Attached files
file | filename |
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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION - Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | f10q0915ex32ii_deserthawk.htm |
EX-95 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE - Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | f10q0915ex95_deserthawk.htm |
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | f10q0915ex31i_deserthawk.htm |
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION - Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | f10q0915ex32i_deserthawk.htm |
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | f10q0915ex31ii_deserthawk.htm |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to _________________
Commission File Number: 333-169701
Desert Hawk Gold Corp. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Nevada | 82-0230997 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1290 Holcomb Ave. Reno, NV | 89502 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(775) 337-8057 |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
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 | ☒ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of November 16, 2015: 13,056,603.
DESERT HAWK GOLD CORP.
Form 10-Q
September 30, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 |
Item 1. Financial Statements | 3 |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15 |
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 19 |
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 19 |
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | 20 |
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 20 |
Item 6. Exhibits | 20 |
SIGNATURES | 21 |
2 |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DESERT
HAWK GOLD CORP
BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 140,485 | $ | 161,645 | ||||
Inventories (Note 4) | 1,967,233 | 1,745,377 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 153,111 | 142,825 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 2,260,829 | 2,049,847 | ||||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 5) | 4,648,252 | 3,190,156 | ||||||
MINERAL PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS, net (Note 6) | 1,262,886 | 1,372,887 | ||||||
RECLAMATION BONDS | 1,417,355 | 1,412,804 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 9,589,322 | $ | 8,025,694 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 472,027 | $ | 813,559 | ||||
Accrued liabilities-officer wages (Note 12) | 267,346 | 247,500 | ||||||
Interest payable (Notes 7 and 8) | 1,375,000 | 3,383,152 | ||||||
Convertible debt (Note 7) | 600,000 | 600,000 | ||||||
Notes payable - equipment (Note 9) | 708,412 | 146,171 | ||||||
Note payable - related party (Note 8) | - | 2,124,348 | ||||||
Redemption of gold proceeds payable (Note 11) | 151,406 | 56,609 | ||||||
Stock redeemable with gold proceeds (Note 11) | - | 82,000 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 3,574,191 | 7,453,339 | ||||||
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Asset retirement obligation (Note 10) | 785,140 | 740,268 | ||||||
Interest payable (Notes 7 and 8) | 3,430,196 | - | ||||||
Notes payable - equipment (Note 9) | 1,195,443 | 372,388 | ||||||
Note payable - related party (Note 8) | 12,715,492 | 9,665,144 | ||||||
18,126,271 | 10,777,800 | |||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 21,700,462 | 18,231,139 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS (Note 10, 11 and 12) | ||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) (Note 3) | ||||||||
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized | ||||||||
Series A: 958,033 shares issued and outstanding | 958 | 958 | ||||||
Series A-1: No shares issued and outstanding | - | - | ||||||
Series A-2: 180,000 shares issued and outstanding | 180 | 180 | ||||||
Series B: 434,797 and 249,603 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 435 | 250 | ||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 13,056,603 shares issued and outstanding | 12,928 | 12,928 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 9,069,396 | 8,328,806 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (21,195,037 | ) | (18,548,567 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders' (Deficit) | (12,111,140 | ) | (10,205,445 | ) | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) | $ | 9,589,322 | $ | 8,025,694 |
3 |
DESERT
HAWK GOLD CORP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
REVENUE: | ||||||||||||||||
Concentrate sales | $ | 721,167 | $ | - | $ | 2,815,808 | $ | - | ||||||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
General project costs | $ | 697,508 | $ | 43,914 | $ | 2,282,835 | $ | 467,625 | ||||||||
Exploration expense | 1,590 | 7,173 | 10,860 | 38,909 | ||||||||||||
Consulting | - | - | 1,343 | 20,927 | ||||||||||||
Officers and directors fees | 41,577 | 46,153 | 131,538 | 224,824 | ||||||||||||
Legal and professional | 10,110 | 21,244 | 55,981 | 98,973 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 94,548 | 35,523 | 328,231 | 180,507 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 119,985 | 1,183 | 420,133 | 21,955 | ||||||||||||
965,318 | 155,190 | 3,230,921 | 1,053,720 | |||||||||||||
OPERATING LOSS | (244,151 | ) | (155,190 | ) | (415,113 | ) | (1,053,720 | ) | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income | 494 | 553 | 1,351 | 1,744 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives | - | - | - | 6,673 | ||||||||||||
Financing expense | (740,775 | ) | - | (740,775 | ) | (998,412 | ) | |||||||||
Interest expense | (517,102 | ) | (384,283 | ) | (1,491,933 | ) | (1,102,448 | ) | ||||||||
(1,257,383 | ) | (383,730 | ) | (2,231,357 | ) | (2,092,443 | ) | |||||||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (1,501,534 | ) | (538,920 | ) | (2,646,470 | ) | (3,146,163 | ) | ||||||||
INCOME TAXES | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | (1,501,534 | ) | $ | (538,920 | ) | $ | (2,646,470 | ) | $ | (3,146,163 | ) | ||||
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | ||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING-BASIC AND DILUTED | 13,056,603 | 12,427,229 | 13,056,603 | 11,199,487 |
4 |
DESERT
HAWK GOLD CORP
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (2,646,470 | ) | $ | (3,146,163 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 559,424 | 21,955 | ||||||
Common stock issued for services | - | 85,483 | ||||||
Common stock issued for interest expense | - | 67,500 | ||||||
Preferred stock issued for financing expense | 740,775 | 998,412 | ||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | 44,872 | 18,615 | ||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives | - | (6,673 | ) | |||||
Net gain(loss) on disposal of asset | 1,009 | (2,912 | ) | |||||
Loss on stock redeemed with gold proceeds | 12,797 | - | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Inventories | (221,856 | ) | (1,082,821 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (10,286 | ) | (53,058 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (239,032 | ) | 50,976 | |||||
Accrued liabilities - officer wages | 19,846 | (27,423 | ) | |||||
Interest payable, net of amount capitalized | 1,423,044 | 1,142,695 | ||||||
Net cash used by operating activities | (315,877 | ) | (1,933,414 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Additions to property and equipment | (245,568 | ) | (2,160,802 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of equipment | 9,192 | - | ||||||
Refund of reclamation bonds | - | 92,455 | ||||||
Increase in reclamation bonds | (4,551 | ) | (1,349,350 | ) | ||||
Net cash used by investing activities | (240,927 | ) | (3,417,697 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Proceeds from note payable - related party | 925,000 | 5,525,000 | ||||||
Payment of note payable - equipment | (389,356 | ) | (7,741 | ) | ||||
Net cash used by financing activities | 535,644 | 5,517,259 | ||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | (21,160 | ) | 166,148 | |||||
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 161,645 | 8,523 | ||||||
CASH, END OF PERIOD | $ | 140,485 | $ | 174,671 | ||||
NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Equipment acquired with notes payable - equipment | $ | 1,624,276 | $ | 571,330 | ||||
Accounts payable converted to notes payable - equipment | 150,375 | - | ||||||
Addition to redemption of gold proceeds payable | 94,797 | - | ||||||
Fair value of cancelled conversion option | - | 164,140 | ||||||
Equipment acquired with accounts payable | 47,876 | - | ||||||
Common stock issued for accrued liabilities-officer wages | - | 40,000 |
5 |
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Desert Hawk Gold Corp. (the “Company”) was incorporated on November 5, 1957, in the State of Idaho as Lucky Joe Mining Company. On July 17, 2008, the Company merged with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lucky Joe Mining Company, a Nevada corporation, for the sole purpose of effecting a change in domicile from the State of Idaho to the State of Nevada. Lucky Joe Mining Company (Nevada) was the continuing and surviving corporation and each outstanding share of Lucky Joe Mining Company (Idaho) was converted into one outstanding share of Lucky Joe Mining Company (Nevada). On April 3, 2009, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Nevada changing the name of the Company to Desert Hawk Gold Corp. On June 30, 2014, the Company dissolved its sole subsidiary, Blue Fin Capital, Inc. As a result the Company has no subsidiaries.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company entered into Joint Venture Agreements with the Clifton Mining Company, the Woodman Mining Company and the Moeller Family Trust for the lease of certain of their property interests in the Gold Hill Mining District of Utah. In 2011 the Company entered into an agreement with DMRJ group which allowed for long term funding of the Kiewit project and helped to provide cash flow for operations during the period from 2009 until 2014 while the permitting process was ongoing. The final permit needed to begin development of the Kiewit property was received in January 2014 and development began in February 2014. Construction at the site was substantially complete at September 30, 2014. Revenue from the Kiewit heap leach operation began in October 2014 with the first sales of gold and silver.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim balance sheets and statements of operations and cash flows contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The operating and financial results for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.
These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and are presented in U.S. dollars. These unaudited interim financial statements do not include all note disclosures required by U.S. GAAP on an annual basis, and therefore should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015.
Mineral Exploration and Development Costs
The Company accounts for mineral exploration and development costs in accordance with ASC Topic 930 Extractive Activities - Mining. All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned. Expenditures to develop new mines, to define further mineralization in existing bodies of mineralized material, and to expand the capacity of operating mines are capitalized and will be amortized on units of production basis over proven and probable reserves.
Inventories
The recovery of gold from certain oxide ores is achieved through the heap leaching process. Under this method, mineralized material is placed on a leach pad where it is treated with a chemical solution, which dissolves the gold contained in the material. The resulting “pregnant” solution is further processed in a plant where gold is recovered. The Company records ore on leach pad, ore in carbon column in process and gold doré, at average production cost per gold ounce, less provisions required to reduce inventory to net realizable value. Production costs include the cost of mineralized material processed; direct and indirect materials and consumables; direct labor; repairs and maintenance; utilities; depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and mineral properties; and mine administrative expenses. Revenue from the sale of silver is accounted for as by-product and is deducted from production costs. Costs are removed from ore on leach pads as ounces are recovered based on the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad.
Estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pad are calculated from the quantities of material placed on the leach pad (measured tons added to the leach pad), the grade of material placed on the leach pad (based on assay data) and an estimated recovery percentage (based on ore type). The nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels. As a result, actual gold ounces recovered are regularly monitored and estimates are refined based on actual results over time. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had a limited operating history and actual results only over that short period of time. Due to this, estimates of recoverable gold are based primarily on initial tests and only limited refinements.
Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis. The ultimate recovery of gold from a leach pad will not be known until the leaching process is concluded. The quantification of material inventory on the leach pad is based on estimates of the quantities of gold at each balance sheet date that the Company expects to recover during the next 12-18 months.
6 |
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from five to seven years, or units of production over estimated ounces to be produced. The Company evaluates the recoverability of property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The Company determines impairment by comparing the undiscounted future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets to their respective carrying amounts. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Replacements and betterments that extend the useful life of the property and equipment are capitalized. The cost and related reserves of assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in results of operations.
Mineral Properties and Leases
The Company capitalizes costs for acquiring mineral properties and ongoing mineral lease payments and expenses costs to maintain mineral rights. Upon reaching the production stage, the capitalized costs are amortized using the units-of-production method on the basis of periodic estimates of ounces to be produced. Mineral properties are periodically assessed for impairment of value, and any subsequent losses are charged to operations at the time of impairment. If a property is abandoned or sold, its capitalized costs are charged to operations. Mine property costs include the building of infrastructure of the processing facility including the heap leach pad and the carbon in column process plant along with water wells, roads and fencing. These costs are capitalized until ready for their intended use at which time they are amortized using the units of production method based on projected units of production which approximates the estimated life of the facility. Additionally, interest is capitalized to mine development until such assets are ready for their intended use. The Company does not have proven and probable reserves at this time. See Note 6.
Reclamation and Remediation
The Company’s operations have been, and are subject to, standards for mine reclamation that have been established by various governmental agencies. The Company records the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which the Company incurs a legal obligation for the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. A corresponding asset is also recorded and depreciated over the life of the asset. After the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the liability will be adjusted at the end of each reporting period to reflect changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Determination of any amounts recognized upon adoption is based upon numerous estimates and assumptions, including future retirement costs, future inflation rates and the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates.
For non-operating properties, the Company accrues costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Such costs are based on management’s estimate of amounts expected to be incurred when the remediation work is performed.
Earnings (loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, common stock equivalents outstanding are as follows:
September 30, 2015 | September 30, 2014 | |||||||
Convertible debt | 895,714 | 895,714 | ||||||
Convertible preferred stock | 46,237,733 | 27,718,333 | ||||||
Total | 47,133,447 | 28,614,047 |
However, the diluted earnings (loss) per share are not presented because its effect would be anti-dilutive due to the Company’s recurring losses.
7 |
Going Concern
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit incurred through September 30, 2015, which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence.
The final permit needed to begin development of the Kiewit property was received in January 2014 and development began in February 2014. Construction at the site was substantially complete at September 30, 2014. The Company will need significant funding to continue operations and increase development through the next fiscal year. This funding is expected to come via sales revenues and loan funds, but the timing and amount of capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including demand for products and services, metals pricing and the availability of opportunities for expansion through affiliations and other business relationships.
If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for these financial statements, then adjustments would be necessary to the carrying values of the assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform data from prior periods to the current presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on the results of operations, stockholders’ deficit, or cash flows.
New Accounting Pronouncement
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Prior to the issuance of the standard, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market. Replacing the concept of market with the single measurement of net realizable value is intended to create efficiencies for preparers. The new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. Management believes that this new standard will have minimal impact on its financial statements.
NOTE 3 - CAPITAL STOCK
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock. All shares have equal voting rights and have one vote per share. Voting rights are not cumulative and, therefore, the holders of more than 50% of the common stock could, if they choose to do so, elect all of the directors of the Company.
No shares of common stock have been issued during the first nine months of 2015.
The Company issued a total of 117,854 shares of stock to the note holders of the convertible debt for interest expense through November 30, 2014. These shares were valued at a fair value of $82,500 based upon the stated interest rate contained in the debt agreements. The Company failed to repay the loan in full on the November 30, 2014 maturity date, so the Company was required to issue an additional 300,000 shares of common stock to these debt holders. This issuance was valued at $0.04 per share ($12,000) which was determined by management to be the fair value of a share of common stock based on a 2014 valuation analysis performed by a consultant. The consultant determined that the fair value of the common stock of the Company on a non-controlling, non-marketable basis to be $0.04 per share. Management assessed the consultant’s valuation and found the methodology to be appropriate for the Company and concluded that the fair value of common shares is $0.04. The issuance was accounted for as financing expense during the fourth quarter 2014. As part of this agreement, the due date of the notes was extended to November 30, 2015, with interest to be paid in cash after November 30, 2014. See Note 7.
On May 1, 2014, the Company issued 3,137,066 shares to its president, Rick Havenstrite, as a management incentive. Also, as a part of this agreement, Mr. Havenstrite agreed to forgive $40,000 of accrued but unpaid wages. The issued shares were valued at $0.04 per share as determined by the consultant (see above). Based on this rate, the fair value of the shares issued to Mr. Havenstrite was determined to be $125,483. Of this amount, $85,483 was recognized as officers and directors fees during the year ended December 31, 2014 and $40,000 was recognized as a reduction of accrued officer wages.
8 |
Preferred Stock
On February 19, 2014, the Company agreed to the terms of a Tenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement with DMRJ Group. The Tenth Amendment provides for funding of construction of the heap leach pad and process facility, mining development, and operations through a series of monthly term loan advances totaling a maximum of $5,700,000 over five months. A total of $5,500,000 of this allotment was eventually loaned to the Company. As a part of this amendment, on February 19, 2014, the Company issued to DMRJ Group 249,603 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The conversion rate of the Series B Preferred Stock is 100 shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, financing expense in the amount of $1,248,015 was recorded in association with this share issuance, using an estimated fair value of the equivalent common shares of $0.05. During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company revised the estimated fair value of the equivalent common shares to be $998,412 based upon a fair value of $0.04 per share. Thus a reduction to financing expense of $249,603 was recorded in the second quarter 2014.
As a result of this issuance, DMRJ beneficially owned approximately 67% of the Company (on a fully-diluted basis) with shares convertible into 27,718,333 shares of common stock. DMRJ is considered a related party.
In connection with this amendment, the Company amended the Certificates of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series A-1 and A-2 Preferred Stock to eliminate the mandatory dividends payable to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and to exclude from the definition of convertible securities the shares of all preferred stock previously issued to DMRJ Group and any future issuances of any shares of Series A, Series B, and Series A-1 and A-2 to DMRJ Group or any of its affiliates.
On August 31, 2015, the Company agreed to the terms of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement with DMRJ Group. See Note 8. As part of this amendment, the Company issued to DMRJ Group 185,194 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The conversion rate of the Series B Preferred Stock is 100 shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, financing expense in the amount of $740,775 was recorded in association with this share issuance, using an estimated fair value of the equivalent common shares of $0.04. The Company also agreed to add an anti-dilution provision to the Certificate of Designations for the Series B Preferred Stock which would allow for the issuance of additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock in the event the Company issues any Common or Preferred Stock which would keep the Investor’s beneficial ownership of the Company the same as it was prior to the issuance. The Company also amended the Certificate of Designations for the Series B Preferred Stock to allow the Company to issue up to 550,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
As a result of this issuance, DMRJ now beneficially owns approximately 77% of the Company (on a fully-diluted basis) with shares convertible into 46,237,733 shares of common stock. DMRJ is considered a related party.
NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES
The following table provides the components of inventories:
September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||
Ore on leach pad | $ | 1,802,318 | $ | 1,508,761 | ||||
Carbon column in process | 160,230 | 211,115 | ||||||
Dore finished goods | 4,685 | 25,501 | ||||||
Total | $ | 1,967,233 | $ | 1,745,377 |
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which at September 30, 2015 is cost.
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of property, equipment, and accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Equipment | $ | 3,137,980 | $ | 1,465,827 | ||||
Furniture and fixtures, temporary housing | 10,781 | 10,781 | ||||||
Electronic and computerized equipment | 52,874 | 19,011 | ||||||
Vehicles | 56,830 | 65,330 | ||||||
3,258,465 | 1,560,949 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation | (664,590 | ) | (357,983 | ) | ||||
2,593,875 | 1,202,966 | |||||||
Kiewit property facilities | 2,361,614 | 2,153,411 | ||||||
Less accumulated amortization | (307,237 | ) | (166,221 | ) | ||||
2,054,377 | 1,987,190 | |||||||
Total | $ | 4,648,252 | $ | 3,190,156 |
9 |
NOTE 6 – MINERAL PROPERTIES AND INTERESTS
Mineral properties and interests as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||
Initial lease fee | ||||||||
Yellow Hammer Site | $ | 175,000 | $ | 175,000 | ||||
Kiewit, Cactus Mill and all other sites | 600,000 | 600,000 | ||||||
Total | 775,000 | 775,000 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation | ||||||||
Kiewit Site | 687,475 | 687,475 | ||||||
Kiewit Exploration | 10,780 | 10,780 | ||||||
Cactus Mill | 16,133 | 16,133 | ||||||
Total | 714,388 | 714,388 | ||||||
Accumulated amortization | (226,502 | ) | (116,501 | ) | ||||
Total | $ | 1,262,886 | $ | 1,372,887 |
The Company holds operating interests within the Gold Hill Mining District in Tooele County, Utah, consisting of 247 unpatented claims, including the unpatented mill site claim, and two Utah state mineral leases located on state trust lands. Annual claims fees are currently $155 per claim plus administrative fees.
On January 6, 2014, we obtained the final permit necessary to commence construction of the heap leach pad and process facility. On February 20, 2014, the Kiewit reclamation bond in the amount of $1,348,000 was posted with the State of Utah, Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. This newly calculated bond amount includes bonding for the Yellow Hammer Small Mine and the Yellow Hammer Exploration sites along with the Herat Exploration site. As such, the asset retirement obligation for these sites was absorbed by the new bond. Funds of $92,705 were received in April 2014 by the Company for these refunded reclamation bonds. Total reclamation bonds posted at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are $1,417,355 and $1,412,804, respectively.
NOTE 7 – CONVERTIBLE DEBT
On November 18, 2009, the Company issued convertible promissory notes to two of its minority shareholders for a total of $600,000. The notes bear interest at 15% per annum. Interest-only is payable in equal monthly installments of $3,750 to each of the note holders. The notes were originally convertible at any time at a rate of $1.50 per share, but on July 14, 2010 the promissory notes were amended thereby reducing the conversion price to $0.70 due to the note holders’ agreement to subordinate their debt to DMRJ Group (see Note 8). The notes are convertible into potentially 895,714 shares of common stock and principal and interest were initially due November 30, 2012.
On July 5, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with the two holders of the convertible debt to begin paying their monthly interest in stock rather than cash.
The Company failed to repay the loan in full on the November 30, 2012, November 30, 2013 and November 30, 2014 maturity dates, so the Company was required to issue an additional 300,000 shares of common stock to these debt holders in each of those years. As part of this agreement, the due date of the note was extended each year and has now been extended to November 30, 2015. Interest was paid with stock through November 30, 2014 and will be paid in cash thereafter. Accrued interest payable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes $75,000 and $7,500, respectively, for these notes.
NOTE 8 – NOTE PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY
DMRJ beneficially owns approximately 77% of the Company (on a fully-diluted basis) with shares convertible to 46,237,733 shares of common stock (See Note 3). They are considered a related party. In July 2010, the Company entered into an Investment Agreement with DMRJ. The Agreement has been modified numerous times and currently operates under the Thirteenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement dated August 31, 2015. The Amendments have provided for extensions of payment dates, increased funding capacity and other modifications to the debt agreement.
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The total due to DMRJ at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Principal | ||||||||
Current | $ | - | $ | 2,124,348 | ||||
Long-term | 12,715,492 | 9,665,144 | ||||||
Total | 12,715,492 | 11,789,492 | ||||||
Interest payable | ||||||||
Current | 1,300,000 | 3,375,652 | ||||||
Long-term | 3,430,196 | - | ||||||
$ | 17,445,688 | $ | 15,165,144 |
The Investment Agreement contains certain negative covenants which prohibit us from the following actions or activities:
● | Incurring any indebtedness except in limited circumstances; |
● | Creating any significant liens on any of our properties or assets; |
● | Enter into any sale and lease-back transaction involving any of our properties; |
● | Make any investments in or loans or advances to other parties; |
● | Engage in any merger, consolidation, sale of assets or acquisition transaction, except for the purchase or sale of inventory or certain limited investments; |
● | Declare or pay any dividends, except for dividends to DMRJ Group; |
● | Engage in any business transactions with affiliates; |
● | Make capital expenditures except as permitted in the agreement pertaining to our current mining business; |
● | Create any lease obligations; |
● | Amend, supplement or modify any existing indebtedness; |
● | Enter into any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction; |
● | Make any change in our accounting policies or reporting practices; |
● | Form additional subsidiaries; or |
● | Modify or grant a waiver or release under or terminate any principal lease agreement or other material contract. |
2015 Activity
An Eleventh Amendment to the Investment Agreement was entered into on March 17, 2015 which established new minimum principal and interest payment dates which were then revised with the Twelfth and Thirteenth Amendments to the Investment Agreement. The Twelfth Amendment was entered into on June 5, 2015 and allowed for additional funding in the amount of $850,000 for the purpose of additional working capital, financing of the expansion into the east extension of the current pit boundary and to provide for crushing equipment to allow crushing to be done in-house. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement was entered into on August 31, 2015 and allowed for additional funding of up to $525,000. In 2015, a total of $925,000 has been loaned to the Company pursuant to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Amendments as of September 30, 2015, leaving a balance of $450,000 which remains to be drawn. In October 2015 a draw of $100,000 further reduced the balance available to be drawn to $350,000. This funding was used for working capital and to prepare for a drilling program within the existing boundary of the Kiewit Exploration Permit. The Thirteenth Amendment also established new minimum principal and interest payment dates beginning in June 2016 as follows, with the remaining balance to be due thereafter, pursuant to the terms of the Tenth Amendment, whereby all funds in excess of $200,000 working capital, are to be remitted on a quarterly basis in payment of the remaining loan payable:
June 30, 2016 | $ | 500,000 | ||
September 30, 2016 | 800,000 | |||
December 31, 2016 | 600,000 | |||
February 28, 2017 | 500,000 | |||
May 31, 2017 | 2,250,000 | |||
August 31, 2017 | 2,250,000 | |||
Total per Minimum Payment Schedule | $ | 6,900,000 |
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The Company’s ability to meet these minimum payments will be dependent upon a number of factors including production variables, metals market pricing, demand for products and services, and the availability of opportunities for expansion through affiliations and other business relationships.
2014 Activity
In January 2014, pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the Investment Agreement, a third term loan advance was taken in the amount of $25,000. The January 31, 2014 loan payment that was due was not made.
On February 19, 2014, the Company agreed to the terms of a Tenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement with DMRJ Group. The Tenth Amendment provides for funding of mining operations through a series of advances (the “Monthly Term Loan Advances”) totaling a maximum of $5,700,000 over five months. A total of $5,500,000 was drawn. As a provision of this amendment, the maturity date for the entire loan was moved to October 31, 2016. The interest rate on the loan balance was reduced from 24% to 15% and minimum principal and interest payment amounts were established. The first minimum payment, due February 28, 2015, was not made. Payment terms were changed in 2015 pursuant to the Eleventh and Twelfth Amendments (see 2015 Activity).
In 2014, the first Monthly Term Loan, in the amount of $2,000,000, was used in part to fund the posting of the reclamation bond associated with the Kiewit Project Large Mining Permit. A total of $5,525,000 was drawn during the year ended December 31, 2014 in connection with the Tenth Amendment Monthly Term Loan Advances. In addition, on February 19, 2014, the Company issued to DMRJ Group 249,603 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. See Note 3. Onsite construction of the project is essentially complete at December 31, 2014. If the Company is unable to repay the outstanding balances at maturity, DMRJ Group could foreclose on its security interest and would take control of or liquidate the Company’s mining leases and other assets.
NOTE 9 – NOTES PAYABLE – EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the equipment notes payable:
September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||||
Note payable to Komatsu Financial, collateralized by a Komatsu Telehandler lift, due in 48 monthly installments of $2,424 including interest at 4.99%. | $ | 95,271 | $ | - | ||||
Note payable to CAT Financial, collateralized by five pieces of used mining equipment, including three haul trucks, a loader and a grader, due in 36 monthly installments of $49,242 including interest at 4.68%. | 1,391,569 | - | ||||||
Note payable to HCE Funding, collateralized by a Perkins Elmer AA machine, due in one installment of $7,600 and 22 installments of $520, including interest at 5.00%. | 6,951 | - | ||||||
Note payable to Komatsu Financial, collateralized by a Komatsu D275 dozer, due in one monthly installment of $21,000 and 47 monthly installments of $11,594 including interest at 2.99%. | 398,755 | 492,955 | ||||||
Note payable to Komatsu Financial, collateralized by a Komatsu PC400 Excavator, due in 24 monthly installments of $1,629 including interest at 2.5%. | 11,309 | 25,604 | ||||||
1,903,855 | 518,559 | |||||||
Current portion | (708,412 | ) | (146,171 | ) | ||||
Long Term portion | $ | 1,195,443 | $ | 372,388 | ||||
Principal payments are as follows for the twelve months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2016 | $ | 708,412 | ||||||
2017 | 722,860 | |||||||
2018 | 455,893 | |||||||
2019 | 16,690 | |||||||
Total | $ | 1,903,855 |
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During the first quarter 2015, accounts payable balance of $150,375 relating to lease costs for equipment was converted to notes payable – equipment when the Company acquired the equipment.
NOTE 10 – REMEDIATION LIABILITY AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
Remediation, reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation costs for inactive properties. The Company uses assumptions about future costs, capital costs and reclamation costs. Such assumptions are based on the Company’s current mining plan and the best available information for making such estimates. In calculating the present value of the asset retirement obligation the Company used a credit adjusted risk free interest rate of 8% to 10% and projected mine lives of five to 12 years, depending on the site. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and assumptions; however, actual amounts could differ from those based on such estimates and assumptions.
Changes in the reclamation liability for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Nine months ended September 30, 2015 | Year ended December 31, 2014 | |||||||
Reclamation and remediation liability, beginning of period | $ | 740,268 | $ | 69,920 | ||||
Obligation incurred | - | 656,567 | ||||||
Accretion expense | 44,872 | 13,781 | ||||||
Reclamation and remediation liability, end of period | $ | 785,140 | $ | 740,268 |
NOTE 11 – STOCK REDEEMABLE WITH GOLD PROCEEDS
An equity financing was initiated in September 2012 for the sale of up to 1,150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. This offering closed December 31, 2012 with proceeds of $130,000 raised through sales of 130,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of this offering, the shares can be redeemed for cash generated from the sale of gold for a period of 12 months after commencement of operations at the Kiewit project. Proceeds from 5% of the gold produced during the first year of production will be allocated to fund this option. Shares will be converted on whole ounces only. Each investor received the right to convert a minimum of one-half and up to all of his shares (on a pro rata basis) into the value of the number of ounces represented by the total investment, determined using a base price of $1,000 per ounce. Due to the redemption feature of these shares, management has concluded that the conversion shares should be recorded as a liability and not as equity.
Once sales of concentrate began in 2014, all investors in this equity financing had the option to convert their shares for cash from 5% of the gold sales, and all parties chose to convert. Amounts due to these shareholders are disclosed in the following table. The share conversion is complete at September 30, 2015 and the amounts due to shareholders of $151,406 are past due.
Conversion Shares Due based on $1,000 Gold Price | Additional Amount Based on Actual Gold Sales Price | Total Due to Shareholders at September 30, 2015 | ||||||||||
Original Conversion Liability | $ | 130,000 | ||||||||||
Less Conversion: | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | $ | 48,000 | $ | 8,609 | $ | 56,609 | ||||||
June 30, 2015 | 82,000 | 12,797 | 94,797 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 130,000 | $ | 21,406 | $ | 151,406 | ||||||
Remaining balance to be redeemed at September 30, 2015 | $ | 0 |
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NOTE 12– COMMITMENTS
Mining Properties
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the Moeller Family Trust for the lease of the Trust’s Yellow Hammer property in the Gold Hill Mining District of Utah. Pursuant to the agreement, if the Company does not place the Yellow Hammer property into commercial production within a three-year period it will be required to make annual payments to the Trust of $50,000. The Yellow Hammer operated for several months in 2011. Under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the Company is required to pay a 6% net smelter royalty on the production of base metals and a net smelter royalty on gold and silver based on a sliding scale of between 2% and 15% based on the price of gold and silver, as applicable. There were no sales and no royalty expense to date for the Yellow Hammer in 2015 or in 2014. No payment has been made on this property and no official forfeiture notice has been received regarding this nonpayment.
Also, during the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the Clifton Mining Company and the Woodman Mining Company for the lease of their property interests in the Gold Hill Mining District of Utah. Under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the Company is required to pay a 4% net smelter royalty on base metals in all other areas except for production from the Kiewit gold property and a net smelter royalty on gold and silver, except for production from the Kiewit gold property, based on a sliding scale of between 2% and 15% based on the price of gold or silver, as applicable. The Company is also required to pay a 6% net smelter return on any production from the Kiewit gold property. Additionally, if the Company does not place the Kiewit property, the Clifton Shears-Smelter Tunnel property, and the Cane Springs property into commercial production within a three year period, it will be required to make annual payments to Clifton Mining in the amount of $50,000 per location. The annual payments due on July 24, 2014 were made on July 22, 2014 and accepted by Clifton Mining for the Clifton Shears and Kiewit properties. The Cane Springs property payment was not made in 2013 and this claim was released back to Clifton Mining at that time. Production at the Kiewit property began in the fourth quarter 2014.
Royalties of 6% are due to Clifton Mining on sales of gold and silver. Royalties due to Clifton Mining at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 from production at the Kiewit property are $112,700 and $20,289, respectively. Royalty payments are past due and are expected to be paid in 2015 and early 2016. Royalty expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is $42,822 and $166,111, respectively.
Employment Agreements
In September 2010, the Company entered into employment agreements with its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and its President and entered into a consulting agreement with one of its directors. Each agreement was for an initial term of between three months and four years and provides for base salary or fees of $120,000 per year. Termination agreements have been reached with the former CEO and one director, providing for payment of accrued compensation and consulting payable over several months commencing with the funding of the Kiewit project. These payments began in February 2014 and were completed in September 2015. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 accrued compensation of $267,346 and $247,500, and consulting fees payable of $-0- and $15,000, respectively, were due to directors and officers. Of the $267,346 due at September 30, 2015, accrued compensation of $220,384 is due to Rick Havenstrite, President, and $46,962 to Marianne Havenstrite, Treasurer. In addition, as part of a management incentive award on May 1, 2014, Rick Havenstrite was awarded 3,137,066 shares of common stock. As part of this award, Mr. Havenstrite agreed to forgive $40,000 in accrued compensation. See Note 3.
NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the related party note payable (see Note 8), the Company had the following:
The Company recognized rent expense for rental of office space of $9,000 and $8,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, paid to RMH Overhead, LLC, a company owned by Rick Havenstrite, the Company’s president and a director. Of the amounts recognized as expense, RMH Overhead, LLC was paid $9,000 and $8,000 in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, leaving a balance of $13,850 remaining in accounts payable at September 30, 2015 and 2014. In addition, the Company purchased equipment for $3,500 and $16,500 from Overhead Door Co. of SNR, another company owned by Rick Havenstrite, during the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Company recognized wage expense of $87,705 and $154,478 for Rick Havenstrite, respectively, and $43,833 and $46,500 for Marianne Havenstrite, wife of Rick Havenstrite. Mrs. Havenstrite became an officer of the Company during 2013. Officer wages of $267,346 and $193,500 for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 remain unpaid and are accrued.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized general project cost expense of $3,105 and $19,258, respectively, for geological services provided by Stuart Havenstrite, the father of Rick Havenstrite. $18,276 and $21,649 remain unpaid to Mr. Havenstrite at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. These amounts are included in accounts payable at those dates. Payments were also made to other family members of Rick and Marianne Havenstrite for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 for accounting and engineering services in the amount of $61,153 and $42,277.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Forward-looking statements
The statements contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, need for financing, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, ability to retain and recruit personnel, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “plans,” or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this quarterly report. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following:
● | maintaining necessary mining permits; |
● | a decline in metal prices; |
● | environmental hazards; |
● | metallurgical and other processing problems; |
● | unusual or unexpected geological formations; |
● | global economic and political conditions; |
● | disruptions in credit and financial markets; |
● | global productive capacity; |
● | changes in product costing; and |
● | competitive technology positions and operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, fires, flooding, landslides, power outages, explosions, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, war and terrorist activities). |
Mining operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to exploration, permitting procedures, safety precautions, property reclamation, employee health and safety, air and water quality standards, pollution and other environmental protection controls, all of which are subject to change and are becoming more stringent and costly to comply with. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those expected. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
These risk factors could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.
Overview
Desert Hawk Gold Corp. is an exploration stage company, which means we are engaged in the search for mineral deposits or reserves which could be economically and legally extracted or produced. None of our mining properties has any known reserves and our proposed programs on these properties are exploratory in nature. Our projects are located in the Gold Hill Mining District in Tooele County, Utah. We are currently producing gold and silver at the Kiewit property and had our first sales from the property in October 2014.
We were originally incorporated in the State of Idaho on November 5, 1957. For several years we bought and sold mining leases and claims, but in 1995 we ceased all principal business operations. In 2008, we changed our domicile from the State of Idaho to the State of Nevada. In May 2009, we raised funds to recommence mining activities. In July 2009, we entered into agreements to commence exploration activities on mining claims in the Gold Hill Mining District.
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On January 6, 2014 we obtained the final permit necessary to commence construction and development of the Kiewit property. The reclamation bond was posted in February 2014 in the amount of $1,348,000. Development of the project was essentially completed in 2014 using funding provided by DMRJ Group. The property is located in a historical mining district that has existing disturbances and mine wastes and is in a very arid, desolate area. The property is also adjacent to, and uphill from, the Dugway Proving Grounds and Air Force Gunnery Range that is deemed an environmentally insensitive area, with low water quality. Management believes that through our leased patented claims we have adequate private land for process facilities. There is no material access from any metropolitan area or community.
On July 24, 2009, we entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the Clifton Mining Company and Woodman Mining Company under which Clifton Mining granted to us exclusive possession of certain patented and unpatented mining claims and an unpatented mill site claim and certain Utah state mineral leases covering lands in the Gold Hill Mining District located in Tooele County, Utah, for exploration, development and mining, and the right to occupy the properties and to explore, develop and mine the properties for minerals. Woodman Mining also granted us the same rights in certain of these patented mining claims owned jointly with Clifton Mining. Also, on July 24, 2009, we entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the Jeneane C. Moeller Family Trust under which the trust granted to us exclusive possession of four patented mining claims covering lands in the Gold Hill Mining District located in Tooele County, Utah, for exploration, development and mining, and the right to occupy the properties and to explore, develop and mine the properties for minerals. These properties are known as the Yellow Hammer claims. No payments have been made to keep this agreement current and no formal forfeiture notification has been received.
Prior to July 1, 2010, we notified Clifton Mining that we would surrender certain of the mining claims and leases originally obtained in our lease agreement with it. Also, in 2010 and in 2012, certain amendments were made to the lease agreements. As part of these agreements, if we did not place the Kiewit property, the Clifton Shears-Smelter Tunnel property, and the Cane Springs property into commercial production within a three-year period from the date of the agreement, we would be required to make annual payments to Clifton Mining of $50,000 per property to retain our rights to those properties. The Clifton Shears-Smelter Tunnel property payment has not yet been made for this year. The property payment is not due on the Kiewit property as it has been placed into production and royalties are generated. The Cane Springs property was released back to Clifton Mining in 2013.
We currently hold leasehold interests within the Gold Hill Mining District consisting of 247 unpatented mining claims, including an unpatented mill site claim, and two Utah state mineral leases located on state trust lands, all covering approximately 33 square miles. Initial payment for the claims fees for 2015-2016 were made in August 2015. We intend to concentrate our activities on the Kiewit project. Mineral extraction activities on the property at this time will be open-pit.
In July 2010, we entered into an Investment Agreement with DMRJ. The Agreement has been modified numerous times and currently operates under the Thirteenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement. The Amendments have provided for extensions of payment dates, increased funding and other modifications to the debt agreement.
On February 19, 2014, we agreed to the terms of a Tenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement with DMRJ Group. The Tenth Amendment provides for funding of construction of the heap leach pad and process facility, mining development, and operations through a series of monthly term loan advances totaling a maximum of $5,700,000 over five months. A total of $5,500,000 of this allotment was eventually loaned to us. As a part of this amendment, on February 19, 2014, we issued to DMRJ Group 249,603 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The conversion rate of the Series B Preferred Stock is 100 shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock. During 2014, financing expense in the amount of $998,412 was recorded in association with this share issuance, using an estimated fair value of the equivalent common shares of $0.04.
As a result of this issuance, DMRJ beneficially owned approximately 67% of the Company (on a fully-diluted basis) with shares convertible into 27,718,333 shares of common stock.
In connection with this amendment, we amended the Certificates of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series A-1 and A-2 Preferred Stock to eliminate the mandatory dividends payable to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and to exclude from the definition of convertible securities the shares of all preferred stock previously issued to DMRJ Group and any future issuances of any shares of Series A, Series, B, and Series A-1 and A-2 to DMRJ Group or any of its affiliates.
An Eleventh Amendment to the Investment Agreement was entered into on March 17, 2015 which established new minimum principal and interest payment dates which were then revised with the Twelfth and Thirteenth Amendments to the Investment Agreement.
The Twelfth Amendment was entered into on June 5, 2015 and allowed for additional funding in the amount of $850,000 for the purpose of additional working capital, financing of the expansion into the east extension of the current pit boundary and to provide for crushing equipment to allow crushing to be done in-house.
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The Thirteenth Amendment to the Investment Agreement was entered into on August 31, 2015 and allowed for additional funding of up to $525,000 for operating capital and to provide the ability for crushing operations to be performed in-house. A total of $925,000 had been loaned to the Company pursuant to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Amendments as of September 30, 2015. In October 2015 a draw of $100,000 reduced the balance available to be drawn to $350,000. This funding was used for working capital and to prepare for a drilling program within the existing boundary of the Kiewit Exploration Permit.
As part of this amendment, we issued to DMRJ Group 185,194 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The conversion rate of the Series B Preferred Stock is 100 shares of common stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, financing expense in the amount of $740,775 was recorded in association with this share issuance, using an estimated fair value of the equivalent common shares of $0.04. As a result of this issuance, DMRJ Group owns approximately 77% of our Company (on a fully-diluted basis) with shares convertible into 46,237,733 of common stock. DMRJ is considered a related party.
The total due to DMRJ at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Principal | ||||||||
Current | $ | - | $ | 2,124,348 | ||||
Long-term | 12,715,492 | 9,665,144 | ||||||
Total | 12,715,492 | 11,789,492 | ||||||
Interest payable | ||||||||
Current | 1,300,000 | 3,375,652 | ||||||
Long-Term | 3,430,196 | - | ||||||
$ | 17,445,688 | $ | 15,165,144 |
The Investment Agreement contains certain negative covenants which prohibit us from the following actions or activities:
● | Incurring any indebtedness except in limited circumstances; |
● | Creating any significant liens on any of our properties or assets; |
● | Enter into any sale and lease-back transaction involving any of our properties; |
● | Make any investments in or loans or advances to other parties; |
● | Engage in any merger, consolidation, sale of assets or acquisition transaction, except for the purchase or sale of inventory or certain limited investments; |
● | Declare or pay any dividends, except for dividends to DMRJ Group; |
● | Engage in any business transactions with affiliates; |
● | Make capital expenditures except as permitted in the agreement pertaining to our current mining business; |
● | Create any lease obligations; |
● | Amend, supplement or modify any existing indebtedness; |
● | Enter into any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction; |
● | Make any change in our accounting policies or reporting practices; |
● | Form additional subsidiaries; or |
● | Modify or grant a waiver or release under or terminate any principal lease agreement or other material contract. |
The Thirteenth Amendment also established new minimum principal and interest payment dates beginning in June 2016 as follows:
June 30, 2016 | $ | 500,000 | ||
September 30, 2016 | 800,000 | |||
December 31, 2016 | 600,000 | |||
February 28, 2017 | 500,000 | |||
May 31, 2017 | 2,250,000 | |||
August 31, 2017 | 2,250,000 | |||
Total | $ | 6,900,000 |
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An equity financing was initiated in September 2012 for the sale of up to 1,150,000 shares of our stock. This offering closed December 31, 2012 with proceeds of $130,000 raised through sales of 130,000 shares of our common stock. Under the terms of this offering, stock can be converted to cash generated from the sale of gold, for a period of 12 months after commencement of operations at the Kiewit project. Proceeds from 5% of the gold produced during the first year of production will be allocated to fund this option. Each investor will receive the right to convert a minimum of one-half and up to all of his shares (on a pro rata basis) into the value of the number of ounces represented by the total investment, determined using a base price of $1,000 per ounce. At September 30, 2015, conversion proceeds due to shareholders is $151,406 for all 130,000 conversion shares. Due to the redemption feature of these shares, management has concluded that the proceeds from these stock sales should be recorded as a liability and not as equity. The amount owed to the shareholders in excess of $1,000 per ounce for redemptions through September 30, 2015 is $21,406. This amount has been recorded as an administrative expense.
Historically, we have incurred net losses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and have also incurred a loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
Our financial statements were prepared assuming that we would continue as a going concern. Our significant cumulative losses from operations as of September 30, 2015, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If the going-concern assumption were not appropriate for our financial statements, then adjustments would be necessary to the carrying values of the assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses, and the balance sheet classifications used. During 2015, we have continued to experience losses from operations. We will require additional funding to complete much of our planned mining exploration. Except for potential proceeds from the sale of equity in offerings by us, the issuance of debt, and revenue from existing operations, which has been minimal, we have no other source for additional funding. Our continued net operating losses and stockholders’ deficiency increase the difficulty in meeting such goals and there can be no assurances that such methods will prove successful.
Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
The operating loss of $415,113 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the operating loss of $1,053,720 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 represents a decrease in loss of $638,607. This decreased loss is due to the onset of production and the revenue from metals sales. Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $2,231,357 that consisted mainly of interest and financing expense, increased by $138,914 as compared to the other expense amount of $2,092,443 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Financing costs in both periods arose with the stock issuance to DMRJ Group. The net overall decrease in net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014 was $499,693.
Liquidity and Cash Flow
Net cash used by operating activities was $315,877 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared with cash used by operating activities of $1,933,414 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. This $1,617,537 reduction in the amount of cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to the onset of production and sales revenue in 2015.
Net cash used by investing activities was $240,927 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared to $3,417,697 cash used by investing activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. This decrease of $3,176,770 in cash used for investing activities is due to the investment in reclamation bonds and property and equipment in the first nine months of 2014.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $535,644 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, compared with $5,517,259 cash provided during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014. Cash provided in 2014 was provided with proceeds from the financing agreement with DMRJ Group for the development of the Kiewit property..
As a result of the above, cash decreased by $21,160 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, leaving us with a cash balance of $140,485 as of September 30, 2015.
Critical Accounting Policies
The selection and application of accounting policies is an important process that has developed as our business activities have evolved and as the accounting rules have changed. Accounting rules generally do not involve a selection among alternatives, but involve an implementation and interpretation of existing rules, and the use of judgment, to the specific set of circumstances existing in our business. Discussed below are the accounting policies that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in our attached unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of those policies.
Mineral Exploration and Development Costs
We account for mineral exploration costs in accordance with ASC 932 Extractive Activities. All exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred, previously capitalized costs are expensed in the period the property is abandoned. Expenditures to explore new mines, to define further mineralization in existing bodies of mineralized material, and to expand the capacity of operating mines, are capitalized and amortized on a units-of-production basis over proven and probable reserves.
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Inventories
Inventories consist of estimated gold on the heap leach pad and in the carbon process system and are valued at the lower of production cost or market value. Gold on the heap leach pad is estimated to be 80% complete for cost purposes and gold in the process system is estimated at 95% complete.
Mineral Properties
We account for mineral properties in accordance with ASC 930 Extractive Activities-Mining. Costs of acquiring mineral properties are capitalized by project area upon purchase of the associated claims. Mineral properties are periodically assessed for impairment of value and any diminution in value.
Reclamation and Remediation
Remediation, reclamation and mine closure costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation costs for inactive properties. We use assumptions about future costs, capital costs and reclamation costs. Such assumptions are based on our current mining plan and the best available information for making such estimates.
For non-operating properties, we accrue costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that such costs will be incurred and they are reasonably estimable. Such costs are based on management’s estimate of amounts expected to be incurred when the remediation work is performed.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, result of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a smaller reporting company, we have elected not to provide the disclosure required by this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures
Our President and Treasurer, who serve as our principal executive and principal financial officers, respectively, after evaluating the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent quarter ended September 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in exhibit 95 to this quarterly report.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1 | Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer | |
31.2 | Rule 15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer | |
32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer | |
32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer | |
95 | Mine Safety Disclosure | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Desert Hawk Gold Corp. | ||
Date: November 16, 2015 | By: | /s/ Rick S. Havenstrite |
Rick S. Havenstrite, President | ||
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||
Date November 16, 2015 | By: | /s/ Marianne Havenstrite |
Marianne Havenstrite, Treasurer | ||
(Principal Financial Officer) |
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