately $34,184,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009;
 
·  
Approximately $26,349,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008; and
 
·  
Approximately $8,319,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
We had an accumulated deficit of approximately $75,000,000 as of December 31, 2009.  We expect to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as one of our properties enters into commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations.
 
We have no proven or probable reserves, and the probability of an individual prospect having reserves is extremely remote.  Therefore, in all likelihood, our properties do not contain any reserves, and any funds spent by us on exploration or development could be lost.  We have not established the presence of any proven or probable mineral reserves, as defined by the SEC, at any of our properties.  The SEC has defined a "reserve" as that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.  Any mineralized material discovered by us should not be considered proven or probable reserves.
 
 
4

In order to demonstrate the existence of proven or probable reserves, it would be necessary for us to continue exploration to demonstrate the existence of sufficient mineralized material with satisfactory continuity and then obtain a positive feasibility study.  Exploration is inherently risky, with few properties ultimately proving economically successful.  We do not intend to pursue additional exploration for the purpose of establishing proven or probable reserves.
 
Establishing reserves requires a feasibility study demonstrating with reasonable certainty that the deposit can be economically extracted and produced.  We have not completed a feasibility study with regard to all or a portion of any of our properties, nor do we intend to perform such feasibility study at this time.

Since we have no proven or probable reserves, our investment in mineral properties is not reported as an asset in our financial statements which may have a negative impact on the price of our stock.  We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and report substantially all exploration and construction expenditures as expenses unless and until we are able to establish proven or probable reserves.  If we are able to establish proven or probable reserves, we would report development expenditures as an asset subject to future amortization using the units-of-production method.  Since it is uncertain when, if ever, we will establish proven or probable reserves, it is uncertain whether we will ever report these expenditures as an asset.  Accordingly, our financial statements report fewer assets and greater expenses than would be the case if we had proven or probable reserves, which could have a negative impact on our stock price.

If we are unable to achieve gold and silver production levels anticipated from our El Aguila Project, our financial condition and results of operation will be adversely affected.  We are proceeding with the construction of the El Aguila Project based on estimates of mineralized material identified in our drilling program and estimates of gold and silver recovery based on test work developed during our scoping study.  However, risks related to metallurgy are inherent when working with extractable minerals.  Sales of gold and silver, if any, that we realize from future mining activity will be less than anticipated if the mined material does not contain the concentration of gold and silver predicted by our geological exploration.  This risk may be increased since we have not sought or obtained a feasibility study or reserve report with regard to any of our properties.  If sales of gold and silver are less than anticipated, we may not be able to recover our investment in our property and our operations may be adversely affected.
 
We may require significant additional capital to fund our business plan.  We will require additional capital for exploration of one or more of our existing properties or to acquire additional properties.  It may be the case that we will require additional capital in addition to the funds already raised in our private placements to fund the completion of construction of the mill and startup of the El Aguila Project.  We will be required to hire additional staff.  In addition, we may require additional working capital to continue to fund operations pending sale of any gold or other metals.  Our ability to obtain necessary funding for these purposes, in turn, depends upon a number of factors, including the status of the national and worldwide economy and the price of gold and other precious metals.  Capital markets worldwide have been adversely affected by substantial losses by financial institutions, in turn caused by investments in asset-backed securities.  We may not be successful in obtaining the required financing, or if we can obtain such financing, such financing may not be on terms that are favorable to us.  Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration or development and the possible, partial or total loss of our potential interest in our properties.
 
 
5

Estimates of mineralized material are based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.  Unless otherwise indicated, mineralized material presented in our filings with securities regulatory authorities, including the SEC, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by our consultants.  When making determinations about whether to advance any of our projects to development, we must rely upon such estimated calculations as to the mineralized material on our properties.  Until mineralized material is actually mined and processed, it must be considered an estimate only.
 
These estimates are imprecise and depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable.  We cannot assure you that these mineralized material estimates will be accurate or that this mineralized material can be mined or processed profitably.
 
Any material changes in estimates of mineralized material will affect the economic viability of placing a property into production and such property’s return on capital.  There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale tests will be recovered at production scale.
 
The mineralized material estimates have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove inaccurate.  Extended declines in market prices for gold and silver may render portions of our mineralized material uneconomic and adversely affect the commercial viability of one or more of our properties and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
 
Should we successfully commence mining operations at our El Aguila Project, our ability to remain profitable long-term will depend on our ability to identify, explore, and develop additional properties.  Gold and silver properties are wasting assets.  They eventually become depleted or uneconomical to continue mining.  The acquisition of gold and silver properties and their exploration and development are subject to intense competition.  Companies with greater financial resources, larger staff, more experience and more equipment for exploration and development may be in a better position than us to compete for such mineral properties.  If we are unable to identify, develop, and economically mine new properties, we most likely will not be able to be profitable on a long term basis.
 
The construction of our mine and mill are subject to all of the risks inherent in construction.  These risks include potential delays, cost overruns, shortages of material or labor, construction defects, and injuries to persons and property.  While we anticipate taking all measures which we deem reasonable and prudent in connection with construction of the mill, there is no assurance that the risks described above will not cause delays or cost overruns in connection with such construction.  Any delay would postpone our anticipated receipt of revenue and adversely affect our operations.  Cost overruns would likely require that we obtain additional capital in order to commence production.  Any of these occurrences may adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and the price of our stock.
 
Our operations are subject to permitting requirements which could require us to delay, suspend or terminate our operations.  Our operations, including our ongoing exploration drilling program and proposed production plan at the El Aguila Project, require permits from the government.  We may be unable to obtain these permits in a timely manner, on reasonable terms, or at all.  If we cannot obtain or maintain the necessary permits, or if there is a delay in receiving these permits, our timetable and business plan for exploration of our property or commercial production will be adversely affected.
 
 
6

Our properties are located in Mexico and are subject to changes in political conditions and regulations in that country.  Our existing properties are located in Mexico.  In the past, Mexico has been subject to political and social instability, changes and uncertainties which may cause changes to existing government regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities.  Civil or political unrest could disrupt our operations at any time.  Our mineral exploration and mining activities in Mexico may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing governmental regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in political conditions that increase the costs related to our activities or maintaining our properties.  Finally, Mexico's status as a developing country may make it more difficult for us to obtain required financing for our project.
 
Our business operations may be adversely affected by social and political unrest in Oaxaca.  The properties which we are currently exploring for mineralization and the mill we are building are located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico.  Oaxaca City, the capital of the State of Oaxaca, experienced a period of social and political unrest in 2006.  Certain civilian groups seeking political reform staged protests and demonstrations in various locations in Oaxaca City, including schools, government offices and major roadways.  Although our property is roughly a 90 minute drive from Oaxaca City and the civil disturbances appear to have dissipated, our business operations could be negatively impacted if Oaxaca experiences another such event.  Our exploration and construction program may be interrupted if we are unable to hire qualified personnel or if we are denied access to the site where our property is located.  We may also be required to make additional expenditures to provide increased security in order to protect property or personnel located at our exploration and construction sites.  Significant delays in exploration or increases in expenditures will likely have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our ability to continue exploration and extract any minerals that we discover is subject to payment of concession fees and if we fail to make these payments, we may lose our interest in the properties.  Mining concessions in Mexico are subject to payment of concession fees to the federal government or lease payments to the owner of the concessions.  The payments are based on the size of the property we are exploring.  Our failure or inability to pay the concession fees to the government may cause us to lose our interest in one or more of our properties.
 
Our primary exploration target is subject to a lease in favor of a third party which provides for royalties on production.  We lease our El Aguila property from a third party.  Our lease for the El Aguila property is subject to a net smelter return royalty of 4% where production is sold in the form of gold/silver dorè and 5% where production is sold in concentrate form.  The requirement to pay royalties to the owner of the concessions at our El Aguila property will reduce our profitability, if any, if we commence commercial production of gold or other precious metals.
 
Legislation has been proposed that would significantly affect the mining industry.  Currently, Mexican mining law does not require payment of finder’s fees or royalties to the government, except in limited circumstances.  However, the PRI, which is the main opposition political party, with the support of other opposition parties has introduced in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies a 4% mining royalty on production.  The opposition parties collectively have a majority in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, with the governing PAN currently a minority.  The opposition numbers are sufficient (over 2/3) to override a Presidential veto in the Chamber but not in the Senate.  To date, the government has been silent on the royalty proposal, however, if such royalty is implemented, it may increase the cost of our mining operations.
 
Our ability to develop our property is subject to the rights of the Ejido (local inhabitants) to surface use for agricultural purposes.  Our ability to mine minerals is subject to making satisfactory arrangements with the Ejido for access and surface disturbances.  Ejidos are groups of local inhabitants who were granted rights to conduct agricultural activities on the property.  We must negotiate and maintain a satisfactory arrangement with these inhabitants in order to disturb or discontinue their rights to farm.  While we have successfully negotiated and signed such agreements to enable us to begin construction at the El Aguila Project, our inability to maintain these agreements could impair or impede our ability to successfully mine the properties.
 
 
7

The volatility of the price of gold and silver could adversely affect our future operations and, if warranted, our ability to develop our properties.  The potential for profitability of our operations, the value of our properties, the market price of our common stock and our ability to raise funding to conduct continued exploration and development, if warranted, are directly related to the market price of gold, silver and other precious metals.  Our 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 and silver may prevent our property from being economically mined or result in the writeoff of assets whose value is impaired as a result of lower gold and silver prices.  The price of gold and silver is affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including inflation, fluctuation of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional demand, the sale of gold and silver by central banks, and the political and economic conditions of major gold and silver producing countries throughout the world.
 
The volatility in gold and silver prices is illustrated by the following table, which sets forth, for the periods indicated (calendar year), the average annual market prices in U.S. dollars per ounce of gold and silver, based on the daily London P.M. fix, as shown in the table below:
 
Mineral
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
Gold
 
$445.00
 
$604.00
 
$696.00
 
$872.00
 
$972.00
Silver
 
$     7.32
 
$  11.54
 
$  13.38
 
$  14.99
 
$  14.67

The volatility of mineral prices represents a substantial risk which no amount of planning or technical expertise can fully eliminate.  In the event gold prices decline or remain low for prolonged periods of time, we might be unable to develop our properties, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial performance and cash flows.

Competition in the mining industry is intense, and we have limited financial and personnel resources with which to compete.  Competition in the mining industry for desirable properties, investment capital and personnel is intense.  Numerous companies headquartered in the United States, Canada and elsewhere throughout the world compete for properties on a global basis.  We are an insignificant participant in the gold mining industry due to our limited financial and personnel resources.  We presently operate with a limited number of personnel and we anticipate that we will compete with other companies in our industry to hire additional qualified personnel which will be required to successfully operate our mine and mill site.  We may be unable to attract the necessary investment capital or personnel to fully explore and if warranted, develop our properties and be unable to acquire other desirable properties.
 
An adequate supply of water may not be available to undertake mining and production at our property.  Water rights are owned by the Mexican nation and are administered by a Mexican government agency.  This agency has granted water concessions to private parties throughout the area defined as the Oaxaca Hydrologic Basin, however there is no assurance that we will be granted such concessions.  We have purchased water rights which we believe will be sufficient for our anticipated production needs.  However, we have no assurance these water rights will continue to produce enough water for our activities.  Accordingly, we may not have access to the amount of water needed to operate a mine at the property.
 
 
8

Since most of our expenses are paid in Mexican pesos, and we anticipate selling any production from our properties in United States dollars, we are subject to adverse changes in currency values that will be difficult to prevent.  Our operations in the future could be affected by changes in the value of the Mexican peso against the United States dollar.  At the present time, since we have no production, we have no plans or policies to utilize forward sales contracts or currency options to minimize this exposure.  If and when these measures are implemented, there is no assurance they will be cost effective or be able to fully offset the effect of any currency fluctuations.
 
Our activities in Mexico are subject to significant environmental regulations, which could raise the cost of doing business.  Mining operations are subject to environmental regulation by SEMARNAT, the environmental protection agency of Mexico.  Regulations require that an environmental impact statement, known in Mexico as a Manifiestacion de Impacto Ambiental, be prepared by a third party contractor for submission to SEMARNAT.  Studies required to support this impact statement include a detailed analysis of many subject areas, including soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources and socio-economic impacts.  We may also be required to submit proof of local community support for a project to obtain final approval.  Significant environmental legislation exists in Mexico, including fines and penalties for spills, release of emissions into the air, seepage and other environmental damage.
 
The nature of mineral exploration and production activities involves a high degree of risk and the possibility of uninsured losses.  Exploration for and the production of minerals is highly speculative and involves greater risk than many other businesses.  Many exploration programs do not result in the discovery of mineralization, and any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be profitably mined.  Our operations are, and any future development or mining operations we may conduct will be, subject to all of the operating hazards and risks normally incident to exploring for and development of mineral properties, such as, but not limited to:
 
·  
economically insufficient mineralized material;
·  
fluctuation in production costs that make mining uneconomical;
·  
labor disputes;
·  
unanticipated variations in grade and other geologic problems;
·  
environmental hazards;
·  
water conditions;
·  
difficult surface or underground conditions;
·  
industrial accidents;
·  
metallurgic and other processing problems;
·  
mechanical and equipment performance problems;
·  
failure of pit walls or dams;
·  
unusual or unexpected rock formations;
·  
personal injury, fire, flooding, cave-ins and landslides; and
·  
decrease in the value of mineralized material due to lower gold and silver prices.

Any of these risks can materially and adversely affect, among other things, the development of properties, production quantities and rates, costs and expenditures, potential revenues and production dates.  We currently have no insurance to guard against any of these risks.  If we determine that capitalized costs associated with any of our mineral interests are not likely to be recovered, we would incur a writedown of our investment in these interests.  All of these factors may result in losses in relation to amounts spent which are not recoverable.
 
 
9

We depend upon a limited number of personnel and the loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business.  If any of our current executive employees, our principal consultant in Mexico or our principal financial consultant were to die, become disabled or leave the company, we would be forced to identify and retain individuals to replace them.  Messrs. William, David and Jason Reid and Mr. Jorge Sanchez del Toro are our critical employees at this time.  Frank L. Jennings is a financial consultant who provides services to us as chief financial officer.  There is no assurance that we can find suitable individuals to replace them or to add to our employee base if that becomes necessary.  We are entirely dependent on these individuals as our critical personnel at this time.  We have no life insurance on any individual, and we may be unable to hire a suitable replacement for them on favorable terms, should that become necessary.
 
In the event of a dispute regarding title to our property or any facet of our operations, it will likely be necessary for us to resolve the dispute in Mexico, where we would be faced with unfamiliar laws and procedures.  The resolution of disputes in foreign countries can be costly and time consuming, similar to the situation in the United States.  However, in a foreign country, we face the additional burden of understanding unfamiliar laws and procedures.  We may not be entitled to a jury trial, as we might be in the United States.  Further, to litigate in any foreign country, we would be faced with the necessity of hiring lawyers and other professionals who are familiar with the foreign laws.  For these reasons, we may incur unforeseen losses if we are forced to resolve a dispute in Mexico or any other foreign country.
 
We are required to annually evaluate our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any adverse results from such evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.  Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to furnish a report by our management on internal control over financial reporting.  Such a report must contain, among other matters, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, including a statement as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting is effective.  This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by our management.  In addition, our evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls will be subject to an annual audit by our independent registered public accounting firm and there is no assurance that they will agree with our assessment.  If we are unable to maintain and to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if we disclose material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm does not agree with our assessment, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
 
We are not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Our common stock is presently registered with the SEC only under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Because we have not registered our common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we are not required to file information reports with the SEC.  Additionally, our directors and officers are not required to file reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.  As a result, there is less information available to the public regarding our corporate affairs and insider transactions in our common stock than other companies that have registered common stock under the Exchange Act.  In the future, we could cease filing information reports with the SEC at any time.
 
The laws of the State of Colorado and our Articles of Incorporation may protect our directors from certain types of lawsuits.  The laws of the State of Colorado provide that our directors will not be liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for all but certain types of conduct as directors of the company.  Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to indemnify our directors and officers against all damages incurred in connection with our business to the fullest extent provided or allowed by law.  The exculpation provisions may have the effect of preventing shareholders from recovering damages against our directors caused by their negligence, poor judgment or other circumstances.  The indemnification provisions may require us to use our limited assets to defend our directors and officers against claims, including claims arising out of their negligence, poor judgment, or other circumstances.
 
 
10

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our stock price may be volatile and as a result you could lose all or part of your investment.  In addition to volatility associated with over the counter securities in general, the value of your investment could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of our common stock:
 
·  
Changes in the worldwide price for gold;
·  
Disappointing results from our exploration efforts;
·  
Failure to reach commercial production or producing at rates lower than those targeted;
·  
Failure to meet our revenue or profit goals or operating budget;
·  
Decline in demand for our common stock;
·  
Downward revisions in securities analysts' estimates or changes in general market conditions;
·  
Technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
·  
Investor perception of our industry or our prospects; and
·  
General economic trends.

In addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations and the market prices of securities have been highly volatile.  These fluctuations are often unrelated to operating performance and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.  As a result, investors may be unable to resell their shares at a fair price.
 
We have a limited number of common shares available for future issuance which could adversely affect our ability to raise capital or consummate acquisitions.  We are authorized to issue 60,000,000 shares of common stock. As a consequence, we currently have remaining available for issuance 7,494,716 shares of common stock after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding stock options. Due to the limited number of authorized shares available for issuance, our ability to raise additional capital or complete any potential acquisitions we may identify may be limited.  We would be required to seek shareholder approval to increase the number of our authorized shares of common stock, and we can provide no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining the necessary shareholder approval to increase the number of shares of common stock we are authorized to issue.  If we are unable to raise additional funds through the issuance of securities and no alternative source of funds is available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate our mining and exploration activities and we may be unable to continue our operations.

Since there is presently a limited trading market for our common stock, purchasers of our common stock may have difficulty selling their shares, should they desire to do so.  Due to a number of factors, including the lack of listing of our common stock on a national securities exchange, the trading volume in our common stock is limited.  Our trading volume on the OTC Bulletin Board over the past three months has averaged approximately 114,000 shares per day.  As a result, the sale of a significant amount of common stock by the selling shareholders may depress the price of our common stock and you may lose all or a portion of your investment.
 
A small number of existing shareholders own a significant amount of our common stock, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote.  Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 21% of our common stock and our largest shareholder owns approximately 29% of our common stock as of the date of this report.  Under our Articles of Incorporation and Colorado law, the vote of a majority of the shares outstanding is generally required to approve most shareholder action.  As a result, this group may be able to influence the outcome of shareholder votes for the foreseeable future, including votes concerning the election of directors, amendments to our Articles of Incorporation or proposed mergers or other significant corporate transactions.  We have no existing agreements or plans for mergers or other corporate transactions that would require a shareholder vote at this time.  However, shareholders should be aware that they may have limited ability to influence the outcome of any vote in the future.  See "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" for additional information.
 
 
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Since our common stock is not presently listed on a national securities exchange, trading in our shares may be subject to rules governing "penny stocks," which will impair trading activity in our shares.  Our common stock may be subject to rules adopted by the SEC regulating broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks.  Those disclosure rules applicable to penny stocks require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized disclosure document required by the SEC.  These rules also require a cooling off period before the transaction can be finalized.  These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in any secondary market for our common stock.  Many brokers may be unwilling to engage in transactions in our common stock because of the added disclosure requirements, thereby making it more difficult for stockholders to dispose of their shares.
 
Issuances of our stock in the future could dilute existing shareholders and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.  We have the authority to issue up to 60,000,000 shares of common stock, 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, and to issue options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock without stockholder approval.  Because our common stock is not currently listed on an exchange, we are not required to solicit shareholder approval prior to issuing large blocks of our stock.  These future issuances could be at values substantially below the price paid for our common stock by our current shareholders.  In addition, we could issue large blocks of our common stock to fend off unwanted tender offers or hostile takeovers without further stockholder approval.  Because we believe that trading in our common stock is limited, the issuance of our stock may have a disproportionately large impact on its price compared to larger companies.
 
We have never paid dividends on our common stock.  We have not paid dividends on our common stock to date, and we may not be in a position to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.  Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to successfully develop one or more properties and generate earnings from operations.  Further, our initial earnings, if any, will likely be retained to finance our operations.  Any future dividends will depend upon our earnings, our then-existing financial requirements and other factors, and will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors.  
 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

We currently have an interest in five properties, the El Aguila property, the Las Margaritas property, the El Rey property, the Solaga property and the Alta Gracia property.  We lease claims comprising the El Aguila property and the Las Margaritas property from an individual who formerly served as our consultant in Mexico and the Solaga property from an entity partially owned by the same individual.  We own mining concessions for the El Rey property and the Alta Gracia property.  All of these properties are in the exploration stage and have no proven or probable reserves.  The map below shows the general location of our five properties in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico:
 
 
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The El Aguila Project

Background.  Effective October 14, 2002, we leased three mining concessions, El Aguila, El Aire and La Tehuana, totaling 1,896 hectares, from a former consultant to our company.  The lease agreement is subject to a 4% net smelter return royalty where production is sold in the form of gold/silver dore and 5% for production sold in concentrate form.  We have made periodic advance royalty payments under the lease totaling $260,000 and no further advance royalty payments are due.  Subject to minimum exploration requirements, there is no expiration term for the lease.  We may terminate it at any time upon written notice to the lessor and the lessor may terminate it if we fail to fulfill any of our obligations.  The El Aguila and El Aire concessions make up the El Aguila Project and the La Tehuana concession makes up the Las Margaritas property.

We have filed for and received additional concessions for the El Aguila Project that total an additional 8,492 hectares.  These additional concessions are not part of the concessions leased from our former consultant, and bring our interest in the El Aguila Project to an aggregate of 9,463 hectares.  The mineral concessions making up the El Aguila Project are located within the San Pedro Totolapam Ejido.

Location and Access.  The El Aguila Project is located in the Sierra Madre del Sur of southern Mexico, in the central part of the State of Oaxaca.  Access to the property is by way of the Pan American Highway (Highway # 190), approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Oaxaca City, the state's capital city.  At the village of San Jose de Gracia, a gravel road goes approximately four kilometers northwest to the property.  We have completed construction to upgrade this road to make it better suited for our construction and mining activities.
 
 
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The climate of the El Aguila area is dry and warm to very warm with most rainfall occurring in the summer and annual precipitation averaging only 423.7 mm (17 inches).  The average yearly temperature is 26.6 degrees centigrade (80° F).  The area is very rocky with scarce vegetation.  Subsistence farming occurs and the main agricultural crop is agave cactus that is cultivated for the production of mescal.

Exploration Activities.  The early history of activity at the El Aguila property, as known by us, is prospecting and limited mining for gold and silver from the early 1900's to the mid 1960's.  In 1998, the concessions were leased to Apex Silver Corporation of Denver, Colorado.  Apex carried out an exploration program involving geologic mapping, surface sampling and an 11-hole drilling program (1,242 meters, or 4,074 feet).  The results did not meet Apex's expectations so it cancelled its lease on the property in 2002.  We leased the property from our former consultant in October 2002.
 
In August 2003, we commenced an initial drilling and exploration program.  The drilling program was completed in 2004 and included approximately 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) of drilling in 69 holes focused on one target area of the property.

We have carried out more recent exploration on the El Aguila Project that has included geologic mapping, surface sampling, geochemical sampling, a geomagnetic survey and exploratory drilling.  Since inception, we have drilled a total of 383 holes equaling 60,044 meters (196,946 feet) at our El Aguila property, including 12 holes for 7,242 meters (23,754 feet) in 2009.  Our 2009 drilling program continued to explore a relatively new area of mineralization at the El Aguila Project known  as the La Arista vein, approximately two kilometers from the mill site.

Construction Activities.  We made a decision in April 2007 to undertake efforts to place the El Aguila Project into commercial production.  Toward that end, we have constructed a mill and other infrastructure.  The mill is designed to process 850 to 1100 tonnes of ore per day through a flotation section and 150 to 250 tonnes of ore per day through an agitated leach section.  The flotation process produces a mineral concentrate through the use of chemical conditioning agents to float or depress certain minerals from a mineral rich foam concentrate created by agitation.  The flotation circuit is complete and we began commissioning the mill in December 2009.  In February 2010, we produced concentrate for the first time and hope we will achieve commercial production at the mill in March or April.  See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” for more information.

We received the permit granting permission to construct the mill in June 2008 and completed the mill in late 2009.  We have also completed construction of a large and small dam for our tailings impoundment after receiving a federal permit for the tailings facility in October 2008.  We began pre-stripping activity at the near-surface open pit area in conjunction with construction of the tailings impoundment.  In August 2009, we received the necessary permit from the Mexican federal agency granting us approval to begin mining the mineralized material and mining is now underway.

During our first year of anticipated production, we expect that we will conduct open pit mining at the El Aguila near-surface mineralized material area and have commenced mining operations in this area.  We are targeting the La Arista vein area for mining during our second year of production, which would require construction of an underground mine.  We have constructed surface facilities in this area associated with the underground mine.  In early 2010, we contracted with a local Mexican firm to construct the decline ramp and additional developments at the La Arista vein.  Construction of the decline ramp is presently underway.

We are generating our own electrical power for the mill through diesel generators, although the federal power grid, located along the Pan American Highway, may be utilized in certain aspects of operations.  We purchased a permitted water well to supply water for our mining activities, however the water will require pumping to the site approximately 4 kilometers away.
 
 
14

In October 2007, we acquired an additional parcel of land which is approximately five hectares in size and adjacent to the community of San Jose de Gracia.  The land cost us $152,522.  We have completed construction of an employee housing facility on this parcel that includes 10 buildings and will house approximately 50 people.

Geology and Mineralization.  The El Aguila Project is located in the San Jose de Gracia Mining District in the Sierra Madre del Sur of southern Mexico.  Multiple volcanic domes of various scales, and probably non-vented intrusive domes, dominate the district geology.  These volcanogenic features are imposed on a pre-volcanic basement of sedimentary rocks.  Gold and silver mineralization in this district is related to the manifestations of this classic volcanogenic system and is considered epithermal in character.

Certain deposits on the El Aguila property are primarily hosted in a quartz rich, stratiform zone (manto).  The main manto drilled to date that forms our initial El Aguila shallow mineralization, which we hope to mine by an open pit, is conformable with the ryholitic volcanic rock above and below the manto.  It varies in thickness from less than two meters (6.6 feet) to more than 30 meters (98.4 feet).  The gold and silver mineralization is considered low sulfidation, epithermal in character.  There appear to be several other prospective manto units on the property.

Surface sampling yielded anomalous gold and silver values from early district-wide exploration where silicified zones were encountered.  In addition, a small, shallow adit and winze provided limited sampling underground, yielding indications of gold values in a silicified, sub-horizontal manto.  Based on these early anomalous exploration samples, a drilling program was carried out by us that in fact resulted in defining a central zone of continuous, shallow, sub-horizontal mineralized material.  The fact that the mineralization is relatively shallow will make mining less difficult and less expensive from an open pit mine compared to an underground mine.  This mineralized material at the El Aguila is near surface and lends itself to open pit mining.

Our 2009 drilling program continued to explore a relatively new area of mineralization at the El Aguila Project that we call the La Arista vein area, approximately two kilometers from the mill site.  We anticipate that the mineralized material we located would be mined underground and mining activity in this area is targeted for year two and beyond of our production plan and have contracted with a local firm to begin construction of the underground mine.  In addition, we discovered another area of mineralization at the El Aguila Project that we refer to as the La Escondida vein.  This area is approximately two kilometers west of the mill site.

The El Rey Property

We have acquired claims in another area in the state of Oaxaca by filing concessions under the Mexican mining laws, referred to by us as the El Rey property.  These concessions total 892 hectares.  Certain of the claims comprising this property are subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty.  We have conducted minimal exploration and drilling on this property to date.

The El Rey property is an exploration stage property with no known reserves.  It is approximately 64.4 kilometers (40 miles) from the El Aguila Project.  There is no plant or equipment on the El Rey property.  If exploration is successful, any mining would probably require an underground mine but any mineralized material could be processed at the El Aguila Project mill.
 
 
15

Limited drilling at El Rey has encountered gold and silver mineralization up to 1 meter of 132.5 g/tonne gold (4.25 ounces/tonne) and 1.5 meters of 958 g/tonne silver.  To date, we have drilled 48 holes for a total of 5,293 meters (14,008 feet) at the El Rey property.  Additional exploration drilling is planned.

The Las Margaritas Property

The Las Margaritas property is made up of the La Tehuana concession.  We leased this in October 2002 from our former consultant.  It is comprised of approximately 925 hectares located adjacent to the El Aguila property.  To date, we have conducted limited surface sampling, but no other significant exploration activities at the property.


The Solaga Property

In February 2007, we leased a 100% interest in a property known as the Solaga property, which totals 618 hectares, and is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the El Aguila project.  A dormant silver mine is located on the Solaga property which was in production as recently as the 1980's.  However, we cannot estimate if or when we will reopen the mine.  The lease requires us to perform $25,000 in additional work and is subject to a 4% net smelter return royalty on any production.  We have not conducted any exploration activities at the property.

The Alta Gracia Property

In August 2009, we acquired claims adjacent to the Las Margaritas property in the Alta Gracia Mining District by filing concessions under the Mexican mining laws.  We refer to this property as the Alta Gracia property.  These concessions are comprised of three mining claims, the David 1, the David 2 and La Hurradura.  The concessions total 5,175 hectares, and the acquisition of these claims extended our land position along what is known as the San Jose structural corridor to just over 16 kilometers.  To date, we have not conducted significant exploration activities at the property.

Mineral Concessions

Mineral rights in Mexico belong to the Mexican government and are administered pursuant to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution.  Exploitation concessions may be granted or transferred to Mexican citizens and corporations.  Our leases or concessions are held by our Mexican subsidiaries.  Exploitation concessions have a term of 50 years and can be renewed for another 50 years.  Concessions grant the holder the right to explore and exploit all minerals found in the ground.  Maintenance of concessions requires the semi-annual payment of mining duties (due in January and July) and the performance of assessment work, on a calendar year basis, with assessment work reports required to be filed in the month of May for the preceding calendar year.  The amount of mining duties and annual assessment are set by regulation and may increase over the life of the concession and include periodic adjustments for inflation.  Mining concessions are registered at the Public Registry of Mining in Mexico City and in regional offices in Mexico.

Mining Regulations

Mexican mining law does not require payment of finder’s fees or royalties to the government, except for a discovery premium in connection with national mineral reserves, concessions and claims or allotments contracted directly from the Mexican Geological Survey.  None of the claims held by any of our subsidiaries are under such a discovery premium regime. However, the PRI, which is the main opposition party, with the support of other opposition parties, has introduced in the Chamber of Deputies a 4% mining royalty on production.  The opposition parties collectively have a majority in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, with the governing PAN a minority.  The opposition numbers are sufficient (over 2/3) to override a Presidential veto in the Chamber but not in the Senate.  To date, the Mexican government has been silent on the royalty proposal.
 
 
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Ejido Lands and Surface Right Acquisitions

Surface lands at the El Aguila Project area are Ejido lands (agrarian cooperative lands granted by the federal government to groups of Campesinos pursuant to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution of 1917).  Prior to January 1, 1994, Ejidos could not transfer Ejido lands into private ownership.  Amendments to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution in 1994 now allow individual property ownership within Ejidos and allow Ejidos to enter into commercial ventures with individuals or entities, including foreign corporations.  We have an agreement with the local San Pedro TotolapamEjido allowing exploration and exploitation of mineralization at the El Aguila Project.

Mexican law recognizes mining as a land use generally superior to agricultural.  However, the law also recognizes the rights of the Ejidos to compensation in the event mining activity interrupts or discontinues their use of the agricultural lands.  Compensation is typically made in the form of a cash payment to the holder of the agricultural rights.  The amount of such compensation is generally related to the perceived value of the agricultural rights as negotiated in the first instance between the Ejidos and the owner of the mineral rights.  If the parties are unable to reach agreement on the amount of the compensation, the decision will be referred to the government.

We have established surface rights agreements with the San Pedro TotolapamEjido and the individuals impacted by our proposed operations which allow disturbance of the surface where necessary for our proposed mining operations.

Office Facilities

Effective October 1, 2005, we leased approximately 1,000 square feet of office space under a three year agreement with an independent third party. In May 2007, we amended the lease to add approximately 300 square feet and extended the lease term through April 30, 2010. Monthly rent payments under this lease, including parking and operating expenses, will average $2,470 per month through April 30, 2010, when the lease expires. We are currently negotiating to extend the term of this lease on a month to month basis.  We believe this space is adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future and that substitute space would be readily available, if needed. 

Glossary

Adit:
A more or less horizontal drive (walk-in mine) into a hill that is usually driven for the purpose of intersecting or mining an ore body.  An adit may also be driven into a hill to intersect or connect a shaft for the purpose of dewatering.  Adits were commonly driven on a slight incline to enable loaded mine trucks to have the advantage of a downhill run out, while the empty (lighter) truck was pushed uphill back into the hill.  The incline also allows water to drain out of the adit.  An adit only becomes a tunnel if it comes out again on the hill somewhere, like a train tunnel.
 
Doré:
Unrefined gold and silver bars usually containing more than 90% precious metal.
 
 
 
17

Epithermal:
Used to describe gold deposits found on or just below the surface close to vents or volcanoes, formed at low temperature and pressure.
 
Gram:
A metric unit of weight and mass, equal to 1/1000th of a kilogram.  One gram equals .035 ounces.  One ounce equals 31.103 grams.
 
Hectare:
Another metric unit of measurement, for surface area.  One hectare equals 1/200th of a square kilometer, 10,000 square meters, or 2.47 acres.  A hectare is approximately the size of a soccer field.
 
Kilometer:
Another metric unit of measurement, for distance.  The prefix "kilo" means 1000, so one kilometer equals 1,000 meters, one kilometer equals 3,280.84 feet, which equals 1,093.6 yards, which equals 0.6214 miles.
 
Manto:
A mineralogy term meaning a layer or stratum.
 
Mineralized Material:
Minerals or any mass of host rock in which minerals of potential commercial value occur.
 
Net Smelter Return Royalty:
A share of the net revenue generated from the sale of metal produced by the mine.
 
Ore or Ore Deposit:
Rocks that contain economic amounts of minerals in them and that are expected to be profitably mined.
 
Silicified:
Is combined or impregnated with silicon or silica.
 
Tonne:
A metric ton.  One tonne equals 1000 kg.  It is approximately equal to 2,204.62 pounds.
 
Volcanogenic:
Of volcanic origin.
 
Volcanic domes:
These are mounds that form when viscous lava is erupted slowly and piles up over the vent, rather than moving away as lava flow.  The sides of most domes are very steep and typically are mantled with unstable rock debris formed during or shortly after dome emplacement.  Most domes are composed of silica-rich lava which may contain enough pressurized gas to cause explosions during dome extrusion.
 
Winze:
Secondary or tertiary vertical or near-vertical opening sunk from a point inside a mine for the purpose of connecting with a lower level or of exploring the ground for a limited depth below a level.

Conversion Table
Metric System
Imperial System
1 metre (m)
3.2808 feet (ft)
1 kilometer (km)
0.6214 mile (mi)
1 square kilometer (km2)
0.3861 square mile (mi2)
1 square kilometer (km2)
100 hectares (has)
1 hectare (ha)
2.471 acres (ac)
1 gram (g)
0.0322 troy ounce (oz)
1 kilogram (kg)
2.2046 pounds (lbs)
1 tonne (t)
1.1023 tons (t)
1 gram/tonne (g/t)
0.0292 ounce/ton (oz/t)
 
 
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ITEM 3.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings, and to the best of our knowledge, no such proceeding is threatened, the results of which would have a material impact on our properties, results of operation, or financial condition.  Nor, to the best of our knowledge, are any of our officers or directors involved in any legal proceedings in which we are an adverse party.

ITEM 4.         RESERVED

MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information
 
Our common stock trades over-the-counter and is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "GORO." The table below sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock as reflected on the OTC Bulletin Board for the last two fiscal years.  Quotations represent prices between dealers, do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and do not necessarily represent prices at which actual transactions were effected.

Year Ending
 
High
   
Low
 
December 31, 2009
           
First Quarter
  $ 5.75     $ 3.15  
Second Quarter
    5.45       3.85  
Third Quarter
    7.47       4.13  
Fourth Quarter
    11.15       7.00  
                 
December 31, 2008
               
First Quarter
  $ 4.70     $ 3.27  
Second Quarter
    6.09       4.28  
Third Quarter
    5.65       2.36  
Fourth Quarter
    3.88       2.00  
                 

On March 12, 2010, the high and low sales price of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board were $10.40 and $10.25, respectively, and we had approximately 91 holders of record of our common stock.

Penny Stock Rules

Due to the fact that our common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, our stock may be characterized as a “penny stock” under applicable securities regulations.  If our stock is or becomes a penny stock, we will be subject to rules adopted by the SEC regulating broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks.  The broker or dealer proposing to effect a transaction in a penny stock must furnish his customer a document containing information prescribed by the SEC and obtain from the customer an executed acknowledgment of receipt of that document.  The broker or dealer must also provide the customer with pricing information regarding the security prior to the transaction and with the written confirmation of the transaction.  The broker or dealer must also disclose the aggregate amount of any compensation received or receivable by him in connection with such transaction prior to consummating the transaction and with the written confirmation of the trade.  The broker or dealer must also send an account statement to each customer for which he has executed a transaction in a penny stock each month in which such security is held for the customer's account.  The existence of these rules may have an effect on the price of our stock, and the willingness of certain brokers to effect transactions in our stock.
 
 
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Transfer Agent

We have appointed Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc. ("CST") as the transfer agent for our common stock.  The principal office of CST is located at 3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 430, Denver, CO  80209 and its telephone number is (303) 282-4800.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock.  Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including the terms of any credit arrangements, our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.  At the present time, we are not party to any agreement that would limit our ability to pay dividends.

Performance Graph

Not required.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data sets forth our summary historical financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. This information was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for each period.  Our selected historical financial data is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. For additional information relating to our operations, see “Item 1. Business” and “Item 2. Properties.”

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Operating Data
                             
Net loss from operations
  $ (34,183,804 )   $ (26,348,812 )   $ (8,318,855 )   $ (2,743,851 )   $ (1,224,085 )
Other income
    54,497       333,609       242,513       57,089       6,174  
Net loss
    (34,129,307 )     (26,015,203 )     (8,076,342 )     (2,686,762 )     (1,217,711 )
Basic & diluted loss per share
    (0.78 )     (0.76 )     (0.28 )     (0.13 )     (0.08 )
Weighted average shares
    43,764,703       34,393,854       28,645,038       20,218,659       16,164,715  
                                         
Balance Sheet Data
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,752,325     $ 3,534,578     $ 22,007,216     $ 7,660,258     $ 176,182  
Total current assets
    20,701,405       3,737,468       22,051,156       7,866,370       191,159  
Property and equipment, net
    1,726,278       812,219       352,429       96,279       54,352  
Land and mineral rights
    226,610       226,610       152,522       --       --  
Total assets
    22,664,758       4,781,018       22,557,576       7,964,118       246,980  
                                         
Current liabilities
    724,439       1,753,285       768,452       451,163       33,607  
Long-term obligations
    1,991,987       --       --       --       --  
Shareholders’ equity
    19,948,332       3,027,733       21,789,124       7,512,955       213,373  

 
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Except for the historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report.  Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.

Introduction

The following discussion analyzes our operating results for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and our financial condition at December 31, 2009 and 2008, with a particular emphasis on the year ended December 31, 2009.

Overview

We expect to commence commercial production at our Mexico facility during 2010.  Prior to 2010, none of our properties were in production, and consequently, we have never produced revenue or cash flow from the sale of minerals and have relied on equity financing to fund our operations to date.
 
Since August 2006, we raised capital through various sales of common stock, yielding gross proceeds of approximately $85,000,000.  Our most recent financings were part of a strategic alliance with Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (Hochschild), a mid tier gold and silver producer headquartered in Lima, Peru and listed on the London Stock Exchange.  Pursuant to a series of agreements, Hochschild purchased 1,670,000 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $5,010,000 in December 2008; 4,330,000 shares of our common stock for $12,990,000 in February 2009; 5,000,000 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of $20,000,000 in June 2009; 1,954,795 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $16,000,000 in December 2009; and 600,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $5,172,000 in March 2010.  Hochschild has invested a total of $59,172,000 in private placements with our company for a 27.8% ownership share and has purchased an additional 1% share in the open market for a total ownership of 28.7%.  We have used the funds primarily to fund exploration and construction at the El Aguila Project.  In 2007, we commenced activities that we hope will allow us to successfully mine the deposits at El Aguila, including the construction of a processing mill and other infrastructure.
 
During 2009, we continued efforts to construct our mine and mill and complete other activities necessary to place our El Aguila Project into production.  We began commissioning those facilities in late 2009 and anticipate generating revenue from the sale of precious metals in 2010.

We continue to refine our initial and ongoing capital requirements.  As an exploration stage company, there is significant uncertainty in our estimates regarding both future costs and future revenue.  We may require additional capital resources to complete our plans.
 
 
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Exploration Stage Company.  We are considered an exploration stage company since we have not demonstrated the existence of proven or probable reserves in accordance with certain regulatory requirements that would be costly for us to meet.  At this time, we do not believe that meeting those requirements is the best use of our limited capital resources.  In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, all expenditures for exploration and evaluation of our properties have been expensed as incurred.  Furthermore, unless mineralized material is classified as proven or probable reserves, substantially all expenditures for mine and mill construction have been or will be expensed as incurred.  Certain expenditures, such as for rolling stock or other general purpose equipment, may be capitalized, subject to our evaluation of the possible impairment of the asset.  Since substantially all of our expenditures to date, including construction of the mill, have been expensed and we expect to expense additional expenditures during 2010, most of our investment in mining properties and equipment does not appear as an asset on our balance sheet.  Our accounting treatment, regarding the classification of construction expenditures as an operating expense rather than as a capital asset has caused us to report large losses during the last two years.  Although the majority of expenditures for the El Aguila Project were completed during 2009, we expect underground mine construction to continue in future years.  In comparison to other mining companies that capitalize development expenditures because they have exited the exploration stage, we will report larger losses or lesser profits during periods of construction.  In our financial statements we provide additional information that presents operating expenses differentiated from construction expenses to provide for a better understanding of our operations.
 
Exploration of our properties accelerated in late 2006 and continued throughout 2009.  From inception to December 31, 2009, we expensed approximately $24,485,000 on the exploration and evaluation of our various properties, substantially all of which has been spent on the currently active properties known as El Aguila.  In addition, we have expensed, from inception to December 31, 2009, approximately $35,496,000 in design, engineering, and construction costs, all of which apply to the El Aguila Project.
 
A more detailed breakdown of the El Aguila Project construction costs is as follows:
 
Original Design Construction Costs
     
Permits
  $ 264,000  
Mill
       
         Equipment and Transportation
    10,489,000  
         Installation and Buildings
    10,690,000  
         Engineering Design and Construction Management
    5,568,000  
Infrastructure
       
         Roads
    850,000  
         Waterline and system
    1,234,000  
         Tailings Impoundment Phase I
    2,717,000  
Subtotal
    31,812,000  
Other Construction Costs
       
Community Relations
    539,000  
Employee Housing
    1,880,000  
Tailings Impoundment Phase II
    1,265,000  
Subtotal
    3,684,000  
Total Construction Costs
  $ 35,496,000  

 
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Plan of Operation
 
In April 2007, we decided to move forward with construction at the El Aguila property in an effort to commence commercial production.  Our decision was made based upon drilling data that we believe provides evidence of mineralized material in amounts sufficient to proceed with construction activities.  However, we have not commenced a feasibility study that would allow us to classify any of our mineralized material as proven or probable reserves, as those terms are defined by the SEC in Industry Guide 7, "Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to Be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations."  The SEC definition of "reserve" is "that part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.”
 
Our ability to demonstrate the existence of proven or probable reserves would require us to continue exploration drilling that demonstrated the existence of sufficient mineralized material and to complete a positive feasibility study.  A feasibility study must demonstrate with reasonable certainty that the deposit can be legally and economically extracted and produced.  At this time, we have neither undertaken these additional activities nor implemented plans to undertake these activities in the future.  Accordingly, the mineralized material identified by us should not be considered proven or probable mineral reserves.  Additionally, the assumptions used by us in our decision to undertake construction of the mill and mine may prove to be inaccurate.  Thus, we may never be able to recover sufficient mineralized material to become profitable.
 
Anticipated Production.  In 2008 we engaged Lyntek, Inc. of Denver, Colorado, to design and build the mill at the El Aguila Project.  The mill is designed to process 850 to 1,100 tonnes of ore per day, depending on ore type, through a flotation section, and 150 to 250 tonnes of ore per day, depending upon ore type, through an agitated leach section.  Mining by open pit methods is accomplished under contract with a third party contractor.  In December 2009, we began commissioning the El Aguila mill.  We produced our first concentrate in February 2010.  As of March 10, 2010 we are in the process of ramping up and optimizing mill production.
 
Our immediate goal is to reach “commercial production” in the first quarter of 2010.  Commercial production for our purposes is achieved when the mill throughput and recoveries are 80% of design.  Prior to achieving commercial production, any sales of concentrates are applied against costs and are not considered revenue.
 
If commercial production is achieved from the open pit gold ore, any silver contained in the mineralization will be produced as a by-product, revenue from which will help offset the costs of producing the gold.  In the following year, if activities go as planned, we intend to undertake production of gold from an underground mine at the nearby La Arista vein.  As of March 15, 2010 construction of the decline ramp related to our proposed underground mine is underway.  A portion of the proceeds from our equity financing in December 2009 is dedicated for this purpose, and those funds are part of our restricted cash.  Since we believe the La Arista Vein area also contains base metals such as copper, lead, and zinc, we intend to produce those metals as by-products, any revenue from which would help offset the costs of producing gold and silver.  We expect that the ore from both the near-surface deposit and the anticipated underground mine will be processed at the El Aguila mill.

In October 2007, we acquired an additional parcel of land which comprises approximately five hectares and is located adjacent to the community of San Jose de Gracia.  We completed construction of an employee housing facility for the El Aguila Project, as well as a health clinic which will be available to employees and local residents.  The facility encompasses 10 buildings, including a cafeteria, and can house approximately 50 people.
 
 
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Construction at the La Arista Vein.   We have begun development of the underground La Arista vein.  A third party contractor has been hired and is presently driving a decline haulage ramp, a second ventilation and emergency ramp and additional developments.  We plan to construct a surface facility to service this underground mine.
 
A portion of the proceeds of the most recent private placement, in the amount of $8,000,000, have been reserved for construction of this underground mine and facilities.  However, since we are still in the process of planning the design and construction of those facilities, we have not yet determined whether that amount will be sufficient to complete the necessary work to begin mining of the underground mineralization.  If we are successful in completing the underground facilities and commencing mining at this portion of our property, we expect that the ore will be processed at our nearby mill.

Mexico Income Taxes.  On October 1, 2007, Mexico enacted changes to its tax system that generally took effect beginning January 1, 2008.  Those changes include the creation of a “flat tax” (so-called because the computation of income subject to the tax excludes a number of the deductions generally included in a more traditional determination of taxable income).  The Mexican tax system continues to include a “regular” income tax.  In general, enterprises operating in Mexico will be required to pay the greater of the tax computed under the regular tax and the flat tax.  The tax is new and some of its provisions are ambiguous.  While we do not expect the flat tax to have an effect on us for either the 2008 or 2009 tax years, we estimate that we could incur flat tax liability beginning in tax year 2010.  The flat tax computation excludes certain deductions for operating loss carry-forwards and amortization, depletion, and depreciation expense.  Therefore, the new tax law may limit the future tax benefit that would have otherwise been available from our investment in mineral properties.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had working capital of $19,976,966, consisting of current assets of $20,701,405 and current liabilities of $724,439.  This represents an increase of $17,992,783 from the working capital balance of $1,984,183 as of December 31, 2008 and reflects the proceeds of recently completed equity sales.  Our current assets consist primarily of cash which is deposited in short term, interest bearing accounts.  Consistent with our plans, we continued to consume working capital to fund our exploration and construction activities and other operating expenses, and we replenished our working capital through the sale of common stock.
 
We have never received revenue from gold or other mineral sales.  We currently expect to commence sales of gold and silver upon reaching commercial production of our El Aguila processing facility during 2010, but we cannot guarantee that we will meet our expected timetable.  Any revenue generated from the sale of gold or silver will be used to pay for operating costs first and then to supplement our existing cash for construction of the underground mine, additional exploration and other working capital needs.
 
We have historically primarily relied on equity financings to fund our operations.  From inception through December 31, 2009, we received $95,740,373 in cash, services, stock options, and other consideration through issuance of our common stock.  As of December 31, 2009, we did not have any outstanding debt.  We believe that we will continue to fund our future working capital requirements through the sale of equity, and eventually through cash flow from operations, and we have not made arrangements to borrow funds for working capital requirements.  However, we may consider debt financing if market conditions allow.
 
 
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In December 2008, we entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Hochschild.  Pursuant to the strategic alliance agreement, Hochschild was granted an option to purchase shares of our restricted common stock and a first right of refusal to participate in any equity financing transactions we undertake until such time as we produce at least 4,000 ounces of gold in a 45-day period.  Following that production benchmark, Hochschild may participate in equity financing transactions to the extent of their ownership interest.  Hochschild exercised its option in February 2009, and we sold 4,330,000 shares of restricted common stock to Hochschild at a price of $3.00 per share for total proceeds of $12,990,000.  Hochschild also exercised its first right of refusal to provide us with additional equity financing, and on June 30, 2009, we entered into a subscription agreement with Hochschild to sell 5,000,000 additional shares of restricted common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, or a total of $20,000,000.  That transaction was completed in two tranches, the last of which closed in July 2009.  We agreed to reserve $4,000,000 of the proceeds for exploration activities, and the $4,000,000 was deposited into a restricted cash account.  Also pursuant to the right of first refusal, on December 17, 2009, we sold 1,954,795 shares of restricted common stock at $8.185 per share to Hochschild for gross proceeds of $16,000,000.  We agreed to reserve $8,000,000 of the proceeds for underground mining expenses at the La Arista vein.  Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2009, we conducted a new financing transaction with Hochschild whereby we sold 600,000 shares of restricted common stock at $8.62 per share for gross proceeds of $5,172,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we spent $7,811,371 on the exploration and evaluation of our properties, predominantly at our El Aguila Project.  This compares to $8,171,396 spent during the year ended December 31, 2008.  While we continued our exploration program to further delineate the area of mineralized material, our emphasis has shifted to construction of the mine and mill.  Our most significant expenditures for 2009 were for the construction of the mill and associated infrastructure.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we spent $20,994,436 on engineering and construction activities.  This compares to $14,501,461 spent during the year ended December 31, 2008, and reflects the acceleration of construction.
 
Our most significant expenditures for 2010 are expected to be costs associated with the second phase of our tailings facility, achieving ramp up and optimization to commercial production, the continued development of the underground mine and exploration.  Furthermore, we continue to incur operating expenses approximating $200,000 per month for salaries and other overhead expenses at our Denver and Oaxaca locations.  We expect to continue depleting our working capital until such time, if ever, we successfully reach commercial production and generate cash flow from the production and sale of gold and other metals.
 
Although we expect to commence gold production during 2010, it is uncertain if we will be successful.  Furthermore, the amount of revenue generated during the start-up phase of a mining operation is difficult to predict and tends to be highly variable.  Our costs to enter the production phase may be greater than we anticipate.  We may require additional funding to complete our existing plans and we would be dependent upon additional financing to expand our exploration efforts.  We may seek additional funding during the next twelve months.
 
Net cash used in operating activities was $44,875,201 during the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $23,005,822 during 2008, an increase of $21,869,379.  We accelerated our operating expenditures consistent with our plan to commence production during 2010.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $1,204,253, compared to $657,816 for the year ended December 31, 2008, all representing capital expenditures.  Although most of our exploration stage expenditures are recorded as an expense rather than an investment, we capitalize the acquisition cost of land and mineral rights and certain equipment that has alternative future uses or significant salvage value, including rolling stock, furniture, and electronics.  During 2009, we acquired additional vehicles and capital equipment, and we filed mineral concessions with the Mexican government.  During 2008, our capital expenditures primarily included rolling stock and earth moving equipment.
 
 
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Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $49,174,000, consisting of proceeds from the Hochschild financings previously discussed and proceeds of $184,000 from the exercise of stock options. For the year ended December 31, 2008, financing activities provided cash of $5,191,000, consisting of $5,010,000 proceeds from the Hochschild strategic alliance discussed above and proceeds of $181,000 from the exercise of stock options.
 
 The balance of cash and equivalents increased to $6,752,325 as of December 31, 2009 from $3,534,578 as of December 31, 2008, a net increase in cash of $3,217,747.  We expect to continue our plan of raising funds from equity sales if necessary and to expend our cash for exploration stage activities until such time, if ever, we successfully commence production and generate cash flow from the production and sale of gold and other metals.
 
December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2008, we had working capital of $1,984,183, consisting of current assets of $3,737,468 and current liabilities of $1,753,285.  Our current assets consisted primarily of cash.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, our cash decreased by $18,472,638 as a result of our exploration, construction and investment activities.  Operating expenses totaled $26,348,812, which, reduced by non-cash expenses such as stock-based compensation, amortization of equipment, and changes in assets and liabilities, resulted in $23,005,822 of net cash used in operating activities.  The significant amount of cash used in operating activities is attributable to our decision to begin constructing the mill and related facilities at our El Aguila Project.  Cash used in investing activities totaled $657,816 resulting solely from capital expenditures.  We received $5,191,000 as a result of financing activities in 2008.

Results of Operations – Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we reported a net loss of $34,129,307, or $0.78 per share, compared to a net loss of $26,015,203, or $0.76 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008.  In neither year did we report any revenue from the sale of gold or other minerals.  Our only revenue since inception has consisted of interest income.  We currently expect to commence sales of gold and silver upon commissioning of our El Aguila processing facility during 2010, but we cannot guarantee that we will meet our expected timetable.
 
Total costs and expenses in the year ended December 31, 2009 were $34,183,804 compared to $26,348,812 in the comparable period of 2008, an increase of $7,834,992 or 29.7%.  The additional expenditures reflect our increasing activities at the El Aguila Project.  Total mineral property costs increased $6,132,950 or 27%, for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $28,805,807 from $22,672,857 for the comparable period in 2008. The property exploration and evaluation component decreased $360,025 or 4.4 %, from $8,171,396 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $7,811,371 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Our exploration and other drilling activity temporarily decreased as we focused our efforts on engineering and construction.
 
The engineering and construction cost component during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $20,994,436, compared to $14,501,461 during the comparable period in 2008.  As more fully described in the preceding discussions of our liquidity and capital resources, we accelerated construction of the mine and mill site and infrastructure during 2009.
 
 
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General and administrative expenses increased $1,658,997 or 46.7% to $5,211,004 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $3,552,007 for the comparable period last year.  The component of general and administrative expense representing stock option compensation expense was $2,843,506 for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $1,956,806 for the comparable period in 2008.  We use an option pricing model to estimate the value of stock options granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants.  It is difficult to estimate the value of options that we grant.  The options are subject to significant restrictions and cannot be purchased or sold on the open market.  Therefore, there is no objective and independent valuation measurement for them.  We use the Black-Scholes-Merton model, which requires considerable judgment selecting the subjective assumptions that are critical to the results produced by the model, to calculate the estimated fair value.  We record the estimated fair value as an expense on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period of the options.

During 2009, we granted options to officers and directors to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.95 per share, all of which vested immediately.  The estimated value of those options using the Black-Scholes-Merton model was $2,575,000.  We also granted options to an employee to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share. The estimated value of those options using the Black-Scholes-Merton model was $331,787 which will be recognized on a pro-rata basis over the three year vesting period. During 2009, we also recognized a portion of the fair value of options issued during previous periods, pro-rated over the vesting period.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we granted a total of 1,320,000 stock options with an estimated value of $2,508,114 using the Black-Scholes-Merton model. We granted options to officers and directors to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.40 per share, all of which vested immediately.  We also granted stock options to an investor relations consultant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.45 per share, all of which vested immediately.  We granted stock options to employees covering 270,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $3.91.  Those options will vest over the next three years.  During 2008, we also recognized a portion of the fair value of options issued during previous periods, pro-rated over the vesting period.
 
We also record share-based compensation for shares of common stock issued in exchange for goods and services.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we did not grant any shares of common stock as compensation.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, we issued 10,000 shares of common stock valued at $42,470 as partial compensation for investor relations services.
 
The other components of general and administrative expense, including salaries and benefits, professional fees, investor relations, and travel, increased to $1,688,569 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 from $1,344,284 during the comparable period in 2008, an increase of $344,285 or 26%.  There were no significant changes in this component of our cost structure, although we increased activity levels as we prepare the El Aguila Project for production.  We anticipate these costs may further increase if we commence commercial production.
 
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased to $54,497 compared to $333,609 for the comparable period of 2008, a decrease of $279,112 or 83.8%, primarily representing lower interest rates and decreased deposits in short term interest bearing accounts.
 
Our mining operations are located in Mexico and we primarily transact business in Mexican pesos.  Our reporting currency is the US dollar.  Changes in the rate of currency exchange between the Mexican peso and the US dollar create translation gains and losses, which are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.  For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we recorded a currency translation loss of $967,600 and a gain of $63,536, respectively.
 
 
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Results of Operations – Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

For the year ended December 31, 2008 we reported a net loss of $26,015,203, or $0.76 per share, compared to a net loss of $8,076,342, or $0.28 per share for 2007. We expect to incur losses until such time, if ever, we begin generating significant revenue from operations.
 
In neither year did we report any revenue from the sale of gold or other minerals.  Our only income since inception has consisted of interest income.
 
Total costs and expenses were $26,348,812 in 2008 compared to $8,318,855 in 2007, an increase of $18,029,957 or 217%.  The additional expenditures reflect our increasing activities at the El Aguila project. Mineral property costs, including exploration and evaluation, increased $2,439,625 from $5,731,771 for the year ended December 31, 2007 to $8,171,396 for the year ended December 31, 2008.  We continued our exploration of the El Aguila property in 2008.   We conducted limited exploration on the El Rey property.
 
Engineering and construction costs were $14,501,461 in 2008 compared to nil in 2007.  As more fully described in the preceding discussions of our expenditures, we commenced construction of the mine and mill site and other infrastructure during 2008.
 
General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased to $3,552,007 compared to $2,539,604 during 2007, an increase of $1,012,403 or 40%.  As explained below, there was a significant increase in non-cash stock option compensation, partially reduced by decreases in other items.
 
The component of general and administrative expense representing non-cash stock option compensation expense was $1,956,806 for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $99,482 for 2007.  We use the Black-Scholes-Merton model to estimate the value of stock options granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants.
 
During 2008, we granted a total of 1,320,000 stock options with an estimated value of $2,508,114.  We granted options to officers and directors to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.40 per share, all of which vested immediately.  We also granted stock options to an investor relations consultant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.45 per share, all of which vested immediately.  We also granted options to employees covering 270,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $3.91.  Those options will vest over the next three years.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we granted stock options to a public relations consultant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.68 per share, all of which vested in 2007.  The estimated fair value of those options was $83,192.
 
The component of general and administrative expense representing a non-cash expense for grants of common stock was $42,470 for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $630,968 for 2007.  Shares of common stock issued by us in exchange for services are recorded as an expense, the amount of which is determined by reference to the market prices of our stock reported by the OTC Bulletin Board.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we issued 10,000 restricted shares of common stock valued at $42,470 as partial compensation for investor relations services.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, we issued 185,000 restricted shares of common stock valued at $630,968 as partial compensation for consulting services.
 
 
28

Cash compensation costs included in general and administrative expense decreased to $716,057 during 2008 from $880,098 during 2007.  Certain cash compensation attributed to 2007 was replaced by non-cash compensation during 2008.  Professional fees increased to $368,975 in 2008 compared to $234,154 in 2007, an increase of $134,821, which reflects our increasing corporate and administrative activities. Investor relations expenses decreased to $167,732 during 2008 from $342,083 during 2007.  There were finders fees associated with the private placement in December 2007 that were not repeated in 2008.
 
Interest income increased to $333,609 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $242,513 for 2007, an increase of $91,096, or 38%, representing higher deposits in short term interest bearing accounts pending utilization in our exploration, construction and operating activities.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we recorded currency translation gains (losses) of $63,536 and ($89,939), respectively.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of and subsequent to December 31, 2009, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Our known obligations at fiscal year end are set forth in the table below:
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1
year
   
1-3
years
   
3-5
years
   
More than 5
years
 
Purchase Obligations(1)
  $ 662,000     $ 662,000       --       --       --  
Total
  $ 662,000     $ 662,000       --       --       --  
________________________________
(1)  Represents amounts due to our executive officers pursuant to their respective employment agreements with our company.

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe that application of the following accounting policies, which are critical to our financial position and results of operations, requires significant judgments and estimates on the part of management.
 
Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Estimates that are critical to the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the identification and valuation of proven and probable reserves, obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters, estimates related to asset impairments of long lived assets and investments, classification of expenditures as either an asset or an expense, valuation of deferred tax assets, and the likelihood of loss contingencies  Management bases its estimates and judgements on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period it is determined to be necessary.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
 
29

Proven and Probable Reserves.    The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in SEC Industry Guide 7.  Proven reserves are reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well-established.  Probable reserves are reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced.  The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.  In addition, reserves cannot be considered proven and probable until they are supported by a feasibility study, indicating that the reserves have had the requisite geologic, technical and economic work performed and are economically and legally extractable at the time of the reserve determination.
 
Mineral Acquisition Costs.    The costs of acquiring land and mineral rights are considered tangible assets.  Significant acquisition payments are capitalized.  General, administrative and holding costs to maintain an exploration property are expensed as incurred.  If a mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method.  If no mineable ore body is discovered or such rights are otherwise determined to have diminished value, such costs are expensed in the period in which the determination is made.
 
Exploration Costs.    Exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred.  Costs to identify new mineral resources, to evaluate potential resources, and to convert mineral resources into proven and probable reserves are considered exploration costs.
 
Design, Construction, and Development Costs.    Certain costs to design and construct mine and processing facilities may be incurred prior to establishing proven and probable reserves.  Under these circumstances, we classify the project as an exploration stage project and expense substantially all costs, including design, engineering, construction, and installation of equipment.  Certain types of equipment, which have alternative uses or significant salvage value, may be capitalized.  If a project is determined to contain proven and probable reserves, costs incurred in anticipation of production can be capitalized.  Such costs include development drilling to further delineate the ore body, removing overburden during the pre-production phase, building access ways, constructing facilities, and installing equipment.  Interest costs, if any, incurred during the development phase, would be capitalized until the assets are ready for their intended use.  The cost of start-up activities and on-going costs to maintain production are expensed as incurred.  Costs of abandoned projects are charged to operations upon abandonment.
 
If a project commences commercial production, amortization and depletion of capitalized costs is computed on a unit-of–production basis over the expected reserves of the project based on estimated recoverable gold equivalent ounces.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment.  If impairment indicators exist, we perform additional analysis to quantify the amount by which capitalized costs exceed recoverable value.  The periodic evaluation of capitalized costs is based upon expected future cash flows, including estimated salvage values.  As of December 31, 2009, our mineral resources do not meet the definition of proven or probable reserves or value beyond proven and probable reserves and any potential revenue has been excluded from the cash flow assumptions.  Accordingly, recoverability of capitalized cost is based primarily on estimated salvage values, or alternative future uses.
 
 
30

Asset Retirement Obligation.    All items of property and equipment are carried at cost not in excess of their estimated net realizable value.  Normal maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings while expenditures for major maintenance and betterments are capitalized.  Gains or losses on disposition are recognized in operations.
 
Stock Based Compensation.    We record compensation expense for the fair value of stock options that are granted.  Expense is recognized on a pro-rata basis over the vesting periods, if any, of the options. The fair value of stock options at their grant date is estimated by using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.
 
Foreign Currency Translation.  The local currency where our properties are located, the Mexican peso, is the functional currency for our subsidiaries.  Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.  Intercompany equity accounts are translated using historical rates.  Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year.  Translation adjustments are not included in the determination of net loss for the period and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
 
Income Taxes.  Income taxes are computed using the liability method.  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes and the effect of net operating loss carry-forwards.  Deferred tax assets are evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that they will be realized.  Valuation allowances have been established to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets in recognition of significant uncertainties regarding their ultimate realization.  Further, the evaluation has determined that there are no uncertain tax positions required to be disclosed.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards.  We evaluate the pronouncements of various authoritative accounting organizations, primarily the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), to determine the impact of new pronouncements on US GAAP and the impact on us.  We adopted the following new accounting standards during 2009:

Accounting Standards Codification - In June, 2009, FASB established the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative US GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative US GAAP for SEC registrants.  The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic.  The ASC did not change current US GAAP, but was intended to simplify user access to all authoritative US GAAP by providing all the relevant literature related to a particular topic in one place.  All previously existing accounting standards were superseded and all other accounting literature not included in the ASC is considered non-authoritative.  New accounting standards issued subsequent to June 30, 2009 will be communicated by the FASB through Accounting Standards Updates (ASU’s).  The ASC was effective during the period ended September 30, 2009.  Adoption of the ASC did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
31

Subsequent Events - In May, 2009, the ASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  The guidance was amended in February, 2010.  The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements.  We adopted the updated guidance in 2009.  The adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates.     The following accounting standards updates were recently issued and have not yet been adopted by us.  These standards are currently under review to determine their impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ASU 2010-6 amends existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurements by adding required disclosures about items transferring into and out of levels 1 and 2 in the fair value hierarchy; adding separate disclosures about purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements relative to level 3 measurements; and clarifying, among other things, the existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation. This ASU will be effective for the first quarter of 2010.

ASU 2009-17 revises the consolidation guidance for variable-interest entities. The modifications include the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. This standard will be effective January 1, 2010.

There were various other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries.  None of the updates are expected to a have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our exposure to market risks includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, equity price risks, commodity price fluctuations, and country risk.  We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk; however, we may consider such arrangements in the future as we evaluate our business and financial strategy.
 
Foreign Currency Risk
 
We transact a significant amount of our business in Mexican pesos.  As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact our operating costs.  The appreciation of non-US dollar currencies such as the peso against the US dollar increases expenses and the cost of purchasing capital assets in US dollar terms in Mexico, which can adversely impact our operating results and cash flows.  Conversely, a depreciation of non-US dollar currencies usually decreases operating costs and capital asset purchases in US dollar terms.
 
The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates.  Appreciation of non-US dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a decrease in non-US dollar currencies results in a loss.  We have not utilized market risk sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates but may in the future actively manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk.  We also hold portions of our cash reserves in non-US dollar currencies.
 
 
32

Interest Rate Risk
 
We have no debt outstanding nor do we have any investment in debt instruments other than highly liquid short-term investments. Accordingly, we consider our interest rate risk exposure to be insignificant at this time.
 
Equity Price Risk
 
We have in the past sought and may in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common stock and other equity. Movements in the price of our common stock have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell our common stock at an acceptable price should the need for new equity funding arise.

Commodity Price Risk
 
We currently do not have any production but expect to produce gold and silver in the near future.  If we commence production and sales, changes in the price of gold and other minerals could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows in the future.  We do not presently expect to hedge the sale of any of our anticipated production.
 
Country Risk
 
All of our mineral properties are located in Mexico.  In the past, that country has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties which may cause changes to existing government regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities.  Civil or political unrest could disrupt our operations at any time.  Our exploration and mining activities may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in political conditions that could increase the costs related to our activities or maintaining our properties.  Finally, Mexico’s status as a developing country may make it more difficult for us to obtain required financing for our properties.
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


 
33

 
GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 defines internal control over financial reporting in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

-  
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of assets;
 
-  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and
 
-  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention and timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
 
Internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems that are determined to be effective provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on its assessment, management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.

34
 

 
 
 

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Gold Resource Corporation
Denver, Colorado

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gold Resource Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2009, and the period August 24, 1998 (inception) to December 31, 2009.  We also have audited Gold Resource Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Gold Resource Corporation’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, including in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gold Resource Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2009, and the period August 24, 1998 (inception) to December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, Gold Resource Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


 
March 12, 2010
Denver, Colorado

 
35
 

 
GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(An Exploration Stage Company)
 
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
as of December 31, 2009 and 2009
 
             
             
             
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
             
ASSETS
           
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,752,325     $ 3,534,578  
Restricted cash
    11,436,074       -  
Prepaid and refundable taxes
    2,132,495       -  
Other current assets
    380,511       202,890  
Total current assets
    20,701,405       3,737,468  
                 
                 
Land and mineral rights
    226,610       226,610  
Property and equipment - net
    1,726,278       812,219  
Other assets
    10,465       4,721  
Total assets
  $ 22,664,758     $ 4,781,018  
                 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 724,439     $ 1,753,285  
Total current liabilities
    724,439       1,753,285  
                 
Asset retirement obligation
    1,991,987       -  
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized:
               
no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock - $0.001 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized:
               
48,100,284 and 36,087,556 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    48,100       36,088  
Additional paid-in capital
    95,692,273       43,686,779  
(Deficit) accumulated during the exploration stage
    (74,817,721 )     (40,688,414 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Currency translation adjustment
    (974,320 )     (6,720 )
Total shareholders' equity
    19,948,332       3,027,733  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 22,664,758     $ 4,781,018  
                 
                 
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
36
 

GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(An Exploration Stage Company)
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
 
and for the period from Inception (August 24, 1998) to December 31, 2009
 
                         
                         
                         
                     
Inception
 
                     
(August 24, 1998) to
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
December 31, 2009
 
                         
 Revenue:
                       
Gold sales
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Costs and Expenses:
                               
Property exploration and evaluation
    7,811,371       8,171,396       5,731,771       24,485,210  
Engineering and construction
    20,994,436       14,501,461       -       35,495,897  
Management contract - US Gold, related party
    -       -       -       752,191  
General and administrative
    5,211,004       3,552,007       2,539,604       14,416,382  
Depreciation
    166,993       123,948       47,480       363,708  
Total costs and expenses
    34,183,804       26,348,812       8,318,855       75,513,388  
                                 
Operating (loss)
    (34,183,804 )     (26,348,812 )     (8,318,855 )     (75,513,388 )
                                 
Other income:
                               
Interest income
    54,497       333,609       242,513       695,667  
                                 
(Loss) before income taxes
    (34,129,307 )     (26,015,203 )     (8,076,342 )     (74,817,721 )
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
Net (loss)
    (34,129,307 )     (26,015,203 )     (8,076,342 )     (74,817,721 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Currency translation gain (loss)
    (967,600 )     63,536       (89,939 )     (974,320 )
                                 
Net comprehensive (loss)
  $ (35,096,907 )   $ (25,951,667 )   $ (8,166,281 )   $ (75,792,041 )
                                 
                                 
Net (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.78 )   $ (0.76 )   $ (0.28 )        
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic and Diluted
    43,764,703       34,393,854       28,645,038          
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
37
 

GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION
 
(An Exploration Stage Company)
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
For the period from Inception (August 24, 1998) to December 31, 2009
 
                                     
                                     
   
Number of
   
Par Value of
   
Additional
         
Comprehensive
   
Total
 
   
Common
   
Common
   
Paid - in
   
Accumulated
   
Income
   
Shareholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Shares
   
Capital
   
(Deficit)
   
(Loss)
   
Equity (Deficit)
 
                                     
Balance at Inception, August 24, 1998
    -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                 
Shares for contributed capital at
                                               
$0.005 per share - related parties
    2,800,000       2,800       (1,400 )     -       -       1,400  
Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (1,657 )     -       (1,657 )
Balance, December 31, 1998
    2,800,000       2,800       (1,400 )     (1,657 )     -       (257 )
                                                 
Shares for contributed capital at
                                               
$0.005 per share - related parties
    1,000,000       1,000       (500 )     -       -       500  
Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (663 )     -       (663 )
Balance, December 31, 1999
    3,800,000       3,800       (1,900 )     (2,320 )     -       (420 )
                                                 
Shares issued for management contract
                               
  at $0.17 per share - related party
    1,226,666       1,226       202,578       -       -       203,804  
 Net  (loss)
    -       -       -       (205,110 )     -       (205,110 )
 Balance, December 31, 2000
    5,026,666       5,026       200,678       (207,430 )     -       (1,726 )
                                                 
Shares issued for management contract
                               
  at $0.14 per share - related party
    1,333,334       1,334       187,053       -       -       188,387  
 Conversion of debentures at
                                               
 $0.25 per share - related parties
    200,000       200       49,800       -       -       50,000  
Sale of shares for cash at $0.25 per share
      204,180       -       -       205,000  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (346,498 )     -       (346,498 )
 Balance, December 31, 2001
    7,380,000       7,380       641,711       (553,928 )     -       95,163  
                                                 
Shares issued for cash at $0.25 per share
      97,608       -       -       98,000  
Shares issued for cash at $0.17 per share
      223,322       -       -       224,673  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (788,629 )     (17 )     (788,646 )
 Balance, December 31, 2002
    9,123,352       9,123       962,641       (1,342,557 )     (17 )     (370,810 )
 
 
38
 

 
                                                 
Shares issued for cash at $0.25 per share
      143,673       -       -       144,250  
 Share issuance costs forgiven
    -       -       25,327       -       -       25,327  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (496,046 )     29       (496,017 )
 Balance, December 31, 2003
    9,700,352       9,700       1,131,641       (1,838,603 )     12       (697,250 )
                                                 
Shares issued for cash at $0.25 per share
      151,392       -       -       152,000  
Shares issued in repayment of loan related
                               
 to exploration agreement at
                                               
 $0.42 per share
    1,200,000       1,200       498,800       -       -       500,000  
 Shares issued as stock grant at
                                               
 $0.25 per share
    600,000       600       149,400       -       -       150,000  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (853,593 )     (73 )     (853,666 )
 Balance, December 31, 2004
    12,108,352       12,108       1,931,233       (2,692,196 )     (61 )     (748,916 )
                                                 
 Stock grant at $0.25 per share
    1,750,000       1,750       435,750       -       -       437,500  
Stock option exercised at $0.25 per share
      2,490       -       -       2,500  
Stock issued for cash at $0.25 per share
      68,724       -       -       69,000  
Stock issued for satisfaction of payables
                               
 at $0.25 per share
    1,280,000       1,280       318,720       -       -       320,000  
Shares issued for cash at $0.47 per share
      1,272,271       -       -       1,275,000  
Shares issued for cash at $0.50 per share
      60,878       -       -       61,000  
Shares issued for cash at $0.50 per share
      14,970       -       -       15,000  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (1,217,911 )     200       (1,217,711 )
 Balance, December 31, 2005
    18,304,852       18,305       4,105,036       (3,910,107 )     139       213,373  
                                                 
Stock options exercised at $0.25 per share
      59,760       -       -       60,000  
 Stock options granted
    -       -       147,050       -       -       147,050  
 Director stock grant at $1.00 per share
    100,000       100       99,900       -       -       100,000  
Shares issued for cash at $1.00 per share,
                               
 net of issue costs
    4,600,000       4,600       4,346,600       -       -       4,351,200  
 Shares issued for investor relations
                                               
 services at $1.14 per share
    280,000       280       319,720       -       -       320,000  
Shares issued for cash at $1.20 per share,
                               
 net of issue costs
    4,322,000       4,322       4,924,378       -       -       4,928,700  
 Shares issued for investment banking
                                               
 services at $1.20 per share
    257,700       257       (257 )     -       -       -  
Employee stock grants at $1.71 per share
      59,815       -       -       59,850  
 Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (2,686,762 )     19,544       (2,667,218 )
 Balance, December 31, 2006
    28,139,552       28,139       14,062,002       (6,596,869 )     19,683       7,512,955  
 
 
39
 

 
Shares issued for investor relations
                                   
services at weighted average price
                                   
of $3.39 per share
    170,000       170       575,598       -       -       575,768  
Shares issued for consulting services in
                                               
Mexico at $3.68 per share
    15,000       15       55,185       -       -       55,200  
Stock options granted
    -       -       99,482       -       -       99,482  
Shares issued for cash at $4.00 per share,
                                               
net of issue costs
    5,558,500       5,559       21,706,441       -       -       21,712,000  
Shares issued for investment banking
                                               
services
    263,900       264       (264 )     -       -       -  
Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (8,076,342 )     (89,939 )     (8,166,281 )
Balance, December 31, 2007
    34,146,952       34,147       36,498,444       (14,673,211 )     (70,256 )     21,789,124  
                                                 
Stock options granted
    -       -       1,956,806       -       -       1,956,806  
Shares issued for investor relations
                                               
 services at $4.25 per share
    10,000       10       42,460       -       -       42,470  
Stock options exercised at $1.00 per share
    260,604       261       180,739       -       -       181,000  
Shares issued for cash at $3.00 per share
    1,670,000       1,670       5,008,330       -       -       5,010,000  
Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (26,015,203 )     63,536       (25,951,667 )
Balance, December 31, 2008
    36,087,556       36,088       43,686,779       (40,688,414 )     (6,720 )     3,027,733  
                                                 
Stock options granted
    -       -       2,843,506       -       -       2,843,506  
Stock options exercised, cashless exercise
    677,933       677       (677 )     -       -       -  
Shares issued for cash at $3.00 per share
    4,330,000       4,330       12,985,670       -       -       12,990,000  
Shares issued for cash at $4.00 per share
    5,000,000       5,000       19,995,000       -       -       20,000,000  
Shares issued for cash at $8.185 per share
    1,954,795       1,955       15,998,045       -       -       16,000,000  
Stock options exercised at $3.68 per share
    50,000       50       183,950       -       -       184,000  
Net (loss)
    -       -       -       (34,129,307 )     (967,600 )     (35,096,907 )
Balance, December 31, 2009
    48,100,284     $ 48,100     $ 95,692,273     $ (74,817,721 )   $ (974,320 )   $ 19,948,332  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
40
 

GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(An Exploration Stage Company)
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
 
and for the period from Inception (August 24, 1998) to December 31, 2009
 
                         
                         
                     
Inception
 
                     
(August 24, 1998) to
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
December 31, 2009
 
                         
 Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
 Net (loss)
  $ (34,129,307 )   $ (26,015,203 )   $ (8,076,342 )   $ (74,817,721 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash
                         
 (used in) operating activities:
                               
 Depreciation
    166,993       123,948       47,480       363,708  
 Asset retirement obligation
    1,991,987       -       -       1,991,987  
 Stock compensation
    2,843,506       1,999,276       730,450       6,787,632  
 Management fee paid in stock
    -       -       -       392,191  
 Related party payable paid in stock
    -       -       -       320,000  
 Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (967,600 )     63,536       (89,939 )     (974,320 )
 Issuance cost forgiven
    -       -       -       25,327  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                         
 Restricted cash
    (11,436,074 )     -       -       (11,436,074 )
 Prepaid and refundable taxes
    (2,132,495 )     -       -       (2,132,495 )
 Other current assets
    (174,359 )     (162,212 )     162,172       (380,511 )
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (1,028,846 )     984,833       317,289       724,439  
 Other
    (9,006 )     -       -       (13,575 )
 Total adjustments
    (10,745,894 )     3,009,381       1,167,452       (4,331,691 )
Net cash (used in) operating activities
    (44,875,201 )     (23,005,822 )     (6,908,890 )     (79,149,412 )
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Capital expenditures
    (1,204,253 )     (657,816 )     (456,152 )     (2,439,787 )
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (1,204,253 )     (657,816 )     (456,152 )     (2,439,787 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Proceeds from initial public stock offering
    -       -       -       4,351,200  
Proceeds from other sales of stock
    48,990,000       5,010,000       21,712,000       82,889,623  
Proceeds from exercise of options
    184,000       181,000       -       427,500  
Proceeds from debentures - founders
    -       -       -       50,000  
Proceeds from exploration
       funding agreement - Canyon Resources
    -       -       -       500,000  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    49,174,000       5,191,000       21,712,000       88,218,323  
                                 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and equivalents:
    123,201       -       -       123,201  
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    3,217,747       (18,472,638 )     14,346,958       6,752,325  
                                 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    3,534,578       22,007,216       7,660,258       -  
                                 
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 6,752,325     $ 3,534,578     $ 22,007,216     $ 6,752,325  
                                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
                               
Interest paid
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Income taxes paid
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                         
Conversion of Canyon Resources funding into
                         
common stock
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 500,000  
Conversion of founders debentures into
                         
common stock
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 50,000  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
 
41

GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(An Exploration Stage Company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation.    Gold Resource Corporation (the "Company") was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on August 24, 1998.  The Company has been engaged in the exploration for precious and base metals, primarily in Mexico, as an exploration stage company.  It plans to develop mineral properties and ultimately become a producer of gold, silver, and base metals.  The Company has not generated any revenues from operations.  The consolidated financial statements included herein are expressed in United States dollars, the Company's reporting currency.  The accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).

Basis of Consolidation.    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned Mexican corporation subsidiaries.  The significant subsidiaries are Don David Gold S.A. de C.V. and Golden Trump Resources S.A. de C.V.  The expenditures of Don David Gold and Golden Trump Resources are generally incurred in Mexican pesos.  Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Reclassifications:    Certain amounts previously presented for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The reclassifications had no effect on net loss, total assets, or total shareholders’ equity.

Restricted Cash:    Pursuant to the terms of two subscription agreements that were closed during 2009, the Company agreed to reserve cash proceeds of $12,000,000, for specific purposes.  Under the first agreement, $4,000,000 was restricted for the purpose of additional exploration at the El Aguila Project.  Under the second agreement, $8,000,000 was restricted for the purpose of constructing a decline ramp, drifts and crosscuts, and associated surface facilities to support underground development and mining of the La Arista vein.

The restricted cash balances were placed in separate interest bearing bank accounts.  Transfer of funds from the restricted bank accounts requires the approval of Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (“Hochschild”). The approval process includes the presentation of documentation that demonstrates use of the funds for the intended purpose.

Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Estimates that are critical to the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the identification and valuation of proven and probable reserves, obligations for environmental, reclamation, and closure matters, estimates related to asset impairments of long lived assets and investments, classification of expenditures as either an asset or an expense, valuation of deferred tax assets, and the likelihood of loss contingencies.  Management bases its estimates and judgements on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period it is determined to be necessary.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
 
42

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    Cash and cash equivalents consists of all cash balances and highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased and carried at cost, which approximates fair value. 

Proven and Probable Reserves.    The definition of proven and probable reserves is set forth in SEC Industry Guide 7.  Proven reserves are reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well-established.  Probable reserves are reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced.  The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.  In addition, reserves cannot be considered proven and probable until they are supported by a feasibility study, indicating that the reserves have had the requisite geologic, technical and economic work performed and are economically and legally extractable at the time of the reserve determination.

As of December 31, 2009, none of the Company’s mineralized material met the definition of proven or probable reserves.

Mineral Acquisition Costs.    The costs of acquiring land and mineral rights are considered tangible assets.  Significant acquisition payments are capitalized.  General, administrative and holding costs to maintain an exploration property are expensed as incurred.  If a mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method.  If no mineable ore body is discovered or such rights are otherwise determined to have diminished value, such costs are expensed in the period in which the determination is made.

Exploration Costs.    Exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred.  Costs to identify new mineral resources, to evaluate potential resources, and to convert mineral resources into proven and probable reserves are considered exploration costs.

Design, Construction, and Development Costs.    Certain costs to design and construct mine and processing facilities may be incurred prior to establishing proven and probable reserves.  Under these circumstances, the Company classifies the project as an exploration stage project and expenses substantially all costs, including design, engineering, construction, and installation of equipment.  Certain types of equipment, which have alternative uses or significant salvage value, may be capitalized.  If a project is determined to contain proven and probable reserves, costs incurred in anticipation of production can be capitalized.  Such costs include development drilling to further delineate the ore body, removing overburden during the pre-production phase, building access ways, constructing facilities, and installing equipment.  Interest costs, if any, incurred during the development phase, would be capitalized until the assets are ready for their intended use.  The cost of start-up activities and on-going costs to maintain production are expensed as incurred.  Costs of abandoned projects are charged to operations upon abandonment.

If a project commences commercial production, amortization and depletion of capitalized costs is computed on a unit-of–production basis over the expected reserves of the project based on estimated recoverable gold equivalent ounces.
 
 
43

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment.  If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs additional analysis to quantify the amount by which capitalized costs exceed recoverable value.  The periodic evaluation of capitalized costs is based upon expected future cash flows, including estimated salvage values.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s mineral resources do not meet the definition of proven or probable reserves or value beyond proven and probable reserves and any potential revenue has been excluded from the cash flow assumptions.  Accordingly, recoverability of capitalized cost is based primarily on estimated salvage values, or alternative future uses.

Property and Equipment.    All items of property and equipment are carried at cost not in excess of their estimated net realizable value.  Normal maintenance and repairs are charged to operations while expenditures for major maintenance and betterments are capitalized.  Gains or losses on disposition are recognized in operations.

Depreciation.    Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated economic lives, as follows:

Trucks and autos
4 to 5 years
Office furniture and equipment
5 to 10 years
Computer hardware and software
3 to 6 years
Exploration equipment
6 to 8 years

Asset Retirement Obligations.    The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations, including legal and contractual obligations to reclaim, remediate, or otherwise restore properties at the time the property is removed from service.  A liability is initially recorded at the estimated present value for an obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.  For exploration stage properties that do not qualify for asset capitalization, the costs associated with the obligation are charged to operations.  For development and production stage properties, the costs are added to the capitalized costs of the property and amortized using the unit of production method.

Stock Based Compensation.    The Company records compensation expense for the fair value of stock options that are granted.  Expense is recognized on a pro-rata basis over the vesting periods, if any, of the options. The fair value of stock options at their grant date is estimated by using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share.    Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if potentially dilutive securities are converted into common shares.  Potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants, are excluded from the calculation when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, such as periods when a net loss is reported or when the exercise price of the instrument exceeds the fair market value.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the calculation excluded potential dilution of 3,745,000, 3,683,000, and 2,650,000 shares, respectively, because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Income Taxes.    Income taxes are computed using the liability method.  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes and the effect of net operating loss carry-forwards.  Deferred tax assets are evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that they will be realized.  Valuation allowances have been established to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets in recognition of significant uncertainties regarding their ultimate realization.  Further, the evaluation has determined that there are no uncertain tax positions required to be disclosed.
 
 
44

Comprehensive Income.    Total comprehensive income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is composed of foreign currency translation effects.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.    ASC 825, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of fair value information  about financial instruments.  ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principals, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2009.

The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximate their fair values.  These financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, prepaid and refundable taxes, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for these financial instruments since they are short term in nature and their carrying amounts approximate fair value, or they are receivable or payable on demand.

Concentration of Credit Risk.    Some of the Company's operating cash balances are maintained in accounts that currently exceed federally insured limits.  The Company believes that the financial strength of depositing institutions mitigate the underlying risk of loss.  To date, these concentrations of credit risk have not had a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Foreign Operations.    The Company's present mining activities are in Mexico.  As with all types of international business operations, currency fluctuations, exchange controls, restrictions on foreign investment, changes to tax regimes, political action and political instability could impair the value of the Company's investments.

Foreign Currency Translation.    The local currency where the Company’s properties are located, the Mexican peso, is the functional currency for the Company's subsidiaries.  Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.  Intercompany equity accounts are translated using historical rates.  Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year.  Translation adjustments are not included in the determination of net loss for the period and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

Prepaid and Refundable Taxes.    In Mexico, value added taxes (IVA) are assessed on purchases of materials and services.  Businesses are generally entitled to recover the taxes they have paid, either as a refund or as a credit against future taxes payable.  For the period from inception through 2008, substantially all of the Company’s refund claims were initially denied by the tax authorities.  Accordingly, the Company provided a full valuation allowance for potentially refundable IVA.  During 2009, the Company was successful in establishing the validity of its claims and received IVA refunds in the amount of $1,075,266.  Furthermore, it appears that the tax authorities will honor the Company’s claims for substantially all of the IVA paid during 2009.  Amounts recorded as prepaid and refundable taxes in the consolidated financial statements represent the estimated recoverable payments made during 2009.  Although the taxing authorities may reconsider claims filed for previous years, significant uncertainties regarding ultimate recovery preclude recognition of an asset for taxes paid in prior years.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards.  The Company evaluates the pronouncements of various authoritative accounting organizations, primarily the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC, and the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”), to determine the impact of new pronouncements on US GAAP and the impact on the Company.  The Company has adopted the following new accounting standards during 2009:
 
 
45

Accounting Standards Codification - In June, 2009, FASB established the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative US GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative US GAAP for SEC registrants.  The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic.  The ASC did not change current US GAAP, but was intended to simplify user access to all authoritative US GAAP by providing all the relevant literature related to a particular topic in one place.  All previously existing accounting standards were superseded and all other accounting literature not included in the ASC is considered non-authoritative.  New accounting standards issued subsequent to June 30, 2009 will be communicated by the FASB through Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs).  The ASC was effective during the period ended September 30, 2009.  Adoption of the ASC did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Subsequent Events - In May, 2009, the ASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.  The guidance was amended in February, 2010.  The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements.  The Company adopted the updated guidance in 2009.  The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates.     The following accounting standards updates were recently issued and have not yet been adopted by the Company.  These standards are currently under review to determine their impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ASU 2010-6 amends existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurements by adding required disclosures about items transferring into and out of levels 1 and 2 in the fair value hierarchy; adding separate disclosures about purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements relative to level 3 measurements; and clarifying, among other things, the existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation. This ASU will be effective for the first quarter of 2010.

ASU 2009-17 revises the consolidation guidance for variable-interest entities. The modifications include the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. This standard will be effective January 1, 2010.

There were various other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries.  None of the updates are expected to a have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
46

2.     Mineral Properties

The Company currently has an interest in five properties, the El Aguila project, the El Rey property, the Las Margaritas property, the Solaga property, and the Alta Gracia property.

The El Aguila Project.  Effective October 14, 2002, the Company leased three mining concessions, El Aguila, El Aire, and La Tehuana from a shareholder.  The lease agreement is subject to a 4% net smelter return royalty where production is sold in the form of gold/silver dore and 5% for production sold in concentrate form.  The Company has made periodic advance royalty payments under the lease totaling $260,000 and no further advance royalty payments are due.  Subject to minimum exploration requirements, there is no expiration term for the lease.  The Company may terminate it at any time upon written notice to the lessor and the lessor may terminate it if the Company fails to fulfill any of its obligations.  The El Aguila and El Aire concessions make up the El Aguila project and the La Tehuana concession makes up the Las Margaritas property.

The Company has filed for and received additional concessions for the El Aguila project that total an additional 8,492 hectares.  These additional concessions are not part of the concessions leased from the shareholder, and bring the Company’s interest in the El Aguila project to an aggregate of 9,463 hectares.  The mineral concessions making up the El Aguila project are located within the Mexican State of Oaxaca.

The 2009 drilling program continued to explore a relatively new area of mineralization at the El Aguila Project known as the La Arista vein area, approximately two kilometers from the mill site.  The mineralized material in this area is targeted to be mined using underground methods.

The El Rey Property.  The Company has acquired claims in another area in the state of Oaxaca by filing concessions under the Mexican mining laws, referred to by the Company as the El Rey property.  These concessions total 892 hectares and are subject to a 2% royalty on production payable to a shareholder.  The Company has conducted minimal exploration and drilling on this property to date.

The El Rey property is an exploration stage property with no known reserves.  It is approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) from the El Aguila project.  There is no plant or equipment on the El Rey property.  If exploration is successful, any mining would probably require an underground mine but any mineralized material could be processed at the El Aguila project mill.

The Las Margaritas Property.  The Las Margaritas property is made up of the La Tehuana concession.  The Company leased this property in October 2002 from a shareholder.  It is comprised of approximately 925 hectares located adjacent to the El Aguila property.  To date, the Company has conducted limited surface sampling, but no other significant exploration activities at the property.

The Solaga Property.  In February 2007, the Company leased a 100% interest in a property known as the Solaga property from an entity partially owned by a shareholder.  The property totals 618 hectares, and is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the El Aguila project.  A dormant silver mine is located on the Solaga property which was in production as recently as the 1980’s, however the Company cannot estimate if or when the mine will reopen.  The lease requires the Company to perform $25,000 in additional work and is subject to a 4% net smelter return royalty on any production.  The Company has not conducted any exploration activities at the property.

The Alta Gracia Property.  In August 2009, the Company acquired claims adjacent to the Las Margaritas property in the Alta Gracia mining district by filing concessions under the Mexican mining laws.  The Company refers to this property as the Alta Gracia property.  These concessions are comprised of three mining claims, the David 1, the David 2 and La Hurradura.  The concessions total 5,175 hectares, and the acquisition of these claims extended the Company’s land position along what is known as the San Jose structural corridor to just over 16 kilometers.  To date, the Company has not conducted significant exploration activities at the property.
 
 
47

As of December 31, 2009, none of the mineralized material at the Company’s properties met the SEC’s definition of proven or probable reserves.

3.     Property and Equipment

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, property and equipment consisted of the following:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Trucks and autos
  $ 424,527     $ 291,876  
Office furniture and equipment
    491,447       137,678  
Exploration equipment
    916,879       570,794  
Other support equipment
    228,110       --  
     Subtotal
    2,060,963       1,000,348  
Accumulated depreciation
    (334,685 )     (188,129 )
 Total
  $ 1,726,278     $ 812,219  

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $166,993, $123,948, and $47,480, respectively.  The Company evaluates the recoverability of property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired.

4.     Income Taxes

Income (Loss) before income taxes, segregated as to the U. S. and foreign components, is as follows:

     2009    
2008
   
2007
 
 
U. S.
  $ (2,947,251 )   $ (12,697,644 )   $ (3,002,018 )
    Foreign
    (31,182,056 )     (13,317,559 )     (5,074,324 )
     Total
  $ (34,129,307 )   $ (26,015,203 )   $ (8,076,342 )

At December 31, 2009, the Company has tax loss carry-forwards for U. S. tax purposes approximating $6,260,000, which primarily expire from 2026 to 2029. The principal difference between the net loss reported for financial reporting purposes and the taxable loss reported for tax purposes relates to the taxation of foreign subsidiaries.  Secondly, stock based compensation expenses are generally deductible for tax purposes in different periods and in different amounts than the expense recognized for financial reporting purposes.  Finally, certain expenditures for property and equipment are capitalized for tax purposes, but not for financial reporting purposes.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Tax loss carryforward – U. S.
  $ 2,129,000     $ 2,996,000  
Tax loss carryforward – Foreign
    19,321,000       7,877,000  
Stock based compensation
    350,000       814,000  
Property and equipment
    3,700,000       2,188,000  
Total deferred tax assets
    25,500,000       13,875,000  
     Valuation allowance
    (25,500,000 )     (13,875,000 )
Net deferred tax asset
  $ --     $ --  
 
 
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At this time, the Company is unable to determine if it will be able to benefit from its deferred tax asset.  There are limitations on the utilization of net operating loss carry-forwards, including a requirement that losses be offset against future taxable income, if any.  In addition, there are limitations imposed by certain transactions which are deemed to be ownership changes.  Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for the entire deferred tax asset.  The change in the valuation allowance was approximately $11,625,000 during 2009.

A reconciliation of taxes reported at the Company’s effective tax rate and the U. S. federal statutory tax rate is comprised of the following components:
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Tax at statutory rates
  $ ( 11,604,000 )   $ (8,845,000   $ (2,746,000 )
Increase (reduction) in taxes due to:
                       
Stock based compensation
    --       --       34,000  
Valuation allowance
    11,604,000       8,845,000       2,712,000  
Tax provision
  $ --     $ --     $ --  
 
5.     Shareholders' Equity

Effective February 21, 2005, the Company declared and effected a 100% forward stock split where one additional share of common stock, par value $0.001, was issued for each common share outstanding as of that date. All of the financial information in this report has been adjusted to reflect the effect of this two-for-one stock split.
 
The Company was formed August 24, 1998 by William W. Reid and David C. Reid (the "Founders").  During 1998 and 1999, the Founders received 3,800,000 shares of common stock valued at $1,900 for administrative and organization expenses.  The Company remained generally inactive through 1999.
 
Commencing July 1, 2000, the Company and US Gold, a publicly traded Colorado corporation, entered into a management contract whereby US Gold provided general management of the business activities of the Company through December 31, 2001.  Under this management contract, US Gold was issued 2,560,000 shares of common stock of the Company.  The 2,560,000 shares were valued at $392,191 or approximately $0.15 per share.  Through this arrangement the Company benefited from experienced management without the need to raise cash funding for the related cost of such management and administration.  The Company was, however, responsible for all additional funding needed.

During 2001, the Founders made convertible debenture loans to the Company and then converted $50,000 in convertible debentures into 200,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $0.25 per share.
 
 
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In September 2001, the Company commenced the sale of its common shares under exemptions offered by federal and state securities regulations.  During 2001 the Company sold 820,000 shares at $0.25 per share (total $205,000).

During 2002, the Company sold 392,000 shares at $0.25 per share ($98,000) to various parties and 1,351,352 shares at approximately $0.17 per share ($224,673) to an institutional investor, RMB International (Dublin) Limited ("RMB").

During 2003, the Company sold 577,000 shares at $0.25 per share raising net proceeds of $144,250.  Effective September 30, 2003, U.S. Gold acquired the RMB shares in exchange for U.S. Gold shares, and terminated the obligation of the Company to pay RMB approximately $25,327 in transaction costs, which was added back into paid-in-capital.

During 2004, the Company sold 608,000 shares at $0.25 per share raising net proceeds of $152,000.  Also during 2004, the Company issued 1,200,000 shares valued at approximately $0.42 per share to Canyon Resource Corporation for repayment of a loan for funding of exploration cost at the El Aguila property.  Also during 2004, the Company made a stock grant of 600,000 shares at $0.25 per share or $150,000 to a consultant of the Company.

Effective January 2, 2005, the Company made common stock awards to its two executive officers and a consultant of an aggregate 1,750,000 shares for services performed during 2004 and 2005.  The shares were valued at $437,500 (or $0.25 per share) which was recorded as stock based compensation expense of $350,000 in 2004 and $87,500 in 2005.  In this issuance of common stock, William W. Reid received 1,000,000 shares, David C. Reid received 500,000 shares and William F. Pass received 250,000 shares.  Also effective January 2, 2005, a stock option issued to William F. Pass covering 400,000 shares of common stock at exercise price of $0.25 per share was reduced by 250,000 shares leaving 150,000 shares remaining subject to option.

During 2005 an individual exercised stock options for 10,000 shares for $2,500.  In June 2005, the Company issued 1,280,000 shares to U.S. Gold Corporation in satisfaction of $320,000 owed for a prior year management contract.

During 2005, the Company sold 428,000 shares to individual investors for cash proceeds of $145,000 (276,000 shares at $0.25 per share and 152,000 shares at $0.50 per share).

In addition, during July and August 2005, the Company closed transactions under a Subscription Agreement and Stock Purchase Option Agreement with Heemskirk Consolidated Limited ("Heemskirk"), an Australian global mining house, whereby Heemskirk purchased 2,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at $0.50 per share. A finder’s fee of 140,000 shares was paid to a third party (resulting in a net value of $0.47 per share).  Heemskirk had previously purchased (in April, 2005) 150,000 shares of common stock at $0.50 per share and the Company had paid a finder’s fee of 10,500 shares.  The Company agreed to give Heemskirk a first right of offer for any financings, including sale of equity, the Company may pursue.  In a similar transaction during August 2005, the Company sold 400,000 shares to another investor raising $200,000 and paid a finder’s fee to a third party of 28,000 shares.  These transactions resulted in the issuance of 2,728,500 shares for net cash proceeds of $1,275,000 ($0.47 per share).

During 2006, the Company sold 4,600,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share in a public offering under a Form SB-2 registration statement that was declared effective on May 15, 2006.  The Company received cash proceeds of $4,351,200 (net of finders’ fees of $248,800).
 
 
50

During 2006, the Company completed a private placement of 4,322,000 shares of common stock at $1.20 per share, and received net cash proceeds of $4,928,700, after deducting finders’ fees of $257,700.  The Company also issued 257,700 shares of common stock as finders’ fees in connection with this private placement.

During 2006, the Company received cash proceeds of $60,000 pursuant to the exercise of options to purchase 240,000 shares at $0.25 per share.

In May, 2006, the Company made a common stock award of 100,000 shares to a director. These shares were valued at $100,000.  In December, 2006, the Company made a common stock award of 35,000 shares to two employees.  These shares were valued at $59,850.  In October, 2006, the Company issued 250,000 shares of restricted common stock in exchange for investor relations services.  These shares were valued at $275,000.

Pursuant to a contract effective November 1, 2006, the Company agreed to issue shares of common stock to a consultant performing investor relations work on its behalf.  The 30,000 shares issued in 2006 were valued at $1.50 per share, or $45,000.  The 30,000 shares issued in February 2007 were valued at $2.428 per share, or $72,840.  The 30,000 shares issued in May 2007 were valued at $3.39 per share or $101,670.  In November, 2007, 30,000 shares were issued at a value of $4.14 per share or $124,310, and 20,000 shares were issued at a value of $4.235 per share or $84,703.  The Company agreed to issue an additional 10,000 shares for services performed during December 2007 valued at $4.375 per share or $43,745.

On May 1, 2007, the Company entered into an investor relations contract for international investors that required the issuance of 50,000 shares of restricted common stock during the second quarter of 2007.  These shares were valued at fair market value of $148,500.

On October 2, 2007, the Company agreed to issue 15,000 shares of common stock for consulting services performed in Mexico.  These shares were valued at $3.68 per share or $55,200 and were recorded as stock compensation during the year ended December 31, 2007.

On December 5, 2007, the Company completed the sale of 5,558,500 shares of common stock in a private placement for a price of $4.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $22,234,000.  The sales were made pursuant to a subscription agreement between the Company and each subscriber.  In connection with the private placement, the Company agreed to pay finders’ fees of $522,000 cash and 263,900 shares of common stock.

Effective January 13, 2008, the Company agreed to issue 10,000 restricted shares of common stock for investor relations consulting services.  The 10,000 shares were valued at $4.247 per share or $42,470.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, a Director of the Company exercised options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock at the exercise price of $1.00 per share for total cash proceeds of $100,000.

Effective July 28, 2008, an officer exercised options to purchase 87,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share.  The officer elected the “cashless exercise” method for payment, under which he immediately surrendered 19,333 shares of common stock that he would have otherwise been entitled to receive.  These shares were valued at $4.50 per share, for a total valuation of $87,000.  The transaction resulted in a net increase of 67,667 common shares outstanding.
 
 
51

Effective October 12, 2008, a consultant exercised options to purchase 81,000 shares of restricted common stock at $1.00 per share for cash proceeds of $81,000.  In addition, the consultant exercised options to purchase 19,000 shares using the “cashless exercise” method of payment, under which he immediately surrendered 7,063 shares of common stock that he would have otherwise been entitled to receive.  The 7,063 shares were valued at $2.69 per share, for a total valuation of $19,000 and resulting in a net issuance of 11,937 shares.  As a result of both transactions, common shares outstanding increased by 92,937 shares.

On December 5, 2008, the Company entered into a subscription agreement and a strategic alliance agreement with Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (Hochschild).  Under the terms of the subscription agreement, the Company sold 1,670,000 restricted shares of its common stock to Hochschild at $3.00 per share for total cash proceeds of $5,010,000.  Under the terms of the strategic alliance agreement the Company granted Hochschild an option to purchase an additional 4,330,000 shares of its restricted common stock at a price of $3.00 per share for total cash proceeds of $12,990,000.  The option was exercised on February 25, 2009.  The strategic alliance agreement also contains a number of additional covenants between the parties.

On June 30, 2009, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Hochschild to sell 5,000,000 shares of its restricted common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, or a total of $20,000,000.  The transaction was completed in two tranches. Simultaneously with the execution of the subscription agreement, the Company sold 1,250,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $5,000,000.  The closing for the remaining 3,750,000 shares of common stock was held on July 20, 2009. The Company agreed to reserve $4,000,000 of the gross proceeds for exploration activities.

Effective October 2, 2009, a consultant exercised options to purchase 50,000 shares of restricted common stock at $3.68 per share for total cash proceeds of $184,000.

On December 17, 2009, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Hochschild to sell 1,954,795 shares of restricted common stock at $8.185 per share for gross proceeds of $16,000,000.  A portion of the proceeds will be used to continue the development of the mill and mine at the El Aquila project. The Company agreed to reserve $8,000,000 of the proceeds for underground mining expenses at the La Arista Vein.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company issued 677,933 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options by officers and directors.  Two option-holders exercised 913,000 options using the “cashless exercise” method for payment, whereby each option-holder immediately surrendered shares of common stock that he would have otherwise been entitled to receive.  In the aggregate, the option-holders exercised 913,000 options and immediately surrendered 235,067 shares of common stock, resulting in a net issuance of 677,933 shares of common stock.  The Company received no cash proceeds in the transactions.

6.     Stock Options

The Company has a non-qualified stock option and stock grant plan under which equity awards may be granted to key employees, directors and others (the "Plan").  The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors which determines the terms pursuant to which any option is granted.  The maximum number of common shares subject to grant under the Plan is 6,000,000.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.  The option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions which are based on several different criteria.  Expected volatility is based on the historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock.  Expected dividend yield is assumed to be nil, as the Company has not paid dividends since inception. Based on historical experience, forfeitures and cancellations are not significant.  The expected life is estimated in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment” for plain vanilla options.  Risk free interest rates are based on US government obligations with a term approximating the expected life of the option.
 
 
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The fair value of stock option grants is amortized over the respective vesting period. Total non-cash compensation expense related to stock options included in general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $ 2,843,506, $1,956,806, and $99,482 respectively.  The estimated unrecognized compensation cost from unvested options as of December 31, 2009 was approximately $614,588, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.4 years.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company granted stock options to a public relations consultant to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.68 per share and a term of two years.  The options vested upon issuance.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $83,192 ($1.66 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of two years, stock price of $3.68 at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 4%, and volatility of 80%.

Effective February 22, 2008, grants covering 1,000,000 shares were issued to officers and directors at an exercise price of $3.40 and a term of ten years. The options vested upon issuance.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $1,803,400 ($1.80 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of five years, stock price of $3.40 at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 2.1%, and volatility of 61%.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company granted options to employees covering 270,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.74 to $4.51 and terms of ten years.  The options vest over a three year period.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $637,434 ($2.36 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of six years, stock price equal to exercise price at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 3.38%, and volatility of 61%.

Effective January 9, 2008, the Company entered into an investor relations consulting services contract which included the issuance of options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.45 and a term of eighteen months.  The options vested upon issuance.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $67,280 ($1.35 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of eighteen months, stock price of $4.45 at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 2.1%, and volatility of 61%.

Effective April 23, 2009, grants covering 1,000,000 shares were issued to officers and directors at an exercise price of $3.95 and a term of ten years.  The options vested upon issuance.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $2,575,000 ($2.575 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of five years, stock price of $3.95 at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 1.9%, and volatility of 81%.

Effective September 23, 2009, grants covering 75,000 shares of common stock were issued to an employee at an exercise price of $7.00 and a term of ten years.  The options vest over a three year period.  The grant date fair value was calculated as $331,787 ($4.423 per option) using the following assumptions:  expected life of five years, stock price of $7.00 at date of grant, dividend yield of 0%, interest rate of 1.5%, and volatility of 78%.
 
 
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The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $2.70 per option during 2009 and $1.90 per option during 2008.  The weighted average grant date fair value of options vested was $2.56 per option during 2009 and $1.78 per option during 2008.

The following table summarizes annual activity for all stock options for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009:

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   
Number of Shares Exercisable
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2007
    2,600,000     $0.60       $3,130,000       2,550,000  
Granted
    50,000     $3.68       --       --  
Outstanding, December 31, 2007
    2,650,000     $0.65       $10,058,500       2,650,000  
Granted
    1,320,000     $3.54       --       --  
Exercised
    (287,000 )   $1.00       $717,500       --  
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
    3,683,000     $1.66       $6,932,500       3,413,000  
Granted
    1,075,000     $4.16       --       --  
Exercised
    (963,000 )   $1.14       $2,901,456       --  
Expired
    (50,000 )   $4.45       --       --  
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
    3,745,000     $2.48       $32,850,250       3,500,000  
                               

The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2009:
                                         
   
 Options Outstanding
 
 
 Options Exercisable
 
Exercise Prices
 
Number of Shares
 
Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Number Exercisable
 
Weighted  Average Exercise Price
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
$0.25
 
 
1,400,000
 
 
4.0
 
 
$0.25
 
 
1,400,000
 
 
$0.25
 
 
$15,400,000
$3.40
 
1,000,000
 
8.2
 
$3.40
 
1,000,000
 
$3.40
 
  $7,850,000
$3.74 -$4.51
 
270,000
 
8.6
 
$3.91
 
100,000
 
$3.91
 
     $727,900
$3.95
 
1,000,000
 
9.3
 
$3.95
 
1,000,000
 
$3.95
 
  $7,300,000
$7.00
 
75,000
 
9.7
 
$7.00
 
--
     
                  --
   
3,745,000
     
$2.48
 
3,500,000
 
$2.20
 
$31,277,900
                         

 7.     Asset Retirement Obligations

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred an obligation for its El Aguila project which includes estimated reclamation, remediation and closure costs based on local government requirements.  The estimated present value of the obligation is $1,991,987, all of which was charged to operations.  There were no other liability additions, liability settlements, revision in estimated cash flows or accretion expense for the current period.
 
 
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8.     Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases office space in Denver, Colorado under an agreement that expires in April 2010.  Required payments approximate $2,500 per month.  Remaining minimum lease obligations for future calendar years will be $10,000 in 2010.  Rent expense for 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $34,800, $29,900 and $27,000, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company entered into amended employment agreements with William W. Reid, President and Chief Executive Officer, and David C. Reid, Vice President.  The employment agreements have a three year term and increase William Reid’s base salary to $300,000 annually and increase David Reid’s base salary to $212,000 annually.  In addition, the period for severance payments under certain circumstances was increased to 35 months.  The Company also executed a formal written employment agreement with Jason D. Reid, who will serve as Vice President of Corporate Development for a three year term at an annual base salary of $150,000. The employment agreements all provide that the officers are each eligible to receive incentive compensation such as stock options or bonuses solely in the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Each officer is entitled to certain payments in the event his employment is terminated under certain circumstances.  If the Company terminates the agreement "without cause," or the officer terminates the agreement "with good reason," the Company would be obligated to pay 35 months of compensation in accordance with its regular pay periods.  Termination of the employment contract by an officer “with good reason” includes a change in control.

9.     Related Party Transactions

The Company has certain contractual agreements with Jose Perez Reynoso, a shareholder of the Company.  Mr. Reynoso served as the general manager of the Company’s Mexico operations on a consulting basis and was paid $162,500, $140,000, and $113,000, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.  In addition, the Company leased three mining concessions from Mr. Reynoso, El Aguila, El Aire, and La Tehuana.  The lease required advance royalty payments of $260,000, all of which have been paid, and will require a 4% net smelter return royalty when production is sold in the form of gold/silver doré and 5% for production sold in concentrate form.  Mr. Reynoso is also a part owner in an entity from which the Company leased its interest in the Solaga property.

10.     Subsequent Events

On March 8, 2010 the Company completed a sale of stock pursuant to a subscription agreement with Hochschild for 600,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock at $8.62 per share for total cash proceeds of $5,172,000.  








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55



CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

There have been no changes in our accountants during the last two fiscal years, and we have not had any disagreements with our existing accountants during that time.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)           We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  As of December 31, 2009, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)           There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.      OTHER INFORMATION

None.


ITEM 10.      DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors and Executive Officers

The following individuals serve as our officers and directors as of March 12, 2010:

Name
 
Age
 
Positions With the Company
 
Board Position
Held Since
             
William W. Reid
 
61
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
1998
David C. Reid
 
60
 
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director
 
1998
Bill M. Conrad
 
53
 
Director
 
2006
Isac Burstein
 
42
 
Director
 
2009
Frank L. Jennings
 
59
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
N/A
Jason D. Reid
 
37
 
Vice President of Corporate Development
 
N/A
 
 
56

Each of our directors is serving a term which expires at the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until he resigns or is removed.  Our officers serve at the will of our Board of Directors.

Messrs. William and David Reid should be considered founders of our company, as each has taken initiative in the organization of our business.  William Reid and David Reid are brothers.  Jason Reid is the son of William Reid.

The following information summarizes the business experience of each of our officers and directors for at least the last five years:

William W. Reid.  William Reid has served as a director and our President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in 1998.  Since August 2005, Mr. Reid has devoted all of his business time to our affairs.  From 1977 to August 18, 2005, he served as the president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of US Gold Corporation, a Colorado corporation engaged in the exploration of gold mining properties (“US Gold”).  During his tenure with US Gold, that entity acquired, developed and produced gold from five different mines, but has not produced any revenue since 1990.  The securities of US Gold are traded on the NYSE Amex.  Our Board believes that Mr. Reid’s 38 years in the mining business, including experience as a geologist, mine finder, mine developer, mine financier and mine operator provide the appropriate experience and qualifications to serve as a member of our Board.  With the exception of US Gold, Mr. Reid has not served on the boards of any other public companies or registered investment companies in the past five years.  Mr. Reid received a Bachelor of Science in physics in 1970 and a Master's Degree in Economic Geology in 1972 from Purdue University.

David C. Reid.  David Reid has served as a director and our Vice President since our inception in 1998.  Since August 2005, he has devoted all of his time to our business and affairs.  From 1977 to August 18, 2005, he was the vice president and a director of US Gold during the time that it acquired, developed and produced gold.  Our Board believes that David Reid's 38 years in the mining business, including experience as a geologist, mine finder, mine developer, mine financier and mine operator, provides him with the appropriate experience and qualifications to serve as a member of our Board.  With the exception of US Gold, Mr. Reid has not served on the boards of any other public companies or registered investment companies in the past five years.  Mr. Reid received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Ball State University in 1972.

Bill M. Conrad.  Mr. Conrad was elected to the Board of Directors on June 1, 2006.  From May 2005 until September 2008, Mr. Conrad served as the vice-president and secretary of Brishlin Resources, Inc., now known as Synergy Resources Corporation, a Colorado corporation engaged in the oil and gas industry.  Mr. Conrad continues to serve as a director of Synergy Resources, a position he has held since the company’s inception in 2005.  From February 2002 until June 2005, Mr. Conrad served as president and a director of Wyoming Oil & Minerals, Inc., and from May 2000 until April 2003, he served as vice president and a director of New Frontier Energy, Inc.  The securities of Wyoming Oil & Minerals, now known as Sun Motor International Inc., New Frontier Energy, and Synergy Resources are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board.  In 1990, Mr. Conrad co-founded MCM Capital Management Inc. and has served as vice president since that time.  Our Board believes that the management and corporate finance experience developed by Mr. Conrad over many years serving as an executive officer and director of numerous publicly traded companies, as well as his familiarity with relevant accounting principles and financial statement presentation, make him well-qualified to be a director of our company. 
 
 
57

Isac Burstein.  Isac Burstein was appointed to the Board of Directors on April 1, 2009.  Mr. Burstein is presently the Corporate Manager of Business Development for Hochschild Mining Plc.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Burstein served Hochschild in various capacities, including as Manager for Project Evaluation, Exploration Manager for Mexico from July 2000 to May 2009 and Exploration Geologist from January 1996 to July 2000.  Mr. Burstein was nominated as a director by Hochschild and appointed to the Board pursuant to the terms of our strategic alliance agreement with Hochschild.  The Board believes that Mr. Burstein’s geological and mining background and his experience in various management positions with Hochschild provide him with the requisite skills and necessary understanding of our industry to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.  Mr. Burstein has not served on the board of directors of any other public companies during the past five years.  He holds a BSc in Geological Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria, an MSc in Geology from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Krannert School of Management, Purdue University.

Frank L. Jennings.  Mr. Jennings was appointed to serve as our principal financial officer on June 1, 2006.  He is primarily responsible for financial reporting of our company and with our CEO, oversight of our internal controls.  Mr. Jennings serves our company on a part-time basis as his services are deemed necessary.  Since 2001, Mr. Jennings has been a financial consultant and provides management and financial consulting services primarily to smaller public companies.  From April 2001 to December 2005, he served as the chief financial officer and a director of Global Casinos, Inc., a publicly traded Utah corporation, and from April 2001 to April 2005, he served as the chief financial officer and a director of OnSource Corporation, now known as Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded Delaware corporation.  During his tenure with Global Casinos and Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals, each company was engaged in the gaming industry and each had common stock quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board.  Mr. Jennings received a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Austin College and an MBA degree in Finance from Indiana University.

Jason D. Reid.  Mr. Reid was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Development effective January 2, 2008.  He is responsible for formulating corporate growth strategies, retail and institutional promotion of our company, assisting the CEO with oversight of our financing requirements and overseeing our investor relations programs.  Mr. Reid joined our company in May 2006 as the Corporate Development Assistant.  Mr. Reid received a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology in 1995 from Fort Lewis College.  From January 1996 until he joined our company in May 2006, Mr. Reid served as president of Reid Farrier, Inc., formerly known as Reid Fencing, Inc., a business he founded which focused operations in the equine and construction industries.

Other Significant Employees or Consultants

In addition to our officers and directors, we also utilize the services of the following significant consultant:

Jorge Luis Sanchez Del Toro.  In August 2008, Mr. Sanchez, a Mexican national, accepted a position with our Mexican subsidiary, Golden Trump Resources, to serve as the Project Manager for the El Aguila Project.  Mr. Sanchez has over 33 years of experience in the mining industry and is responsible for overseeing the entire El Aguila Project, including our labor relations and construction progress.  From 2001 until he joined our company, Mr. Sanchez was the general manager for Ingenieria Y Trituracion, a company that consulted with various companies regarding open pit and underground mining operations and crushing plants.  Mr. Sanchez graduated from the University of Autonoma of Mexico with a degree in mining engineering in 1975.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

We are not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a).
 
 
58

Code of Ethics

In 2009, we adopted a written Code of Ethics that applies to our executive officers, directors and employees.  A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this report.

Changes in Procedures by which Security Holders May Recommend Nominees to the Board

There have been no changes to the procedures by which a security holder may recommend a nominee to the Board.  The Board will consider, but is not bound by, shareholder recommendations and is not required to nominate such individuals for positions on the Board.  Any security holder who wishes to recommend a prospective director nominee should do so in writing by sending a letter to the Board of Directors.  The letter should be signed, dated and include the name and address of the security holder making the recommendation, information to enable the Board to verify that the security holder was the holder of record or beneficial owner of the company's securities as of the date of the letter, and the name, address and resume of the potential nominee.  Specific minimum qualifications for directors and director nominees which the Board believes must be met in order to be so considered include, but are not limited to, management experience, exemplary personal integrity and reputation, sound judgment, and sufficient time to devote to the discharge of his or her duties.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee, comprised of Bill Conrad as chairman, Isac Burstein and William Reid, recommends the selection and appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm to the Board of Directors and reviews the proposed scope, content and results of the audit performed by the accountants and any reports and recommendations made by them.  Messrs. Conrad and Burstein meet the definition of “independent” as defined in Rule 5605 of the NYSE Amex LLC Rules (“Amex Rules”).  William Reid, who also serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is not considered independent under the Amex Rules.

Our Board of Directors has determined that Bill Conrad, the chairman of the Audit Committee, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert in that he has (i) an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements; (ii) the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; (iii) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities; (iv) an understanding of internal controls over financial reporting; and (v) an understanding of the audit committee functions.  Mr. Conrad acquired these attributes through experience in analyzing financial statements of companies, and through his experience as an executive officer of other publicly traded companies.
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The individuals who served as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer during the year ended December 31, 2009, as well as the other individuals included on the Summary Compensation Table below, are referred to as “named executive officers” throughout this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
 
 
59

Overview of Compensation Philosophy, Objectives and Policies.  We attempted to meet two main objectives when we designed our executive and employee compensation.  First, the program is intended to be fully competitive so that we may attract, motivate and retain talented executives and key employees.  Second, the program is intended to create an alignment of interests between our executives and key employees, on the one hand, and our shareholders, on the other, such that a portion of each executive’s or key employee’s compensation consists of equity awards.  In this manner, if the price of our stock increases over time, our executive officers, key employees and our shareholders will benefit.  The compensation program is designed to reward performance that supports our principles of building shareholder value, and may also recognize individual performance from time to time.  The Compensation Committee is vested with the authority to review and recommend the compensation program structure and level of compensation for the executive officers, directors and key employees of our company.

Our present compensation structure for the named executive officers generally consists of salary and incentive compensation.  The incentive component consists of a short-term cash portion and a long-term equity portion.  We believe the present structure achieves our compensation objectives; however, the Compensation Committee is presently exploring additional ways to ensure consistency and enhance our company’s compensation program and may add additional components or policies in order to assist our company in achieving its compensation goals more effectively or efficiently.  We believe that the present compensation structure appropriately aligns the interests of the executives and key employees with our shareholders by encouraging equity ownership through awards of stock options and stock grants to executive officers and key employees and to motivate our named executive officers and other key employees to contribute to an increase in shareholder value.  While equity ownership is highly encouraged, we do not presently have a policy that requires our named executive officers or directors to own shares of our stock.

Each January, the Compensation Committee reviews and recommends to the Board the level of compensation for the named executive officers and key employees.  Our Chief Executive Officer reports to the Committee regarding the individual performance of the other named executive officers.  Additionally, the Committee considers recommendations from the named executive officers regarding incentive compensation for key employees who report to that executive officer.

Elements and Mix of Compensation.  Our consideration of base salary ranges for the named executive officers is primarily based upon a review of publicly disclosed compensation information of companies we believe are in our peer group.  The Committee also takes into account work experience, performance, level of responsibility, impact on the business, tenure and potential for advancement within the organization when making decisions about individual compensation packages.  Annual salaries for newly-hired executives are determined at the time of hire taking into account the above factors other than tenure.

Cash bonuses are a form of short-term incentive compensation which may be recommended by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, based on individual and overall company performance.  There is no specific bonus plan or policy in place setting forth timing of awards or establishing specific performance objectives.  The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, determines and recommends the amounts and timing of any bonus awards.  If applicable and in the sole discretion of the Committee, a “merit-based” bonus may be recommended based on criteria such as exceptional performance, assuming additional responsibility without an increase in base compensation, or such other criteria which the Committee may determine from time to time.
 
 
60

The long-term equity compensation component of our compensation program is comprised of equity awards and makes up a significant part of our named executive officers’ compensation package.  Under our Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (“Plan”), we are authorized to issue non-qualified stock options, to make grants of stock and award grants of restricted stock to the officers, directors and key employees of our company, including the named executive officers.  There is no specific policy or procedure in place setting forth timing or amount of awards, although the outstanding awards and future compensation are reviewed at least annually.  The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, determines and recommends the amounts and timing of any equity awards.  The stock options are priced based on the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date, which is the date the Board approves the award.  Due to our status as an exploration stage company with no revenue, and our need to conserve working capital, we believe our compensation structure is weighted more toward equity compensation and less toward salary and other forms of cash compensation, with the exception of our current Chief Financial Officer, who we contract with on an hourly basis and who does not receive equity compensation.

Additional benefits provided to executive officers and key employees as part of their compensation packages include health, life and disability insurance.  To the extent the named executive officers participate in these programs, they do so generally on the same basis as our other employees.  Our named executive officers do not receive perquisites and we do not maintain any non-equity incentive plans or deferred compensation plans.

The compensation for our directors is structured similar to that of our named executive officers.  Specifically, the directors receive a combination of cash and equity incentives in the form of stock grants or options to purchase our common stock.  The Compensation Committee reviews the form and amount of such compensation periodically to insure that it is competitive and meeting our objectives discussed above.

Specific Compensation Decisions.  Each of our named executive officers except our Chief Financial Officer receives an annual salary under their terms of his respective employment agreements.  In addition, each of our named executive officers except our Chief Financial Officer has received stock options as part of their current compensation package.

In 2008, our Compensation Committee recommended that we increase the base salaries of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice Presidents to remain competitive with our peer group.  As a result of this decision, William Reid’s base salary increased from $240,000 to $300,000, David Reid’s base salary increased from $170,000 to $212,000 and Jason Reid’s base salary increased from $100,000 to $150,000.  This was due primarily to a sizeable increase in their responsibilities and workload due to the acceleration of our commercial production timetable.  The Compensation Committee considered these increased demands and recommended we further compensate these individuals with cash bonuses and equity compensation in the form of stock options.  The base salaries of the named executive officers (except our Chief Financial Officer) are fixed pursuant to employment agreements with the individuals and remained unchanged in 2009.  No cash bonuses were awarded during 2009.

On April 23, 2009, the Board approved the Compensation Committee’s recommendation of additional equity compensation to the named executive officers in response to the individuals’ efforts, as well as to further motivate them to increase shareholder value.  William Reid received 300,000 stock options, David Reid received 250,000 stock options and Jason Reid received 200,000 stock options.  All of the 2009 awards consisted of non-qualified stock options which vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.

We believe that these compensation packages, consisting of cash and equity incentive compensation, will meet the objectives set forth above.  Specifically, we believe that the cash salary is competitive and will serve to retain the individuals for the foreseeable future.  The stock options are designed to reward the individuals and the inherent value in the options will help motivate him to further the interests of our shareholders.  The Compensation Committee also has the ability to award discretionary cash incentive compensation in the form of bonuses to the named executive officers.
 
 
61

Executive Compensation

The following table summarizes the total compensation of our named executive officers for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2009:
 
2009 Summary Compensation Table
 
Name and
Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary
   
Bonus
   
Stock
Awards
   
Option
Awards(2)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
   
All
Other
Compensation
   
Total
 
William W. Reid,
 
2009
  $ 300,000     $     $     $ 772,551     $     $     $ 1,072,551  
Chairman, CEO
 
2008
    300,000       100,000             450,848                   850,848  
and President(1)
 
2007
    240,000       150,000                               390,000  
                                                             
Frank L. Jennings,
 
2009
  $     $     $     $     $     $ 115,117     $ 115,117  
CFO
 
2008
                                  82,256       82,256  
   
2007
                                  49,185       49,185  
                                                             
David C. Reid,
 
2009
  $ 212,000     $     $     $ 643,793     $     $     $ 855,793  
Vice President and
 
2008
    212,000       100,000             450,848                   762,848  
Director(1)
 
2007
    170,000       100,000                               270,000  
                                                             
Jason D. Reid
 
2009
  $ 150,000     $     $     $ 515,034     $     $     $ 665,034  
Vice President,
 
2008
    150,000       100,000             721,357                   971,357  
Corp. Develop.
 
2007
    100,000       75,000                               175,000  
                                                             
 
___________________
(1)
The executive officer did not receive additional compensation for his service as a director of our company.
(2)
Valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.   All of the options awarded in 2009 and 2008 vested immediately.  Please refer to Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements dated December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included herein for certain assumptions made in connection with these estimates.

Effective January 1, 2008, in light of our progress to that date and the additional workload required as a result of our company’s construction and financing activities, we amended our employment agreements with Messrs. William and David Reid, and memorialized our employment arrangement with Jason Reid into a written agreement.  Each employment agreement is effective for a three-year term.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, William Reid is entitled to an annual salary of $300,000, David Reid is entitled to an annual salary of $212,000 and Jason Reid is entitled to an annual salary of $150,000.  Each individual also participates in health and other insurance programs that we maintain.  The employment agreements are automatically renewable for one-year terms on each successive anniversary of the expiration date unless either party gives notice to the other that they do not wish to renew the agreement, not less than 120 days prior to expiration.

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements, the employee would be entitled to certain payments in the event their employment is terminated under certain circumstances.  If we terminate the agreement without cause, or if the executive officer terminates the agreement “with good reason,” we would be obligated to pay thirty-five months’ of compensation in accordance with our regular pay schedule.  Termination by an executive officer with good reason includes a “change in control.”

In 2008 and 2007, each of our executive officers was awarded a cash bonus.  No cash bonuses were awarded in 2009.  We do not maintain a bonus plan and the awards were granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The Compensation Committee of the Board recommended that bonuses were merited primarily because each officer made a significant individual contribution in an effort to advance our property toward production and to secure the requisite funding.  The awards for each of Messrs. William and David Reid were approved by the disinterested members of the Board.
 
 
62

On April 23, 2009, we granted non-qualified stock options to each of our executive officers in accordance with our Plan.  William Reid received 300,000 options, David Reid received 250,000 options and Jason Reid received 200,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.95 per share.  All of the 2009 awards vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.  Non-qualified stock options were also awarded to our executive officers on February 22, 2008.  William and David Reid each received 250,000 options and Jason Reid received 400,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.40 per share.  Those options also vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.  The value of these awards, determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, is included in each officer’s total compensation as set forth in the table above.

In addition to our executive officers, we engage Frank Jennings, our financial consultant, who is paid on an hourly basis.  We do not have a written agreement with Mr. Jennings.

2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

We do not maintain a non-equity incentive plan, thus those columns are omitted from the table below.  The grants of plan-based equity awards under our Plan to each named executive officer during the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Name
 
Grant
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
 
All
Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares
of
Stocks
or Units
 
All
Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
 
Grant
Date
Fair
Value
of
Stock
and
Option
Awards(2)
       
Threshold(1)
 
Target
 
Maximum
               
       
(#)
 
(#)
 
(#)
 
(#)
 
(#)
 
($/sh)
 
($)
William W. Reid
 
4/23/2009
 
300,000
 
300,000
 
 
 
 
 3.95
 
772,551
David C. Reid
 
4/23/2009
 
250,000
 
250,000
 
 
 
 
 3.95
 
643,793
Jason D. Reid
 
4/23/2009
 
200,000
 
200,000
 
 
 
 
 3.95
 
515,034
___________________
(1)
All of the options granted in 2009 vested immediately.
(2)
Calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model based on the maximum number of options that may vest under the award.  Please see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements dated December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included herein for a description of certain assumptions made in connection with the valuation of these option awards.

As discussed above, each named executive officer was awarded stock options during 2009 to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.95 per share.  The options vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
 
 

63

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2009 Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the amount of our executive officers' equity-based compensation outstanding at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009:

   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
Name
 
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable(1)
 
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable
 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options
 
Option Exercise Price
 
Option Expiration Date
 
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
 
Market
Value of
Shares
Or Units That Have Not Vested
 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested
   
(#)
 
(#)
 
(#)
 
($)
     
(#)
 
(#)
 
(#)
 
($)
William W. Reid
 
400,000
 
0
 
0
 
0.25
 
10/9/2013
 
 
 
 
William W. Reid
 
400,000
 
0
 
0
 
0.25
 
4/22/2014
 
 
 
 
William W. Reid
 
250,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.40
 
2/22/2018
 
 
 
 
William W. Reid
 
300,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.95
 
4/23/2019
 
 
 
 
David C. Reid
 
400,000
 
0
 
0
 
0.25
 
10/9/2013
 
 
 
 
David C. Reid
 
200,000
 
0
 
0
 
0.25
 
4/22/2014
 
 
 
 
David C. Reid
 
250,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.40
 
2/22/2018
 
 
 
 
David C. Reid
 
250,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.95
 
4/23/2019
 
 
 
 
Jason D. Reid
 
400,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.40
 
2/22/2018
 
 
 
 
Jason D. Reid
 
200,000
 
0
 
0
 
3.95
 
4/23/2019
 
 
 
 
 
___________________
(1)
The options vested immediately as of the date of grant.

In 2003, William and David Reid each received a stock option award of 400,000 options to purchase shares of common stock for $0.25 per share.  The options vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.  In 2004, William Reid received a stock option award of 400,000 additional options and David Reid received a stock option award of 200,000 additional options to purchase common stock for $0.25 per share.  Each option award vested immediately and expires 10 years from the date of grant.  Messrs. William and David Reid have not exercised any of these options.

On May 30, 2006, Jason Reid was granted 600,000 options to purchase our common stock for $1.00 per share prior to March 3, 2009 upon accepting employment as Corporate Development Assistant.  The options vested immediately.  Jason Reid exercised 87,000 options during 2008 and the remainder of these options in 2009.

On February 22, 2008, we granted stock options to each of our executive officers.  William and David Reid each received 250,000 options and Jason Reid received 400,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.40 per share.  The options vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options were given as additional compensation to these individuals in recognition of their efforts to build value for the company.

On April 23, 2009, we granted stock options to each executive officer.  William Reid received 300,000 options, David Reid received 250,000 options and Jason Reid received 200,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.95 per share.  All of the 2009 awards consisted of non-qualified stock options which vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
 
 
64

2009 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table summarizes the option exercises by and stock awards vested for the benefit of the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009:

Name
 
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise
 
Value
Realized on Exercise
 
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting
 
Value
 Realized on Vesting
   
(#)
 
($)
 
(#)
 
($)
Jason D. Reid
 
513,000
 
1,796,956
 
 

2009 Director Compensation

In June 2006, we retained Bill Conrad to serve on our Board of Directors.  At the time of his appointment, Mr. Conrad received a stock grant of 100,000 shares of unrestricted common stock valued at $1.00 per share and options to acquire up to 500,000 shares of stock exercisable on or before March 3, 2009 for $1.00 per share, all of which immediately vested.  Mr. Conrad exercised 100,000 options during 2008 and exercised the remaining options in 2009.  In April 2009, Isac Burstein was appointed to our Board.  In connection with his appointment, we granted 100,000 options to Mr. Burstein to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.95 per share.  The options were immediately vested and expire 10 years from the grant date.

We pay our directors who are not also one of our executive officers a monthly cash retainer fee.  Mr. Conrad receives $5,000 per month and Mr. Burstein receives $3,000 per month.  On April 23, 2009, we also granted to Mr. Conrad 150,000 stock options to purchase shares of our common stock for $3.95 per share.  The options vested immediately and expire 10 years from the date of grant.  This option was awarded to Mr. Conrad in recognition of his significant contribution to building value for the company.  No cash bonuses were awarded to our directors during 2009.

The table below summarizes the compensation of our directors who are not also one of our executive officers and whose compensation is not disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009:

Name
 
Fees Earned or Paid
in Cash
   
Stock Awards
   
Option Awards(1)
   
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
   
All Other
Compensation
   
Total
 
                                     
Bill M. Conrad
  $ 60,000     $     $ 386,276     $     $     $ 446,276  
Isac Burstein
    27,000             257,517                   284,517  
 
___________________
(1)
Valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model.  Please refer to Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements dated December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included herein for certain assumptions made in connection with these estimates.

All directors are reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in their capacities as such.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

As of March 12, 2010, there are a total of 48,700,284 shares of our common stock outstanding, our only class of voting securities currently outstanding.  The following table describes the ownership of our voting securities by: (i) each of our officers and directors; (ii) all of our officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each shareholder known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock.  Unless otherwise stated, the address of each of the individuals is our address, 222 Milwaukee Street, Suite 301, Denver, Colorado 80206.  All ownership is direct, unless otherwise stated.
 
 
65

In calculating the percentage ownership for each shareholder, we assumed that any options owned by an individual exercisable within 60 days is exercised, but not the options owned by any other individual.  Certain information regarding the ownership of shareholders believed to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock has been obtained from reports filed by these shareholders with the SEC.
 
   
Shares Beneficially Owned
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Number
 
Percentage (%)
William W. Reid(1)
    4,565,352 (4)(5)     9.1 %
 
David C. Reid(1)
    4,548,694 (6)     9.1 %
 
Bill M. Conrad(2)
    462,360 (7)     *  
 
Isac Burstein (2)
Calle La Colonia 180
Surco, Lima 33, Peru
    100,000 (8)     *  
 
Frank Jennings (3)
    0       *  
 
Jason Reid(3)
    1,031,152 (9)(10)     2.1 %
 
Beth Reid
    4,565,352 (11)     9.1 %
 
Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P.
40 West 57th Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10019
    3,698,980       7.6 %
 
Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited
Calle La Colonia 180
Surco, Lima 33, Peru
    13,995,295       28.7 %
 
All officers and directors as a group (6 persons)
    10,707,558 (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)     20.6 %
___________________
*
Less than 1%
(1)
Officer and director.
(2)
Director.
(3)
Officer.
(4)
Includes options to purchase 1,350,000 shares which are currently exercisable.
(5)
Includes 1,039,486 shares owned by the reporting person's spouse, of which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6)
Includes options to purchase 1,100,000 shares which are currently exercisable.
(7)
Includes options to purchase 250,000 shares which are currently exercisable.
(8)
Includes options to purchase 100,000 shares which are currently exercisable.
(9)
Includes options to purchase 600,000 shares which are currently exercisable.
(10)
Includes 112,102 shares owned by the reporting person's spouse, of which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(11)
Includes 2,175,866 shares and 1,350,000 shares underlying options owned by the reporting person's spouse, of which she disclaims beneficial ownership.

Equity Incentive Plan

Our Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (also as referred to as the “Plan”) was adopted by us effective March 4, 1999.  The Plan, as amended, terminates by its terms on February 28, 2019.  Under the Plan, as approved by shareholders on March 4, 2005, a total of 6,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance thereunder.  Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance.
 
 
66

Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan Information

Plan Category
 
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(a)
   
Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(b)
   
Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
    3,745,000     $2.40       755,000  
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
    0             0  
TOTAL                                                           
    3,745,000             755,000  
                       

Under the Plan, non-qualified stock options and/or grants of our common stock may be issued to key persons.  Key persons include officers, directors, employees, consultants and others providing service to us.  The Plan was established to advance the interests of our company and our stockholders by affording key persons, upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts we may rely for the successful conduct of our businesses, an opportunity for investment in our company and the incentive advantages inherent in stock ownership in our company.  This Plan gives our Board of Directors broad authority to grant options and make stock grants to key persons selected by the Board while considering criteria such as employment position or other relationship with us, duties and responsibilities, ability, productivity, length of service or association, morale, interest in us, recommendations by supervisors, and other matters, and to set the option price, term of option, and other broad authorities.  Options may not be granted at less than the fair market value at the date of grant and may not have a term in excess of 10 years.

Options granted under the Plan do not generally give rise to taxable income to the recipient or any tax consequence to us, since the Plan requires that the options be issued at a price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.  However, when an option is exercised, the holder is subject to tax on the difference between the exercise price of the option and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise.  We receive a corresponding deduction for income tax purposes.  Recipients of stock grants are subject to tax on the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and we receive a corresponding deduction.  The foregoing is intended as a summary of the income tax consequences to an individual recipient of an option or stock grant, and should not be construed as tax advice.  Holders of stock options or common stock should consult their own tax advisors.

Shares issued upon exercise of options or upon stock grants under the Plan are "restricted securities" as defined under the Securities Act unless a registration statement covering such shares is effective.  Restricted shares cannot be freely sold and must be sold pursuant to an exemption from registration (such as Rule 144) which exemptions typically impose conditions on the sale of the shares.

 
Changes in Control

We entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Hochschild, a significant shareholder of our company, in 2008.  We also agreed to appoint up to two nominees of Hochschild to our Board of Directors, depending upon its level of ownership.  Hochschild has certain rights of first refusal to participate in future financing transactions, and after the expiration in February 2011 of a standstill provision which prevents Hochschild from acquiring more than 40% of our common stock through purchases in the market or directly from us, Hochschild may acquire additional shares of our common stock, which may result in a change in control of our company.
 
 
 
67

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

None.

Director Independence

Bill Conrad and Isac Burstein are the members of our Board of Directors who are “independent” under the definition set forth in Rule 5605 of the Amex Rules.  William Reid, our chief executive officer, is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee, and does not meet the independence standards for committee members set forth in the Amex Rules.  David Reid, our executive vice president, is a member of the Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee, and does not meet the independence standards for committee members set forth in the Amex Rules.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The following table sets forth fees paid to (or accrued to) our principal accounting firm of Stark Winter Schenkein & Co., LLP for the two years ended December 31, 2009:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Audit Fees
  $ 33,000     $ 31,750  
Audit Related Fees
    18,550       6,030  
Tax Fees
    5,520       6,900  
All Other Fees
           
Total Fees
  $ 57,070     $ 44,680  

It is the policy of the Audit Committee to engage the principal accounting firm selected to conduct the financial audit for our company and to confirm, prior to such engagement, that such principal accounting firm is independent of our company.  All services of the independent registered accounting firm reflected above were approved by the Audit Committee.

 
 
 
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ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by referenced in this report:

Item No.
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Company as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on August 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
3.1.1
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on September 16, 2005 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.1.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
3.2
Bylaws of the Company dated August 28, 1998 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
4
Specimen stock certificate (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 4, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.1
Exploitation and Exploration Agreement between the Company and Jose Perez Reynoso dated October 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.2
Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.3
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.4
Employment Agreement between the Company and William W. Reid (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 10.8, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.5
Employment Agreement between the Company and David C. Reid (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 10.9, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.6
Form of Subscription Agreement between the Company and investors in the December 2007 private placement (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2007, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.7
Amended Employment Agreement between the Company and William W. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
 
 
 
 
69

 
10.8
Amended Employment Agreement between the Company and David C. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.9
Employment Agreement between the Company and Jason D. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.10
Strategic Alliance Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2008, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.11
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated December 5, 2008 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2008, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.12
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated February 25, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2009, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.13
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated June 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2009, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.14
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated December 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2009, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.15
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated March 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2010, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
14 *
 
21
Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on January 20, 2006, Exhibit 21, File No. 333-129321).
 
23.1 *
 
 
 
 
* filed herewith
 
 
 
 
70


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

 
GOLD RESOURCE CORPORATION
   
   
 
/s/ William W. Reid
Dated:  March 15, 2010
By:    William W. Reid, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
   

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


/s/ William W. Reid
 
Chairman of the Board, President and Principal Executive Officer
March 15, 2010
William W. Reid
 
 
 
 
 
     
/s/ Frank L. Jennings
 
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
March 15, 2010
Frank L. Jennings
 
 
 
 
 
     
/s/ Isac Burstein
 
Director
March 15, 2010
Isac Burstein
   
     
     
/s/ Bill M. Conrad
 
Director
March 15, 2010
Bill M. Conrad
   
     


 
 
 
 
 
 
71

 
EXHIBIT INDEX


Item No.
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Company as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on August 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
3.1.1
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Colorado Secretary of State on September 16, 2005 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.1.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
3.2
Bylaws of the Company dated August 28, 1998 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 3.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
4
Specimen stock certificate (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 4, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.1
Exploitation and Exploration Agreement between the Company and Jose Perez Reynoso dated October 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.2
Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.3
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 28, 2005, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.4
Employment Agreement between the Company and William W. Reid (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 10.8, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.5
Employment Agreement between the Company and David C. Reid (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on March 27, 2006, Exhibit 10.9, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.6
Form of Subscription Agreement between the Company and investors in the December 2007 private placement (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2007, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.7
Amended Employment Agreement between the Company and William W. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
 
 
72
 

 
10.8
Amended Employment Agreement between the Company and David C. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.9
Employment Agreement between the Company and Jason D. Reid (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 10-Q filed on November 19,2008, Exhibit 10.3, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.10
Strategic Alliance Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2008, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.11
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated December 5, 2008 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2008, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.12
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated February 25, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2009, Exhibit 10.2, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.13
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated June 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2009, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.14
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated December 17, 2009 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated December 23, 2009, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
10.15
Subscription Agreement between the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited dated March 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference from our report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2010, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-129321).
 
14 *
 
21
Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference from our amended registration statement on Form SB-2/A filed on January 20, 2006, Exhibit 21, File No. 333-129321).
 
23.1 *
 
 
 
 
* filed herewith
 
 
 
 
73