As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2013
File No. 333-191003

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

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

IRELAND INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1040
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

91-2147049
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

2360 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100
Henderson, Nevada, 89052
Tel: (702) 932-0353
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

CAMLEX MANAGEMENT (NEVADA) INC.
8275 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Tel: (702) 990-8405
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:
NORTHWEST LAW GROUP
Suite 704, 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5
Tel: (604) 687-5792

As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public)

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box: [X]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [   ]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [   ]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [   ]

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 [   ] Accelerated filer                     [   ]
Non-accelerated filer   [   ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [X]

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
Amount
to be Registered(1)
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per Unit(2)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(2)
Amount of
Registration Fee(3)
Common Stock, par value
$0.001 per share
25,994,922
$0.27
$7,018,628.94
$957.34
(1)

25,994,922 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Ireland Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Registrant”), are being registered hereunder. The shares consist of 50,000 shares previously issued to certain selling security holders described in the prospectus to this registration statement, plus an additional 25,944,922 shares issuable upon exercise of share purchase warrants issued to the selling security holders.

(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Based on the average high and low price of the common stock on August 29, 2013.

(3)

Previously paid in connection with the initial filing of the Registration Statement on September 5, 2013.


The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED _________________, 2013
 
 

The information contained in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Selling Security Holders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 
PROSPECTUS

25,994,922 Shares of Common Stock
 

We are registering 25,994,922 shares of common stock for resale by the selling security holders (the “Selling Security Holders”) listed in this Prospectus (the “Offering”), consisting of 50,000 shares of common stock previously issued by the Company and an additional 25,994,922 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants (the “Warrants”) issued in private placements or for consulting services between 2007 and 2012. The Selling Security Holders may resell their shares from time to time in public or privately negotiated transactions or by other means described in this Prospectus in the section titled “Plan of Distribution.” The prices at which the Selling Security Holders may sell their shares will be determined by prevailing market prices, prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices.

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the Selling Security Holders. We may receive proceeds on the exercise of the Warrants. However, the Selling Security Holders listed in this Prospectus are not required to exercise the Warrants and there is no assurance that they will exercise the Warrants. If all of the Warrants held by the Selling Security Holders are exercised for cash, we will receive total gross proceeds of $19,940,146.

We are bearing the costs, expenses and fees associated with the registration of the shares to be sold by the Selling Security Holders in this Prospectus. The Selling Security Holders named in this Prospectus will bear the costs of all commissions or discounts, if any, attributable to the sale of their shares.

Before investing in any of the securities being offered hereunder, you should carefully read this Prospectus and any prospectus supplement relating thereto.

Our shares are currently traded on the over the counter market, with quotations entered for our common stock on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol “IRLD.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the OTCQB at the close of business on September 16, 2013 was $0.24 per share.

The purchase of the securities offered through this Prospectus involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read and consider the section of this Prospectus titled “Risk Factors” on page 2 before buying any shares of our common stock.

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This Prospectus is Dated _________________, 2013

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IRELAND INC.
PROSPECTUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY 1
   
RISK FACTORS 2
   
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 6
   
USE OF PROCEEDS 7
   
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS 7
   
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 14
   
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 15
   
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 17
   
DESCRIPTION OF OUR BUSINESS 17
   
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PROPERTIES 18
   
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 31
   
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 31
   
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 33
   
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION 34
   
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS 42
   
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 44
   
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 50
   
RELATED TRANSACTIONS 52
   
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 54
   
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 54

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SUMMARY

The following summary may not contain all the information that may be important to you. This Prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in, or delivered with this Prospectus. Before making an investment, you should read the entire Prospectus carefully. You should also carefully read the risks of investing discussed under “Risk Factors” and the financial statements included in this Prospectus, any prospectus supplement relating thereto, or in our other filings with the SEC.

About Ireland Inc.

We were incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are an exploration stage company focused on the discovery and extraction of precious metals from mineral deposits in the Southwestern United States.

In February 2008, we acquired our lead project, a prospective gold, silver and calcium carbonate property located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, that we call the “Columbus Project.” The Columbus Project consists of 50,538 acres of placer mineral claims, including a 380 acre Permitted Mine Area (60 acre mill site and mill facility and a 266 acre mine site, with an additional 54 acres defined as “undisturbed area”). Our current permits allow us to mine up to 792,000 tons per year to 40 feet in depth for the purpose of extracting precious metals and calcium carbonate from the Permitted Mine Area. In addition, we own 80 acres of private land in the southeast quadrant of the project. Our current exploration efforts are focused on the North and South Sand Zones of the Columbus Project.

In addition to the Columbus Project, we own the right to acquire a prospective gold, silver and tungsten property located in San Bernardino County, California, that we call the “Red Mountain Project.” Our exploration program for the Red Mountain Project is not currently active.

146,159,542 shares of our common stock are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus, not including any shares that are issuable on exercise of the Warrants by the Selling Security Holders. Our shares are currently traded on the over the counter market, with quotations entered for our common stock on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol “IRLD.”

Our principal executive office is located at 2360 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100, Henderson, Nevada, 89052. Our telephone number is (702) 932-0353.

The Offering

The selling security holders (the “Selling Security Holders”) listed in this Prospectus may, from time to time, offer and sell up to 25,994,922 shares of our common stock. The shares being offered by the Selling Security Holders consist of 50,000 shares of common stock previously issued to the Selling Security Holders and 25,994,922 shares of common stock (the “Warrant Shares”) issuable to the Selling Security Holders upon the exercise of the warrants issued by us in private placements or for consulting services between 2007 and 2012 (collectively, the “Warrants”). See the section of this Prospectus titled “Description of Securities” for additional information about the Warrants.

We are voluntarily filing the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and are paying all expenses relating thereto. The Selling Security Holders will, however, pay any other expenses incurred in selling their common stock, including any brokerage commissions or costs of sale. The Selling Security Holders do not have any registration rights with respect to the Warrants or the shares being offered by them in this Prospectus.

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the Selling Security Holders. We may receive proceeds in connection with the exercise of the Warrants. If all of the Warrants held by the Selling Security Holders are exercised for cash, we will receive gross proceeds of $19,940,146. There is no assurance that any of the Warrants will ever be exercised, for cash or otherwise. See the section titled “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information in this Prospectus before investing in our common stock. Before making a decision to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the risks described under “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus supplement and the risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, or any updates to our risk factors described in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, together with all of the other information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this Prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement.

If any of these risks occur, our business, operating results and financial condition could be seriously harmed, which could in turn adversely affect your investment. The market price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those of which we are currently unaware or that we deem immaterial, could also affect our business or your investment in our securities.

We will require additional financing to complete our exploration programs for our mineral projects.

We expect to spend approximately $6,265,000 during the twelve months ending June 30, 2014 on the exploration of our Columbus and Red Mountain Projects and the general costs of operating and maintaining our business and mineral properties. We do not currently have sufficient financial resources to pay for our anticipated expenditures for that period. We anticipate that our existing financial resources are sufficient only to pay for the anticipated costs of our exploration programs until January 31, 2014. We will require additional financing to complete our exploration plans. In addition, actual costs of completing our exploration plans could be greater than anticipated and we may need additional financing sooner than anticipated. If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing to complete our exploration plans, we will scale back our plans depending upon our existing financial resources.

Our ability to obtain future financing will be subject to a number of factors, including the variability of market prices for gold and silver, investor interest in our mineral projects, and the performance of equity markets in general. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. If we are not able to obtain financing when needed or in an amount sufficient to enable us to complete our programs, we may be required to scale back our exploration programs.

If we complete additional financings through the sale of our common stock, our existing stockholders will experience dilution.

The most likely source of future financing presently available to us is through the sale of shares of our common stock. The only other anticipated alternative for the financing of further exploration would be the offering by us of an interest in our mineral properties to be earned by another party or parties carrying out further exploration thereof, which is not presently contemplated. In addition, if our management decides to exercise the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Red Mountain Project, we will be required to issue significantly more shares of our common stock. Issuing shares of our common stock, for financing purposes or otherwise, will dilute the interests of our existing stockholders.

In order to maintain the rights to our mineral properties, we will be required to make annual filings with federal and state regulatory agencies and/or be required to complete assessment work or pay fees in respect of those properties.

In order to maintain the rights to our mineral projects, we will be required to make annual filings and pay fees with federal and state regulatory authorities. On June 16, 2011, the Governor of Nevada approved Senate Bill 493 (SB 493), which repealed a one-time tiered fee hike on mining claims in Nevada. SB 493 also eliminated a number of tax deductions that had previously been available for companies with mining operations in Nevada. We are currently an exploration stage company and do not have significant mineral extraction activities or any revenues from mining operations and do not expect the elimination of these tax deductions to have a significant impact on our current exploration activities or financial prospects. However, if we do, in the future engage in significant mineral extraction operations, of which there is no assurance, the elimination of these tax deductions could affect our future financial results.

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There has been an increase in claim maintenance fees related to association placer claims. Previously, we paid $140 per year per placer claim. Claims can be up to 160 acres in size each. The new regulations require placer claimants to pay a fee of $140 for each twenty acres of a placer claim.

In addition to claim maintenance fees, we may be required by federal and/or state legislation or regulations to complete minimum annual amounts of mineral exploration work on our mineral properties. A failure by us to meet the annual maintenance requirements under federal and state laws could cause our mineral rights to lapse.

Because we are an exploration stage company, we face a high risk of business failure.

To date, our primary business activities have involved the acquisition of mineral claims and the exploration of these claims. We have not earned any revenues as of the date of this report. Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by exploration stage companies and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the exploration of the mineral properties that we plan to undertake. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems relating to exploration, and additional costs and expenses that may exceed current estimates.

Because we anticipate that our operating expenses will increase prior to earning revenues, we may never achieve profitability.

Prior to exiting the exploration stage, we anticipate that we will incur increased operating expenses without realizing any revenues. We therefore expect to incur significant losses into the foreseeable future. We recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from the exploration of our mineral claims and the production of minerals thereon, if any, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that we will prove successful, and we may not be able to ever generate any operating revenues or achieve profitable operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business will most likely fail.

Because of the inherent dangers involved in mineral exploration, there is a risk that we may incur liability or damages if and when conducting mineral exploration activities.

The search for valuable minerals involves numerous hazards. As a result, when conducting exploration activities we may become subject to liability for such hazards, including pollution, cave-ins and other hazards against which we cannot insure or against which we may elect not to insure. The payment of such liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Because of the speculative nature of exploration of mining properties, there is substantial risk that no commercially exploitable minerals will be found.

We have not yet established proved or probable reserves on the Columbus Project or on our other mineral properties. The search for valuable minerals as a business is extremely risky. Although we have been encouraged by the results of the exploration work conducted by us to date, further exploration work is required before proven or probable reserves can be established, and there are no assurances that we will be able to establish any proven or probable reserves. Exploration for minerals is a speculative venture, necessarily involving substantial risk. The expenditures to be made by us may not result in the discovery of commercial quantities of ore. Problems such as unusual or unexpected formations and other conditions are involved in mineral exploration and often result in unsuccessful exploration efforts. We intend to report the results of our exploration activities promptly after those results have been received and analysed. However, there is no assurance that the test results reported by us will be indicative of extraction rates throughout our mineral properties.

As a result of the public’s lack of familiarity with the assaying methods used by us to analyze samples taken from the sand and clay zones of the Columbus Project, we may occasionally encounter resistance to the reliability of our grade estimates for the Columbus Project. Although we use proven assaying methods, only report extracted and weighed gold and silver and have instituted rigorous testing to ensure the reliability of our exploration results, we may face resistance in the future, which could negatively impact our business, our ability to obtain future financing, and our stock price.

3


Contrary to popular belief, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical tests on a rock sample do not determine the amount of gold or silver present in a sample. Instead, these tests report the amount of gold or silver that is extracted from the sample by the analytical method used. We have engaged in extensive research and testing to determine the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods for extracting gold and silver from the sands and clays present at the Columbus Project. Our research has indicated that caustic fusion (head ore, concentrates) and thiosulphate or cyanide leaching (concentrates) are the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods for extracting gold and silver from the Columbus Project. The pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods that were chosen by us result in the actual physical extraction of gold and silver from the tested samples.

Caustic fusion is a standard pyrometallurgical method that uses fluxes melted at low temperature to dissolve the sample rock and liberate the contained minerals or metals for subsequent extraction and analysis. Caustic fusion was developed in South Africa over 100 years ago and was first used to liberate diamonds from their refractory kimberlites. It has since been used to quantify other minerals/metals in rocks by analyzing the fused product. Caustic fusion has proven to be a very effective method for extracting gold and silver from the refractory minerals (organics, silicates) in the sand and clay at the Columbus Project, and has been confirmed by extracting comparable precious metal values from bulk leach tests (+/- 1 ton samples).

Fire assaying is the most common pyrometallurgical method used for extracting gold and silver from rock. Fire assaying relies on the use of standardized chemical fluxes to reduce the melting point of the minerals entombing the gold and silver so that they can be liberated and then collected in a lead “button” and examined. Although this process works well for extracting gold entombed in sulfides (e.g. pyrite) and silica, such as that found in Carlin-type gold deposits, the chemical fluxes used in fire assaying methods are ineffective at liberating the gold and silver from refractory minerals (organics and silicates (Fe-Mg-Al-Si-Ox)) as are found at the Columbus Project. As a result, in our tests, fire assaying has shown to be ineffective at extracting commercial values of gold and silver from the sand and clay from the Columbus Project. Similarly, aqua regia digestion has also proven to be ineffective at extracting gold and silver from the sands and clays at the Columbus Project.

To ensure the reliability of our results, we have instituted rigorous QA/QC protocols, including blind random sampling, and the inclusion of blanks, standards and duplicates. To further ensure reliability, we measure only the actual amount of gold and silver physically extracted from our test samples when reporting assay results. We also have extracted gold and silver from large samples (+/- 200-3000 lbs.) by thiosulphate leaching, with the extraction results being comparable to caustic fusion assay results on the same samples, thereby confirming the reliability of the caustic fusion process. However, because caustic fusion is not commonly used and understood for gold and silver assaying, and because gold and silver in the sands and clays at the Columbus Project cannot be confirmed by metal-in-hand extraction using fire assay or aqua regia digestion, we may encounter some resistance to our analytical methods and assay results, which could negatively impact our business, our ability to obtain additional financing, and our stock price.

Even if we establish proven or probable reserves on our mineral claims, we may not be able to successfully reach commercial production.

We anticipate using a low cost, high volume surface dredge operation to mine the Columbus Project. Our pre-feasibility program for the Columbus Project is designed to test and optimize our planned mining process for the Columbus Project. There is no assurance that this pre-feasibility program will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

In addition, expanding our production facilities to accommodate commercial operations is expected to require substantially more financial resources than what we currently have available to us. There is a risk that we will not be able to obtain such financing if and when needed.

Although we have installed the leach circuit of the onsite pilot production module for the Columbus Project, there is no assurance that this project is commercially feasible.

We have begun testing and optimizing the onsite pilot production module at the Columbus Project. This pilot production module is part of our pre-feasibility study for the Columbus Project and is designed to evaluate the commercial viability of the Columbus Project. There is no assurance that the results of our pre-feasibility program will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

4


Even if we can successfully reach commercial production, any change to mining laws or regulations or levy of additional taxes in the future may make our planned production process nonviable economically.

Several bills have been introduced by the US federal government that would levy resource taxes on mineral exploration companies. Any levy of additional taxes would have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, laws and regulations governing the exploration of mineral properties and the mining process are subject to change. Changes to mining laws and regulations that would have the effect of increasing the cost of mineral exploration and mining activities would adversely impact our business.

We are subject to compliance with government regulations. The costs of complying with these regulations may change without notice, and may increase the anticipated cost of our exploration programs.

There are several government regulations that materially restrict the exploration of minerals. We will be required to obtain work permits, post bonds and perform remediation work for any physical disturbance to the land in order to comply with these laws. While our planned exploration program budgets for regulatory compliance, there is a risk that new regulations could increase our costs of doing business and prevent us from carrying out our exploration program.

In addition, if our applications for permits from the relevant regulatory bodies are denied, we may not be able to proceed with our exploration programs.

If we decide to pursue commercial production, we may be subject to an environmental review process that may delay or prohibit commercial production.

Our planned method for mining the Columbus Project is not expected to generate any significant long term environmental impact. However, we have not yet had a comprehensive environmental review conducted on our planned mining operations for the Columbus Project.

Compliance with an environmental review process may be costly and may delay commercial production. Furthermore, there is the possibility that we would not be able to proceed with commercial production upon completion of the environmental review process if government authorities do not approve our mine or if the costs of compliance with government regulation adversely affected the commercial viability of the proposed mine.

The market for our common stock is limited and investors may have difficulty selling their stock.

Our shares are currently traded on the over the counter market, with quotations entered for our common stock on the OTCQB under the symbol “IRLD.” However, the volume of trading in our common stock is currently limited. As a result, holders of our common stock may have difficulty selling their shares.

Because our common stock is a penny stock, stockholders may be further limited in their ability to sell their shares.

Our shares constitute a penny stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are expected to remain classified as a penny stock for the foreseeable future. Classification as a penny stock makes it more difficult for a broker-dealer to sell the stock into a secondary market, which makes it more difficult for a purchaser to liquidate his or her investment. Any broker-dealer engaged by the purchaser for the purpose of selling his or her shares will be subject to Rules 15g-2 through 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. Rather than having to comply with these rules, some broker-dealers will refuse to attempt to sell a penny stock.

No assurance that forward looking assessments will be realized.

Our ability to accomplish our objectives and whether or not we are financially successful is dependent upon numerous factors, each of which could have a material effect on the results obtained. Some of these factors are in the discretion and control of management and others are beyond management’s control. The assumptions and hypotheses used in preparing any forward-looking assessments contained herein are considered reasonable by management. There can be no assurance, however, that any projections or assessments contained herein or otherwise made by management will be realized or achieved at any level.

5


If we are, or were, a U.S. real property holding corporation, non-U.S. holders of our common stock or other security convertible into our common stock could be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of such security.

If we are or ever have been a U.S. real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) under the Foreign Investment Real Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended (“FIRPTA”) and applicable United States Treasury regulations (collectively, the “FIRPTA Rules”), unless an exception applies, certain non-U.S. investors in our common stock (or options or warrants for our common stock) would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock (or such options or warrants), and such non-U.S. investor would be required to file a United States federal income tax return. In addition, the purchaser of such common stock, option or warrant would be required to withhold from the purchase price an amount equal to 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

We have not conducted a formal analysis of whether we are or have ever been a USRPHC. However, we believe that we may be a USRPHC. In general, under the FIRPTA Rules, a company is a USRPHC if its interests in U.S. real property comprise at least 50% of the fair market value of its assets. If we are or were a USRPHC, so long as our common stock is “regularly traded on an established securities market” (as defined under the FIRPTA Rules), a non-U.S. holder who, actually or constructively, holds or held no more than 5% of our common stock is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock under FIRPTA. In addition, other interests in equity of a USRPHC may qualify for this exception if, on the date such interest was acquired, such interests had a fair market value no greater than the fair market value on that date of 5% of our common stock. Any of our common stockholders (or owners of options or warrants for our common stock) that are non-U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors to determine the consequences of investing in our common stock (or options or warrants).

We have not held an annual meeting for the election of directors since our incorporation.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), directors are to be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders. Pursuant to the NRS and our bylaws, our board of directors is granted the authority to fix the date, time and place for annual stockholder meetings. We expect to hold an annual stockholder meeting in 2013; however, no date, time or place has yet been fixed by our board for the holding of an annual stockholder meeting. Pursuant to the NRS and our bylaws, each of our directors holds office after the expiration of his term until a successor is elected and qualified, or until the director resigns or is removed. Under the provisions of the NRS, if an election of our directors has not been made by our stockholders within 18 months of the last such election, then an application may be made to the Nevada district court by stockholders holding a minimum of 15% of our outstanding stockholder voting power for an order for the election of directors in the manner provided in the NRS.

FOR ALL OF THE AFORESAID REASONS AND OTHERS SET-FORTH AND NOT SET-FORTH HEREIN, AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES A CERTAIN DEGREE OF RISK. ANY PERSON CONSIDERING TO INVEST IN OUR SECURITIES SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE AND OTHER FACTORS SET-FORTH IN THIS REPORT AND IN THE OTHER REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS THAT WE FILE FROM TIME TO TIME WITH THE SEC AND SHOULD CONSULT WITH HIS/HER LEGAL, TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES. AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES SHOULD ONLY BE ACQUIRED BY PERSONS WHO CAN AFFORD TO LOSE THEIR TOTAL INVESTMENT.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Prospectus constitute "forward-looking statements.” These statements, identified by words such as “plan,” "anticipate,” "believe,” "estimate,” "should,” "expect" and similar expressions include our expectations and objectives regarding our future financial position, operating results and business strategy. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labor costs or other costs of production; future mineral prices; equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, cave-ins, pit-wall failures, flooding, rock bursts and other acts of God or unfavourable operating conditions and losses; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in this Prospectus.

6


Forward looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including the results of exploration and drilling activities, the availability and final receipt of required approvals, licenses and permits, that sufficient working capital is available to complete proposed exploration and drilling activities, that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed time frames, the equipment necessary for exploration is available as scheduled and does not incur unforeseen break downs, that no labor shortages or delays are incurred and that no unusual geological or technical problems occur. While we consider these assumptions may be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties disclosed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in this Prospectus.

We intend to discuss in our Quarterly Reports and Annual Reports any events or circumstances that occurred during the period to which such documents relate that are reasonably likely to cause actual events or circumstances to differ materially from those disclosed in this Prospectus. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of such factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forwarding looking statement.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock sold by the Selling Security Holders. However, we will receive proceeds in connection with any exercise of the Warrants by the Selling Security Holders for cash. If all of the Warrants held by the Selling Security Holders are exercised for cash, we anticipate that we will receive gross proceeds of $19,940,146. However, there is no assurance that any of the Warrants will ever be exercised. We intend to use any proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants to fund our exploration, technical and feasibility programs for the Columbus Project, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Warrants are not being offered by the Selling Security Holders under this Prospectus; however, the shares of our common stock underlying these securities are being offered under this Prospectus by the Selling Security Holders.

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

To our knowledge, the following information sets forth, in respect of each of the Selling Security Holders:

1.

the number of shares beneficially owned by each prior to the Offering;

2.

the total number of shares that are to be offered by each;

3.

the total number of shares that will be beneficially owned by each upon completion of the Offering;

4.

the percentage owned by each upon completion of the Offering; and

5.

the identity of the beneficial holder of any entity that owns the shares.

The Selling Security Holders listed below are not making any representation that any of the shares covered by this Prospectus will be offered for sale by them, and the Selling Security Holders may reject, in whole or in part, any proposed sale of the shares covered by this Prospectus.

The information provided below assumes that the Selling Security Holders do not sell any of our securities other than the securities specifically offered in this Prospectus under the Offering, and assumes that all of the securities offered by the Selling Security Holders in this Prospectus are sold.

7


Except as specifically disclosed below, none of the Selling Security Holders:

  (i)

is, to our knowledge, a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer;

  (ii)

has had a material relationship with us other than as a stockholder at any time within the past three years; or

  (iii)

has ever been one of our officers or directors.






Name Of Selling Security Holder
Beneficial Ownership
Before Offering (1)


Number of
Shares Being
Offered
Beneficial Ownership
After Offering (1)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
246 LTD. (3) 130,000 * 50,000 80,000 *
0741673 BC LTD. (4) 10,000 * 10,000 -- *
ABBI HOLDING, INC. (5) 55,000 * 20,000 35,000 *
GILLIAN FRANCES JOAN AGER 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
LOGAN ANDERSON 117,000 * 50,000 67,000 *
SIMON AUERBACHER 507,692 * 100,000 407,692 *
ADAM BASS 200,000 * 100,000 100,000 *
WILLIAM BELZBERG REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST (6) 1,561,400 * 550,000 1,011,400 *
MOKHTARI BENAMAR 50,000 * 25,000 25,000 *
ALLISON BIBICOFF 250,000 * 90,000 160,000 *
THE BIBICOFF FAMILY TRUST DATED MAY 16, 2000 (7) 1,220,686 * 680,000 540,686 *
PAIGE BIRNIE (8) 2,250 * 750 1,500 *
ROBERTA BIRNIE (9) 41,250 * 13,750 27,500 *
BLASHEK LIVING TRUST DATED 12/21/94 (10) 232,000 * 75,000 157,000 *
GUDRUN BOYSON 300,000 * 100,000 200,000 *
PAUL BRAGG 250,000 * 50,000 200,000 *
BRAHMA FINANCE (BVI) LIMITED (11) 11,254,327 6.53% 3,482,626 7,771,701 4.51%
JOAN BRANDHAM 17,900 * 5,000 12,900 *
MARK H. BRENNAN IRA (12) 1,377,197 * 70,000 1,307,197 *
JOHN G. BRITTINGHAM REVOCABLE TRUST (13) 818,181 * 272,727 545,454 *
ELLEN BROUS 100,000 * 100,000 -- *
ROBERT J. BROUS (14) 806,500 * 200,000 606,500 *
RYAN B. BRUNSON (15) 157,454 * 1,818 155,636 *
DAL S. BRYNELSEN 60,586 * 50,000 10,586 *
GEORGE R. BUNN, JR. 24,500 * 17,500 7,000 *
CALVERT FAMILY TRUST U/T/D 10-01- 1993 (16) 305,000 * 50,000 255,000 *
CRAIG CELNIKER 62,500 * 12,500 50,000 *
DEWAYNE E. CHITWOOD 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
ROBERT E. COURSON 2,100,000 1.22% 700,000 1,400,000 *
MINDY CROSSFIELD 30,000 * 10,000 20,000 *
CARRIE D. CU 4,000 * 4,000 -- *
CUTLER FAMILY TRUST DTD 5/4/89 (17) 530,000 * 150,000 380,000 *
CAROLYN DALLAMORA 12,500 * 12,500 -- *

8





Name Of Selling Security Holder
Beneficial Ownership
Before Offering (1)


Number of
Shares Being
Offered
Beneficial Ownership
After Offering (1)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
KENNETH G. DALLAMORA 365,000 * 50,000 315,000 *
ELEANOR DEAR LIVING TRUST (18) 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
DESERTAIRE ENTERPRISES, LP (19) 54,150 * 54,150 -- *
SANJAN DHODY (20) 390,209 * 95,454 294,755 *
SCOTT E. DOUGLASS 200,000 * 100,000 100,000 *
JOSEPH M. DRINON 394,664 * 25,000 369,664 *
MITCHELL DUNITZ 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
ROBERT EDWARDS 38,885 * 38,462 423 *
EFKTV HOLDINGS LLC (21) 350,000 * 150,000 200,000 *
BRANDT ENGLAND 25,000 * 25,000 -- *
MAURY FAGAN ATF 1997 GEORGE SCHECHTER REV TRUST DATED 8/12/1997 FBO MAURY FAGAN (22) 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
ESTATE OF HENRY FAIRLEY, III (23) 48,000 * 33,000 15,000 *
KEN FRIED 800,000 * 400,000 400,000 *
RITCHIE L. GEISEL AND PAMELA K. GEISEL 170,000 * 50,000 120,000 *
ROBERT GHERGHETTA 50,000 * 50,000 -- *
GLADSTONE HOLDINGS LTD. (24) 10,000 * 10,000 -- *
CHRIS GLYNN 325,700 * 50,000 275,700 *
MICHAEL M. GOLDBERG 3,596,924 2.09% 200,000 3,396,924 1.97%
MICHAEL M. GOLDBERG FAMILY TRUST (25) 200,000 * 100,000 100,000 *
GREIF FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP L.P. (26) 4,276,924 2.48% 600,000 3,676,924 2.13%
KENNETH GREIF (27) 8,426,924 4.89% 1,450,000 6,976,924 4.05%
GUNTHER FAMILY TRUST (28) 4,722,677 2.74% 1,750,000 2,972,677 1.72%
MARK HACHEM 300,000 * 100,000 200,000 *
MARK HAGER 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
LEO A. GUTHART, TRUSTEE, ANTHONY C. HARPEL TRUST 40 U/A DTD 1/3/1994 (29) 750,000 * 200,000 550,000 *
LEO A. GUTHART, TRUSTEE, JAMES W.HARPEL, JR. TRUST 40 U/A DTD 1/2/1990 (29) 750,000 * 200,000 550,000 *
JAMES W. HARPEL 3,938,000 2.28% 1,900,000 2,038,000 1.18%
JUDY HOWARD HARPEL 400,000 * 200,000 200,000 *
MACQUARIE PRIVATE WEALTH ITF HATCH FAMILY TRUST (30) 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
MACQUARIE PRIVATE WEALTH ITF PATRICIA HATCH (31) 350,000 * 250,000 100,000 *
HEBRIDES L.P. (32) 1,973,045 1.14% 473,045 1,500,000 *
RICHARD HERMAN 500,000 * 200,000 300,000 *
DR. DUNCAN W. HIGGINS INC. (33) 50,000 * 50,000 -- *

9





Name Of Selling Security Holder
Beneficial Ownership
Before Offering (1)


Number of
Shares Being
Offered
Beneficial Ownership
After Offering (1)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
THE TRUST UNDER THE WILL OF IRENE HORN (34) 2,365,384 1.37% 650,000 1,715,384 1.00%
LARRY HORN (35) 2,238,460 1.30% 300,000 1,938,460 1.12%
DR. ROBERT H. JOHNSON 396,500 * 90,000 306,500 *
KAHALA FINANCIAL CORP. (36) 20,000 * 20,000 -- *
2002 KAPLAN FAMILY TRUST (37) 60,000 * 20,000 40,000 *
BRIAN KARP AND DEBRA KARP, JTWROS 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
ERNST HERMANN KELTING 725,000 * 300,000 425,000 *
KEMPTOWN HOLDINGS INC. (38) 20,000 * 10,000 10,000 *
STEVE KLEIN (39) 3,777,814 2.19% 225,000 3,552,814 2.06%
WILLIAM KOHANE (40) 2,092,306 1.21% 200,000 1,892,306 1.10%
BRUCE E. LAZIER (41) 1,179,167 * 279,167 900,000 *
BRUCE E. LAZIER DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN & TRUST (42) 825,000 * 275,000 550,000 *
DANIELLE LAZIER 226,000 * 50,000 176,000 *
CHRISTOPHER LEFAIVRE 10,000 * 10,000 -- *
DAVID LETTIERE 10,000 * 10,000 -- *
EDWARD N. LEVINE, IRA R/O ETRADE AS CUSTODIAN (43) 95,786 * 50,000 45,786 *
LIECHTENSTEINISCHE LANDESBANK (SWITZERLAND) LTD. (FBO MATTHIAS NAUER) (44) 37,500 * 37,500 -- *
TATE LILLIES 30,000 * 10,000 20,000 *
VERN LILLIES 15,000 * 5,000 10,000 *
THOMAS LING 310,275 * 50,000 260,275 *
LIVINGSTON HEALTHCARE PARTNERS, LP (45) 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
LONDON FAMILY TRUST (46) 616,666 * 222,222 394,444 *
DENNIS E. LONG 83,250 * 27,750 55,500 *
GEORGE LONG 46,884 * 46,884 -- *
TERRI MACINNIS 60,000 * 60,000 -- *
SHANNON MACLEOD 22,500 * 7,500 15,000 *
BILLIE W. MAINE 741,000 * 75,000 666,000 *
DALTON C. MAINE 650,464 * 225,000 425,464 *
MAURY INC. (47) 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
DONALD GARY MCKAY 50,000 * 50,000 -- *
KENNON MCLEAN 82,000 * 40,000 42,000 *
MICHELE R. MELET IRA 14,604 * 14,604 -- *
BERNARD MERMELSTEIN 630,768 * 200,000 430,768 *
HELEN BRODSKY MIEHLS AND BRENT CARLTON MIEHLS, JTWROS 128,800 * 25,000 103,800 *
DANIEL MILLER & PAMELA MILLER, JTWROS (48) 41,500 * 16,500 25,000 *

10





Name Of Selling Security Holder
Beneficial Ownership
Before Offering (1)


Number of
Shares Being
Offered
Beneficial Ownership
After Offering (1)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
THE CHARLES SCHWAB TRUST COMPANY, CUSTODIAN ASSOCIATED BOND BROKER 401K FBO PAMELA MILLER (49) 20,000 * 20,000 -- *
PATRICK LEE MORGAN (50) 313,650 * 4,550 309,100 *
RODNEY MOSS LIVING TRUST (51) 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
MUSGRAVE INVESTMENTS LTD (52) 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
MACQUARIE PRIVATE WEALTH ITF WILSON NG (53) 110,000 * 50,000 60,000 *
PETER K. NITZ 176,922 * 50,000 126,922 *
JULIA NOWEK 50,000 * 50,000 -- *
BRIAN O’NEILL 1,000 * 1,000 -- *
ERIN O’NEILL 500 * 500 -- *
O’NEILL FAMILY TRUST (54) 500 * 500 -- *
MARYNA O’NEILL 1,000 * 1,000 -- *
MICHELLE O’NEILL 22,500 * 22,500 -- *
STEPHEN F.X. O’NEILL 24,000 * 24,000 -- *
SEAN O’NEILL 500 * 500 -- *
THOMAS O’NEILL 50,000 * 50,000 -- *
PANCANUSA HOLDINGS CORP. (55) 2,002,500 1.16% 597,500 1,405,000 *
JAMES R. POAGE 700,000 * 200,000 500,000 *
LANI POWERS 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
DALLAS PRETTY 40,000 * 40,000 -- *
PHILIP M. PROCTOR 25,000 * 25,000 -- *
RON PUTZI 250,000 * 250,000 -- *
THE REEVES FAMILY TRUST OF 1989 (56) 473,800 * 200,000 273,800 *
RALPH REIS REVOCABLE TRUST (57) 11,976 * 11,976 -- *
ROSALIND M. REIS IRA 6,937 * 6,937 -- *
ALLAN ROCKLER AND CHARLENE ROCKLER 112,500 * 25,000 87,500 *
DENNIS ROSENBERG 297,000 * 50,000 247,000 *
DENNIS ROSENBERG & IRIS ROSENBERG, JTWROS 297,000 * 50,000 247,000 *
DETLEF ROSTOCK 600,000 * 200,000 400,000 *
JAMES L. ROTHENBERG 156,000 * 150,000 6,000 *
BRET SABERHAGEN 550,000 * 250,000 300,000 *
A. PAUL SAVAGE 55,800 * 10,000 45,800 *
BRAD SAVAGE 17,000 * 5,000 12,000 *
WILFRIED SCHNOOR 333,500 * 100,000 233,500 *
LEE J. SEIDLER REVOCABLE TRUST DTD APRIL 10, 1990 (58) 600,000 * 300,000 300,000 *
PAUL D. SELVER AND ELLEN J. ROLLER, JTWROS 85,000 * 25,000 60,000 *
ERIC L. SICHEL 122,000 * 50,000 72,000 *
KATHRYN A. SLAWSON (59) 200,000 * 100,000 100,000 *

11





Name Of Selling Security Holder
Beneficial Ownership
Before Offering (1)


Number of
Shares Being
Offered
Beneficial Ownership
After Offering (1)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
Number of
Shares

Percent (2)
STEVEN E. SLAWSON (60) 1,096,422 * 450,000 646,422 *
TOD B. SMITH 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
DAVID SNOW 597,765 * 100,000 497,765 *
AL SOLOMON 70,000 * 50,000 20,000 *
JERRY & STEPHANIE STERN FAMILY TRUST (61) 280,000 * 50,000 230,000 *
DAVID STRICKLER (62) 496,150 * 4,550 491,600 *
MARVIN TARNOL 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
HOWARD THOMSON 16,000 * 5,000 11,000 *
PAULA TOTI 230,000 * 50,000 180,000 *
BART ULANSEY 75,000 * 25,000 50,000 *
LISA VINCENT 18,675 * 5,000 13,675 *
DEBRA VOGEL 200,000 * 100,000 100,000 *
DANIEL WALLEN 750,000 * 250,000 500,000 *
GREG WALLIN 295,000 * 50,000 245,000 *
JEFFREY L. WERDESHEIM (63) 331,700 * 125,000 206,700 *
WES-TEX DRILLING COMPANY, L.P. (64) 150,000 * 50,000 100,000 *
MELVIN L. WILLIAMS 100,000 * 40,000 60,000 *
DAGMAR WINTERSTELLER 400,000 * 100,000 300,000 *
GREGOR WINTERSTELLER 489,500 * 250,000 239,500 *
JACOB WIZMAN 215,000 * 100,000 115,000 *
DON WOHL 1,843,000 1.07% 500,000 1,343,000 *
CHRISTOPHER WORCESTER 50,000 * 50,000 -- *
JAMES R. WRIGHT 1,464,444 * 275,000 1,189,444 *
W. DAN WRIGHT 450,000 * 150,000 300,000 *
JOSEPH & CHERYL ZARACHOFF 30,000 * 15,000 15,000 *
STUART ZERNER 255,000 * 220,000 35,000 *
 Total 93,056,894   25,994,922 67,061,972  

Notes:

* Represents less than 1%.
(1)

The number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, and such information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under Rule 13d-3, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which a selling stockholder has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which that selling stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days of the date of this prospectus through the exercise of any stock options, warrants or other rights. The number of shares beneficially owned after the Offering assumes that each selling security holder (1) sells all of the securities being offered by them in this prospectus; (2) does not dispose of any security of the Company other than the securities being offered in this prospectus; and (3) does not require any additional securities of the Company.

(2)

The percentages of beneficial ownership are based on 172,383,352 shares, which assumes the exercise of the all of the Warrants held by the Selling Security Holders as a group.

(3)

Jesse Anderson has investment and voting power over these securities.

(4)

Mark Reynolds has investment and voting power over these securities.

(5)

Pamela Miller has investment and voting power over these securities.

(6)

William Belzberg has investment and voting power over these securities.

(7)

Harvey Bibicoff and Jacqueline Bibicoff have investment and voting power over these securities.

(8)

Paige Birnie is the sister of Douglas D.G. Birnie.

(9)

Roberta Birnie is the mother of Douglas D.G. Birnie.

(10)

Robert D. Blashek has investment and voting power over these securities.

12



(11)

Nicholas Barham has investment and voting power over these securities.

(12)

Mark Brennan has investment and voting power over these securities. Mr. Brennan is a director of the Company.

(13)

John G. Brittingham has investment and voting power over these securities.

(14)

Mr. Brous has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Brous has also indicated that he acquired the securities being offered by him in the ordinary course of business and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute those securities.

(15)

Mr. Brunson is an employee of the Company.

(16)

William S. Calvert and Rose Angela Calvert have investment and voting power over these securities. Mr. Calvert has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Calvert has also indicated that he acquired the securities being offered by him as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute those securities.

(17)

Burton Cutler and Diana Cutler have investment and voting power over these securities.

(18)

Morton Dear has investment and voting power over these securities.

(19)

Ronald Taylor has investment and voting power over these securities.

(20)

Mr. Dhody has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Dhody has also indicated that he acquired the securities being offered by him as a personal acquisition and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute those securities.

(21)

Jerome Snyder has investment and voting power over these securities.

(22)

Maury Fagan has investment power and voting power over these securities.

(23)

Preston D. Morton has investment and voting power over these securities as the executor for the Estate of Henry Fairley, III.

(24)

Chris Wrede and Dan Goluboff have investment and voting power over these securities.

(25)

Judith Goldberg has investment and voting power over these securities.

(26)

Kenneth Greif and Susan Greif have investment and voting power over these securities. Mr. Greif has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Greif has also indicated that the securities being offered by the Limited Partnership were acquired as a personal investment and that there were no agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities.

(27)

Securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Greif include the securities held by the Greif Family Limited Partnership LP as Mr. Greif has shared investment and voting power over the securities held by the Limited Partnership. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Greif after the Offering assume the sale of only those securities held by Mr. Greif and not the Limited Partnership. Mr. Greif has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Greif has also indicated that he acquired the securities being offered by him as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities.

(28)

Richard S. Gunther and Lois O. Gunther have investment and voting power over these securities.

(29)

Leo Guthart has investment and voting power over these securities.

(30)

Patricia Hatch has investment and voting power over these securities.

(31)

Patricia Hatch has investment and voting power over these securities.

(32)

Anthony Bune has investment and voting power over these securities.

(33)

Dr. Duncan W. Higgins has investment and voting power over these securities.

(34)

Steve Klein has investment and voting power over these securities. Mr. Klein has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Klein has also indicated that the securities being offered by the Trust were purchased by the trust for investment purposes and that there were no agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities. Mr. Klein is also a director of the Company.

(35)

Mr. Horn has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Horn has also indicated that the securities being offered by him were acquired as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities.

(36)

Richard W. Donaldson has investment and voting power over these securities.

(37)

Kalman R. Kaplan and Linda S. Kaplan have investment and voting power over these securities.

(38)

Donald Sutherland and Angela Sutherland have investment and voting power over these securities.

(39)

Mr. Klein is a director of the Company. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Klein include the securities held by the Trust Under the Will of Irene Horn as Mr. Klein has voting and investment power over the securities held by the Trust. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Klein after the Offering assume the sale of only those securities held by Mr. Klein and not the Trust. Mr. Klein has also indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker- dealer, that the securities being offered by him were acquired as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities.

(40)

Mr. Kohane has indicated that he is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Mr. Kohane has also indicated that he acquired the securities being offered by him as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any other person to distribute those securities.

(41)

The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Lazier include the securities listed as beneficially owned by the Bruce E. Lazier Defined Benefit Plan and Trust as Mr. Lazier has investment and voting power over the securities held by the Trust. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Lazier after the Offering assume the sale only of those securities held by Mr. Lazier and not the Trust. Mr. Lazier acquired Warrants for 104,167 shares as compensation for acting as placement agent for a private placement completed by the Company in 2007. The remainder of the securities being offered by Mr. Lazier were acquired for personal investment purposes. Mr. Lazier has indicated that he did not have any agreements or understandings with any other person for the distribution of any of the securities being offered by him.

13



(42)

Bruce E. Lazier has investment and voting power over these securities. Mr. Lazier is a broker-dealer. Mr. Lazier has indicated that the securities being offered by the Trust were acquired in the ordinary course of its business and that there were no agreements or understandings to distribute the securities being offered by the Trust.

(43)

Edward Levine has investment and voting power over these securities.

(44)

Matthias Nauer has investment and voting power over these securities.

(45)

Eric L. Sichel has investment and voting power over these securities.

(46)

Robert S. London and Heath H. London have investment and voting power over these securities.

(47)

Maury Fagan and Deborah Fagan have investment and voting power over these securities.

(48)

Ms. Miller has indicated that she is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Ms. Miller has indicated that the securities being offered were acquired as a personal investment and that there were no agreements or understandings to distribute any of these securities.

(49)

Ms. Miller has investment and voting power over these securities. Ms. Miller has indicated that she is an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Ms. Miller has indicated that the securities being offered were acquired as a personal investment and that there were no agreements or understandings to distribute those securities.

(50)

Mr. Morgan is an employee of the Company.

(51)

David Moss has investment and voting power over these securities.

(52)

Peter Grut has investment and voting power over these securities.

(53)

Wilson Ng has investment and voting power over these securities.

(54)

Stephen F.X. O’Neill has investment and voting power over these securities.

(55)

John Boschert has investment and voting power over these securities.

(56)

Samuel T. Reeves has investment and voting power over these securities.

(57)

Ralph I. Reis has investment and voting power over these securities.

(58)

Lee J. Seidler has investment and voting power over these securities.

(59)

Steven E. Slawson has investment power over 100,000 shares registered in the name of this selling securities holder.

(60)

The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Slawson include 100,000 shares held by Kathryn Slawson over which Mr. Slawson has investment power. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Slawson after the Offering assume the sale of only those shares held by Mr. Slawson and not Kathryn Slawson.

(61)

Jerry Stern and Stephanie Stern have investment and voting power over these securities.

(62)

Mr. Strickler is the Company’s Vice President of Finance and Administration.

(63)

Mr. Werdesheim has indicated that he is a broker-dealer. Mr. Werdesheim indicated that he purchased the securities being offered by him as a personal investment and that he did not have any agreements or understandings to distribute those securities.

(64)

Dewayne Chitwood, David Morris and Robert W. Richards have investment and voting power over these securities.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each Selling Stockholder of the securities and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their securities covered hereby on the OTCQB marketplace or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the securities are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A Selling Stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling securities:

  • ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
  • block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
  • purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
  • an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
  • privately negotiated transactions;
  • settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part;
  • in transactions through broker-dealers that agree with the Selling Security Holders to sell a specified number of such securities at a stipulated price per security;
  • through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
  • a combination of any such methods of sale; or
  • any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

14


The Selling Security Holders may also sell securities under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), if available, rather than under this Prospectus.

Broker-dealers engaged by the Selling Security Holders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Security Holders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of securities, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA IM-2440.

In connection with the sale of the securities or interests therein, the Selling Security Holders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Security Holders may also sell securities short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The Selling Security Holders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or create one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this Prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this Prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The Selling Security Holders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each Selling Stockholder has informed the Company that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities.

Because Selling Security Holders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this Prospectus.

The resale securities will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale securities covered hereby may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale securities may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the Selling Security Holders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of securities of the common stock by the Selling Security Holders or any other person. We will make copies of this Prospectus available to the Selling Security Holders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this Prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

Description of Common Stock

Our authorized capital consists of 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 146,159,542 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus.

Our common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Holders of not less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of our stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by law, our Articles of Incorporation or our Bylaws, all action taken by the holders of a majority of the votes cast, excluding abstentions, at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be valid and binding; provided, however, that directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by our Articles of Incorporation or our Bylaws, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter and, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by our Articles of Incorporation or our Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the votes cast, including abstentions, by the holders of shares of such class or classes or series shall be the act of such class or classes or series. A vote by the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation.

15


The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the directors out of funds legally available therefore and to share pro rata in any distribution to common stockholders. The shares of common stock do not carry any subscription, redemption or conversion rights, nor do they contain any sinking fund or purchase fund provisions.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of the common stock, after payment of all liabilities, are entitled to receive our net assets in proportion to the respective number of shares held by them.

In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another company in connection with which shares of our common stock are converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities or property (including cash), all holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash).

Description of Warrants Held by Selling Security Holders

The shares being offered by the Selling Security Holders consist of 25,944,922 shares of our common stock (the “Warrant Shares”) issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants were issued by us in private placements or for consulting services between 2007 and 2012, with terms described below.

The holders of the Warrants do not have any registration rights. We are voluntarily registering the resale of Warrant Shares issuable on exercise of the Warrants by those holders of Warrants who provided us with the information set out in this Prospectus under the section titled “Selling Security Holders.” As such, the total number of shares being offered in this Prospectus is less than the total number of Warrant Shares issuable on exercise of all of the outstanding Warrants.


Period Issued

No. of Warrants Outstanding
Exercise
Price

Expiration Date

Acceleration Right Trigger(1)
Jun. – Oct. 2007 10,160,650 $0.75 Nov. 30, 2013 VWAP $4.50
Aug. – Nov. 2009 6,894,677 $0.75 Nov. 30, 2013 VWAP $4.50
Dec. 2009 200,000 $0.55 Nov. 30, 2013 No acceleration rights.
Jan. 2010 5,517,500 $0.75 Nov. 30, 2013 VWAP $4.50
Feb. 2010 500,000 $0.75 Nov. 30, 2013 VWAP $4.50
May – Jun. 2011 2,509,099 $0.80 Jun. 30, 2014 VWAP $2.80
Feb. – Mar. 2012 9,588,000 $0.80 Mar. 31, 2015 VWAP $2.40

(1)

Except where indicated, each of the Warrants described above contain acceleration rights whereby we may accelerate the expiration date of the Warrants if (a) our shares trade at or above the indicated minimum volume weighted average price (VWAP) for 20 consecutive trading days; and (b) there is a minimum average trading volume of 0.2% of our free float during those 20 trading days. If triggered, the acceleration rights allow us to accelerate the expiration date for the Warrants to 30 days after we give notice that the acceleration rights have been exercised.

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INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

No expert or counsel named in this Prospectus as having prepared or certified any part of this Prospectus or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of the common stock was employed on a contingency basis, or had, or is to receive, in connection with the offering, a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in our company or any of its parents or subsidiaries. Nor was any such person connected with our company, or any of its parents or subsidiaries, a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee.

Northwest Law Group has assisted us in the preparation of this Prospectus and registration statement and will provide counsel with respect to other legal matters concerning the registration and offering of the common stock. Attorneys who are members of or employed by Northwest Law Group who have provided advice with respect to this matter may own shares and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. As a group, these persons own less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.

Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation (“Brown”), our independent accountant, has audited our financial statements included in this Prospectus and registration statement to the extent and for the periods set forth in their audit report. Brown has presented their report with respect to our audited financial statements. The report of Brown is included in reliance upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

DESCRIPTION OF OUR BUSINESS

General

We were incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are an exploration stage minerals exploration company focused on the discovery and extraction of precious metals from mineral deposits in the Southwestern United States.

In February 2008, we acquired our lead project, a prospective gold, silver and calcium carbonate property located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, that we call the “Columbus Project.” The Columbus Project consists of 50,538 acres of placer mineral claims, including a 380 acre Permitted Mine Area (58-acre mill site and mill facility, 266-acre mine site with 54 acres defined as “undisturbed area”). Our current permits allow us to mine up to 792,000 tons per year to 40 feet in depth for the purpose of extracting precious metals and calcium carbonate from the Permitted Mine Area. In addition, we own 80 acres of land in the southeast quadrant of the project. Our current exploration efforts are focused on the North and South Sand Zones in the northwest quadrant of the Columbus Project.

In addition to the Columbus Project, we own the right to acquire a prospective gold, silver and tungsten property located in San Bernardino County, California, that we call the “Red Mountain Project.”

Competition

We are a mineral resource exploration company. We compete with other mineral resource exploration and development companies for the acquisition of new mineral properties, the services of contractors, equipment and financing. Many of the mineral resource exploration and development companies with whom we compete may have greater access to a limited supply of qualified technical personnel and contractors and to specialized equipment needed in the exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. This could have an adverse effect on our ability to explore and develop our properties in a timely manner. In addition, because many of our competitors are more established and have a longer operating history than us, they may have greater access to promising mineral properties.

In addition, many of our competitors have greater financial resources than us. Accordingly, these competitors may be able to spend greater amounts on acquisitions of mineral properties of merit, on exploration of their mineral properties and on development of their mineral properties. In addition, they may be able to afford greater geological expertise in the targeting and exploration of mineral properties. This may make our competitors more attractive to potential investors and could adversely impact our ability to obtain additional financing if and when needed.

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Government Regulations

The mining industry in the United States is highly regulated. We intend to secure all necessary permits for the exploration of the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project and, if development is warranted on the properties, will file final plans of operation prior to starting any mining operations. The consulting geologists that we hire are experienced in conducting mineral exploration activities and are familiar with the necessary governmental regulations and permits required to conduct such activities. As such, we expect that our consulting geologists will inform us of any government permits that we will be required to obtain prior to conducting any planned activities on the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project. We are not able to estimate the full costs of complying with environmental laws at this time since the full nature and extent of our proposed mining activities cannot be determined until we complete our exploration program.

If we enter into the development or production stages of any mineral deposits found on our mineral properties, of which there are no assurances, the cost of complying with environment laws, regulations and permitting requirements will be substantially greater than in the exploration phases because the impact on the project area is greater. Permits and regulations will control all aspects of any mineral deposit development or production program if the project continues to those stages because of the potential impact on the environment. Examples of regulatory requirements include:

  -

Water discharge will have to meet water standards;

  -

Dust generation will have to be minimal or otherwise remediated;

  -

Dumping of material on the surface will have to be recontoured and revegetated;

  -

An assessment that all material to be left on the surface will need to be environmentally benign;

  -

Ground water will have to be monitored for any potential contaminants;

  -

The socio-economic impact of the project will have to be evaluated and if deemed negative, will have to be remediated; and,

  -

There will have to be a report of the potential impact of the work on the local fauna and flora.

Employees

As of the date of this Prospectus, other than our officers and directors, we have 10 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee.

Reports to Security Holders

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statement or other information that we file with the Commission at the Commission's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. These Commission filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet site maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.

DESCRIPTION OF OUR PROPERTIES

We currently lease office space located at 2360 West Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89052 at a rate of $3,999 per month.

We currently own an interest in, or rights to, two mineral projects that we refer to as the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project.

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THE COLUMBUS PROJECT

The Columbus Project is a sediment hosted gold and silver exploration project located in western Nevada. It is comprised of 664 unpatented placer federal mining and millsite claims on BLM land which cover 50,538 acres and an additional 80 acres of private land, for a total of 50,618 acres. It includes a permitted and operational pilot plant and mine site. We currently own a 100% stake in all 664 claims that make up the Columbus Project. Our current Area of Interest covers approximately 2,000 acres on the west side of our Project claims.

LOCATION

The mineral claims that make up the Columbus Project are located in the Columbus Salt Marsh, Esmeralda County, Nevada, northwest of Coaldale Junction, approximately 50 miles west of Tonopah (Fig. 1) halfway between Las Vegas and Reno. Access is from the junction of US6 and Nevada Highway 95, approximately 10 miles north of Coaldale Junction, to a gravel road westerly to the mill site and to the remains of the town of Columbus.

The Columbus Salt Marsh is an enclosed basin and is a dry lake bed for the majority of the year. All surface drainage from a surrounding 360 square mile area flows into the Columbus Salt Marsh.

Figure 1: Location of Columbus Project

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TITLE AND OWNERSHIP RIGHTS TO THE CSM CLAIMS, IRELAND CLAIMS AND THE DDB CLAIMS

Figure 2: Columbus Project Property Map

The Columbus Project is comprised of 664 unpatented placer federal mining and millsite claims on BLM land which cover 50,538 acres and an additional 80 acres of private land, for a total of 50,618 acres.

We acquired our initial interest in 149 claims (which we refer to as the “CSM Claims”) and an additional 147 claims (which we refer to as the “DDB Claims”) in 2007 from Nanominerals pursuant to an assignment by Nanominerals of its rights to the Columbus Project. In February 2008 we acquired a 100% interest in the CSM claims by merging the previous owner of the CSM Claims, Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”) with and into our wholly owned subsidiary incorporated for the sole purpose of acquiring CBI, CBI Acquisition Inc. Upon completion of the merger, CBI Acquisition Inc. changed its name to Columbus Minerals Inc.

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The DDB Claims were previously owned by a mining syndicate known as the DDB Syndicate. A limited liability company controlled by Douglas D.G. Birnie, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, is the owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. The remaining members of the DDB Syndicate are made up of the former directors and officers of CBI (including one of our former directors), the brother of a former officer and director of CBI, and certain affiliates of Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”). Nanominerals is a significant shareholder in our Company. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. The DDB Claims were located by the DDB Syndicate in February 2007, prior to Mr. Birnie’s and Nanominerals’ involvement with our Company. Mr. Birnie also acquired his interest in Nanominerals prior to his involvement with our Company.

Our rights to the DDB Claims were held under the terms of a mining lease with the DDB Syndicate dated November 30, 2007 (the “DDB Agreement”). The DDB Agreement provided us with a five year lease on the DDB Claims, ending on November 29, 2012, with an option to purchase the DDB Claims at any time during the lease period. Under the option rights provided under the DDB Agreement, we had the right to purchase the DDB Claims at any time by either:

  (a)

paying the DDB Syndicate the purchase price of $400,000 (with all previously made rental payments credited against such purchase price); or

     
  (b)

paying the DDB Syndicate $10, plus granting the DDB Syndicate a royalty of 2% of net smelter returns on the DDB Claims.

On November 20, 2012, we elected to exercise the purchase option on the DDB Claims, paying the balance of $180,000 to the DDB Syndicate, being the purchase price of $400,000 less the $220,000 in rental payments previously made under the DDB Agreement.

An additional 288 claims covering 5,760 acres (which we refer to as the “Ireland Claims”) were staked by us in September 2011. In March 2013, we added to the Ireland Claims by staking an additional 80 claims covering 1,600 acres located in the south end of the Columbus Project.

As of the date of this Prospectus, we own a 100% interest in all of the CBI Claims, DDB Claims, and Ireland Claims.

Each of the CSM, DDB and Ireland Claims are unpatented placer federal claims. In order to maintain these claims, we are required to pay annual maintenance fees to the US Bureau of Land and Minerals (the “BLM”) by September 1 of each year. The annual claim maintenance fees paid to the BLM for the 2014 claim year totaled $362,028.

ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Columbus Project contains an operational pilot plant, onsite laboratory, operated by Western Analytical Consultants, and living facilities with power supplied by generators and water from an onsite well. Water used for processing is available from existing wells located on the surrounding basin (the “Columbus Basin”). There is also a high voltage grid located near the Candelaria Mine, approximately three miles from the Columbus Project.

Permits have been obtained for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate from an area of approximately 380 acres, including millsite, roads and mineable acreage.

HISTORY

The Columbus area has had mining activity for over 100 years. Silver was discovered in 1863 in the area of the Candelaria Mine, to the northwest of the Columbus Basin. These deposits were mined intermittently by different companies through 1999, producing large quantities of silver and minor gold. Salt was first mined in the Columbus Salt Marsh in 1864, followed by borax in 1871. Precious metals were thought to exist in the basin sediments as early as the late 19th century but no production is documented. Mining ceased in the Columbus Marsh around the beginning of the 20th century.

The Columbus Project is located in an area that has historically been known as a well mineralized region. A silver and gold mining operation known as the Candelaria Mine is located approximately five miles northwest of the Columbus Project. The Round Mountain project is a gold operation located approximately 60 miles northeast of the Columbus Project. The Clayton Valley Brine Project, a lithium extraction project, is located approximately 25 miles southeast of the Columbus Project.

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GEOLOGY

The Columbus Project covers a flat enclosed basin with a surface composed of salt deposits and is primarily devoid of vegetation. Older sediments, which host the silver deposits of Candelaria, underlie several sequences of volcanic rocks, with the youngest being the 15Ma Gilbert Andesite. The region has undergone older thrust faulting, which hosts the Candelaria deposits, and later extensional faulting as a result of movement along the Walker Lane. The Columbus Basin is one of several structural basins in the region caused by right lateral movement along the Walker Lane and the subsequent clockwise rotation and oblique extensional down dropping of the blocks within this structural domain.

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

Exploration work to date has identified three different host materials (sand, clay, brine) each of which could potentially contain commercial quantities of gold and silver mineralization within the project area. The sand zones outcrop on the western side of the Columbus basin and dip gently eastward. The clay zones also outcrop and overlay the sand zones. The brine zone occurs as an aquifer at some 400 feet depth underlying the sand/clay zones.

Our recent exploration efforts have focused on the sand material, specifically in a 2,000 acre area of interest on the west side of our project site. Through three drill programs, we have identified The North Sand Zone and the South Sand Zone. The North Sand Zone has been the site of the source material for our recent extraction tests.

To date, 34 holes have been drilled in the 0.67 square mile (429 acres) North Sand Zone, and 3 holes in the 0.48 square mile (307 acres) South Sand Zone. Drilling has been completed to depths ranging from 165 feet to 400 feet in both sand zones. We have yet to drill through the sand zone with any of our drilling to date.

We have been granted the permit for our Phase Four drill program, which will consist of 31 drill holes to a depth of at least 200 feet. The drill program will cover an additional 0.48 square miles adjacent to the southern boundary of the North Sand Zone. The goal of this program is to expand the boundaries and improve the definition of the North Sand Zone. Following completion of the Phase Four drill program, we will re-evaluate the boundaries of the sand zones, the quantity of the tonnage contained therein and the quality of the mineralization estimates within these areas. It is anticipated that additional drill programs will follow.

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Figure 3: Map of North and South Sand Zones

Historical Surface Sampling Program and Drill Programs

Near surface basin sediment samples were taken in late 2006 and early 2007. 64 surface samples, four shallow boring samples, and a bulk sample were taken and analyzed using a four acid total digestion and atomic absorption analysis. Samples were analyzed for Au, Ag, Cu, and Fe. This work led to the discovery of a 5,000 acre surface gold anomaly in the northwestern part of the basin. This gold anomaly is the primary focus of current exploration work. The Permitted Mine Area (380 acres) is situated in the north end of this zone.

2007 Drill Program

An 18-hole hollow stem auger drill program was undertaken in Q3 2007 in the Permitted Mine Area to establish mineral potential at depth. Samples were 18” in length, taken every 10’ with a split spoon sampler. Material was analyzed using a 3-acid modified version of aqua regia, followed by atomic absorption analysis. A split was analyzed by CBI staff at the onsite facility using a standard fire assay and it was found that standard fire assay was ineffective. Repeated firing of the slag showed that various amounts of the metals remained in the slag after each firing. The results from the 2007 drill program have been discounted by us as the analytical methodology used then did not rely on metal-in-hand of gold or silver.

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2008 and 2009 Drill Programs

Encouraging results from the 2007 drill program warranted a second drill program, which took place in Q2-Q3 2008, consisting of 39 widely spaced holes and a total of just less than 10,000 feet using sonic drilling technology. 25 holes were drilled in the ‘A’ program, 14 holes in the ‘B’ program. For this program, holes were drilled to depths ranging from 200 feet to 400 feet. The sonic drilling resulted in continuous sample material, therefore providing an improved representation of each 10 ft. drill interval. Samples of the 10 ft. composites were sent for analysis under chain of custody protocols.

A follow up drilling program was initiated in Q2 of 2009 to delineate mineralized zones and further define the extent of gold and silver mineralization potential in the project area. 58 holes, for a total of 15,270 feet, were drilled as a follow up to the ~10,000 feet drilled in 2008. Sample composite intervals were changed from 10’ to 20’ because of the homogeneity of the sample material. Again, the drill material was stored in polyethylene bags in the onsite core facility. Samples were submitted to AuRIC Metallurgical Laboratories (“AuRIC”) for caustic fusion analysis under chain of custody protocols. In addition, 211 clay samples were taken at various depths for density determinations.

2010 Drill Program

In 2010, we drilled 28 holes in the North Sand Zone and 147 short holes in the permitted mine clay zone. As the sand zones are the focus of the technical program, the samples from the clay zone drilling have been inventoried and will be analyzed later. Sampling protocol remained at 20 ft. composite intervals.

Mineralized Intervals

To determine the mineralized intervals in the North and South Sand Zone, we chose a minimum grade of 0.015 opt Au to identify mineralized material, and identification of at least three contiguous mineralized samples indicated a mineralized zone. Upon completion of a feasibility study a commercial grade mineralized cut off will be determined and mineralized zones will be recalculated. The caustic fusion assay results from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 drilling programs are listed below, broken down by area. It should be noted that because of the nature of the geology, the material must be mined from the surface down, so therefore, mineralized averages that start at depth rather than at the surface, may appear higher than they would be in production.

To date, 34 holes have been drilled in the North Sand Zone. Drilling in the North Sand Zone covered approximately 0.67 square miles, to depths ranging from 165 feet to 400 feet beneath the surface of the Columbus Marsh Basin, In addition, 3 holes have been drilled in the South Sand Zone, to depths of between approximately 200 to 400 feet.

Mineralized Intervals – North Sand Zone


Hole ID
From
(ft.)

to (ft.)

Au opt

Ag opt
CS-09-S1A 0 200 0.044 0.194
CS-09-S2A 0 200 0.039 0.179
CS-09-S3A 0 200 0.038 0.175
CS-09-S4A 80 200 0.040 0.170
CS-09-S5A 0 400 0.036 0.157
CS-09-S7A 60 200 0.038 0.170
CS-10-S1A 40 165 0.038 0.199
CS-10-S2A 60 200 0.038 0.152
CS-10-S3A 180 200 0.049 0.332
CS-10-S4A 80 200 0.043 0.238
CS-10-S5A 180 200 0.045 0.236
CS-10-S6A 80 200 0.036 0.163

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Hole ID
From
(ft.)

to (ft.)

Au opt

Ag opt
CS-10-S8A 120 160 0.045 0.234
CS-10-S9A 0 100 0.047 0.301
  120 200 0.050 0.304
CS-10-S10A 80 200 0.036 0.145
CS-10-S12A 60 200 0.050 0.268
CS-10-S13A 120 180 0.060 0.105
CS-10-S14A 100 200 0.046 0.261
CS-10-S15A 80 160 0.050 0.320
CS-10-S16A 100 200 0.040 0.215
CS-10-S17A 180 200 0.042 0.246
CS-10-S18A 60 200 0.050 0.303
CS-10-S19A 180 200 0.032 0.189
CS-10-S20A 60 200 0.040 0.213
CS-10-S21A 60 100 0.029 0.153
  120 200 0.029 0.152
CS-10-S22A 120 200 0.020 0.092
CS-10-S23A 180 200 0.038 0.196
CS-10-S24A 60 200 0.053 0.326
CS-10-S25A 0 60 0.034 0.152
  80 200 0.053 0.326
CS-10-S26A 0 60 0.031 0.189
  100 200 0.038 0.234
CS-10-S27A 100 160 0.031 0.145
CS-10-S28A 60 200 0.029 0.164

Mineralized Intervals - South Sand Zone

Hole ID from (ft.) to (ft.) Au opt Ag opt
CS-08-S1B 40 400 0.046 0.233
CS-09-S1B 0 200 0.038 0.186
CS-09-S2B 20 190 0.041 0.192

Sampling Procedures

An onsite core facility was constructed for logging and sampling of the material from the drill programs. Core intervals were set up on tables for geological logging. Once logged, the intervals were sampled by taking a continuous wedge of material from the outside to the center of the core. A smaller split was taken at random intervals. These samples were placed in standard heavy duty Ziploc bags. A slice of the core was taken at depths of approximately 50’ intervals. These were weighed wet and their dimensions were taken and documented for density determination. Sample splits were then sent to an independent laboratory for analysis.

QA/QC Procedures

Quality control for the Columbus Project was established during the 2008 drill program to guarantee the quality of the analytical results for that and all subsequent drilling/sampling programs on this project. All samples were submitted in random order to monitor laboratory precision. This is done to check for instrument variation, or ‘drift’, and cross contamination during the analytical process. Duplicate samples, standard reference material (standards), and blanks were introduced at approximately 1 for every 20 samples. Duplicate samples are used to evaluate the sample variability and stability of the analytical method. The standards are comprised of material that has been subjected to analysis from numerous labs around the world and is of an accepted concentration of gold with a very slight variance. The blanks are nothing more than pulverized environmental grade silica sand and should contain negligible concentrations of metals.

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GEOLOGIC MODEL

The SEC’s Industry Guide 7 sets out the reporting and disclosure requirements for issuers engaged in mineral exploration activities. Under the provisions of Industry Guide 7, only proven or probable reserves may be disclosed in filings with the SEC. “Reserves” are defined as that “part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.” The calculation of reserves requires the preparation of a feasibility study demonstrating the economic and legal feasibility of mining and processing the mineralization at the project site. We do not currently have any proven or probable reserves. Industry Guide 7 does not permit us to disclose of inferred, indicated or measured resources in our filings with the SEC.

The North Sand Zone, our focus area for sampling and drilling operations, covers a surface area of approximately 0.67 mi2. The South Sand Zone covers a surface area of approximately 0.48 mi2. The location of the North and South Sand Zones is shown in Figure 3.

These Sand Zones, located along the western edge of the project area, are alluvial material occurring as ‘fans’ which descend beneath the clay toward the center of the basin. The depth to this sand was gridded and contoured. This information is very useful for determining where this sand unit might be encountered during future drilling. In general, changes in sand depth parallel the basin. The average dry bulk density of the sands is 1.165 ton/yd³ (1.383 tonnes/m³). The sand zone averages 91.4% -1/4” as determined from 258 screen analysis of sonic drill samples from 0-200 ft. depth.

The lakebed clay varies in color, moisture content, texture, and organic content. Because of the wide drill hole spacing, it is not possible to correlate between individual clay units. At present, the clay will not be sub-classified and will be referred to as a single unit. Average dry bulk density of the clay, taken from the 200+ samples, is 1.198 tons/yd3 (1.423 tonnes/m3).

The North Sand Zone and South Sand Zone are comprised of mostly sand, but also contains some silt and clays. Even though the South Sand Zone is two dimensional, it is highly likely that these zones are contemporaneous and this southern zone is of exploration significance.

Analytical Methodology

All reported drill results were determined by caustic fusion assay and analysis of the extracted and weighed metal for gold and silver. Sampling and analyses were conducted by qualified independent professionals, under chain of custody procedures, and included blind labeling of samples, the insertion of blanks, standard reference material and repeats to ensure the quality of results.

AuRIC and our metallurgists engaged in extensive research and testing before they determined the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methodologies for extracting gold and silver from the refractory sands and clays that warehouse these metals at the Columbus Project.

Our research has indicated that caustic fusion (on head ore and concentrates) and thiosulphate or cyanide leaching (on concentrates) are the best pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods for extracting gold and silver from the Columbus Project. Caustic fusion is a standard pyrometallurgical method that uses chemical fluxes melted at low temperature to dissolve the sample rock and liberate the contained minerals or metals for subsequent extraction and/or analysis. Caustic fusion was developed in South Africa over 100 years ago and was first used to liberate diamonds from their refractory kimberlites. It has since been used to quantify other minerals/metals in rocks by analyzing the fused product. The caustic fusion assay protocol utilized by AuRIC for our analytical methodology has not been sent to other third parties for testing. We have confirmed the reliability of our caustic fusion protocols during subsequent bulk leach tests (±200-3000 lb.), whereby the amount of gold and silver extracted as metal-in-hand by thiosulphate leaching of bulk samples has been comparable to caustic fusion assay results on representative splits from the same samples. Caustic fusion has therefore been proven to be a very effective method for extracting gold and silver from the refractory minerals (organics, silicates) in the sand and clay at the Columbus Project.

26


Thiosulphate leaching technology is over 100 years old. It was first used for dissolving silver from silver chloride deposits. In recent years, thiosulphate leaching has been extensively studied as an alternative to cyanide because it is an environmentally friendly, hydrometallurgical method for extracting gold and silver from ores. Barrick Gold Corporation is currently in the process of converting its Goldstrike mine in Nevada to use thiosulphate, and is scheduled to be online in 2014. Our work has shown that thiosulphate leaching of head ore concentrates followed by resin extraction, has been very effective in bench and pilot scale tests for the extraction of gold and silver, as “metal-in-hand”, at the Columbus Project. Aqua regia and cyanide leaching tests of head ore and aqua regia leaching of concentrates have proved ineffective and resulted in extremely low gold and silver extraction. However, both thiosulphate and cyanide leaching of concentrates have extracted commercial values at the Columbus Project. It is the thiosulphate leach system that is currently being tested onsite to determine the feasibility of leaching both the sand and clay deposits.

To ensure the reliability of our results, we have instituted rigorous QA/QC protocols, including blind random sampling, and the inclusion of blanks, standards and duplicates. To further ensure reliability, we measure only the actual amount of gold and silver physically extracted from our test samples when reporting assay results. Caustic fusion provides “metal-in-hand” on head ore and concentrates as do thiosulphate leach and cyanide leach on gravity concentrates. Using these assay methods, together with the quality assurances and quality controls of the drill program, we and our consultants are confident of the results that we have reported from head ore and concentrate samples.

Fire assaying is the most common pyrometallurgical method used for extracting gold and silver from rock. Fire assaying relies on the use of standardized chemical fluxes to reduce the melting point of the minerals entombing the gold and silver so that they can be liberated and collected in a lead “button” and examined. Although this process works well for extracting gold entombed in sulfides (e.g. pyrite) and silica, such as that found in Carlin-type gold deposits, the chemical fluxes used in fire assaying methods are ineffective at liberating the gold and silver from refractory minerals (organics and silicates (Fe-Mg-Al-Si-Ox)) as are found at the Columbus Project. These refractory silicates are similar in composition to the crucibles used during the firing process, which also do not melt. As a result, in our tests, fire assaying has shown to be ineffective at extracting gold and silver from the sand and clay from the Columbus Project.

As mentioned previously, the entombment of the precious metals in the refractory organics and silicates at the Columbus Project can cause problems of extraction, and therefore detection by many methods of analysis. The early test work (2006-2009) completed by AuRIC and our metallurgists demonstrated that fire assaying and multi-acid digesting were ineffective at extracting commercial values of gold and silver from the head samples of sand and clay from the Columbus. In January 2010, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (the “NBMG”) reported that they had conducted a small sampling program on our claims.1 It should be noted that the location of the NBMG sample sites were approximately 1 to 3 miles away from our current area of operations and testing, and in a different geology. We have not conducted our own tests on sample materials extracted from this location. However, the results reported by the NBMG are consistent with our expectations based on our work using similar assaying methods. According to the report prepared by the NBMG, they took 5 near surface samples, taken to a depth of 30-52 cm (approx. 1 ft.), from the Columbus Salt Marsh. Splits of each of the samples were then reportedly analyzed by fire assay (Au and Ag), fire assay fusion followed by instrumental neutron activation finish (Au and Ag), fire assay and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission (Au), four acid near total digestion (Ag) and aqua regia digestion (Au and Ag). The NBMG reported that they found small quantities of gold (0.00035 opt to 0.000029 opt) and silver (0.00233 opt to 0.00029 opt for four acid digestion – other tests were reportedly below their detection limits).

MINING AND RECOVERY METHODOLOGY

The Company currently has a Water Pollution Control permit granted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for the Columbus Project. This permit allows for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate on the 380 acre site (320 acre mine site and 60-acre mill site) at a mine rate of up to 792,000 tons per year to a depth of 40 feet. During the period from 2008-2011, the Company developed a dredge mine, constructed a pilot plant and began operations to develop and prove the extractive metallurgy for the Columbus Project. Initial metallurgical testing was primarily focused on extracting gold and silver from the clay material. As previously reported, problems with organic material interfered with the extraction of precious metals from the clays, and this has led us to focus our current efforts on extraction of the precious metals from the sands.

_____________________________________

1

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 10-1: Geochemical Sampling of Selected Playas in Nevada: Alkali Lake (Esmeralda County), Columbus Salt Marsh (Esmeralda County). Rhodes Salt Marsh (Mineral County), and Winnemucca Dry Lake (Washoe County).

27


In Q4 2011 and Q1 2012, we announced the results of tests completed by AuRIC Metallurgical Laboratories (“AuRIC”) of Salt Lake City, Utah. AuRIC completed three bulk tests (194 lb., 220 lb., 3,000 lb.) on sand material collected from a single site within the North Sand Zone using our gravity concentration circuit. The total results of the tests were: 13:1 concentration ratio; 121% Au recovery; and 42% Ag recovery (0.096 opt AuE2, 0.084 opt Au and 0.642 opt Ag).

Since the beginning of 2012, we have been conducting bulk sample tests on sand materials extracted from the same site in the North Sand Zone using the gravity concentration circuit. The first tests were conducted using the gravity concentration circuit under laboratory conditions at AuRIC’s facilities in Salt Lake City. In Q2 2012, gravity concentration equipment was installed at the onsite pilot plant, and subsequent bulk tests were processed using the onsite gravity concentration circuit. During 2012, 48,919 lbs. (24.45 tons) from four separate sand material tests was sent to AuRIC for leaching, resin collection and metal extraction. The combined results of the tests resulted in an average extraction of 0.046 opt Au and 0.143 opt Ag, or 0.049 AuE. The test results each met or exceeded our extraction goal of 0.03 opt AuE. Each test was run under different operating variables, and none of the tests were optimized based on previous test results.

Summary of Bulk Sand Leach Tests


Head Ore Gravity Con Gravity TS Calculated Head Extracted
Metals
Weight Weight Cons Leach
Test lbs lbs Ratio pH Au opt Ag opt AuE opt
4028H, 4029H 10,821 1,873.6 5.78:1 12 0.101 0.153 0.104
               
4037H 14,797 2,187.4 6.77:1 9 0.026 0.136 0.029
               
4046H 10,711 1,974.5 5.42:1 12 0.037 0.135 0.040
               
4048H 12,590 2,211.6 5.69:1 12 0.029 0.148 0.031
               
Totals 48,919 8,247.1 5.93:1   0.046 0.143 0.049

The purpose of these bulk tests was to demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the onsite gravity concentration components of the precious metals extraction circuit, while also assisting in the determination of which operating parameters increase or decrease precious metals extraction. Readers should note that the tests referred to above were all from a single bulk sample test site and may not be representative of grades or recovery rates that can be expected for the overall North Sand Zone. The area from which these samples were taken may represent an anomaly within the North Sand Zone and may not be representative of grades or recovery rates for the entire zone. Additional gravity concentration tests on bulk samples from different sites within the North Sand Zone will follow.

In Q4 2012, we finalized operating parameters for the gravity concentration components of the onsite pilot plant. In addition, we successfully installed equipment for the leaching and metal extraction components of the onsite extraction circuit. As part of this process of transferring the gold and silver extraction process from the test location at AuRIC’s facility in Salt Lake City to our on-site pilot plant in Nevada, in April 2013, we commenced our first series of multi-ton batch extraction tests. The extraction process consists first of a gravity concentration circuit which processes between two and five tons of head material to generate one ton of concentrates. Next, the concentrates are then leached, the result of which is filtered and then loaded onto resins at the Columbus Project’s pilot plant. The resins are then ashed to determine the quantity of gold and silver recovery.

_____________________________________

2

AuE opt = Au opt + Ag/55 opt

28


We have completed three series of tests, and are now awaiting the last results of these tests in order to determine the changes in operating parameters for the next test series. A “test series” consists of three to five individual tests run semi-concurrently under very similar operating parameters. We have produced small amounts of gold and silver from our testing, but recoveries are not yet to our goal recovery rate of .030 opt Au. Current work is primarily focused on the final two components of the extraction process, filtration and resin collection, to increase the amount of gold and silver recovered.

During this period, we may continue to modify the operating parameters of any component of the production circuit to improve the precious metals recovery from the circuit, and may upgrade the precious metals processing and extraction equipment as necessary to improve operating efficiencies and circuit capacity. Once these batch extraction rates have been completed to our satisfaction, we intend to begin the process of phasing in the operations of the pilot plant on a continuous basis, with a target of processing up to 20 tons of head material per day.

We are currently focusing mining and recovery methodology efforts on commencing continuous operations for the pilot plant. This timeline will be dictated by process results, and the availability of personnel and equipment.

If the operation of the pilot plant proves, to our satisfaction, that the Columbus Project is economically viable, we may seek to expand the production permitted area, reconfigure the production process and/or construct additional production circuits within the mill site to increase production capacity. The production model for the Columbus Project is anticipated to be a low cost, high volume mining operation.

Readers are cautioned that, although we believe that the results of our exploration activities to date have been sufficiently positive to proceed with the installation and operation of a pilot processing facility at the Columbus Project millsite, we have not yet established any probable or proven reserves and we have not yet completed a preliminary economic assessment, pre-feasibility or feasibility study. Additional exploration work will be required before probable or proven reserves can be established. There are no assurances that the results of our exploration programs will result in a decision to enter into commercial production.

THE RED MOUNTAIN PROJECT

The Red Mountain Project is a potential gold, silver and tungsten project that consists of 100 unpatented placer federal mineral claims on BLM land covering approximately 13,729 acres, all located in San Bernardino County and Kern County, California. Title to these mineral claims is currently recorded in the names of a number of individuals who, together, make up a mining syndicate known as Red Mountain Mining (“RMM”). We have been notified that some of the claims making up the Red Mountain Project may conflict with other existing mineral claims and other property rights covering the location of the project. We intend to work with RMM in order to resolve these issues.

RIGHTS TO THE RED MOUNTAIN PROJECT

On July 20, 2011, we entered into an amended and restated option agreement for the Red Mountain Project (the “Amended Red Mountain Option”). The Amended Red Mountain Option replaces the Red Mountain Letter Agreement under which we had previously earned a 30.6% undivided interest in the Red Mountain Project. Under the terms of the Amended Red Mountain Option, we have the option (the “Buyout Option”) to buyout all of the optionor’s interest in the Red Mountain Project by paying to the optionor $200,000 in cash and issuing to the optionor $3,800,000 worth of our common stock. If we exercise the Buyout Option, of which there is no assurance, we will own 100% of the Red Mountain Project. We have until December 31, 2016 to exercise the Buyout Option.

To maintain the Buyout Option, we must (i) pay the optionor the sum of $8,000 per month, and (ii) spend a total of $600,000 on the Red Mountain Project. For every $2,000 that we spend on the Red Mountain Project, we will earn an additional 0.1% undivided interest, up to an additional 29.4% undivided interest (which would bring our total undivided interest in the Red Mountain Project to 60.0%) . On execution of the Amended Red Mountain Option, we prepaid $35,000 to the optionor to be applied against the monthly payment amounts.

29


The project acreage of all claims under the Red Mountain Option Agreement now totals 13,729.

Each of the claims making up the Red Mountain Project are unpatented placer federal claims. In order to maintain these claims, we are required to pay annual maintenance fees to the BLM by September 1 of each year. Beginning in 2012, the 2012 claim maintenance fees related to association placer claims increased significantly. Previously, we paid $140 per year per placer claim. Claims can be up to 160 acres each. The new regulations require placer claimants to pay a fee of $140 for each twenty acres of a placer claim. The fee for a 160 acre placer claim rose from $140 to $1,120 per claim and our current obligation for the Red Mountain claimed property increased to $96,287 for the 2012 claim year. We are responsible for paying the claim maintenance fees for the Red Mountain claims. Amounts paid to maintain the claims are counted against the amounts we are obligated to spend on the project to maintain our option rights.

LOCATION AND ACCESS

The Red Mountain Project is located at the base of Red Mountain, which is 27 miles south of Ridgecrest in San Bernardino County and Kern County, California, approximately 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The Red Mountain Project can be accessed by using a gravel road that bisects the project from northwest to southeast.

The Red Mountain Project does not contain any useable infrastructure other than a water well.

Figure 6: Location of the Red Mountain Project

HISTORY

The Red Mountain Project is east of and adjacent to the Rand Mining District, initially discovered in 1894. The Rand Mining District was mined off and on until just recently for gold, silver and tungsten. The majority of the mines in the area consisted of small independent operations. There is currently no commercial mining occurring on the Red Mountain Project site.

30


GEOLOGY

The area surrounding the Red Mountain Project is highly mineralized with recorded production of gold, silver and tungsten.

Nanominerals reviewed the Red Mountain Project, including the existing reports on work previously done by RMM. RMM has excavated over 100 test pits at the project site and has gravity concentrated the bulk samples taken from these pits.

Based on a review of the existing reports and a field visit to the Red Mountain Project site, we developed an exploration program to verify the reported gold grades in RMM’s studies and to test the recoverability in order to assess the economic viability of the Red Mountain Project.

CURRENT EXPLORATION

Our exploration program for the Red Mountain Project consists of a drilling and sampling program. The Red Mountain Project is not currently active. We have set a budget of $196,000 for the Red Mountain Project for the 12 months ending June 30, 2014.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

Quotations of our common stock are entered on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol “IRLD.” Prior to May 1, 2013, quotations for our common stock were also entered on the OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol. The following is the high and low bid information for our common stock during each fiscal quarter of our last two years and our current fiscal year.

      2013*     2012*     2011  
      High     Low     High     Low     High     Low  
  First quarter ended March 31 $  0.69   $  0.38   $  1.09   $  0.19   $  0.33   $  0.17  
  Second quarter ended June 30 $  0.26   $  0.47   $  1.11   $  0.51   $  0.6975   $  0.17  
  Third quarter ended September 30 $  n/a   $  n/a   $  1.30   $  0.73   $  0.86   $  0.17  
  Fourth quarter ended December 31 $  n/a   $  n/a   $  1.02   $  0.57   $  0.58   $  0.25  

 

*

High and low bid information was not available for fiscal quarters ending after March 30, 2012. For these periods, prices represent high and low closing prices during the period.

Bid quotations entered on the OTC Bulletin Board and the OTCQB reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not represent actual transactions.

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board as of the close of business on September 16, 2013 was $0.24 per share.

Penny Stock Rules

The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC, which:

31



  (a)

contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading;

  (b)

contains a description of the broker's or dealer's duties to the customer and of the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to a violation of such duties or other requirements of securities laws;

  (c)

contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including bid and ask prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask price;

  (d)

contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions;

  (e)

defines significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading in penny stocks; and

  (f)

contains such other information and in such form as the SEC shall require by rule or regulation.

The broker-dealer also must, prior to effecting any transaction in a penny stock, provide the customer with:

  (a)

bid and offer quotations for the penny stock;

  (b)

the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction;

  (c)

the number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other comparable information relating to the depth and liquidity of the market for such stock; and

  (d)

monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account.

In addition, the penny stock rules require that, prior to a transaction in a penny stock that is not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must:

  (a)

make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser; and

  (b)

receive from the purchaser his or her written acknowledgement of receipt of the determination and a written agreement to the transaction.

These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our common stock and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling those securities.

Registered Holders Of Our Common Stock

As of September 16, 2013 there were 196 registered holders of record of our common stock. We believe that a large number of stockholders hold stock on deposit with their brokers or investment bankers registered in the name of stock depositories.

Dividends

We have not declared any dividends on our common stock since our inception and we do not expect to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future. We expect to spend any funds legally available for the payment of dividends on the exploration of our mineral properties. There are no provisions in our Articles of Incorporation or bylaws that limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), does provide certain limitations on our ability to declare dividends. Section 78.288 of Chapter 78 of the NRS prohibits us from declaring dividends where, after giving effect to the distribution of the dividend:

  (a)

we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or

     
  (b)

except as may be allowed by our Articles of Incorporation, our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders who may have preferential rights and whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.

32


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.

Financial statements for the interim period ended June 30, 2013, including:

     
1.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012;

     
2.

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period from February 20, 2001 (date of inception) to June 30, 2013;

     
3.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and the comparable period ended June 30, 2012;

     
4.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 and the period on February 20, 2001 (date of inception) to June 30, 2013; and

     
5.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

     
B.

Audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, including:

     
1.

Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation);

     
2.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011;

     
3.

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the period from February 20, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2011;

     
4.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the period from February 20, 2001 (date of inception) through December 31, 2012;

     
5.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the period from February 20, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2012; and

     
6.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

33


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    (Unaudited)        
    June 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  
             
ASSETS    
             
Current assets            
   Cash $  3,199,886   $  5,636,638  
   Other receivables   6,380     10,523  
   Prepaid expenses   139,780     335,485  
             
       Total current assets   3,346,046     5,982,646  
             
Property and equipment, net   2,599,916     2,963,625  
Mineral properties   32,128,133     32,128,133  
Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds   1,179,941     1,186,681  
Reclamation bonds   39,719     40,000  
Deposits   2,200     2,200  
             
       Total non-current assets   35,949,909     36,320,639  
             
       Total assets $  39,295,955   $  42,303,285  
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
             
Current liabilities            
   Accounts payable $  58,531   $  97,568  
   Accounts payable - related party   13,707     48,651  
   Accrued payroll and related taxes   75,296     67,166  
   Due to related party   23,290     23,290  
             
       Total current liabilities   170,824     236,675  
             
Long-term liabilities            
   Accrued reclamation and remediation costs   672,338     672,338  
   Deferred income taxes   -     616,695  
             
       Total long-term liabilities   672,338     1,289,033  
             
       Total liabilities   843,162     1,525,708  
             
Commitments and contingencies - Note 8   -     -  
             
Stockholders' equity            
   Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares 
      authorized, 146,059,542 and 146,059,542 
      shares, respectively, issued and outstanding
  146,058     146,058  
   Additional paid-in capital   63,731,461     63,269,641  
   Accumulated other comprehensive income   15,627     20,356  
   Accumulated deficit during exploration stage   (25,440,353 )   (22,658,478 )
             
       Total stockholders' equity   38,452,793     40,777,577  
             
       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $  39,295,955   $  42,303,285  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-1


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(UNAUDITED)

                            For the period from  
                            February 20, 2001  
                            (date of inception)  
    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended     through  
    June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013  
                               
                               
Revenue $  -   $  -   $  -   $  -   $  -  
                               
Operating expenses                              
 Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses   652,333     640,061     1,383,151     1,177,290     16,008,907  
 Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party   110,656     112,378     222,762     232,837     3,809,721  
 General and administrative   667,304     609,042     1,250,170     980,761     12,317,727  
 General and administrative - related party   19,125     -     38,250     -     135,669  
 Depreciation   234,375     227,787     467,028     437,372     2,809,242  
 Loss on asset disposal   -     -     -     -     12,165  
 Mineral and property holding costs   24,000     23,750     48,000     47,500     691,500  
 Mineral and property holding costs - reimbursed to related party   -     -     -     -     295,000  
 Write-off of mineral rights   -     -     -     -     14,000  
                               
     Total operating expenses   1,707,793     1,613,018     3,409,361     2,875,760     36,093,931  
                               
Loss from operations   (1,707,793 )   (1,613,018 )   (3,409,361 )   (2,875,760 )   (36,093,931 )
                               
Other income (expense)                              
 Interest income   7,366     7,732     15,520     13,404     394,468  
 Interest expense   (743 )   (344 )   (2,182 )   (664 )   (10,498 )
                               
     Total other income (expense)   6,623     7,388     13,338     12,740     383,970  
                               
Loss before income taxes   (1,701,170 )   (1,605,630 )   (3,396,023 )   (2,863,020 )   (35,709,961 )
                               
Income tax benefit   20,990     546,448     614,148     984,431     10,269,608  
                               
Net loss $  (1,680,180 ) $  (1,059,182 ) $  (2,781,875 ) $  (1,878,589 ) $  (25,440,353 )
                               
                               
Loss per common share - basic and diluted $  (0.01 ) $  (0.01 ) $  (0.02 ) $  (0.01 )      
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted   146,059,542     137,012,641     146,059,542     133,866,157      
                               
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss                    
                               
Net loss $  (1,680,180 ) $  (1,059,182 ) $  (2,781,875 ) $  (1,878,589 ) $  (25,440,353 )
                               
Other comprehensive (loss) income                              
Unrealized (loss) income on investments, net of deferred tax   (3,301 )   1,583     (4,729 )   (3,057 )   15,627  
                               
Total comprehensive loss $  (1,683,481 ) $  (1,057,599 ) $  (2,786,604 ) $  (1,881,646 ) $  (25,424,726 )

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-2


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

                      Accumulated     Accumulated        
                      Other     Deficit During     Total  
    Common Stock     Additional     Comprehensive     Exploration     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Paid-in Capital     Income (Loss)     Stage     Equity  
Balance, December 31, 2011   127,452,641   $  127,452   $  52,233,054   $  25,173   $  (18,485,711 ) $  33,899,968  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     311,879     -     -     311,879  
Sale of shares for cash, net   9,560,000     9,560     4,728,174     -     -     4,737,734  
Unrealized loss on investments, net of $1,648 deferred tax   -     -     -     (3,057 )   -     (3,057 )
Net loss, June 30, 2012   -     -     -     -     (1,878,589 )   (1,878,589 )
Balance, June 30, 2012   137,012,641   $  137,012   $  57,273,107   $  22,116   $  (20,364,300 ) $  37,067,935  
Balance, December 31, 2012   146,059,542   $  146,058   $  63,269,641   $  20,356   $  (22,658,478 ) $  40,777,577  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     377,895     -     -     377,895  
Warrant modification   -     -     83,925     -     -     83,925  
Unrealized loss on investments, net of $2,547 deferred tax   -     -     -     (4,729 )   -     (4,729 )
Net loss, June 30, 2013   -     -     -     -     (2,781,875 )   (2,781,875 )
Balance, June 30, 2013   146,059,542   $  146,058   $  63,731,461   $  15,627   $  (25,440,353 ) $  38,452,793  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-3


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

                For the period from  
                February 20, 2001  
                (date of inception)  
    For the Six Months Ended     through  
    June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                  
   Net loss $  (2,781,875 ) $  (1,878,589 ) $  (25,440,353 )
   Adjustments to reconcile loss from operations to net cash used in operating activities:            
           Depreciation   467,028     437,372     2,809,242  
           Loss on asset disposal   -     -     12,165  
           Write-off of mineral rights   -     -     14,000  
           Stock-based compensation   377,895     311,879     5,338,104  
           Stock-based expenses   83,925     -     83,925  
           Deferred income taxes   (614,148 )   (984,431 )   (10,269,608 )
                   
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                  
           Other receivables   4,143     102     (6,380 )
           Prepaid expenses and deposits   195,705     97,625     (534,853 )
           Reclamation bonds and other deposits   281     -     (10,659 )
           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (65,851 )   (74,494 )   43,932  
           Accrued reclamation and remediation costs   -     50,000     672,338  
                   
 Net cash used in operating activities   (2,332,897 )   (2,040,536 )   (27,288,147 )
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                  
   Purchase of property and equipment, net of refunds   (103,319 )   (166,180 )   (5,050,477 )
   Purchase of mineral claims   -     -     (180,080 )
   Purchase of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds   (536 )   (260 )   (1,155,901 )
                   
   Net cash used in investing activities   (103,855 )   (166,440 )   (6,386,458 )
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                  
   Proceeds from stock issuance   -     4,780,000     37,866,205  
   Stock issuance costs   -     (42,266 )   (1,000,004 )
   Proceeds from borrowings - related party   -     -     8,290  
                   
   Net cash provided by financing activities   -     4,737,734     36,874,491  
                   
NET CHANGE IN CASH   (2,436,752 )   2,530,758     3,199,886  
                   
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD   5,636,638     521,660     -  
                   
CASH AT END OF PERIOD $  3,199,886   $  3,052,418   $  3,199,886  
    -              
                   
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION                  
                   
Interest paid $  2,182   $  664   $  10,498  
                   
Income taxes paid $  -   $  -   $  -  
                   
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                  
                   
   Assets acquired for common stock and warrants issued for mineral properties $  -   $  -   $  21,584,351  
                   
   Net deferred tax liability assumed $  -   $  -   $  10,261,194  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-4


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

   

Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is considered an exploration stage company since its formation and the Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. The Company is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for its extraction and enter the development stage.

   

History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.

   

Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for the fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. The results reported in these interim consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2013.

   

Going concern - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

   

Since its formation, the Company has incurred comprehensive cumulative net losses of $25,424,726 as of June 30, 2013. This amount is comprised of net loss from operations of $25,440,353 and other comprehensive income of $15,627. The Company has not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather, it is still in the exploration stage, raising substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company will seek additional sources of capital through the issuance of debt or equity financing, but there can be no assurance the Company will be successful in accomplishing its objectives.

   

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on additional sources of capital and the success of the Company’s plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

   

Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbus Minerals Inc. (“CMI”) (including its wholly- owned single-member LLC subsidiary Columbus Salt Marsh LLC (“CSM”)) and Rand Metals LLC (“Rand”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

F-5


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, accrued reclamation and remediation costs and the realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

   

Fair value of financial instruments - Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:


Level 1

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2

Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3

Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

The Company’s financial instruments consist of restricted investments in U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is determined using quoted prices in active markets.

Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds - Restricted investments serve as collateral for reclamation bonding. The investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices with the unrealized gains and losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification method and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company evaluates unrealized losses, if any, in its investment securities for other-than temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. In the event that an investment is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company recognizes the loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

Mineral properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.

Mineral exploration and development costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in mineral exploration and evaluation expenses.

F-6


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

   

Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property. To date, no such impairments have been identified.

   

The tests for long-lived assets in the exploration, development or producing stage that have a value beyond proven and probable reserves will be monitored for impairment based on factors such as current market value of the mineral property and results of exploration, future asset utilization, business climate, mineral prices and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, including evaluating its reserves beyond proven and probable amounts.

   

The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.

   

Reclamation and remediation costs (asset retirement obligation) - For its exploration stage properties, the Company accrues the estimated costs associated with environmental remediation obligations in the period in which the liability is incurred or becomes determinable. Until such time that a project life is established, the Company records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense. The costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.

   

Future reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. The Company periodically reviews accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence indicating that the liabilities have potentially changed becomes available. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.

   

The Company is in the exploration stage and is unable to determine the estimated timing of expenditures relating to reclamation accruals. It is reasonably possible that the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.

F-7


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares 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. At June 30, 2013 and 2012, 59,379,025 and 54,343,555 stock options and warrants were outstanding, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti- dilutive.

   

Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.

   

The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

   

The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock- based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

   

Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

   

For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10-25-51, Acquired Temporary Differences in Certain Purchase Transactions that Are Not Accounted for as Business Combinations, and is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

F-8


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.

   

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements GAAP. The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the new amendments require cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2013. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

   

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”), which provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2013-11 to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

F-9


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

2.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

   

Property and equipment consisted of the following:


      June 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  
            Accumulated     Net book           Accumulated     Net book  
      Cost     depreciation     value     Cost     depreciation     value  
                                       
  Furniture and fixtures $ 20,854   $ (11,824 ) $ 9,030   $ 20,854   $ (10,334 ) $ 10,520  
  Computers and equipment   28,075     (11,598 )   16,477     15,171     (10,129 )   5,042  
  Land   30,000     -     30,000     30,000     -     30,000  
  Site improvements   2,925,731     (1,732,742 )   1,192,989     2,925,731     (1,459,137 )   1,466,594  
  Site equipment   1,826,617     (816,864 )   1,009,753     1,736,202     (653,759 )   1,082,443  
  Vehicles   23,595     (23,595 )   -     23,595     (21,236 )   2,359  
  Building   500,000     (158,333 )   341,667     500,000     (133,333 )   366,667  
                                       
    $ 5,354,872   $ (2,754,956 ) $ 2,599,916   $ 5,251,553   $ (2,287,928 ) $ 2,963,625  

Depreciation expense was $234,375 and $227,787 for quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $467,028 and $437,372 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

F-10


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES

   

Columbus Project - On February 20, 2008, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CMI, acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus Project, including an option for additional mining claims, by way of merger with the owner of the Columbus Project, Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”). Prior to the merger, the Company held a 15% interest in the Columbus Project by satisfying its option agreement requirements. The Company believes that the acquisition of the Columbus Project was beneficial because it provides for 100% ownership of the properties and fosters greater opportunity to finance and further develop the project. This merger was treated as a statutory merger for tax purposes whereby CMI was the surviving merger entity.

   

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,440,087 shares of its common stock and 5,220,059 share purchase warrants to the former shareholders of CBI. All of the purchase warrants expired on February 20, 2013.

   

The Company determined that the acquisition of the Columbus Project did not constitute an acquisition of a business and therefore the Company recorded the acquisition as a purchase of assets.

   

The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocated to the real properties was based on fair market values determined using an independent real estate appraisal firm (Arden Salvage Company), and the fair value of the remaining assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on management’s best estimates taking into account all available information at the time. The fair value of warrants was calculated using the Binomial Lattice pricing model.

   

Pursuant to the original option assignment agreement, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted and continues to have a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company.

F-11


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

   

The following table reflects the recorded purchase consideration for the Columbus Project:


  Purchase price:      
     Common stock issued $ 20,000,000  
     Fair value of warrants issued   1,359,351  
     Acquisition costs   600,000  
         
  Total purchase price   21,959,351  
         
  Net deferred income tax liability assumed   10,261,194  
         
  Total $ 32,220,545  

The following table reflects the components of the Columbus Project:

  Allocation of acquisition cost:      
     Mineral properties (including deferred tax liability assumed of $10,261,194) $ 31,948,053  
     Property, plant and equipment   202,430  
     Deposits   44,720  
     Cash   6,570  
     Prepaid expenses   24,925  
     Accounts payable   (6,153 )
         
  Total $ 32,220,545  

Red Mountain Project – On July 20, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Option Agreement (the “Amendment”) on the Red Mountain Project. The Amendment acknowledged that the Company had earned an undivided 30.6% interest in the original Red Mountain Claims and amended the terms of the original Letter Agreement as follows:

  a)

To maintain the buyout option, the Company is required to pay $8,000 per month effective July 1, 2011 until December 31, 2016 and spend an aggregate of $600,000 in additional qualifying expenditures by December 31, 2016. For each $2,000 in qualifying expenditures, the Company will earn a 0.1% interest in in the Red Mountain Claims, up to a maximum of an additional 29.4% interest.

     
  b)

The Company may at any time during the life of the Red Mountain Project earn a 100% interest by paying $200,000 and by issuing shares with an aggregate value of $3,800,000. The share price will be equal to the volume weighted average trading price during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the date of the notice of exercise.

Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC.

F-12


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

   

DDB Claims - The Company, through its subsidiary CMI, had a lease agreement for mining claims with DDB Syndicate. Douglas D.G. Birnie, the Company’s CEO, is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate, as is Lawrence E. Chizmar, a former member of our Board of Directors and a former director of CBI. The remaining members of the DDB Syndicate are made up of former officers and directors, and relatives of former officers and directors, of CBI, and affiliates of NMC. The DDB Claims were located in 2007, prior to Mr. Birnie’s, NMC’s, or Mr. Chizmar’s involvement with our Company.

   

The mining lease agreement provided the Company with an option to purchase the DDB Claims by paying a purchase price of $400,000, less any rental payments made prior to exercising the option, or paying the DDB Syndicate $10, plus the grant of a 2% royalty of net smelter returns on the DDB Claims. During the lease period, the Company paid $220,000 in lease payments. On November 20, 2012, the Company exercised their option to purchase the DDB Claims by paying the adjusted purchase price of $180,000 plus fees of $80. The total purchase price of $180,080 was included in mineral properties.

   

Reclamation bonds - The Company maintains required reclamation bonding with the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). Reclamation bonding consists of cash bonding held with the BLM and restricted investments held by the Company. Restricted investments consist of U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, obligations under cash bonding amounted to $39,719 and $40,000, respectively. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, restricted investments amounted to $1,179,941 and $1,186,681 respectively, and exceeded bonding requirements by $29,941 and $36,681, respectively. The Company anticipates using the excess amount for future collateral requirements.

   

The following is a summary of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds:


                        Aggregate  
      Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Estimated  
      Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
                           
  June 30, 2013                        
     US Treasury Notes $  879,553   $  24,041   $  -   $  903,594  
     Certificates of deposit   276,347     -     -     276,347  
                           
     Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,155,900   $  24,041   $  -   $ 1,179,941  
                           
  December 31, 2012                        
     US Treasury Notes $  879,553   $  31,317   $  -   $  910,870  
     Certificates of deposit   275,811     -     -     275,811  
                           
     Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,155,364   $  31,317   $  -   $ 1,186,681  

F-13


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

   

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income. Unrealized (losses) gains were $(5,079) and $2,433 for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $(7,276) and $(4,705) for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

   

The US Treasury Notes mature in July 2015. The Company has two certificates of deposit maturing in April 2016 and June 2014, respectively. Each certificate is set up for automatic renewal for one year periods until the Company or the financial institution elect not to renew.

   

Reclamation and remediation activities – Accrued reclamation and remediation costs relate to the Columbus Project and amounted to $672,338 as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

   
4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

During the six month period ended June 30, 2013, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:


  1.

On May 30, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors unilaterally determined, without any negotiations with the warrant holders, to amend the private placement warrants in connection with the 2007, 2009 and 2010 private placement offerings, and certain additional warrants issued to consultants in 2009 and 2010 (collectively, the “Expiring Warrants”). The expiration date of the warrants was extended from June 30, 2013 to November 30, 2013. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the Expiring Warrants remain the same. The Company calculated the fair value of the warrants at $83,925 using the Binomial Lattice model with the following assumptions:


Risk-free interest rate 0.07%
Expected volatility 70.33%

The expected life of the warrants, which is an output of the model, was 0.40 years.

During the six month period ended June 30, 2012, stockholders’ equity activity consisted of the following:

  1.

On March 15, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,030,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,015,000. All units were issued to US persons pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

     
 

The Company paid a finder’s fee of $8,000 in cash and 16,000 share purchase warrants related to the private placement. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

F-14


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

     
2.

On February 23, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,530,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in separate concurrent private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,765,000, as described below. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

     

US Private Placement - The Company issued 5,230,000 Units to U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $2,615,000 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each U.S. subscriber represented that they were an accredited investor as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act.

     

Offshore Private Placement - The Company issued 300,000 Units to non-U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $150,000 pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S of the Securities Act. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.

     

The Company paid a finder’s fee of $6,000 in cash and 12,000 share purchase warrants related to the Offshore Private Placement. In addition, the Company will pay the finder an additional cash fee of 4% of the exercise price of any warrants exercised by subscribers introduced by the finder. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There were no finder’s fees paid in respect of the U.S. Private Placement.

Filing and legal fees related to these issuances were $28,266. Total fees, including finder’s fees, filing and legal fees amounted to $42,266.

Private Placement Warrants - A summary of investor warrant activity for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was as follows:

                  Weighted  
                  Average  
                  Remaining  
                  Contractual  
      Number of     Exercise     Life  
      Shares     Price     (Years)  
                     
                     
  Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012   49,065,768   $ 0.75 - 2.39     1.47  
  Granted   -     -     -  
  Forfeited/expired   (5,498,940 )   0.75 - 2.39     -  
                     
  Outstanding and exercisable, June 30, 2013   43,566,828   $ 0.75 – 0.95     1.36  

The table above does not include warrants issued to employees, non-employee directors and consultants as they are included under “Stock-Based Compensation” in Note 5.

F-15


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

   

Stock-based compensation includes grants of stock options and purchase warrants to eligible directors, employees and consultants as determined by the Board of Directors.

   

Stock option plans - On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, options to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the common stock, subject to an increase each quarter equal to 15% of the increase in the total number of outstanding shares during the previous quarter, may be granted to officers, directors, employees and eligible consultants. As of June 30, 2013, the Company had granted 11,966,916 options under the Plan with a weighted average exercise price of $0.52 per option. As of June 30, 2013, 11,012,197 options were outstanding.

   

Stock warrants - Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Company grants stock warrants to consultants for services performed.

   

Valuation of awards - At June 30, 2013, the Company had options outstanding that vest on three different types of vesting schedules:


  1.

Service-based;

     
  2.

Performance-based; and

     
  3.

Market-based.

For service-based and performance-based stock option grants the Company utilizes the Binomial Lattice pricing model to estimate the fair values of options and warrants granted in exchange for services. For market-based stock option grants the Company utilizes a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function to estimate the fair values of options in exchange for services. The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted for the six month period ended June 30, 2013. No grants were awarded for the six month period ended June 30, 2012.

  2013
   
Dividend yield -
Expected volatility 71.20% - 78.77%
Risk-free interest rate 0.71% - 2.01%
Expected life (years) 4.25 – 6.84

Inputs used in these models are determined as follows:

  1.

The expected life represents the weighted-average period the awards are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the option pricing models. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s models.

     
  2.

The requisite service period for market-based stock option awards is a derived output of the hybrid Monte Carlo-Trinomial Lattice model.

     
  3.

Volatility is based on the average historical volatility levels of a representative peer group.

F-16


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

     
4.

The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero- coupon issues over the equivalent contractual lives of the options.

During the six month period ended June 30, 2013, the Company stock based awards as follows:

  a)

On April 16, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to an independent director upon his appointment to the Board of Directors. The options were granted under the Plan for 225,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.41 per option. The options vest 75,000 each on June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest.

     
  b)

On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
 

On the grant date, the Company determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company’s best estimate of the requisite service period was determined to be ten months from the grant date. The Company reviewed and confirmed these determinations at June 30, 2013.

     
  c)

On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 325,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
  d)

On February 15, 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to the Company’s independent director and certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 950,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per option. The options vest 25% each on March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

F-17


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

   

During the six month period ended June 30, 2012, the Company granted stock options as follows:


  a)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
 

On the grant date, the Company determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company’s best estimate of the requisite service periods were determined to be fourteen months from the grant date. The Company reviewed and confirmed these determinations at June 30, 2012.

     
  b)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
  c)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to Company’s independent director under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for an aggregate of 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
 

On the grant date, the Company determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company’s best estimate of the requisite service periods were determined to be fourteen months from the grant date. The Company reviewed and confirmed these determinations at June 30, 2012.

     
  d)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 200,000 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to the Company’s independent director. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

     
  e)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 37,500 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to an employee. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

F-18


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

     
f)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 400,000 options and 100,000 options exercisable at $0.90 per share to consultants. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

The total expense for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 related to the granting, vesting and modification of all stock-based compensation awards was $223,698 and $287,465, respectively and $377,895 and $311,879 for the six month periods ended, respectively. Such expenses are included in general and administrative expense and mineral exploration and evaluation expense.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation activity for the six month period ended June 30, 2013:

                        Weighted        
                        Average        
            Weighted           Remaining        
            Average Grant     Weighted     Contractual     Aggregate  
      Number of     Date Fair     Average     Life     Intrinsic  
      Shares     Value     Exercise Price     (Years)     Value  
                                 
  Outstanding, December 31, 2012   13,987,197   $  0.37   $  0.60     3.58        
  Options/warrants granted   1,825,000     0.22     0.55     6.75        
  Options/warrants exercised   -     -     -     -        
  Options/warrants expired   -     -     -     -        
  Options/warrants cancelled   -     -     -     -        
                                 
  Outstanding, June 30, 2013   15,812,197   $  0.35   $  0.60     3.61   $ 1,042,000  
                                 
  Exercisable, June 30, 2013   12,037,197   $  0.36   $  0.55     2.49   $ 1,042,000  

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the quarter ended in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable.

The following table summarizes the changes of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards subject to vesting for the six month period ended June 30, 2013:

            Weighted Average  
      Number of     Grant Date  
      Shares     Fair Value  
               
  Unvested, December 31, 2012   2,600,000   $  0.39  
  Granted   1,825,000     0.22  
  Vested   (650,000 )   0.33  
  Forfeited   -     -  
               
  Unvested, June 30, 2013   3,775,000   $  0.31  

For the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the total fair value of shares vested was $393,453 and $222,370, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, there was $528,150 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards. The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized was 0.85 years as of June 30, 2013.

F-19


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

6.

WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

   

The following table summarizes all of the Company’s stock option and warrant activity for the six month period ended June 30, 2013, including private placement warrants and stock options and warrants granted for compensation:


                  Weighted  
                  Average  
                  Remaining  
            Weighted     Contractual  
      Number of     Average     Life  
      Shares     Exercise Price     (Years)  
                     
  Balance, December 31, 2012   63,052,965   $  0.89     1.94  
  Options/warrants granted   1,825,000     0.55     6.75  
  Options/warrants cancelled   -     -     -  
  Options/warrants expired   (5,498,940 )   2.31     -  
                     
  Balance, June 30, 2013   59,379,025   $  0.75     1.96  

7.

INCOME TAXES

   

The Company is a Nevada corporation and is subject to federal income taxes. Nevada does not impose a corporate income tax.

   

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:


      June 30,     December 31,  
      2013     2012  
  Deferred income tax assets:            
               
     Net operating loss carryforward $  9,261,034   $  8,327,426  
     Option compensation   1,762,403     1,630,140  
     Property, plant & equipment   530,480     423,904  
     Exploration costs   557,454     570,719  
     Reclamation and remediation costs   235,318     235,318  
               
  Gross deferred income tax assets   12,346,689     11,187,507  
     Less: valuation allowance   (1,271,084 )   (726,050 )
               
         Net deferred income tax assets   11,075,605     10,461,457  
               
  Deferred income tax liabilities:            
               
     Unrealized gains on investments   (8,414 )   (10,961 )
     Acquisition related liabilities   (11,067,191 )   (11,067,191 )
               
         Net deferred income tax liabilities $  -   $  (616,695 )

F-20


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

7.

INCOME TAXES (continued)

 

 

 

A valuation allowance was established for deferred tax assets related to certain option compensation and accrued reclamation, remediation costs and net operating loss carryforwards due to the uncertainty of realizing these deferred tax assets based on conditions existing at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

 

 

The realizability of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities are depletable. Such depletion will begin with the processing of mineralized material once production has commenced. Therefore, the deferred tax liabilities will reverse in similar time periods as the deferred tax assets. The Company assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that such reversal will occur to realize the deferred tax assets prior to their exploration. The reversal of the deferred tax liabilities is sufficient to support the net deferred tax assets.

 

 

 

The acquisition related liabilities are a result of the estimated future federal income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis. The deferred tax liabilities were reflected as an increase to the total purchase price which has been applied to the underlying mineral and Columbus project assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the tax benefit for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 at US federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components:


      June 30,     June 30,  
      2013     2012  
               
  Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate $  595,410   $  561,971  
               
  Reconciling items:            
       Non-deductible items   (29,384 )   (44 )
       Change in valuation allowance   (545,036 )   (15,479 )
               
  Income tax benefit $  20,990   $  546,448  

A reconciliation of the tax benefit for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 at US federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components:

      June 30,     June 30,  
      2013     2012  
               
  Income tax benefit based on statutory tax rate $  1,188,607   $  1,002,057  
               
  Reconciling items:            
       Non-deductible items   (29,425 )   (126 )
       Change in valuation allowance   (545,034 )   (17,500 )
               
  Income tax benefit $  614,148   $  984,431  

F-21


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

7.

INCOME TAXES (continued)

   

The Company had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $26,460,101 as of June 30, 2013 for federal income tax purposes. Cumulative net operating losses from December 31, 2006 and previous years are effectively nil due to the annual limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a result of the ownership percentage change limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2027 and 2033.

   

The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the United States. These tax returns are subject to examination by taxation authorities provided the years remain open under the relevant statutes of limitations, which may result in the payment of income taxes and/or a decrease in the net operating losses available for carryforwards. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by US federal tax authorities for years prior to 2008. While the Company believes that its tax filings do not include uncertain tax positions, the results of potential examinations or the effect of changes in tax law cannot be ascertained at this time. The Company currently has no tax years under examination.

   
8.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   

Lease obligations – The Company rents office space in Henderson, Nevada on month-to-month terms. Rental expense for office space was $17,925 and $13,800 for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $36,675 and $27,600 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2013, $4,125 and $8,250, respectively, of rent expense was paid to DOSA Consulting, LLC (“DOSA”) which is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. No rent expense was paid to DOSA during the six month period ended June 30, 2012.

   

The Company has signed a lease agreement for office space. The four year lease requires monthly payments of $3,999 increasing 4% annually. The lease also requires monthly payment of approximately $748 for operating expenses. The lease is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2013. As of June 30, 2013, a $20,473 deposit was paid and included in prepaid expenses.

   

Columbus Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement dated March 30, 2007, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Columbus Project is further discussed in Note 3.

   

Red Mountain Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Red Mountain Project is further discussed in Note 3.

   

Stand-by letter of credit – In June 2011, a financial institution issued a stand-by letter of credit to the BLM for up to $175,000 on behalf of the Company. The stand-by letter of credit was issued to guarantee the Company’s compliance with reclamation bonding requirements. The letter of credit expires on June 24, 2014 and will be automatically renewed for one year periods unless either party elects not to renew. The Company is required to maintain a $175,000 certificate of deposit with the financial institution which is included in “restricted investments held for reclamation bonds” on the balance sheet. The Company is also required to pay an annual fee of 2% of the total value of the letter of credit. As of June 30, 2013, no draws have been made on the letter of credit.

F-22


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

8.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)

   

Consultant bonus – In April 2012, the Company entered into an Agreement for Services (the “Agreement”) with a consulting firm. The Company agreed to pay the firm at their standard rates in exchange for services provided. In addition, the Company agreed to pay bonuses to the firm upon completion of milestones as defined in the Agreement. The bonuses consist of cash payments up to $400,000 and issuance of up to 3,000,000 warrants at a price of $0.90 per share and expiring March 31, 2017. The Agreement does not contain any performance commitments; therefore, the fair value of the warrants will be measured and recognized on the dates that the milestones are reached. As of June 30, 2013, no milestones have been reached for which a bonus was due or paid.

   

Registration Rights Agreement - In connection with the November 30, 2012 private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the purchasers. Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. These rights include the requirement that the Company file certain registration statements within a specified time period and to have these registration statements declared effective within a specified time period. If the registration statement is not effective six months after the closing date, the warrants may be exercised by means of a cashless exercise. If the Company is not able to comply with these registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% of the subscription proceeds on the date of such failure, and each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the subscription proceeds. The maximum penalty amounts to $346,979. As of June 30, 2013, the Company has incurred cumulative penalties of $5,757.

   
9.

CONCENTRATIONS

   

Concentration of credit risk - The Company maintains its cash accounts in financial institutions. Cash accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $250,000 per financial institution. The Company has never experienced a material loss or lack of access to its cash accounts; however, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s cash accounts will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. At June 30, 2013, the Company had $2,288,666 in excess of FDIC insured limits.

   

Concentration of activity - The Company currently utilizes a metallurgical consulting firm to perform significant portions of its exploration work programs. A change in the lead metallurgical consulting firm could cause a delay in the progress of the Company’s exploration programs and would cause the Company to incur significant transition expense and may affect operating results adversely.

F-23


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

10.

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

   

The tax effects of each component of comprehensive loss for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:


      June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012  
  Unrealized holding (losses) gains $  (5,079 ) $  2,433  
  Income tax benefit (expense)   1,778     (850 )
  Total unrealized (loss) gain, net of tax $  (3,301 ) $  1,583  

The tax effects of each component of comprehensive loss for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

      June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012  
  Unrealized holding losses $  (7,276 ) $  (4,705 )
  Income tax benefit   2,547     1,648  
  Total unrealized loss, net of tax $  (4,729 ) $  (3,057 )

11.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   

DOSA – DOSA is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. DOSA provides the Company with use of its employees and office space. Services provided by NMC are also at times coordinated for the Company by DOSA. No management fees are billed to the Company for these services. Details of these transactions are provided below. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.

   

The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and DOSA for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.


      Three Months     Three Months     Six Months     Six Months  
      Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
      June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012  
                           
  Wage and rent reimbursements $ 4,125   $ 20,262   $ 8,250   $ 20,262  

No amounts were due to DOSA at June 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012 for wage or rent reimbursements.

NMC - Pursuant to option assignment agreements related to both the Columbus and Red Mountain projects, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC. NMC is the Company’s largest shareholder. NMC and its affiliates own approximately 29% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project are further discussed in Note 3.

The Company utilizes the services of NMC to provide technical assistance and financing related activities. These services related primarily to the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project. In addition to the above services, NMC provided dedicated use of its laboratory, instrumentation, milling equipment and research facilities. NMC provided invoices for these fees plus expenses.

F-24


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

11.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

   

The following table provides details of transactions between the Company and NMC for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.


      Three Months     Three Months     Six Months     Six Months  
      Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
      June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012     June 30, 2013     June 30, 2012  
                           
  Reimbursement of expenses $ 5,656   $ 7,378   $ 12,762   $ 22,837  
  Consulting services provided   105,000     105,000     210,000     210,000  
                           
  Mineral and exploration expense – related party $ 110,656   $ 112,378   $ 222,762   $ 232,837  
                           
  Equipment purchases   -     50,000     25,000     50,000  

For the six month period ended June 30 2013 all NMC transactions were invoiced by DOSA. For the six month period ended June 30, 2012, $112,378 of the NMC fees and reimbursements were invoiced by DOSA. At June 30, 2013, the Company owed DOSA $1,207 for NMC reimbursements. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed DOSA $36,151 for NMC fees and reimbursements.

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC (“MCG”) – MCG is a consulting firm owned by an affiliate of NMC. MGC provides the Company with management advisory services. The Company incurred total fees to MCG of $15,000 and $30,000 during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2013, the Company owed MCG $12,500. No consulting fees were incurred from MGC for the six month period ended June 30, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed MCG $12,500.

Former Officers - Due to related parties includes amounts due to former officers of the Company. At June 30, 2013 and 2012, the remaining amount of due to related parties was $23,290, respectively.

F-25


BROWN ARMSTRONG
ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Ireland Inc.

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ireland Inc. (An Exploration Stage Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2012, including inception cumulative data prospectively from February 20, 2001 through December 31, 2012.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Ireland Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

Auditor’s Responsibility

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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Opinions

In our opinion, based on our audits, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ireland Inc. (An Exploration Stage Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations, stockholders’ equity, and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2012, including inception cumulative data prospectively from February 20, 2001 through December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


BROWN ARMSTRONG
ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

Emphasis of Matter

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming Ireland Inc. will continue as a going concern. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, Ireland Inc.’s operating losses raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, unless Ireland Inc. attains future profitable operations and/or obtains additional financing. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

  BROWN ARMSTRONG
  ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION
   

 

Pasadena, California
April 15, 2013


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
             
ASSETS    
             
Current assets            
   Cash $  5,636,638   $  521,660  
   Other receivables   10,523     6,482  
   Prepaid expenses   335,485     227,163  
   Deposits - related party   -     195,000  
             
       Total current assets   5,982,646     950,305  
             
Property and equipment, net   2,963,625     3,378,487  
Mineral properties   32,128,133     31,948,053  
Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds   1,186,681     1,193,567  
Reclamation bonds   40,000     40,000  
Deposits   2,200     2,200  
             
       Total non-current assets   36,320,639     36,562,307  
             
       Total assets $  42,303,285   $  37,512,612  
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
             
Current liabilities            
   Accounts payable $  97,568   $  81,408  
   Accounts payable - related party   48,651     42,181  
   Accrued payroll and related taxes   67,166     67,675  
   Due to related party   23,290     23,290  
             
       Total current liabilities   236,675     214,554  
             
Long-term liabilities            
   Accrued reclamation and remediation costs   672,338     572,338  
   Deferred income taxes   616,695     2,825,752  
             
       Total long-term liabilities   1,289,033     3,398,090  
             
       Total liabilities   1,525,708     3,612,644  
             
Commitments and contingencies - Note 8   -     -  
             
Stockholders' equity            
   Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares 
      authorized, 146,059,542 and 127,452,461 
      shares, respectively, issued and outstanding
  146,058     127,452  
   Additional paid-in capital   63,269,641     52,233,054  
   Accumulated other comprehensive income   20,356     25,173  
   Accumulated deficit during exploration stage   (22,658,478 )   (18,485,711 )
             
       Total stockholders' equity   40,777,577     33,899,968  
             
       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $  42,303,285   $  37,512,612  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-1


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

                For the period from  
                February 20, 2001  
                (date of inception)  
    For the Year Ended     through  
    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011     December 31, 2012  
                   
                   
Revenue $  -   $  -   $  -  
                   
Operating expenses                  
   Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses   2,594,059     2,704,545     14,625,756  
   Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses - related party   482,362     521,478     3,586,959  
   General and administrative   2,243,888     2,385,695     11,067,557  
   General and administrative - related party   74,353     2,000     97,419  
   Loss on asset disposition   12,165     -     12,165  
   Depreciation   900,540     821,891     2,342,214  
   Mineral and property holding costs   95,500     77,500     643,500  
   Mineral and property holding costs - 
      reimbursed to related party
  -     -     295,000  
   Write-off of mineral rights   -     -     14,000  
                   
       Total operating expenses   6,402,867     6,513,109     32,684,570  
                   
Loss from operations   (6,402,867 )   (6,513,109 )   (32,684,570 )
                   
Other income (expense)                  
   Interest income   25,971     34,087     378,948  
   Interest expense   (2,333 )   -     (8,316 )
    `              
       Total other income (expense)   23,638     34,087     370,632  
                   
Loss before income taxes   (6,379,229 )   (6,479,022 )   (32,313,938 )
                   
Income tax benefit   2,206,462     2,590,393     9,655,460  
                   
Net loss $  (4,172,767 ) $  (3,888,629 ) $  (22,658,478 )
                   
                   
Loss per common share - basic and diluted $  (0.03 ) $  (0.03 )      
                   
Weighted average common shares outstanding - 
   basic and diluted
  136,251,969     125,424,507      
                   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss                  
                 
Net loss $  (4,172,767 ) $  (3,888,629 ) $  (22,658,478 )
                   
Other comprehensive (loss) income                  
   Unrealized (loss) income on investments, net of 
      deferred tax
  (4,817 )   25,787     20,356  
                   
Total comprehensive loss $  (4,177,584 ) $  (3,862,842 ) $  (22,638,122 )

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-2


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                          Accumulated     Accumulated        
                      Common     Other     Deficit During     Total  
    Common Stock     Additional     Stock     Comprehensive     Exploration     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Paid-in Capital     Subscribed     Loss     Stage     Equity  
Balance, February 20, 2001   -   $  -   $  -   $  -   $  -   $  -   $  -  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.002 per share   29,750,000     29,750     39,000     -     -     -     68,750  
Net loss, December 31, 2001   -     -     -     -     -     (16,045 )   (16,045 )
Balance, December 31, 2001   29,750,000     29,750     39,000     -     -     (16,045 )   52,705  
Net loss, December 31, 2002   -     -     -     -     -     (49,313 )   (49,313 )
Balance, December 31, 2002   29,750,000     29,750     39,000     -     -     (65,358 )   3,392  
Net loss, December 31, 2003   -     -     -     -     -     (32,516 )   (32,516 )
Balance, December 31, 2003   29,750,000     29,750     39,000     -     -     (97,874 )   (29,124 )
Net loss, December 31, 2004   -     -     -     -     -     (51,000 )   (51,000 )
Balance, December 31, 2004   29,750,000     29,750     39,000     -     -     (148,874 )   (80,124 )
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.025   6,800,000     6,800     163,200     -     -     -     170,000  
Net loss, December 31, 2005   -     -     -     -     -     (54,025 )   (54,025 )
Balance, December 31, 2005   36,550,000     36,550     202,200     -     -     (202,899 )   35,851  
Net loss, December 31, 2006   -     -     -                 (95,279 )   (95,279 )
Balance, December 31, 2006   36,550,000     36,550     202,200     -     -     (298,178 )   (59,428 )
Issuance of common stock under Option Assignment Agreement, $0.0075 per share   30,000,000     30,000     195,000     -     -     -     225,000  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.65 per share, net of $243,652 issuance fees   20,000,000     20,000     12,736,348     -     -     -     12,756,348  
Share-based compensation   -     -     101,317     -     -     -     101,317  
Net loss, December 31, 2007   -     -     -     -     -     (2,243,271 )   (2,243,271 )
Balance, December 31, 2007   86,550,000     86,550     13,234,865     -     -     (2,541,449 )   10,779,966  
Issuance of common stock from option exercise, $0.05 per share   20,000     20     980     -     -     -     1,000  
Issuance of common stock under Asset Purchase Agreement, $1.9157 per share   10,440,087     10,440     19,989,560     -     -     -     20,000,000  
Issuance of warrants under Asset Purchase Agreement   -     -     1,359,351     -     -     -     1,359,351  
Share-based compensation   -     -     1,474,693     -     -     -     1,474,693  
Net loss, December 31, 2008   -     -     -     -     -     (4,115,927 )   (4,115,927 )
Balance, December 31, 2008   97,010,087     97,010     36,059,449     -     -     (6,657,376 )   29,499,083  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.45 per share, net of $304,641 issuance fees   13,889,355     13,889     5,931,680     162,000     -     -     6,107,569  
Share-based compensation   -     -     108,323     -     -     -     108,323  
Net loss, December 31, 2009   -     -     -     -     -     (3,248,652 )   (3,248,652 )
Balance, December 31, 2009   110,899,442     110,899     42,099,452     162,000     -     (9,906,028 )   32,466,323  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.45 per share, net of $11,743 issuance fees   11,035,000     11,035     4,942,972     (162,000 )   -     -     4,792,007  
Issuance of common stock from option exercise, $0.05 per share   500,000     500     24,500     -     -     -     25,000  
Share-based compensation   -     -     1,232,927     -     -     -     1,232,927  
Unrealized loss on short-term investments, net of $331 deferred tax   -     -     -     -     (614 )   -     (614 )
Net loss, December 31, 2010   -     -     -     -     -     (4,691,054 )   (4,691,054 )
Balance, December 31, 2010   122,434,442     122,434     48,299,851     -     (614 )   (14,597,082 )   33,824,589  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.55 per share, net of $2,455 issuance fees   5,018,199     5,018     2,752,536     -     -     -     2,757,554  
Share-based compensation   -     -     1,180,667     -     -     -     1,180,667  
Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax $13,887   -     -     -     -     25,787     -     25,787  
Net loss, December 31, 2011   -     -     -     -     -     (3,888,629 )   (3,888,629 )
Balance, December 31, 2011   127,452,641     127,452     52,233,054     -     25,173     (18,485,711 )   33,899,968  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.50 per share, net of $42,267 issuance fees   9,560,000     9,560     4,728,173     -     -     -     4,737,733  
Issuance of common stock from warrant exercise, $0.75 per share   50,000     50     37,450     -     -     -     37,500  
Issuance of common stock from option exercise, $0.05 per share   100,000     100     4,900     -     -     -     5,000  
Issuance of common stock for cash, $0.65 per share, net of $395,245 issuance fees   8,896,901     8,896     5,378,845     -     -     -     5,387,741  
Share-based compensation   -     -     887,219     -     -     -     887,219  
Unrealized loss on investments, net of deferred tax $2,596   -     -     -     -     (4,817 )   -     (4,817 )
Net loss, December 31, 2012   -     -     -     -     -     (4,172,767 )   (4,172,767 )
Balance, December 31, 2012   146,059,542   $  146,058   $  63,269,641   $  -   $  20,356   $  (22,658,478 ) $  40,777,577  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-3


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                For the period from  
                February 20, 2001  
                (date of inception)  
    For the Year Ended     through  
    December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011     December 31, 2012  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                  
   Net loss $  (4,172,767 ) $  (3,888,629 ) $  (22,658,478 )
   Adjustments to reconcile loss from operations to net cash used in operating activities:            
           Depreciation   900,540     821,891     2,342,214  
           Loss on asset disposal   12,165     -     12,165  
           Write-off of mineral rights   -     -     14,000  
           Stock-based expenses   887,219     1,180,667     4,960,209  
           Deferred income taxes   (2,206,462 )   (2,590,393 )   (9,655,460 )
                   
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                  
           Other receivables   (4,041 )   23,518     (10,523 )
           Prepaid expenses and deposits   (158,321 )   (164,068 )   (730,558 )
           Reclamation bonds and other deposits   -     888,368     (10,940 )
           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   22,121     (12,584 )   109,783  
           Accrued reclamation and remediation costs   100,000     297,000     672,338  
                   
 Net cash used in operating activities   (4,619,546 )   (3,444,230 )   (24,955,250 )
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                  
   Purchase of property and equipment, net of refunds   (252,843 )   (118,558 )   (4,947,158 )
   Purchase of mineral claims   (180,080 )   -     (180,080 )
   Purchase of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds   (527 )   (275,285 )   (1,155,365 )
                   
   Net cash used in investing activities   (433,450 )   (393,843 )   (6,282,603 )
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                  
   Proceeds from stock issuance   10,605,486     2,760,009     37,866,205  
   Stock issuance costs   (437,512 )   (2,455 )   (1,000,004 )
   Proceeds from borrowings - related party   -     -     8,290  
                   
   Net cash provided by financing activities   10,167,974     2,757,554     36,874,491  
                   
NET CHANGE IN CASH   5,114,978     (1,080,519 )   5,636,638  
                   
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD   521,660     1,602,179     -  
                   
CASH AT END OF PERIOD $  5,636,638   $  521,660   $  5,636,638  
                   
                   
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION                  
                   
Interest paid $  2,333   $  -   $  8,316  
                   
Income taxes paid $  -   $  -   $  -  
                   
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                  
                   
   Assets acquired for common stock and warrants issued for mineral properties $  -   $  -   $  21,584,351  
                   
   Net deferred tax liability assumed $  -   $  -   $  10,261,194  

See Accompanying Notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements

F-4


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES

   

Description of business - Ireland Inc. (the “Company”) is considered an exploration stage company since its formation and the Company has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. The Company is primarily focused on the acquisition and exploration of mining properties. Upon identification of commercially minable reserves, the Company expects to actively prepare the site for its extraction and enter the development stage.

   

History - The Company was incorporated on February 20, 2001 under the laws of the State of Nevada under the name Merritt Ventures Corp. On December 19, 2005, the Company changed its name to Ireland Inc.

   

Basis of presentation - The financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for the fair presentation of these statements have been included. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature.

   

Going concern - The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

   

Since its formation, the Company has incurred comprehensive cumulative net losses of $22,638,122 as of December 31, 2012. This amount is comprised of net loss from operations of $22,658,478 and other comprehensive income of $20,356. The Company has not commenced its commercial mining and mineral processing operations; rather, it is still in the exploration stage, raising substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company will seek additional sources of capital through the issuance of debt or equity financing, but there can be no assurance the Company will be successful in accomplishing its objectives.

   

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on additional sources of capital and the success of the Company’s plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

   

Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Columbus Minerals Inc. (“CMI”) (including its wholly- owned single-member LLC subsidiary Columbus Salt Marsh LLC (“CSM”)) and Rand Metals LLC (“Rand”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

   

Reclassification – Certain amounts in the 2011 footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the classification in the 2012 footnotes. In Note 7, Income Taxes, amounts have been reclassified from the deferred tax asset arising from net operating losses to the deferred tax asset arising from exploration costs.

F-5


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, accrued reclamation and remediation costs and the realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

   

Fair value of financial instruments - Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:


  Level 1

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

  Level 2

Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

  Level 3

Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

The Company’s financial instruments consist of restricted investments in U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is determined using quoted prices in active markets.

Restricted investments held for reclamation bonds - Restricted investments serve as collateral for reclamation bonding. The investments are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices with the unrealized gains and losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification method and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company evaluates unrealized losses, if any, in its investment securities for other-than temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. In the event that an investment is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the Company recognizes the loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

Mineral properties - Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Exploration costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are expensed as incurred while the project is in the exploration stage. Development costs and costs to maintain mineral properties are capitalized as incurred while the property is in the development stage. When a property reaches the production stage, the related capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production basis over the proven and probable reserves.

Mineral exploration and development costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in “Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses”.

F-6


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 39 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

   

Impairment of long-lived assets - The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to its planned exploration stage losses and documents such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as the Company’s continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property. To date, no such impairments have been identified.

   

The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. While the Company incurred losses from operations, these losses have not been in excess of planned expenditures on the specific mineral properties in order to ultimately realize their value.

   

Reclamation and remediation costs (asset retirement obligation) - For its exploration stage properties, the Company accrues the estimated costs associated with environmental remediation obligations in the period in which the liability is incurred or becomes determinable. Until such time that a project life is established, the Company records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense. The costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.

   

Future reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. The Company periodically reviews accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence indicating that the liabilities have potentially changed becomes available. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.

   

The Company is in the exploration stage and is unable to determine the estimated timing of expenditures relating to reclamation accruals. It is reasonably possible that the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.

F-7


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Per share amounts - Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and warrants. Potentially dilutive shares 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. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 63,053,055 and 42,218,154 stock options and warrants were outstanding, respectively, but were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be anti- dilutive.

   

Stock-based compensation - Stock-based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award which is estimated using the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The Company believes that this model provides the best estimate of fair value due to its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such as volatility and interest rates, and to allow for the actual exercise behavior of option holders. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period which is generally equal to the vesting period. Upon exercise, shares issued will be newly issued shares from authorized common stock.

   

The fair value of performance-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of the Binomial Lattice option pricing model. The total value of the award is recognized over the requisite service period only if management has determined that achievement of the performance condition is probable. The requisite service period is based on management’s estimate of when the performance condition will be met. Changes in the requisite service period or the estimated probability of achievement can materially affect the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

   

The fair value of market-based stock option grants is determined on their grant date through use of an option pricing model which uses a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function. The requisite service period for market-based awards is derived from the model. Achievement of the market condition earlier than estimated can materially affect the amount of stock- based compensation recognized in the financial statements.

   

Income taxes - The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method recognizes certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates either a net deferred income tax liability or asset as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

   

For acquired properties that do not constitute a business, a deferred income tax liability is recorded on GAAP basis over income tax basis using statutory federal and state rates. The resulting estimated future income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis is computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10-25-51, Acquired Temporary Differences in Certain Purchase Transactions that Are Not Accounted for as Business Combinations, and is reflected as an increase in the total purchase price which is then applied to the underlying acquired assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

F-8


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POLICIES (continued)

   

Recent accounting standards - From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company has evaluated all the recent accounting pronouncements and unless otherwise discussed, believes they will not have a material effect on the financial statements.

   

In May 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance regarding fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The most significant change relates to Level 3 fair value measurements and requires disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the additional fair value measurement and disclosure requirements during the first quarter of 2012. Adoption did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

   

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended standards to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. These amendments eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and require that all changes in stockholders’ equity, except investments by, and distributions to, owners, be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In addition, these amendments require presentation, on the face of the financial statements, of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income. These new standards are effective beginning in the first quarter of 2012 and are to be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this amended standard during the first quarter of 2012. Adoption did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

   

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements GAAP. The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the new amendments require cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

F-9


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

   

Property and equipment consisted of the following:


      December 30, 2012     December 31, 2011  
            Accumulated     Net book           Accumulated     Net book  
      Cost     depreciation     value     Cost     depreciation     value  
                                       
  Furniture and fixtures $ 20,854   $ (10,334 ) $ 10,520   $ 20,854   $ (7,355 ) $ 13,499  
  Computers and equipment   15,171     (10,129 )   5,042     45,370     (33,800 )   11,570  
  Land   30,000     -     30,000     30,000     -     30,000  
  Site improvements   2,925,731     (1,459,137 )   1,466,594     2,925,731     (911,898 )   2,013,833  
  Site equipment   1,736,202     (653,759 )   1,082,443     1,274,609     (388,769 )   885,840  
  Vehicles   23,595     (21,236 )   2,359     23,595     (16,517 )   7,078  
  Building   500,000     (133,333 )   366,667     500,000     (83,333 )   416,667  
                                       
    $ 5,251,553   $ (2,287,928 ) $ 2,963,625   $ 4,820,159   $ (1,441,672 ) $ 3,378,487  

Depreciation expense was $900,540 and $821,891 for years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

   
3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES

   

Columbus Project - On February 20, 2008, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CMI, acquired a 100% interest in the Columbus Project, including an option for additional mining claims, by way of merger with the owner of the Columbus Project, Columbus Brine Inc. (“CBI”). Prior to the merger, the Company held a 15% interest in the Columbus Project by satisfying its option agreement requirements. The Company believes that the acquisition of the Columbus Project was beneficial because it provides for 100% ownership of the properties and fosters greater opportunity to finance and further develop the project. This merger was treated as a statutory merger for tax purposes whereby CMI was the surviving merger entity.

   

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,440,087 shares of its common stock and 5,220,059 share purchase warrants to the former shareholders of CBI. Each share purchase warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional share of common stock at a price of $2.39 per share. The share purchase warrants expired on February 20, 2013. The Company had the right to accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the average closing price of the Company’s common stock over any 20 consecutive trading days was equal to or greater than 150% of the exercise price.

   

The Company determined that the acquisition of the Columbus Project did not constitute an acquisition of a business and therefore the Company recorded the acquisition as a purchase of assets.

   

The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocated to the real properties was based on fair market values determined using an independent real estate appraisal firm (Arden Salvage Company), and the fair value of the remaining assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on management’s best estimates taking into account all available information at the time. The fair value of warrants was calculated using the Binomial Lattice pricing model.

   

Pursuant to the original option assignment agreement, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted and continues to have a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company.

F-10


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

   

The following table reflects the recorded purchase consideration for the Columbus Project:


  Purchase price:      
     Common stock issued $ 20,000,000  
     Fair value of warrants issued   1,359,351  
     Acquisition costs   600,000  
         
  Total purchase price   21,959,351  
         
  Net deferred income tax liability assumed   10,261,194  
         
  Total $ 32,220,545  

The following table reflects the components of the Columbus Project:

  Allocation of acquisition cost:      
     Mineral properties (including deferred tax liability assumed of $10,261,194) $ 31,948,053  
     Property, plant and equipment   202,430  
     Deposits   44,720  
     Cash   6,570  
     Prepaid expenses   24,925  
     Accounts payable   (6,153 )
         
  Total $ 32,220,545  

Red Mountain Project – On July 20, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Option Agreement (the “Amendment”) on the Red Mountain Project. The Amendment acknowledged that the Company had earned an undivided 30.6% interest in the original Red Mountain Claims and amended the terms of the original Letter Agreement as follows:

  a)

To maintain the buyout option, the Company is required to pay $8,000 per month effective July 1, 2011 until December 31, 2016 and spend an aggregate of $600,000 in additional qualifying expenditures by December 31, 2016. For each $2,000 in qualifying expenditures, the Company will earn a 0.1% interest in in the Red Mountain Claims, up to a maximum of an additional 29.4% interest.

     
  b)

The Company may at any time during the life of the Red Mountain Project earn a 100% interest by paying $200,000 and by issuing shares with an aggregate value of $3,800,000. The share price will be equal to the volume weighted average trading price during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the date of the notice of exercise.

Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC.

F-11


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

   

DDB Claims – The Company, through its subsidiary CMI, had a lease agreement for mining claims with DDB Syndicate. Douglas D.G. Birnie, the Company’s CEO, is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate, as is Lawrence E. Chizmar, a former member of our Board of Directors and a former director of CBI. The remaining members of the DDB Syndicate are made up of former officers and directors, and relatives of former officers and directors, of CBI, and affiliates of NMC. The DDB Claims were located in 2007, prior to Mr. Birnie’s, NMC’s, or Mr. Chizmar’s involvement with our Company.

   

The mining lease agreement provided the Company with an option to purchase the DDB Claims by paying a purchase price of $400,000, less any rental payments made prior to exercising the option, or paying the DDB Syndicate $10, plus the grant of a 2% royalty of net smelter returns on the DDB Claims. During the lease period, the Company paid $220,000 in lease payments. On November 20, 2012, the Company exercised their option to purchase the DDB Claims by paying the adjusted purchase price of $180,000 plus transfer fees of $80. The total purchase price of $180,080 was included in mineral properties at December 31, 2012.

   

Reclamation bonds - The Company maintains required reclamation bonding with the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). Reclamation bonding consists of cash bonding held with the BLM and restricted investments held by the Company. Restricted investments consist of U.S. Treasury Notes and certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, cash bonding amounted to $40,000, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, restricted investments amounted to $1,186,681 and $1,193,567, respectively, and exceeded bonding requirements by $36,681 and $43,567, respectively. The Company anticipates using the excess amount for future collateral requirements.

   

The following is a summary of restricted investments held for reclamation bonds:


                        Aggregate  
      Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Estimated  
      Cost     Gains     Losses     Fair Value  
                           
  December 31, 2012                        
     US Treasury Notes $  879,553   $  31,317   $  -   $  910,870  
     Certificates of deposit   275,811     -     -     275,811  
                           
     Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,155,364   $  31,317   $  -   $ 1,186,681  
                           
  December 31, 2011                        
     US Treasury Notes $  879,553   $  38,729   $  -   $  918,282  
     Certificates of deposit   275,285     -     -     275,285  
                           
     Total available-for-sale securities $ 1,154,838   $  38,729   $  -   $ 1,193,567  

F-12


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.

MINERAL PROPERTIES (continued)

     

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income net of deferred taxes. Unrealized (loss) gain was $(7,413) and $39,674 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

     

The US Treasury Notes mature in July 2015. The Company has two certificates of deposit maturing in April 2016 and June 2013, respectively. Each certificate is set up for automatic renewal for one year periods until the Company or the financial institution elect not to renew.

     

Reclamation and remediation activities – Accrued reclamation and remediation costs relate to the Columbus Project and amounted to $672,338 and $572,338 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

     
4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Issuance of common stock - During the year December 31, 2012, the Company issued common stock as follows:

     
a)

On November 30, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 8,896,901 units at a price of $0.65 per unit in private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $5,782,986. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.95 per share for a period expiring November 30, 2016. Fees related to this private placement amounted to $395,245. In connection with the offering, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement (“RRA”).

     

Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. These rights include the requirement that the Company file certain registration statements within a specified time period and to have these registration statements declared effective within a specified time period. If the registration statement is not effective six months after the closing date, the warrants may be exercised by means of a cashless exercise. If the Company is not able to comply with these registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% of the subscription proceeds on the date of such failure, and each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the subscription proceeds. The maximum penalty amounts to $346,979. As of December 31, 2012, the Company did not believe the penalty to be probable and accordingly, no liability was accrued. Subsequent to year end, the Company was one day late in filing the registration statement and incurred a penalty including interest of $1,900.

     
b)

On September 24, 2012, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options for gross proceeds of $5,000. The options had an exercise price of $0.05 and an expiration date of March 30, 2017.

     
c)

On July 11, 2012, the Company issued 50,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock warrants for gross proceeds of $37,500. The warrants had an exercise price of $0.75 per share and an expiration date of June 30, 2013.

F-13


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

     
d)

On March 15, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,030,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,015,000. All units were issued to US persons pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

     

The Company paid a finder’s fee of $8,000 in cash and 16,000 share purchase warrants related to the private placement. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     
e)

On February 23, 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,530,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit in separate concurrent private placement offerings for aggregate proceeds of $2,765,000, as described below. Each unit is comprised of one share of common stock and one share purchase warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.80 per share for a period expiring March 31, 2015. After September 30, 2012, the Company may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants if the volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds $2.40 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

     

US Private Placement - The Company issued 5,230,000 Units to U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $2,615,000 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each U.S. subscriber represented that they were an accredited investor as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act.

     

Offshore Private Placement - The Company issued 300,000 Units to non-U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $150,000 pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S of the Securities Act. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.

     

The Company paid a finder’s fee of $6,000 in cash and 12,000 share purchase warrants related to the Offshore Private Placement. In addition, the Company will pay the finder an additional cash fee of 4% of the exercise price of any warrants exercised by subscribers introduced by the finder. The finder is a registered broker dealer pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There were no finder’s fees paid in respect of the U.S. Private Placement.

     

In addition to the finder’s fees totaling $14,000 for the February 23, 2012 and March 15, 2012 private placements, the Company also incurred filing and legal fees related to these issuances of $28,267. Total fees related to these issuances amounted to $42,267.

F-14


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

   

Issuance of common stock - For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued common stock as follows:

On June 8, 2011, the Company completed a private placement offering of up to 5,500,000 units at a price of $0.55 per unit. Under the private placement, the Company issued a total of 5,018,199 units for gross proceeds of $2,760,009. Fees related to this private placement were $2,455.

Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.80 per share expiring June 30, 2014. After November 30, 2011, the Company may accelerate the expiration date for the warrants if the volume weighted average price for its common stock on its principal trading market exceeds $2.80 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, and the average trading volume on that market during that 20 day period is not less than 0.2% of the Company's free float. The Company also agreed to make certain adjustments to the common stock and warrants if during the remainder of 2011, it approved another offering of its securities.

The Company determined that the warrants were not afforded equity classification because the warrants are not freestanding and are not considered to be indexed to the Company’s own stock due to the anti-dilution provisions. Accordingly, if material, the warrants would be treated as a derivative liability. The Company determined that the fair value of the derivative warrant liability was not material and therefore the fair value of the warrants was not reclassified from equity. The Company did not approve another offering of its securities during 2011 and the anti-dilution provision expired on December 31, 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued common stock as follows:

  a)

On October 27, 2010, the Company issued 500,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options. The options were issued for directors compensation, had an exercise price of $0.05 per share and an expiration date of March 30, 2012.

     
  b)

On January 14, 2010, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $90,000 to non-US persons in reliance of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 200,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the private placement offering in the amount of $6,300 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 6,000 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $99.

F-15


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

     
c)

On January 14, 2010, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $4,875,750 to US accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 10,835,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. Financing costs related to this offering were $5,344.

     

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company issued common stock as follows:

     
a)

On November 14, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $315,000 to non-US persons in reliance of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 700,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $22,050 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 21,000 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $627.

     
b)

On November 14, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $1,500,500 to US accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 3,334,444 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $17,150 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 16,333 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $2,995. As of December 31, 2009, $63,000 of proceeds from this private placement offering was recorded as subscriptions receivable. This subscription is due from Mark Brennan, one of the Company’s independent directors. Subsequent to year end, the subscription was paid in full.

     
c)

On October 9, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $2,661,750 to non-US persons in reliance of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 5,915,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $174,983 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 166,650 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $5,313.

F-16


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

     
d)

On October 9, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $328,500 to US accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 730,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $16,695 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 15,900 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $656.

     
e)

On September 2, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $695,750 to non-US persons in reliance of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 1,546,111 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $35,000 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 33,333 shares of common stock. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Financing costs related to this offering were $4,107.

     
f)

On September 2, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $180,000 to US accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 400,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. There was no commission paid to agents in connection with this offering. Financing costs related to this offering were $1,062.

     
g)

On August 14, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $180,000 to non-US persons in reliance of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 400,000 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The warrants have an expiration date of June 30, 2013 and an exercise price of $0.75 per share. There was no commission paid or payable to agents in connection with this offering. Financing costs related to this offering were $1,063.

F-17


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

     
h)

On August 14, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering for gross proceeds of $388,710 to US accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. A total of 863,800 units were issued at a price of $0.45. Each unit sold consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrants. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period expiring June 30, 2013. The Company incurred commissions payable to agents in connection with the Offering private placement in the amount of $20,648 in cash and issued warrants to purchase up to 19,665 shares of common stock. Financing costs related to this offering were $2,292.

     

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company issued common stock as follows:

     
a)

On January 28, 2008, the Company issued 20,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options. The options had an exercise price of $0.05 per share and an expiration date of March 28, 2009.

     
b)

On February 20, 2008, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,440,087 shares of its common stock, and 5,220,059 share purchase warrants to the former shareholders of CBI in connection with the acquisition. Each share purchase warrant issued by the Company entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $2.39 per share of 5 years.

     

Warrants associated with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 equity issuances do not constitute a registration payment arrangement.

     

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company issued common stock as follows:

     
a)

The Company completed four tranches of a US and foreign private placement offering. A total of 8,188,000 units at a price of $0.65 per unit were issued under the foreign private placement offering to non-US persons as contemplated under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company paid commissions totaling $106,925 and the agent also received warrants to purchase 70,500 shares of its common stock. Also, the Company issued 11,812,000 units at a price of $0.65 per unit under the US private placement offering to US accredited investors as defined in Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act. The Company paid commissions totaling $136,727 and the agent also received warrants to purchase 90,150 shares of its common stock.

     
b)

On April 25, 2007, the Company affected a forward stock split on the basis of four new common shares for the cancellation of one old common share. Authorized capital was increased from 100,000,000 common shares, par value $0.001 each, to 400,000,000 common shares, par value $0.001 each. All authorized and issued shares have been retroactively adjusted.

     
c)

Pursuant to the Columbus and Red Mountain Projects option assignment agreement entered into on March 30, 2007, the Company issued 30,000,000 common shares to NMC and, in return, received a deed of assignment to the option interests in the Columbus Project and to the Red Mountain Project.

F-18


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)

   

Private Placement Warrants - A summary of investor warrant activity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


                  Weighted  
                  Average  
                  Remaining  
                  Contractual  
      Number of     Exercise     Life  
      Shares     Price     (Years)  
                     
                     
  Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2010   28,121,857   $ 0.75 - 2.39     2.43  
  Granted   2,509,100     0.80     2.50  
  Exercised   -     -     -  
                     
  Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2011   30,630,957     0.75 - 2.39     1.52  
  Granted   18,484,901     0.80 - 0.95     3.05  
  Exercised   (50,000 )   0.75     -  
                     
  Outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2012   49,065,858   $ 0.75 - 2.39     1.47  

The table above does not include warrants issued to employees, non-employee directors and consultants as they are included under “Stock-Based Compensation” in Note 5.

F-19


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

   

Stock-based compensation includes grants of stock options and purchase warrants to eligible directors, employees and consultants as determined by the Board of Directors.

   

Stock option plans - On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, options to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the common stock, subject to an increase each quarter equal to 15% of the increase in the total number of outstanding shares during the previous quarter, may be granted to officers, directors, employees and eligible consultants. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had granted 10,441,916 options under the Plan, of which, 9,487,197 were outstanding.

   

Stock warrants - Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Company grants stock warrants to consultants for services performed.

   

Valuation of awards - At December 31, 2012, the Company had options outstanding that vest on three different types of vesting schedules:


  1.

Service-based;

     
  2.

Performance-based; and

     
  3.

Market-based.

For service-based and performance-based stock option grants the Company utilizes the Binomial Lattice pricing model to estimate the fair values of options and warrants granted in exchange for services. For market-based stock option grants the Company utilizes a combination of a Monte Carlo simulation and a Trinomial Lattice function to estimate the fair values of options in exchange for services. The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted:

    2012 2011
       
  Dividend yield - -
  Expected volatility 70.84% - 82.80% 68.66% - 83.36%
  Risk-free interest rate 0.11% - 1.96% 0.33% - 2.31%
  Expected life (years) 0.10 - 5.82 2.75 - 7.88

Inputs used in these models are determined as follows:

  1.

The expected life represents the weighted-average period the awards are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the option pricing models. The expected life is impacted by all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of the Company’s models.

     
  2.

The requisite service period for market-based stock option awards is a derived output of the hybrid Monte Carlo-Trinomial Lattice model.

     
  3.

Volatility is based on the average historical volatility levels of a representative peer group.

     
  4.

The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero- coupon issues over the equivalent contractual lives of the options.

F-20


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

     

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company granted and modified stock based awards as follows:

     
a)

On November 30, 2012, the Company extended the expiration date of 200,000 stock options from December 17, 2012 to June 30, 2013. The options were originally granted on December 17, 2009 and had an exercise price of $0.55 per share. The modification resulted in $2,926 of additional compensation expense.

     
b)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     

On the grant date, the Company determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company’s best estimate of the requisite service period was determined to be fourteen months from the grant date. The Company reviewed and confirmed these determinations at December 31, 2012.

     
c)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to certain executive officers under the Plan for an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon the Company’s stock price achieving defined targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. Each of the options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     
d)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to Company’s independent director under the Plan for an aggregate of 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per option. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. The options will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control.

     

On the grant date, the Company determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company’s best estimate of the requisite service period was determined to be fourteen months from the grant date. The Company reviewed and confirmed these determinations at December 31, 2012.

F-21


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

     
e)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 200,000 options under the Plan exercisable at $0.90 per share to the Company’s independent director. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

     
f)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 37,500 options under the Plan exercisable at $0.90 per share to an employee. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

     
g)

On April 23, 2012, the Company granted 400,000 options and 100,000 options under the Plan exercisable at $0.90 per share to consultants. 25% of the options were immediately vested and the remaining options vest at a rate of 25% per fiscal quarter, beginning June 30, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

F-22


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

     

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted and modified stock-based awards as follows:

     
a)

On December 13, 2011, the Company extended the expiration date of 3,200,000 stock options from March 20, 2012 to March 30, 2017. The options were originally granted on March 30, 2007, were immediately vested and had an exercise price of $0.05 per share. The Company calculated the fair value of the stock options before and after the modification. The fair value of the stock options was unchanged and accordingly, no additional expense was recognized.

     
b)

On October 4, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 37,500 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share. The options were granted to an employee, are fully vested and expire on September 30, 2014.

     
c)

On August 24, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 975,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share. The options were granted to officers and employees. 343,750 of the options were immediately vested. 631,250 of the options vest at various dates through December 31, 2013. All of the options expire five years after the date that they vest.

     
d)

On August 24, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 300,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share to officers of the Company. The options vest upon completion of defined events and milestones. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement. At December 31, 2011, management determined that achievement of the performance conditions was probable. The Company reviewed and confirmed this determination at December 31, 2012.

     
e)

On August 24, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 300,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share to officers of the Company. The options vest upon the Company’s stock achieving certain market- based targets. The options expire on the fifth anniversary of the date that they vest, but in no event later than the tenth anniversary of the agreement.

     
f)

On August 9, 2011, the Company granted stock warrants for the purchase of 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share to a consultant. 25% of the warrants were immediately vested and the remaining warrants vest 25% on September 20, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012. The warrants expire on June 30, 2014.

     
g)

On April 8, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 200,000 shares of common stock at $0.36 per shares to a director. 50,000 of the options were immediately vested with the remaining options vesting 50,000 each on June, 30, 2011, September 30, 2011 and December 30, 2011. The options expire five years after the date that they vest.

     
h)

On March 21, 2011, the Company granted stock options under the Plan for the purchase of 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.23 per share. The options were granted to a consultant of the Company, are fully vested and expire on March 20, 2016. The exercise price of the stock options was less than the closing price of the Company’s common stock which was $0.26 on the grant date.

F-23


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

   

The total expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 related to the granting, vesting and modification of all stock-based compensation awards was $887,219 and $1,180,667, respectively. Such expenses are included in general and administrative expense and mineral exploration and evaluation expense. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the recognized related tax benefit was $310,527 and $413,233, respectively.

   

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation activity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:


                        Weighted        
                        Average        
            Weighted           Remaining        
            Average Grant     Weighted     Contractual     Aggregate  
      Number of     Date Fair     Average     Life     Intrinsic  
      Shares     Value     Exercise Price     (Years)     Value  
                                 
  Outstanding, December 31, 2010   9,412,197   $  0.38   $  0.50     2.79        
  Options/warrants granted   2,412,500     0.26     0.70     5.70        
  Options/warrants exercised   -     -     -     -        
  Options/warrants expired   (37,500 )   0.52     1.88     -        
  Options/warrants cancelled   (200,000 )   0.19     0.53     -        
                                 
  Outstanding, December 31, 2011   11,587,197     0.41     0.54     3.93        
  Options/warrants granted   2,537,500     0.42     0.90     6.45        
  Options/warrants exercised   (100,000 )   0.05     0.05     -        
  Options/warrants expired   (37,500 )   0.55     1.88     -        
  Options/warrants cancelled   -     -     -     -        
                                 
  Outstanding, December 31, 2012   13,987,197   $  0.37   $  0.60     3.58   $ 2,097,900  
                                 
  Exercisable, December 31, 2012   11,387,197   $  0.37   $  0.55     2.70   $ 2,097,900  

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 2012 in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company received $5,000 from the exercise of stock options. The related tax benefit amounted to $29,750. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised was $85,000. No options or warrants were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011.

F-24


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)

   

The following table summarizes the changes of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards subject to vesting for the year ended December 31, 2012:


            Weighted Average  
      Number of     Grant Date  
      Shares     Fair Value  
               
  Unvested, December 31, 2011   1,345,832   $  0.31  
  Granted   2,353,125     0.42  
  Vested   (1,098,957 )   (0.35 )
  Forfeited   -     -  
               
  Unvested, December 31, 2012   2,600,000   $  0.39  

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the total fair value of shares vested was $433,680 and $1,411,769, respectively. As of December 30, 2012, there was $512,592 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation awards. The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized was 0.76 years as of December 31, 2012.

   
6.

WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

   

The following table summarizes all of the Company’s stock option and warrant activity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, including private placement warrants and stock options and warrants granted for compensation:


                  Weighted  
                  Average  
                  Remaining  
            Weighted     Contractual  
      Number of     Average     Life  
      Shares     Exercise Price     (Years)  
                     
  Balance, December 31, 2010   37,534,054   $  0.92     2.52  
  Options/warrants granted   4,921,600     0.75     3.82  
  Options/warrants cancelled   (200,000 )   0.53     -  
  Options/warrants exercised   -     -     -  
  Options/warrants expired   (37,500 )   1.88     -  
                     
  Balance, December 31, 2011   42,218,154     0.90     2.18  
  Options/warrants granted   21,022,401     0.88     3.46  
  Options/warrants cancelled   -     -     -  
  Options/warrants exercised   (150,000 )   0.25     -  
  Options/warrants expired   (37,500 )   1.88     -  
                     
  Balance, December 31, 2012   63,053,055   $  0.89     1.94  

F-25


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.

INCOME TAXES

   

The Company is a Nevada corporation and is subject to federal income taxes. Nevada does not impose a corporate income tax.

   

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:


      December 31,     December 31,  
      2012     2011  
  Deferred income tax assets:            
               
     Net operating loss carryforward $  8,327,426   $  6,472,383  
     Option compensation   1,630,140     1,333,021  
     Property, plant & equipment   423,904     307,376  
     Exploration costs   570,719     632,947  
     Reclamation and remediation costs   235,318     200,318  
               
  Gross deferred income tax assets   11,187,507     8,946,045  
     Less: valuation allowance   (726,050 )   (691,050 )
               
         Net deferred income tax assets   10,461,457     8,254,995  
               
  Deferred income tax liabilities:            
               
     Unrealized gains on investments   (10,961 )   (13,556 )
     Acquisition related liabilities   (11,067,191 )   (11,067,191 )
               
         Net deferred income tax liabilities $  (616,695 ) $  (2,825,752 )

A valuation allowance was established for deferred tax assets related to certain option compensation and accrued reclamation and remediation costs due to the uncertainty of realizing these deferred tax assets based on conditions existing at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The realizability of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities are depletable. Such depletion will begin with the processing of mineralized material once production has commenced. Therefore, the deferred tax liabilities will reverse in similar time periods as the deferred tax assets. The Company assesses both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that such reversal will occur to realize the deferred tax assets prior to their exploration. The reversal of the deferred tax liabilities is sufficient to support the net deferred tax assets.

The acquisition related liabilities are a result of the estimated future federal income tax liability associated with the temporary difference between the acquisition consideration and the tax basis. The deferred tax liabilities were reflected as an increase to the total purchase price which has been applied to the underlying mineral and Columbus project assets in the absence of there being a goodwill component associated with the acquisition transactions.

F-26


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.

INCOME TAXES (continued)

   

A reconciliation of the tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 at US federal tax rates to the actual tax provision recorded in the financial statements consisted of the following components:


      December 31,     December 31,  
      2012     2011  
               
  Income tax benefit at statutory tax rate $  2,232,731   $  2,267,658  
               
  Reconciling items:            
     Non-deductible items   8,731     (22,602 )
     Change in valuation allowance   (35,000 )   345,337  
               
  Income tax benefit $  2,206,462   $  2,590,393  

The Company had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $23,792,649 and $18,492,524 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for federal income tax purposes. Cumulative net operating losses from December 31, 2006 and previous years are effectively nil due to the annual limitation imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a result of the ownership percentage change limitations. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire between 2027 and 2033.

The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the United States. These tax returns are subject to examination by taxation authorities provided the years remain open under the relevant statutes of limitations, which may result in the payment of income taxes and/or a decrease in the net operating losses available for carryforwards. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by US federal tax authorities for years prior to 2008. While the Company believes that its tax filings do not include uncertain tax positions, the results of potential examinations or the effect of changes in tax law cannot be ascertained at this time. The Company currently has no tax years under examination.

F-27


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   

Lease obligations – The Company rents office space in Henderson, Nevada on month-to-month terms. Rental expense for office space was $71,700 and $71,700 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2012, $16,500 of rent expense was paid to DOSA Consulting, LLC which is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO.

   

Columbus Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement dated March 30, 2007, as amended August 8, 2007, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Columbus Project is further discussed in Note 3.

   

Red Mountain Project – Pursuant to the option assignment agreement the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC, one of the principal stockholders of the Company. The Red Mountain Project is further discussed in Note 3.

   

Stand-by letter of credit – In June 2011, a financial institution issued a stand-by letter of credit to the BLM for up to $175,000 on behalf of the Company. The stand-by letter of credit was issued to guarantee the Company’s compliance with reclamation bonding requirements. The letter of credit expires on June 24, 2013 and will be automatically renewed for one year periods unless either party elects not to renew. The Company is required to maintain a $175,000 certificate of deposit with the financial institution which is included in “restricted investments held for reclamation bonds” on the balance sheet. The Company is also required to pay an annual fee of 2% of the total value of the letter of credit. As of December 31, 2012, no draws have been made on the letter of credit.

   

Consultant bonus – In April 2012, the Company entered into an Agreement for Services (the “Agreement”) with a consulting firm. The Company agreed to pay the firm at their standard rates in exchange for services provided. In addition, the Company agreed to pay bonuses to the firm upon completion of milestones as defined in the Agreement. The bonuses consist of cash payments up to $400,000 and issuance of up to 3,000,000 warrants at a price of $0.90 per share and expiring March 31, 2017. The Agreement does not contain any performance commitments; therefore, the fair value of the warrants will be measured and recognized on the dates that the milestones are reached. As of December 31, 2012, no milestones have been reached for which a bonus was due or paid.

   

Registration Rights Agreement - In connection with the November 30, 2012 private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the purchasers. Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to certain demand registration rights. These rights include the requirement that the Company file certain registration statements within a specified time period and to have these registration statements declared effective within a specified time period. If the registration statement is not effective six months after the closing date, the warrants may be exercised by means of a cashless exercise. If the Company is not able to comply with these registration requirements, the Company will be required to pay cash penalties equal to 1.0% of the subscription proceeds on the date of such failure, and each month thereafter, up to a maximum of 6% of the subscription proceeds. The maximum penalty amounts to $346,979. As of December 31, 2012, the Company did not believe the penalty to be probable and accordingly, no liability was accrued. Subsequent to year end, the Company was one day late in filing the registration statement and incurred a penalty including interest of approximately $1,900.

F-28


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9.

CONCENTRATIONS

   

Concentration of credit risk - The Company maintains its cash accounts in financial institutions. Cash accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $250,000 per financial institution. Additionally, all non-interest bearing transactional accounts are fully insured by the FDIC through December 31, 2012. The Company has never experienced a material loss or lack of access to its cash accounts; however, no assurance can be provided that access to the Company’s cash accounts will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $4,701,783 in excess of FDIC insured limits.

   

Concentration of activity - The Company currently utilizes a metallurgical consulting firm to perform significant portions of its exploration work programs. A change in the lead metallurgical consulting firm could cause a delay in the progress of the Company’s exploration programs and would cause the Company to incur significant transition expense and may affect operating results adversely.

   
10.

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

   

The components of comprehensive loss, net of tax, were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:


      December 31,     December 31  
      2012     2011  
               
  Net loss $  (4,172,767 ) $  (3,888,629 )
               
  Other comprehensive (loss) income:            
       Unrealized (loss) income on investments, net of deferred tax   (4,817 )   25,787  
               
  Comprehensive loss $  (4,177,584 ) $  (3,862,842 )

The tax effects of each component of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

      December 31,     December 31,  
      2012     2011  
               
  Unrealized holding (loss) gain $  (7,413 ) $  39,674  
  Income tax benefit (expense)   2,596     (13,887 )
               
  Total unrealized (loss) income, net of tax $  (4,817 ) $  25,787  

F-29


IRELAND INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE ENTERPRISE)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   

DOSA Consulting, LLC (“DOSA”) – DOSA is a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO. DOSA provides the Company with use of its employees and office space. The total fees paid to DOSA for these services were $36,762 for the year ended December 31, 2012. Services provided by NMC are also at times coordinated for the Company by DOSA. No management fees are billed to the Company for these services. The total fees billed to the Company by DOSA for NMC’s services were $361,904 for the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed DOSA $36,151 for services provided by NMC. The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.

   

The Company had a lease agreement for mining claims with DDB Syndicate. The Company’s CEO is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. The mining lease agreement provided the Company with an option to purchase the DDB Claims and on November 20, 2012, the Company exercised that option. The net option payment paid to DOSA was $22,469.

   

NMC - Pursuant to option assignment agreements related to both the Columbus and Red Mountain projects, the Company granted a 5% net smelter return royalty to NMC. NMC is the Company’s largest shareholder, owning approximately 29% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project are further discussed in Note 3.

   

The Company utilizes the services of NMC to provide technical assistance and financing related activities. These services related primarily to the Columbus Project and the Red Mountain Project. In addition to the above services, NMC provided dedicated use of its laboratory, instrumentation, milling equipment and research facilities. NMC provided invoices for these fees plus expenses.

   

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred total fees and reimbursement of expenses to NMC of $420,000 and $62,362, respectively. Additionally, the Company paid NMC $50,000 for equipment purchases. Of this amount, $361,904 was invoiced by DOSA on behalf of NMC. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed DOSA $36,151 for services provided by NMC.

   

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred total fees and reimbursements of expenses to NMC of $420,000 and $101,478, respectively. Additionally, the Company paid NMC $195,000 as a deposit on equipment purchases. At December 31, 2011, the Company had an outstanding balance due to NMC $42,181.

   

McNeil Consulting Group, LLC (“MCG”) – MCG is a consulting firm owned by an affiliate of NMC. MGC provides the Company with management advisory services. The Company incurred total fees to MCG of $37,500 and expense reimbursement of $91 during the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the Company owed MCG $12,500.

   

Director - For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred consulting fees of $2,000 for services performed by one of its independent directors, Mark Brennan. These fees were in addition to director fees.

   

Former Officers - Due to related parties includes amounts due to former officers of the Company. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the remaining amount of due to related parties was $23,290, respectively.

F-30


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions about our future business. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.

This discussion presents management’s analysis of our results of operations and financial condition as of and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2012 and the interim periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes related thereto which appear elsewhere in this Prospectus.

Executive Overview

During the twelve months ending June 30, 2014, we intend to proceed with our exploration program for the Columbus Project, while the Red Mountain Project is not currently active.

The Columbus Project

The technical program for the Columbus Project has two primary objectives: (a) to identify the mineral resources and (b) to determine the feasibility of mining and extracting precious metals from the project.

(a)

Mineralization: Exploration work to date has identified three different host materials (sand, clay, brine) each of which could potentially contain commercial quantities of gold and silver mineralization within the project area. The sand zones outcrop on the western side of the Columbus basin and dip gently eastward. The clay zones also outcrop and overlay the sand zones. The brine zone occurs as an aquifer at some 400 feet depth underlying the sand/clay zones.

   

Our recent exploration efforts have focused on the sand material, specifically in an approximate 2,000 acre area of interest on the west side of our project site. Through three drill programs, we have identified The North Sand Zone and the South Sand Zone. The North Sand Zone has been the site of the source material for our recent extraction tests.

   

To date, 34 holes have been drilled in the 0.67 square mile (429 acres) North Sand Zone, and three holes in the 0.48 square mile (307 acres) South Sand Zone. Drilling has been completed to depths ranging from 165 feet to 400 feet in both sand zones. We have yet to drill through either sand zone with any of our drilling to date.

   

We have been granted the permit for our Phase Four drill program, which will consist of 31 drill holes to a depth of at least 200 feet. The drill program will cover an additional 0.48 square miles adjacent to the southern boundary of the North Sand Zone. The goal of this program is to expand the boundaries and improve the definition of the North Sand Zone. Following completion of the Phase Four drill program, we will re-evaluate the boundaries of the sand zones, the quantity of the tonnage contained therein and the quality of the mineralization estimates within these areas. It is anticipated that additional drill programs will follow.

   
(b)

Mining and Recovery Methodology: We currently have a Water Pollution Control permit for the Columbus Project that allows for the extraction of precious metals and the production of calcium carbonate on the 380-acre site (266-acre mine site, 60-acre mill site, and 54 acres defined as “undisturbed area”) at a mine rate of up to 792,000 tons per year. As previously reported, our current focus is on the extraction of precious metals from the sand zone areas of the Columbus Project – specifically, the North and South Sand Zones.

   

During 2012, we successfully installed all of the gravity concentration equipment and determined the operating parameters for the concentration components of the onsite precious metals extraction circuit. In Q4 2012, we successfully installed equipment for the leaching and metal extraction components of the onsite production circuit. As part of this process of transferring the gold and silver extraction process from the test location at AuRIC's facility in Salt Lake City to our on-site pilot plant in Nevada, in April 2013, we commenced our first series of multi-ton batch extraction tests. The extraction process consists first of a gravity concentration circuit which processes between two and five tons of head material to generate one ton of concentrates. Next, the concentrates are then leached, the result of which is filtered and then loaded onto resins at the Columbus Project's pilot plant. The resins are then ashed to determine the quantity of gold and silver recovery.

34


We have completed three series of tests, and are now awaiting the last results of these tests in order to determine the changes in operating parameters for the next test series. A “test series” consists of three to five individual tests run semi-concurrently under very similar operating parameters. We have produced small amounts of gold and silver from our testing, but recoveries are not yet to our goal recovery rate of .030 opt Au. Current work is primarily focused on the final two components of the extraction process, filtration and resin collection, to increase the amount of gold and silver recovered.

During this period, we may continue to modify the operating parameters of any component of the production circuit to improve the precious metals recovery from the circuit, and may upgrade the precious metals processing and extraction equipment as necessary to improve operating efficiencies and circuit capacity. Once these batch extraction rates have been completed to our satisfaction, we intend to begin the process of phasing in the operations of the pilot plant on a continuous basis, with a target of processing up to 20 tons of head material per day.

We are currently focusing mining and recovery methodology efforts on commencing continuous operations for the pilot plant. This timeline will be dictated by process results, and the availability of personnel and equipment.

Readers are cautioned that, although we believe that the results of our exploration activities to date are sufficiently positive to proceed with the installation and operation of a pilot production circuit for the Columbus Project, we have not yet established any proven or probable reserves. There is no assurance that we will be able to establish that any commercially extractable ore reserves exist on the Columbus Project or that we will enter into commercial production.

We anticipate spending approximately $6,065,000 on our exploration program and $200,000 on our capital expenditures for the Columbus Project during the twelve months ending June 30, 2014.

The Red Mountain Project

Sampling and Drilling Program: Our exploration program for the Red Mountain Project currently consists of a Drilling and Sampling program. The Red Mountain Project is not currently active. We have set a budget of $196,000 for property payments and maintenance costs for the Red Mountain Project for the twelve months ending June 30, 2014. We have reallocated certain funds originally budgeted towards the Red Mountain Project in order to provide us with maximum flexibility in achieving our technical milestones at our lead project.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires our 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.

We have identified certain accounting policies, described below, that are most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations. Our significant accounting policies are also disclosed in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2012 included in this Prospectus.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effect on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock-based compensation, impairment analysis of long-lived assets, accrued reclamation and remediation costs and realizability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

35


Mineral Rights - We capitalize acquisition and option costs of mineral property rights. The amount capitalized represents fair value at the time the mineral rights are acquired. We capitalize acquisition and option costs of mineral rights as tangible assets. Upon commencement of commercial production, the mineral rights will be amortized using the unit-of-production method over the life of the mineral rights. If we do not continue with exploration after the completion of a feasibility study, the mineral rights will be expensed at that time.

Mineral Property Acquisition Costs - Costs of acquiring mining properties are capitalized upon acquisition. Mine development costs incurred either to develop new ore deposits, expand the capacity of mines, or to develop mine areas substantially in advance of current production are also capitalized once proven and probable reserves exist and the property is a commercially mineable property. Costs incurred to maintain current production or to maintain assets on a standby basis are charged to operations. Costs of abandoned projects are charged to operations upon abandonment. We evaluate the carrying value of capitalized mining costs and related property and equipment costs to determine if these costs are in excess of their recoverable amount whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The periodic evaluation of carrying value of capitalized costs and any related property and equipment costs are based upon expected future cash flows and/or estimated salvage value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360-10-35-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

Mineral Exploration and Development Costs - Exploration expenditures incurred prior to entering the development stage are expensed and included in “Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses”.

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is principally provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally 3 to 39 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in other income (expense).

Impairment of long-lived assets – We review and evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at each balance sheet date due to our planned exploration stage losses and document such impairment testing. Mineral properties in the exploration stage are monitored for impairment based on factors such as our continued right to explore the property, exploration reports, drill results, technical reports and continued plans to fund exploration programs on the property.

Our policy is to record an impairment loss in the period when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable either by impairment or by abandonment of the property. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. To date, no such impairments have been identified.

Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligation) - For our exploration stage properties, we accrue the estimated costs associated with environmental remediation obligations in the period in which the liability is incurred or becomes determinable. Until such time that a project life is established, our records the corresponding cost as an exploration stage expense. The costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value unless subject to a contractually obligated fixed payment schedule. As reclamation work is performed or liabilities are otherwise settled, the recorded amount of the liability will be reduced.

Future reclamation and environmental-related expenditures are difficult to estimate in many circumstances due to the early stage nature of the exploration project, the uncertainties associated with defining the nature and extent of environmental disturbance, the application of laws and regulations by regulatory authorities and changes in reclamation or remediation technology. We periodically review accrued liabilities for such reclamation and remediation costs as evidence indicating that the liabilities have potentially changed becomes available.

36


Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in the period an estimate is revised.

We are in the exploration stage and are unable to determine the estimated timing of expenditures relating to reclamation accruals. It is reasonably possible that the ultimate cost of reclamation and remediation could change in the future and that changes to these estimates could have a material effect on future operating results as new information becomes known.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial position was as follows at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011:

    June 30, 2013     December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
                   
Cash $  3,199,886   $  5,636,638   $  521,660  
                   
Current liabilities $  170,824   $  236,675   $  214,554  
Accrued reclamation costs $  672,338   $  672,338   $  572,338  
Stockholders' equity $  38,452,793   $  40,777,577   $  33,899,968  

During our six months ended June 30, 2013, our liquidity position was affected by the following:

  • Continued exploration stage losses of $2,781,875 for the six month period ended June 30, 2013.
  • Significant non-cash expenses through this period included depreciation of $467,028, share based compensation of $377,895 and share-based expenses of $83,925.
  • Significant non-cash income included the income tax benefit of $614,148.
  • Purchases of new equipment in the amount of $103,319.
  • Decrease in current liabilities primarily due to the timing of payments out of accounts payable.

During our fiscal year ended 2012, our liquidity position was affected by the following:

  • Continued exploration stage losses of $4,172,767 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. Significant non-cash expenses through this period included depreciation of $900,540 and share based compensation of $887,219. Significant non-cash income included the income tax benefit of $2,206,462.
  • Purchases of new equipment in the amount of $252,843.
  • Increase in current liabilities due to the accrual of year end consulting fees that were subsequently paid in January 2013.
  • Net proceeds from the completion of private placement offerings of $10,167,949.
  • An increase in the 2012 claim maintenance fees related to association placer claims wherein the fee for a 160 acre claim rose from $140 to $1,120 per claim.
  • Increase in accrued reclamation costs based upon management’s estimate given the gravity concentration circuit’s continued expansion.
  • Exercise of the purchase option on 147 association placer mining claims detailed in the mining lease with the DDB Syndicate for $180,080.

During our fiscal year ended 2011, our liquidity position was affected by the following:

  • Continued exploration stage losses of $3,888,629. Significant non-cash expenses included depreciation of $821,891 and share based compensation of $1,180,667. Significant non-cash income included the income tax benefit of $2,590,393.
  • Purchases of new equipment in the amount of $118,558.
  • Purchase of restricted investments held for reclamation bonding of $275,285.
  • Net proceeds from the completion of a private placement offering of $2,757,554.
  • Short-term investments were reclassified to restricted investments held for reclamation bonds.

37


Looking Forward

We have budgeted for the following cash expenditures for the twelve months ending June 30, 2014:

Columbus Project      
•      Property Payments $  368,000  
•      Drilling Program and Mineralization Estimates   1,573,000  
•      Pilot Plant / Project Feasibility   1,883,000  
Total for Columbus Project $  3,824,000  
       
Red Mountain Project      
•      Property Acquisition and Maintenance Costs $  196,000  
Total for Red Mountain Project $  196,000  
       
General and Administration      
Total for General and Administration $  2,045,000  
Total Expected Expenses $  6,065,000  
Total Expected Capital Expenditures $  200,000  
Total Expected Cash Expenditures $  6,265,000  

During the next twelve months, we will continue to focus our efforts on developing the Columbus Project, resulting in the following expectations:

  • Our management anticipates that the minimum cash requirements for funding our proposed exploration programs and our continued operations through June 30, 2014 will be approximately $6,265,000. As of June 30, 2013, we had cash reserves in the amount of approximately $3,200,000. Our current financial resources are not expected to be sufficient to allow us to meet the anticipated cash expenditures for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2014. We anticipate that our current financial resources will be sufficient only to pay for the anticipated costs of our exploration activities to January 31, 2014. We will require additional financing to complete our exploration plans. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, we will adjust our operating plan depending upon our existing financial resources.

  • Our twelve month budget includes capital expenditures of $200,000; however, we do not have any commitments for capital expenditures.

Certain key factors will affect our future financial and operating results. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  • We have not yet earned any operational revenues since our inception. We may not generate sufficient revenues from our proposed business plan in the future to achieve profitable operations. If we are not able to achieve profitable operations at some point in the future, we eventually may have insufficient working capital to maintain our operations as we presently intend to conduct them or to fund our expansion plans. Our current financial resources may not be sufficient to allow us to meet our anticipated cash expenditures during for the next 12 months and we may require additional financing. We do not currently have any financing arrangements in place, and there are no assurances that we will be able to obtain additional financing in an amount sufficient to meet our needs or on terms that are acceptable to us.

  • Obtaining additional financing is subject to a number of factors, including the market prices for base and precious metals, investor interest in our mineral projects, and the performance of equity markets in general. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. If adequate funds are not available or if they are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our business plan could be significantly limited and we may be required to suspend our business operations.

38


For these reasons, our financial statements filed herewith include a statement that these factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent on our raising of additional capital and the success of our business plan.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenues

We have not earned any operational revenues since our inception and we do not anticipate earning revenues until our mineral properties enter into commercial production, of which there are no assurances. Our pilot production plant at the Columbus Project is currently being operated for pre-feasibility testing purposes only. We are currently in the exploration stage of our business and we can provide no assurances that we will be able to establish the existence of probable or proved mineral reserves on our properties, or if such reserves are established, that we will be able to enter into commercial production.

Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 18.56% to 3,409,361 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $2,875,760 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. Operating expenses increased primarily as a result of higher mineral exploration and evaluation expenses and higher general and administrative expenses.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses increased by 17.50% to $1,383,151 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $1,177,290 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. The increase was due to continued bulk testing, renewal of the water pollution control permit, claim fee increases, and salary increases.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses – related party decreased by 4.33% to $222,762 for the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $232,837 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. These amounts represent fees and reimbursement of expenses to Nanominerals Corp. related to exploration work conducted on the Columbus and Red Mountain Projects. Nanominerals Corp. is our largest shareholder. The decrease is due to a reduction in the reimbursable expenses during the period.

General and administrative expenses increased 27.50% to $1,250,170 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $980,761 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. General and administrative expenses increased primarily as a result of the additional vesting expense for Q1 and Q2 2013 grants, the extension of private placements warrants, as well as the expense related to new director options.

General and administrative expenses – related party increased to $38,250 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $0 during the six month period ended June 30 2012. The increase was due to management advisory services paid to the McNeil Consulting Group ($30,000), a consulting firm owned by an affiliate of Nanominerals Corp and office rent reimbursement paid to DOSA Consulting ($8,250), a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO.

Other Income and Expenses. Total other income and expenses increased by 4.69% to $13,338 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $12,740 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. The increase was a result of higher principal balances in interest bearing accounts.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit decreased by 37.61% to $614,148 during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 from $984,431 during the six month period ended June 30, 2012. The decrease was due to increasing the valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets.

39


Net Loss. The aforementioned factors resulted in a net loss of $2,781,875, or $0.02 per common share, for the six month period ended June 30, 2013, as compared with a net loss of $1,878,589, or $0.02 per common share, for the six month period ended June 30, 2012.

Three Month Period Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 5.88% to 1,707,793 during the three month period ended June 30, 2013 from $1,613,018 during the three month period ended June 30, 2012. Operating expenses increased primarily as a result of higher general and administrative expenses.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses increased by 1.92% to $652,333 during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $640,061 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The increase was due to the expenses associated with the renewal of the water pollution control permit.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses – related party decreased by 1.53% to $110,656 for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $112,378 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. These amounts represent fees and reimbursement of expenses to Nanominerals Corp. related to exploration work conducted on the Columbus and Red Mountain Projects. Nanominerals Corp. is our largest shareholder. The decrease is due to a reduction in the reimbursable expenses during Q2 2013 compared with Q2 2012.

General and administrative expenses increased 9.57% to $667,304 during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $609,042 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. General and administrative expenses increased primarily as a result of the extension of private placements warrants as well as the expense related to new director options; partially offset by reductions in legal and accounting expenses in relation to Q2 2012.

General and administrative expenses – related party increased to $19,125 during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $0 during the quarter ended June 30 2012. The increase was due to management advisory services paid to the McNeil Consulting Group ($15,000), a consulting firm owned by an affiliate of Nanominerals Corp and office rent reimbursement paid to DOSA Consulting ($4,125), a consulting firm owned by the Company’s CEO.

Other Income and Expenses. Total other income and expenses decreased by 10.35% to $6,623 during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $7,388 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The decrease was a result of lessening principal balances in interest bearing accounts.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit decreased by 96.16% to $20,990 during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 from $546,448 during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The decrease was due to increasing the valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets.

Net Loss. The aforementioned factors resulted in a net loss of $1,680,180, or $0.01 per common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, as compared with a net loss of $1,059,182, or $0.01 per common share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses decreased by 1.7% to 6,402,867 during the year ended December 31, 2012 from 6,513,109 during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses decreased by 4.1% to $2,594,059 during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $2,704,545 during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily the result of less addition to the reclamation accrual partially offset by increased claim maintenance fees.

Mineral exploration and evaluation expenses – related party decreased by 7.5% to $482,362 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $521,478 for the year ended December 31, 2011. These amounts represent fees and reimbursement of expenses to Nanominerals Corp. related to exploration work conducted on the Columbus Project. Nanominerals Corp. is our largest shareholder. The decrease is due to a reduction in reimbursable expenses billed to us.

General and administrative expenses decreased by 5.9% to $2,243,888 for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $2,385,695 during the year ended December 31, 2011. General and administrative expenses decreased primarily as a result of reduced vesting expenses related to consultant warrants becoming fully vested in 2012, partially offset by increases in legal and consulting expenses.

40


General and administrative expenses – related party increased to $74,353 during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $2,000 during the year ended December 31, 2011. General and administrative expenses increased primarily as a result of amounts paid to Ian McNeil, the son-in-law of Charles Ager, the principal of Nanominerals Corp. for executive and director search services. In addition, $36,762 was paid to DOSA Consulting LLC for office rent and use of employees. Douglas D.G. Birnie is the principal of DOSA Consulting.

Other Income and Expenses. Total other income and expense decreased by 30.7% to $23,638 during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $34,087 during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was a result of less interest income recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit decreased by 14.8% to $2,206,462 during the year ended December 31, 2012 from $2,590,393 during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in the benefit was primarily a result of reducing the valuation allowance on certain stock based compensation in 2011.

Net Loss. The aforementioned factors resulted in a net loss of $4,172,767, or $0.03 per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to a net loss of $3,888,629, or $0.03 per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) that are adopted by us, as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards did not or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” to improve the transparency of reporting these reclassifications. This update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other comprehensive income includes gains and losses that are initially excluded from net income for an accounting period. Those gains and losses are later reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. All of the information that this ASU requires already is required to be disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements GAAP. The new amendments will require an organization to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the new amendments require cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2013. Adoption had no impact on our financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”), which provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carry forwards exist. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. We do not expect ASU 2013-11 to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.

41


DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS

Directors and Executive Officers

Name Age Positions
     
Douglas D.G. Birnie 42 President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director
     
Robert D. McDougal 81 Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director
     
David Z. Strickler, Jr. 47 Vice President of Finance and Administration
     
Mark H. Brennan 53 Director
     
Steven A. Klein 49 Director

Douglas D.G. Birnie. Mr. Birnie was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer, President and a member of our Board on June 29, 2007. Mr. Birnie was also appointed as our Secretary on March 30, 2007. Mr. Birnie was appointed as our President and Secretary, and as one of our directors pursuant to the terms of our assignment agreement with Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1994. In 1995, Mr. Birnie was a founder of Columbus Group Communications Inc., a privately held internet solutions company. In 1998, Mr. Birnie received the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Business Development Bank of Canada Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. During his tenure at Columbus Group, Mr. Birnie held the positions of CFO and COO until the company was acquired by TELUS Corp. in 2001. Mr. Birnie continued to work for TELUS Corp. as Director – Strategic Planning with the e.Solutions department until 2003.

Robert D. McDougal. Mr. McDougal was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer on March 30, 2007 and has served as a member of our Board since December 14, 2007. Mr. McDougal was also appointed as our Treasurer on January 23, 2008. Mr. McDougal was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the terms of our assignment agreement with Nanominerals. Mr. McDougal is a Certified Public Accountant. He began practicing public accounting in 1973 and established his own practice in 1981. The majority of his practice is focused on mining and mining related clients including public companies, private companies’ partnerships and individuals. Mr. McDougal was a Director and Officer of GEXA Gold Corporation, a publicly traded mining company, from 1985 to 2001. Mr. McDougal was one of the founders of Millennium Mining Corporation, which was subsequently merged into Gold Summit Corporation, a publicly traded company. He is the managing partner of GM Squared, LLC, which holds numerous mining claims. He served on the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants Committee on Natural Resources for seven years, four years as chairman. Prior to this time Mr. McDougal spent 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major. Mr. McDougal is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Searchlight Minerals Corp.

David Z. Strickler, Jr. Mr. Strickler was appointed as our Vice President of Finance and Administration on March 8, 2010. Mr. Strickler has worked in the construction and real estate industries for 15 years with expertise in both finance and operations. During the last 8 years, he served as the Executive VP Finance for a leading luxury homebuilder in Las Vegas, with operations involving between 80 and 120 employees. In addition, he owned and operated an accounting services business and was an owner of a snowboard manufacturing business. Mr. Strickler has a bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA, with a concentration in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University.

Mark H. Brennan. Mr. Brennan was appointed as a member of our Board on June 24, 2009. Mr. Brennan has served as the president of his own consulting firm, the Brennan Consulting Group, through which he has managed a number of long-term, multi-year management and operations consulting engagements in various business sectors. In addition to his ongoing management consulting practice, Mr. Brennan has also founded and operated a number of private companies beginning in the early 1990’s. Mr. Brennan is the founding chairman of the Vegas Valley Angels, a non-profit organization of accredited investors whose purpose is to search out, invest in, mentor and foster the development of new and developing companies located in the southwestern United States. Mr. Brennan is also an active member of the board of advisors for both the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas Center for Entrepreneurship. Mr. Brennan holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a MA in Management from National University. Early in Mr. Brennan’s career he served his country for eight years as a fighter pilot and instructor pilot with the United States Air Force after earning his BS degree from the United States Air Force Academy.

42


Steven A. Klein. Mr. Klein was appointed as a member of our Board on April 16, 2013. Mr. Klein began his career as a corporate tax lawyer at Skadden Arps in New York before leaving in 1992 to co-found Apple Core Hotels, a developer-owner-operator of several hotels in midtown Manhattan, where he continues to serve as CEO. Mr. Klein is also currently the CEO of Apple Core Holdings, which he co-founded in 1995. Apple Core Holdings is an opportunistically oriented, private investment firm which has backed a diversified portfolio of businesses including technology companies such as Register.com, bio-tech companies like Brainsway and Cornado Biosciences, hedge funds such as Bengal Capital and Rion Capital, event spaces including the iconic Gotham Hall, and private equity shops such as Abundance Ventures. Since December 2009, Mr. Klein has also been a director of CNC Development Ltd., a BVI company that currently trades on the Pinks Sheets. Mr. Klein has also written, directed and produced for both film and theater including producing the film Passing Strange in 2009 together with Spike Lee, which Mr. Lee also directed. Mr. Klein received his LLM in Tax Law from NYU Law School and his JD, Magna Cum Laude, from Boston University Law School.

TERMS OF OFFICE

Our directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. Our officers are appointed by our Board and hold office until removed by the Board.

SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS

Nanominerals Corp. Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”) is a private company controlled by its sole officer and director, Dr. Charles A. Ager. Nanominerals is our largest shareholder and acts as a consultant to us on technical exploration and financial matters. In addition, Nanominerals owns a 5% royalty interest on any net smelter returns from either the Columbus Project or the Red Mountain Project.

Dr. Ager is an accomplished geophysical engineer with over forty years’ experience in the mining industry, combining an extensive academic background with international business development experience in the founding of several successful mining enterprises. Dr. Ager earned a PhD in Geophysics and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geophysics from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Ager attended California State University in Sacramento, California for his Bachelor of Arts in Math/Physics. He graduated with honors in 1968.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ager has been a trailblazer in the mining industry. Dr. Ager has discovered and/or participated in the discovery of numerous metal deposits throughout Canada and the United States. He is also the developer and owner of a number of patents and intellectual property rights for technological innovations in the mining field. Through Nanominerals, Dr. Ager developed ways of using nanotechnology to discover several precious metal deposits. Dr. Ager is also responsible for inventing the satellite/electron microscope technology that has led to the identification of a new class of gold deposits in the Southwestern United States. Some of the mineral deposits that Dr. Ager was critically involved in as either developer or discoverer include the Jamestown Gold Deposit & Mine in the Mother Lode District in Jamestown, California; the Glendale Gold Deposits in the N. Glendale Basin in Clark County, Nevada; the Eldorado Gold Deposit in the Eldorado Valley in Clark County, Nevada; the Pine Tree Gold Deposit in the Mother Lode District in Mariposa County, California; and the Rich Gulch Gold Deposit in the Mother Lode District in Plumas County, California.

The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Douglas D.G. Birnie, owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals.

43


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued to our named executive officers, as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K during our last two completed fiscal years.

   SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE   




Name &
Principal
Position






Year





Salary
($)





Bonus
($)




Stock
Awards
($)




Option
Awards
($)
Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen
-sation
($)

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compen-
sation
Earnings
($)



All Other
Compen
-sation
($)





Total
($)
Douglas D.G. Birnie,
CEO, President, Secretary,
Director
2012
2011
$225,000(1)
$225,000(1)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$277,578(2)
$104,478(2)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$22,500
$3,719
$525,078
$333,197
Robert D. McDougal,
CFO, Treasurer, Director
2012
2011
$84,000
$84,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$130,955(3)
$33,792(3)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$214,955
$117,792
David Z. Strickler, Jr.,
Vice President of Finance
and Administration
2012
2011
$150,000
$150,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$119,640(4)
$70,559(4)
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$269,640
$220,559

Notes:

  (1)

Represents consulting fees paid or accrued to a limited liability company, of which Mr. Birnie is the sole member, for services provided by Mr. Birnie as an executive officer and director of Ireland.

     
  (2)

On April 23, 2012, Mr. Birnie was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 800,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 200,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. A further 200,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. A further 200,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 200,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. All 800,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

     
 

On August 24, 2011, Mr. Birnie was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 150,000 of the options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the grant date that the closing price of our common stock exceeds $1.50/share for 20 consecutive trading days. A further 150,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. Of the remaining 300,000 options, 50,000 options were vested upon granting, with an additional 50,000 options vesting on December 31, 2011. An additional 50,000 options will vest on each of June 30 and December 31 of 2012 and 2013, provided that Mr. Birnie continues to act as one of our executive officers through that period. All 600,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

     
 

On August 22, 2012, 150,000 options granted to Mr. Birnie in 2010 vested and became exercisable, with an expiration date of August 22, 2017. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.53 per share and were to vest on the first date after the grant date that the closing price for our common stock exceeded $1.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The first such 20 consecutive trading days occurred between July 26, 2012 and August 22, 2012.

44



 

Mr. Birnie is also a 1/8 owner in the DDB Syndicate. Mr. Birnie receives 1/8 of any payment made to the DDB Syndicate. On November 20, 2012, Ireland elected to exercise the purchase option on 147 association placer mining claims detailed in the mining lease with the DDB Syndicate dated November 30, 2007 (the “DDB Agreement”). The purchase price was $400,000 less the $220,000 in rental payments made from the Agreement’s inception. The difference of $180,000 was paid to the 8 members of the DDB Syndicate, of which Mr. Birnie received $22,500.

     
  (3)

On April 23, 2012, Mr. McDougal was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. All 400,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

     
 

On August 24, 2011, Mr. McDougal was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 75,000 of the options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the grant date that the closing price of our common stock exceeds $1.50/share for 20 consecutive trading days. A further 75,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. Of the remaining 150,000 options, 25,000 options were vested upon granting, with an additional 25,000 options vesting on December 31, 2011. An additional 25,000 options will vest on each of June 30 and December 31 of 2012 and 2013, provided that Mr. McDougal continues to act as one of our executive officers through that period. All 300,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

     
  (4)

On April 23, 2012, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The remaining 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. All 400,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

     
 

On August 24, 2011, Mr. Strickler was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting date as described below. 75,000 of the options will vest and become exercisable on the first date after the grant date that the closing price of our common stock exceeds $1.50/share for 20 consecutive trading days. A further 75,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. Of the remaining 150,000 options, 25,000 options were vested upon granting, with an additional 25,000 options vesting on December 31, 2011. An additional 25,000 options will vest on each of June 30 and December 31 of 2012 and 2013, provided that Mr. Strickler continues to act as one of our executive officers through that period. All 300,000 options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of the Company.

45


OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options for each of our named executive officers, as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K as of our fiscal year end of December 31, 2012.






Name and Principal
Position

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable


Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#) Unexercisable
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned Options




Option
Exercise
Price




Option
Expiration
Date
Douglas D.G. Birnie 1,100,000 -- -- $0.05 Mar. 30, 2017
CEO, President, 25,000 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2015
Secretary & Director 25,000 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2015
  75,000 -- -- $0.53 Mar. 30, 2016
  50,000 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2016
  50,000 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2016
  32,315 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2017
  28,209 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 30, 2017
  150,000 - - $0.53 Aug. 22, 2017
  71,588 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2017
  -- 41,864 -- $0.75 Jun. 30, 2018
  -- 43,605 -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2018
  -- 150,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (1)
  -- 150,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (1)
  -- 200,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (1)
  -- 200,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (1)
  -- 200,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (1)
  -- 200,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (1)
Robert D. McDougal 500,000 -- -- $0.05 Mar. 30, 2017
CFO, Treasurer & 16,667 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2015
Director 16,667 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2015
  50,000 -- -- $0.53 Mar. 30, 2016
  41,667 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2016
  41,667 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2017
  16,667 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 30, 2017
  50,000 -- -- $0.53 Aug. 22, 2017
  41,665 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2017
  -- 25,000 -- $0.75 Jun. 30, 2018
  -- 25,000 -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2018
  -- 75,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (2)
  -- 75,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (2)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (2)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (2)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (2)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (2)
David Z. Strickler, Jr., 25,000 -- -- $0.82 Mar. 30, 2015
Vice President of 25,000 -- -- $0.82 Jun. 29, 2015
Finance and 25,000 -- -- $0.82 Sept. 29, 2015
Administration 25,000 -- -- $0.82 Dec. 30, 2015
  25,000 -- -- $0.82 Mar. 30, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.82 Jun. 29, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.82 Sept. 29, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.82 Dec. 30, 2016
  25,000 -- -- $0.75 Jun. 29, 2017
  25,000 -- -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2017
  -- 25,000 -- $0.75 Jun. 30, 2018

46








Name and Principal
Position

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable


Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#) Unexercisable
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned Options




Option
Exercise
Price




Option
Expiration
Date
  -- 25,000 -- $0.75 Dec. 30, 2018
  -- 75,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (3)
  -- 75,000 -- $0.75 *See Note (3)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (3)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (3)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (3)
  -- 100,000 -- $0.90 *See Note (3)

Notes:

  (1)

150,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after Aug. 24, 2011 that our shares trade at or above $1.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 150,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. 200,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. 200,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. 200,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 200,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. Each of the options described in this note will expire 5 years after the particular vesting date. All unvested options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of our Company.

     
  (2)

75,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after Aug. 24, 2011 that our shares trade at or above $1.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 75,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. Each of the options described in this note will expire 5 years after the particular vesting date. All unvested options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of our Company.

     
  (3)

75,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after Aug. 24, 2011 that our shares trade at or above $1.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 75,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share will vest and become exercisable upon our Board determining that we have, from the grant date, made adequate and sufficient progress on our technical and feasibility programs for our Columbus Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable on the first date after April 23, 2012 that the closing price for our common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $2.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. Each of the options described in this note will expire 5 years after the particular vesting date. All unvested options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of our Company.

47


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CONTRACTS AND 2013 COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

Our 2013 compensation packages for our executive officers are as follows:

Name Position Annual Performance Performance
    Salary Bonus A1 Bonus B2
         
Douglas D.G. Birnie Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary $250,000 $50,000 $50,000
         
Robert D. McDougal Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer $90,000 None None
         
David Z. Strickler Vice President of Finance and Administration $175,000 $25,000 $25,000

Notes:

1.

Payable upon the Company successfully completing 10 successful onsite gold extraction leach tests, the completion of which shall be reasonably determined by the Board.

   
2.

Payable upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which those shares trade) exceeding $1.25 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

In February 2013, our Board approved the grant of non-qualified stock purchase options to purchase up to 1,300,000 shares of our common stock under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at a price of $0.57 per share, vesting and expiring as follows:

Douglas D.G.
Birnie
Chief Executive
Officer, President
and Secretary
Robert D.
McDougal
Chief Financial
Officer and
Treasurer
David Z.
Strickler
VP Finance and
Administration
Vesting Date   Expiration Date
           
75,000 37,500 50,000 March 31, 2013   March 31, 2018
75,000 37,500 50,000 June 30, 2013   June 30, 2018
75,000 37,500 50,000 September 30, 2013   September 30, 2018
75,000 37,500 50,000 December 31, 2013   December 31, 2018
           
150,000 75,000 100,000

The date that the Corporation successfully completes 10 successful onsite gold extraction leach tests, which date shall be reasonably determined by the Board.

 

The date that is the 5th year anniversary of the particular vesting date.

     

 

 

 

150,000 75,000 100,000

The first date after the Grant Date that the closing price for the Corporation’s common stock (as quoted by the principal market or exchange on which such shares trade) exceeds $1.25 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

 

The date that is the 5th year anniversary of the particular vesting date.

600,000 300,000 400,000 Total    

Each of the options granted to Messrs. Birnie, McDougal and Strickler will automatically vest and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. We do not have any other change in control arrangements with our executive officers.

48


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our directors during our December 31, 2012 fiscal year, other than directors who were also named executive officers as that term is defined in Item 402(m)(2). Compensation paid to directors who were also named executive officers during our December 31, 2012 fiscal year is set out in the tables above.





Name
Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash(1)
($)


Stock
Awards
($)


Option
Awards
($)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)


All Other
Compensation
($)



Total
($)
Mark H. Brennan $36,000 $0 $140,313 $0 $0 $0 $176,313

Notes:

(1)

Since January 1, 2009, we have compensated our independent directors at a rate of $3,000 per month.

   
(2)

On April 23, 2012, Mr. Brennan was granted options to purchase an aggregate of 400,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share, expiring 5 years after the vesting dates as described below. 200,000 options have vested and have become exercisable in equal increments every six months from the date of grant. 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. A further 100,000 options will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. On April 8, 2011, we granted Mr. Brennan options to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.36 per share. Each of these options has vested.

   

As of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, Mr. Brennan had options to purchase up to 1,117,197 shares (2011 - 717,197 shares) of our common stock, 917,197 of which are vested and exercisable and these options have various exercise prices and expiration dates. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon the installation and 30 day continuous operation of extraction circuit at Columbus Mineral Project. 100,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.90 per share will vest and become exercisable upon successful processing of 1,500 tons of mineralized material extracted from Columbus Mineral Project. Each of the options described in this note will expire 5 years after the particular vesting date. All unvested options will immediately vest and become exercisable upon a change in control of our Company.

2013 Grant of Options to Independent Director

Effective February 15, 2013, we granted to Mr. Brennan non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $0.57 per share. The options vest, and expire, as follows:

Number of Options to Vest Vesting Date Expiration Date
75,000 March 31, 2013 March 31, 2018
75,000 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2018
75,000 September 30, 2013 September 30, 2018
75,000 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2018
300,000 Total  

Upon his appointment to our Board of Directors on April 16, 2013, we granted to Mr. Klein non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 225,000 shares of our common stock under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $0.41. The options vest and expire as follows:

Number of Options to Vest Vesting Date Expiration Date
75,000 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2018
75,000 September 30, 2013 September 30, 2018

49



Number of Options to Vest Vesting Date Expiration Date
75,000 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2018
225,000 Total  

Effective January 1, 2013, we compensate our independent directors at a rate of $4,000 per month.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned beneficially as of September 16 , 2013 by: (i) each person (including any group) known to us to own more than five percent (5%) of any class of our voting securities, (ii) each of our directors and each of our named executive officers (as defined under Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K), and (iii) officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.



Title of Class

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Percentage of
Common
Stock(1)
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Common Stock


Douglas D.G. Birnie
Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary
and Director
2,963,976(2)
(direct and
indirect)
2.0%


Common Stock

Robert D. McDougal
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director
2,137,500(3)
(direct)
1.5%

Common Stock

David Z. Strickler, Jr.
Vice President of Finance and Administration
496,150(4)
(direct)
*

Common Stock

Mark H. Brennan
Director
1,377,197(5)
(direct)
*

Common Stock

Steven A. Klein
Director
3,777,814(6)
(direct and
indirect)
2.6%

Common Stock
All Officers and Directors
as a Group (5 persons)
10,752,637
7.1%

5% STOCKHOLDERS
Common Stock


Nanominerals Corp.
3500 Lakeside Court, Suite 206
Reno, NV 89509
40,150,000(7)
(direct)

27.5%


Common Stock


Charles A. Ager
3500 Lakeside Court, Suite 206
Reno, NV 89509
42,550,000(7)
(direct and
indirect)
29.1%


Common Stock


Brahma Finance (BVI) Limited
La Roccabella
24 Avenue Princess Grace
Monte Carlo, MC 98000 Monaco
11,254,327(8)


7.7%


50





Title of Class

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
Number of
Shares of
Common Stock
Percentage of
Common
Stock(1)
Common Stock


Nicholas Barham
La Roccabella
24 Avenue Princess Grace
Monte Carlo, MC 98000 Monaco
14,554,327(8)


9.5%


Notes:
* Represents less than 1%.

(1)

Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding. As of September 16, 2013, there were 146,159,542 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.

   
(2)

The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie consist of: (i) 890,000 shares directly held by him; (ii) 100,000 shares held indirectly through Dosa Consulting, LLC (“Dosa”), an entity controlled by Mr. Birnie; (iii) 50,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants held directly by Mr. Birnie; (iii) 50,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants held by Dosa; and (iv) 1,873,976 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60days. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals Corp. The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie do not include any part of the shares of our common stock owned by Nanominerals as Mr. Birnie does not have any voting or investment power over the shares owned by Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie also directly owns additional options to acquire shares of our common stock that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie.

   
(3)

The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. McDougal consist of: (i) 1,200,000 shares directly held by Mr. McDougal; and (ii) 937,500 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60days. Mr. McDougal also owns additional options to acquire shares of our common stock that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. McDougal.

   
(4)

The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler consist (i) 16,600 shares directly held by Mr. Strickler; (ii) 4,550 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Strickler; and (iii) 475,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60days. Mr. Strickler also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Strickler.

   
(5)

The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan consists of: (i) 165,000 shares directly held by Mr. Brennan; (ii) 70,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Brennan; and (iii) 1,142,197 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60days. Mr. Brennan also owns additional options that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Brennan.

   
(6)

The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Klein consist of (i) 576,384 shares directly held by Mr. Klein; (ii) 440,384 shares acquirable upon the exercise of warrants directly held by Mr. Klein; (iii) 150,000 shares acquirable upon the exercise of options granted under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and exercisable within 60days; (iv) 1,653,354 shares over which Mr. Klein has investment and voting power as trustee for 3 trusts that are the direct owners of such shares; and (v) 957,692 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants and over which Mr. Klein has investment and voting power as trustee for 3 trusts that are the direct owners of such warrants. Mr. Klein disclaims any pecuniary interest in the shares held by the trusts for whom he acts as trustee. Mr. Klein also owns options to purchase shares of our common stock under our 2007 Stock Incentive Plan that are not exercisable within the next 60 days. As such, the shares underlying these options have not been included in the number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Klein.

51



(7)

The sole officer and director of Nanominerals is Dr. Charles A. Ager. In addition, pursuant to a shareholders agreement, Dr. Ager has control over a majority of the shareholder voting power of Nanominerals. As such, Dr. Ager has voting and dispositive power over the 40,150,000 shares of our common stock listed as beneficially owned by Nanominerals and we have listed those shares as being indirectly beneficially owned by him. Individually, Dr. Ager owns 2,100,000 shares of our common stock. Also included in the number of shares listed as being indirectly beneficially owned by Dr. Ager are 300,000 shares of our common stock owned by Dr. Ager’s wife. The shares owned by Dr. Ager and Mrs. Ager have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie also owns a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals Corp. The shares listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Birnie have not been included in the shares beneficially owned by Nanominerals.

   
(8)

Nicholas Barham has indicated to us that he has investment and voting power over the securities held by Brahma Finance. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Brahma include warrants to purchase 3,482,626 shares of our common stock. The securities listed as beneficially owned by Mr. Barham include the shares listed as beneficially owned by Brahma, plus warrants to purchase an additional 3,300,000 shares of our common stock.

CHANGES IN CONTROL

We are not aware of any arrangement which may result in a change in control in the future.

RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Except as disclosed below, none of the following parties has, since the end of our 2010 fiscal year, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with us or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect us:

(a)

Any of our directors or officers;

(b)

Any person proposed as a nominee for election as a director;

(c)

Any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of our outstanding common stock; or

(d)

Any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law of any person listed in (a) to (c), above, or any person (other than a tenant or employee) who shares the household of any person listed in (a) to (c), above.

DDB Claims

A limited liability company controlled by Douglas D.G. Birnie, our CEO, President and Secretary, and a member of our Board, is the owner of a 1/8 interest in the mining syndicate known as the DDB Syndicate. The former officers and directors of CBI, and an affiliate of one of those former officers and directors of CBI, collectively own a 3/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. A 3/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate is collectively owned by affiliates of Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”). One of our former directors is the owner of the remaining 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. Mr. Birnie is also the owner of a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie, Nanominerals and Nanominerals’ affiliates acquired their respective interests in the DDB Syndicate and the DDB Claims prior to his and their involvement with the Company. Mr. Birnie acquired his interest in Nanominerals prior to their involvement with the Company.

On November 30, 2007, the DDB Syndicate leased the DDB Claims to Columbus S.M. LLC (“CSM”), formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of CBI, and now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Between 2007 and 2011, we paid the DDB Syndicate $220,000 under the terms of the DDB Agreement. In November 2012, we exercised our option to acquire the DDB Claims and forwarded payment for $180,000, being the remaining amount for exercise of the option. As the owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate, Mr. Birnie is entitled to 1/8 of any amounts paid by us under the DDB Agreement. Under the terms of the DDB Agreement, we paid a total of $180,000 to the DDB Syndicate during the year ended December 31, 2012 (2011 - $30,000).

52


Nanominerals Corp.

Nanominerals Corp. (“Nanominerals”) is the owner of 40,150,000 shares, or 27.53%, of our common stock. Nanominerals acts as a consultant to us on technical exploration and financial matters. In addition, Nanominerals has provided dedicated use of its laboratory, instrumentation, milling and research equipment and facilities. Nanominerals invoices us for services provided plus expenses incurred in connection with providing those services.

  Six Months Ended Year Ended Year Ended
  Jun. 30, 2013 Dec. 31, 2012 Dec. 31, 2011
Consulting Fees $210,000 $420,000 $420,000
Reimbursement of Expenses 12,762 62,362 101,478
Purchases of Equipment 0 50,000 22,500
Advance on Purchase of Equipment 0 0 195,000
  $222,762 $532,362 $738,978

Purchased equipment was for multiple 40’ storage containers and the advance on equipment purchases was for circuit equipment as well as lab equipment. A purchase price of $235,830 for the equipment was agreed to on March 9, 2012.

As of the year ended December 31, 2012, we had an outstanding balance due to Nanominerals of $36,151 (2011 - $42,181). As of June 30, 2013, we had an outstanding balance due to Nanominerals of $1,207.

Mr. Birnie is the owner of a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. Mr. Birnie acquired his interest in Nanominerals prior to his and their involvement with our Company. Affiliates of Nanominerals are also the owners of a 3/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate, which owns the DDB Claims as described above.

In addition to the amounts paid to Nanominerals, we incurred fees of $37,500 to Ian McNeil during the year ended December 31, 2012 and fees of $30,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2013 for executive and director search, and management advisory services. Mr. McNeil is the son-in-law of Charles Ager, the principal of Nanominerals, and is also the owner of a 3.5% interest in Nanominerals. At December 31, 2012, we owed Mr. McNeil $12,500 in respect of the services provided to us. At June 30, 2013, we owed Mr. McNeil $12,500 in respect of the services provided to us. No amounts were paid or owed to Mr. McNeil in fiscal 2011.

DOSA Consulting, LLC

DOSA is a consulting firm owned by our CEO. DOSA provides us with the use of its employees and office space. The total fees paid to DOSA for these services were $36,762 for the year ended December 31, 2012 (2011 – no amounts were paid or owed). Services provided by Nanominerals are also at times coordinated for us by DOSA. No management fees are billed to us for these services. The total fees billed by DOSA for Nanominerals’ services were $361,904 for the year ended December 31, 2012 (2011 – no amounts were paid or owed). During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we reimbursed DOSA $8,250 for office rent expenses. At June 30, 2013, we owed DOSA $1,207 and at December 31, 2012, we owed DOSA $36,151 for services provided by Nanominerals (2011 – no amounts were paid or owed). The CEO’s salary and reimbursable expenses are also paid to DOSA.

We had a lease agreement for mining claims with DDB Syndicate and our CEO is the indirect owner of a 1/8 interest in the DDB Syndicate. The mining lease agreement provided us with an option to purchase the DDB Claims and on November 20, 2012, and we exercised that option. The net option payment paid to DOSA was $22,469.

Steven A. Klein

During the last two fiscal years, and prior to his joining our Board of Directors, Mr. Klein has participated in our private placement offerings as follows:

  (a)

In November 2012, Mr. Klein purchased 215,384 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 215,384 shares for an aggregate price of $140,000 under a private placement offering. In addition, Mr. Klein acts as trustee for the Trust Under the Will of Irene Horn, which purchased 307,692 shares and warrants under the private placement offering for an aggregate purchase price of $200,000. Each warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.95 per share and expires November 30, 2016.

53



  (b)

In February 2012, Mr. Klein purchased 100,000 units under a private placement offering at an aggregate purchase price of $50,000. In addition, the Trust Under the Will of Irene Horn purchased 200,000 units at an aggregate purchase price of $100,000. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share at a price of $0.80 per share, expiring March 31, 2015.

     
  (c)

In May 2011, the Irene Horn Trust purchased 100,000 units under a private placement offering at an aggregate purchase price of $55,000. Mr. Klein acts trustee for the Trust. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share at a price of $0.80 per share, expiring June 30, 2014.

Mr. Klein disclaims any pecuniary interest in the above securities purchased by the trusts for which he acts as trustee.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Link interdealer quotation system on the OTCQB marketplace tier, which does not have director independence requirements. In determining whether any of our directors are independent directors, we have applied the definition for independence set out in NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2). In applying this definition, we have determined that Mark H. Brennan and Steven A. Klein are independent directors. Neither Douglas D.G. Birnie nor Robert D. McDougal qualifies as an independent member of our Board.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with the SEC with respect to the shares of our common stock offered through this Prospectus. This Prospectus is filed as a part of that registration statement, but does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement and exhibits. Statements made in the registration statement are summaries of the material terms of the referenced contracts, agreements or documents of Ireland. We refer you to our registration statement and each exhibit attached to it for a more detailed description of matters involving Ireland, and the statements we have made in this Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to these additional materials. You may inspect the registration statement, exhibits and schedules filed with the SEC at the SEC's principal office in Washington, D.C. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1580, 100 F Street NE, Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Our Registration Statement and the referenced exhibits can also be found on this website. Our website is located at http://www.irelandminerals.com.

54



 
 
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ________________, 2013

 PROSPECTUS
 
25,994,922 Shares of Common Stock
 
 

55


INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

The estimated costs of this Offering are as follows:

Expenses(1) US($)
SEC Registration Fee $965.77
Accounting Fees and Expenses $5,000
Legal Fees and Expenses $10,000
Miscellaneous $5,000
Total $20,965.77

Note:
(1) All amounts are estimates, other than the SEC's registration fee.

We are paying all expenses of the Offering listed above. No portion of these expenses will be paid by the Selling Security Holders. The Selling Security Holders, however, will pay any other expenses incurred in selling their common stock, including any brokerage commissions or costs of sale.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Indemnification

Chapter 78 of the NRS, pertaining to private corporations, provides that we are required to indemnify our officers and directors to the extent that they are successful in defending any actions or claims brought against them as a result of serving in that position, including criminal, civil, administrative or investigative actions and actions brought by or on behalf of Ireland.

Chapter 78 of the NRS further provides that we are permitted (but not required) to indemnify our officers and directors for criminal, civil, administrative or investigative actions brought against them by third parties and for actions brought by or on behalf of Ireland, even if they are unsuccessful in defending that action, if the officer or director:

  (a)

is not found liable for a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as an officer or director or to have engaged in intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law; or

     
  (b)

acted in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Ireland, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

However, with respect to actions brought by or on behalf of us against our officers or directors, we are not permitted to indemnify our officers or directors where they are adjudged by a court, after the exhaustion of all appeals, to be liable to us or for amounts paid in settlement to us, unless, and only to the extent that, a court determines that the officers or directors are entitled to be indemnified.

Our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors to the full extent permitted by law. However, we may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with our officers and directors. In addition, our Bylaws do not require us to indemnify a director of officer in connection with any proceeding that is initiated by that director or officer unless (i) that indemnification is expressly required by law; (ii) the proceeding was authorized by our Board of Directors; (ii) such indemnification is provided by us in our sole discretion as permitted by law; or (iv) we are ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction to pay such indemnification.

Advance of Expenses

Our Bylaws provide that we will advance to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was our director or officer, or is or was serving at our request as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any director or officer in connection with such proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay said amounts if it should be determined ultimately that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under our Bylaws or otherwise.

56


Our Bylaws provide that no advance shall be made by us to our officers (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was our director in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the proceeding, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to our best interests.

Insurance

To the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes, we, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to our Bylaws.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

During the past three years, we completed the following sales of unregistered securities:

1.

From August through November 2009, we sold a total of 5,328,244 units at a price of $0.45 per unit for total gross proceeds of $2,397,710. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. The units were issued pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each of the subscribers represented that they were accredited investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

   
2.

From August through November 2009, we sold a total of 8,561,111 units at a price of $0.45 per unit for total gross proceeds of $3,852,500 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 903 of Regulation S of the Securities Act. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S of the Securities Act, as amended, and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.

   
3.

In January 2010, we sold a total of 10,835,000 units at a price of $0.45 per unit for total gross proceeds of $4,875,750. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. The units were issued pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D. Each of the subscribers represented that they were accredited investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D.

   
4.

In January 2010, we sold a total of 200,000 units at a price of $0.45 per unit for total gross proceeds of $90,000 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 903 of Regulation S. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S, and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.

   
5.

In May and June 2011, we sold a total of 5,018,199 units at a price of $0.55 per unit for total gross proceeds of $2,760,009. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and one-half of one share purchase warrant. This offering was conducted pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D. Each of the subscribers represented that they were accredited investors as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D.

57



6.

In February 2012, we sold a total of 300,000 units for total gross proceeds of $150,000 pursuant to the provisions of Rule 903 of Regulation S. Each unit was comprised of one share of our common stock and one share purchase warrant. This offering was conducted pursuant to the provisions of Regulation S. Each of the subscribers represented that they were not “US persons” as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S, and that they were not acquiring the shares for the account or benefit of a US person.

   
7.

In February and March 2012, we sold a total of 9,260,000 units at a price of $0.50 per unit for total gross proceeds of $4,780,000. Each unit was comprised of one share of our common stock and one share purchase warrant. This offering was conducted pursuant to the provisions of Rule 506 of Regulation D. All but one of the subscribers represented that they were an accredited investor as defined under Regulation D. The one non-accredited investor was provided with the disclosure required by Rule 502 of Regulation D and provided representations that investor otherwise met the requirements under Rule 506 for persons that do not qualify as an accredited investor.

   
8.

On November 30, 2012, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) pursuant to which we agreed to sell, and the Purchasers agreed to purchase, in the aggregate, 8,896,901 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share and warrants to purchase up to 8,896,901 additional shares of common stock (the “Private Placement”). Net proceeds from the Private Placement were $5,411,491. Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC acted as exclusive placement agent for the Private Placement and received a cash fee plus expenses of $335,000. The Private Placement was completed pursuant to the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act on the basis that each of the Purchasers was an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
3.1  

Articles of Incorporation.(1)

3.2  

Certificate of Amendment to Articles - Name Change from Merritt Ventures Corp. to Ireland Inc.(2)

3.3  

Certificate of Change – 4-for-1 Stock Split.(3)

3.4  

Bylaws.(1)

4.1  

Form of Warrant.(15)

5.1  

Opinion of Northwest Law Group with consent to use.(19)

10.1  

2007 Stock Incentive Plan.(4)

10.2

Consulting Agreement between the Company and RJ Falkner & Company, Inc., dated for reference as of November 5, 2007.(5)

10.3

Consultant Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and R. Jerry Falkner, dated effective as of November 5, 2007.(5)

10.4

Mining Lease Agreement dated November 30, 2007 between DDB Syndicate and Columbus S.M., LLC.(7)

10.5  

Management Employment Agreement for David Z. Strickler.(14)

10.6  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(9)

10.7  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Robert D. McDougal.(9)

10.8  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Michael A. Steele.(9)

10.9  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Mark H. Brennan.(9)

10.10  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(10)

10.11  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated April 8, 2011 for Mark H. Brennan.(11)

10.12

Amended and Restated Option Agreement dated July 20, 2011 between Sierra Mineral Management Inc. and Ireland Inc.(12)

10.13  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(13)

10.14  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Robert D. McDougal.(13)

10.15  

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for David Z. Strickler, Jr.(13)

58



Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
10.16   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement.(15)
10.17   Form of Registration Rights Agreement.(15)
10.18   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Douglas D.G. Birnie.(17)
10.19   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Robert D. McDougal. (17)
10.20   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for David Z. Strickler, Jr. (17)
10.21   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2013 for Mark H. Brennan. (17)
10.22   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective April 16, 2013 for Steven A. Klein.(18)
21.1   List of Subsidiaries.(10)
23.1   Consent of Northwest Law Group (included in Exhibit 5.1). (19)
23.2   Consent of Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation. (19)
23.3   Consent of AuRIC Metallurgical Laboratories, LLC. (19)
24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
99.1   Columbus Project Claims Summary.(16)
99.2   Red Mountain Project Claims Summary.(16)
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

Notes:

(1)

Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 originally filed April 18, 2002, as amended.

(2)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed April 12, 2006.

(3)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 30, 2007.

(4)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed April 5, 2007.

(5)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2007.

(6)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed September 28, 2004.

(7)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed March 31, 2008.

(8)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed April 15, 2010.

(9)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2010.

(10)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed March 30, 2011.

(11)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2011.

(12)

Filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011 filed August 19, 2011.

(13)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 26, 2011.

(14)

Filed as an exhibit to our original Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed March 30, 2012.

(15)

Filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2012.

(16)

Filed as an exhibit to our Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed January 11, 2013.

(17)

Filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed April 15, 2013.

(18)

Filed as an exhibit to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 on Form S-1 filed April 19, 2013.

(19) Filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 as initially filed on September 5, 2013.
   
* XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the SecuritiesAct of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, asamended, and is not otherwise subject to liability under these Sections. This information was included with the initial filing of our registration statement on Form S-1 on September 5, 2013

59


UNDERTAKINGS

(a)

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

         
1.

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         
(i)

To include any Prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

         
(ii)

To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in the volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

         
(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

         

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

         
2.

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         
3.

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

         
4.

That, for purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

         
(a)

If the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B:

         
i.

Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

         
ii.

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

60


  (b)

If the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus field pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract or sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.


5.

That, for purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:


  (a)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

     
  (b)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

     
  (c)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

     
  (d)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.


(b)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the provisions above, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities, other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and we will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

61



(c)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that: (i) for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

62


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Henderson, State of Nevada, on September 18, 2013.

    IRELAND INC.
     
     
  By: /s/ Douglas D.G. Birnie
    DOUGLAS D.G. BIRNIE
    Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date: September 18, 2013   /s/ Douglas D.G. Birnie
    DOUGLAS D.G. BIRNIE
    Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary and
    Director (Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
     
Date: September 18, 2013   /s/ Robert D. McDougal
    ROBERT D. MCDOUGAL
    Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director (Principal
    Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
     
     
     
Date: September 18, 2013   *
    MARK H. BRENNAN
    Director
     
     
     
Date: September 18, 2013   *
    STEVEN A. KLEIN
    Director
     
* By: /s/ Douglas D.G. Birnie    
          DOUGLAS D.G. BIRNIE    
          Attorney-in-Fact