UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS3 

GLOSSARY OF SIGNIFICANT MINING TERMS4 

PART I6 

ITEM 1.  DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS6 

ITEM 2.   DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES9 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS18 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES18 

PART II19 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS19 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA19 

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS20 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK21 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA22 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE41 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES41 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION41 

PART III42 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE42 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION44 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS45 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENCE46 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES46 

PART IV47 

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS47 

SIGNATURES48 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These statements include, but are not limited to, comments regarding:

the establishment and estimates of mineralization; 

the grade of mineralization; 

anticipated expenditures and costs in our operations; 

planned exploration activities and the anticipated outcome of such exploration activities; 

plans and anticipated timing for obtaining permits and licenses for our properties; 

expected future financing and its anticipated outcome; 

anticipated liquidity to meet expected operating costs and capital requirements; 

our ability to obtain joint ventures partners and maintain working relationships with our current joint venture partners; 

our ability to obtain financing to fund our estimated exploration expenditures and capital requirements; and 

factors expected to impact our results of operations. 

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

risks related to our limited operating history; 

risks related to our history of losses and our expectation of continued losses; 

risks related to our properties being in the exploration or development stage; 

risks related our mineral operations being subject to government regulation; 

risks related to future legislation and administrative changes to mining laws; 

risks related to future legislation regarding climate change; 

risks related to our ability to obtain additional capital or joint venture partners; 

risks related to land reclamation requirements and costs; 

risks related to mineral exploration and development activities being inherently dangerous; 

risks related to our insurance coverage for operating risks; 

risks related to cost increases for our exploration and development projects; 

risks related to a shortage of equipment and supplies adversely affecting our ability to operate; 

risks related to mineral estimates; 

risks related to the fluctuation of prices for precious metals, such as gold and silver; 

risks related to the competitive industry of mineral exploration; 

risks related to our title and rights in our mineral properties and mill; 

risks related to joint venture partners and our contractual obligations therewith; 

risks related to potential conflicts of interest with our management; 

risks related to our dependence on key management; 

risks related to the New Jersey Mill operations, management, and milling capacity; 

risks related to our business model; 

risks related to evolving corporate governance standards for public companies; and 

risks related to our shares of common stock. 

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Description of Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law.

We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report by the foregoing cautionary statements.

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GLOSSARY OF SIGNIFICANT MINING TERMS

Ag-Silver.

Au-Gold.

Alluvial-Adjectivally used to identify rocks or minerals deposited over time by moving water.

Argillites-Metamorphic rock containing clay minerals.

Arsenopyrite-An iron-arsenic sulfide. Common constituent of gold mineralization.

Ball Mill-A large rotating cylinder usually filled to about 45% of its total volume with steel grinding balls. The mill rotates and crushed rock is fed into one end and discharged through the other. The rock is pulverized into small particles by the cascading and grinding action of the balls.

Bedrock-Solid rock underlying overburden.

CIL-A standard gold recovery process involving the leaching with cyanide in agitated tanks with activated carbon. CIL means "carbon-in-leach."

Crosscut-A nominally horizontal mine passageway, generally driven at right angles to the strike of a vein.

Galena-A lead sulfide mineral. The most important lead mineral in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.

Mineralization-The presence of minerals, usually of potential economic significance, in a specific area or geologic formation.

Pyrite-An iron sulfide mineral that usually has no commercial value but is commonly associated with mineral deposits of gold, copper, and other metals.

Quartz-Crystalline silica (SiO₂). An important rock-forming and gangue material in veins or other types of mineral deposits.

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Quartzites-Metamorphic rock containing significant amounts of quartz.

Raise-An underground opening driven upward, generally on the vein.

Tetrahedrite-Sulfosalt mineral containing copper, antimony, and silver.

Wallrock-Usually barren rock surrounding a vein.

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PART I

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Any Bankruptcy, Receivership or Similar Proceedings

There have been no bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceedings.

Any Material Reclassification, Merger, Consolidation, or Purchase or Sale of a Significant Amount of Assets Not in the Ordinary Course of Business.

BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY

General Description of the Business

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acquisition involves screening target properties based on geological, economic, engineering, environmental, and metallurgical factors. In all of its operations the Company competes for skilled labor within the mining industry.

The risks associated with the Company’s mining and milling operations include other risks typical of the mining industry, such as: operational effectiveness in the processing plant that could result in lower recovery of the economic metals, mechanical failure of equipment that could increase costs or decrease efficacy, ability to hire and retain qualified operators, and risks that the mining operations are unable to economically extract material due to ground or slope failures that increase cost. The Company manages these risks with engineering and geologic analysis, detailed mine planning, a preventive maintenance program, and installing experienced and technically proficient management.

Another significant risk in the mining industry is the price of metals such as gold and silver. If the prices of these metals were to fall substantially it could lead to a loss of investor interest in the mineral exploration sector, which would make it more difficult to raise the capital necessary for the Company or other potential customers to move exploration and development plans forward.

Effect of Existing or Probable Governmental Regulations on the Business

No major Federal permits are required for the Golden Chest and New Jersey Mines because the operations are on private land and there are no process discharges to surface waters. However, any exploration program conducted by the Company on unpatented mining claims, usually administered by the BLM or USFS, requires a POO to be submitted. The Company’s exploration programs on public land can be delayed for significant periods of time (one to two years) because of the slow permitting process applied by the USFS. The Company believes that such permitting delays are caused by insufficient manpower, complicated regulations, competing priorities, and sympathy for environmental groups who oppose all mining projects.

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quarterly surface water and groundwater monitoring during the operation of the CLP. NJMC estimates the cost of water-monitoring associated with the CLP to be approximately $6,000 per year.

The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) approved a surface mining reclamation plan for the New Jersey Mine in 1993. The plan calls for grading of steep fill slopes and planting of vegetation on the area disturbed by the open pit mine. NJMC pays an annual reclamation fee of $133 to the Idaho Department of Lands for surface disturbance associated with the New Jersey Mine open pit. The Company has estimated its costs to reclaim the New Jersey Mine and Mill site to be $96,600. The Company submitted a reclamation plan to the IDL for its current open pit mining operation at the Golden Chest Mine. The plan was approved and the Company was required to post a reclamation bond of $103,320. This plan also calls for the grading of steep fill slopes and re-vegetation of disturbed land as well as erosion control measures utilizing best practices.

When the Company plans an exploration drilling program on public lands, it must submit a POO to either the BLM or USFS. Compilation of the plan can take several days of professional time and a reclamation bond is usually required to start drilling once the plan is approved. Bond costs vary directly with surface disturbance area, but a small, single set-up drilling program usually requires a bond amount of approximately $5,000. If a plan requires road building, the bond amount can increase significantly. Upon completion of site reclamation and approval by the managing agency, the bond is returned to the Company.

The Company complies with local building codes and ordinances as required by law.

Number of Total Employees and Number of Full Time Employees

The Company's total number of full time employees is 24.

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ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

GOLDEN CHEST MINE

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Property Location

The Golden Chest Mine is comprised of an underground mine, an open pit mine, and an exploration project located about 1.5 miles east of Murray, Idaho, comprised of 25 patented mining claims (280 acres) and 90 unpatented claims (1,390 acres). The site is along Forest Highway 9 and is accessible by several improved dirt roads from the paved highway. A three-phase power line was installed at the property in 2014 with power supplied by Avista Utilities.

Property Ownership

NJMC owns 100% of the Golden Chest LLC (owner of the Golden Chest Mine). The Company consolidated its ownership in December 2015, purchasing Marathon Gold Corporation’s (“Marathon”) 52.22% stake in Golden Chest LLC for $180,000 along with a 2% NSR on production from the Golden Chest property, as well as an adjacent Area of Interest. Golden Chest LLC purchased the mine from Metaline Contact Mines and J.W. Beasley Interests for $3.75-million

Property History

The Golden Chest Mine was developed in the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s as part of the first gold production from the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. Historical accounts vary, but the district is believed to have produced approximately 300,000 ounces of gold from placer sources. It is estimated that the historic hard rock mining operations on the Golden Chest property produced approximately 65,000 ounces of gold, primarily from shallow, underground, high-grade veins. The Golden Chest Mine is considered to be the largest historic lode producer of gold in northern Idaho.

Modern exploration of the Golden Chest area began in the late 1970’s with several companies, including Cominco-American and Golden Chest Inc. (“GCI”), targeting gold and massive sulfides. Drill tests by GCI included a 200-foot hole from surface that intersected a 60-foot zone containing multiple low-grade gold-bearing quartz veins.

Newmont Exploration Ltd. followed GCI’s discovery by evaluating the veins for bulk mineable potential in the late-1980s. A geochemical survey yielded soil samples from the mine area that were anomalous in both gold and arsenic, indicating a well-developed vein system. Newmont then drilled 35 shallow reverse-circulation and five core holes, establishing an historic resource, most of which is related to the Idaho Vein system on the south end of the property.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Exploration & Development by NJMC & Golden Chest LLC

NJMC first leased the property in 2003, then explored, drilled, and developed it over subsequent years, producing 8,400 tonnes of ore averaging 6.9 gpt gold, all of which was processed at its New Jersey Mill for total production of nearly 2,000 ounces of gold. From 2004 through 2008, the Company completed an exploration core drilling program at the Golden Chest totaling 3,415 meters of core during that period, successfully extending the Idaho Vein below the No. 3 Level. NJMC connected the historic No. 3 Level to the surface by driving a 440-meter ramp (the “North Ramp”), which was completed in 2008.

In 2010, NJMC terminated its operating leases to form Golden Chest LLC with Marathon. NJMC contributed certain mining claims, all geological data, and mining equipment to the venture, while Marathon contributed $4-million cash. As Marathon is a Canadian issuer, the joint venture operated and issued technical disclosures in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

In 2011, Golden Chest LLC completed the most aggressive exploration project in the history of the property, totaling 11,300 meters of surface drilling. Other work completed included the construction of a new core shed, construction of new roads, surface geological work, surface and underground surveying, underground exploration drifting, and mine rehabilitation. In 2012, Golden Chest LLC completed an additional 7,000 meters of drilling and exploration drifting on the Popcorn Vein. Based on the results of those work programs, Golden Chest LLC delineated an updated gold resource and filed a technical report in compliance with NI 43-101.

As part of the Company’s efforts to seek a listing on the Canadian Stock Exchange an updated National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report was completed and released. The report included current mining operations and activity that occurred in 2016 and 2017.

The Juniper Lease & Mine Modernization

In September 2013, the Skookum Shoot portion of the Golden Chest property was leased to Juniper Mining Company, which later reassigned the lease to Gold Hill, an affiliate company. Gold Hill began construction in Q3 2014, spending an estimated $7 to $9-million on mine development and infrastructure, building a modern gold mine that reached production in May 2015. Mining activities continued until September 2015 when Gold Hill ceased operations and terminated its lease, forfeiting the mine and infrastructure back to Golden Chest LLC.

During the lease, NJMC processed Golden Chest ore at its New Jersey Mill, earning cash from milling fees and its share of a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on gold production. In total, Gold Hill mined 40,840 dry metric tonnes of ore at an average grade of 6.70 gpt gold, resulting in production of approximately 8,000 ounces of gold.

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Current Underground Operations

During 2019, NJMC mined a total of 10,800 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 5.79 gpt gold. This production came from the 857, 848, 845 and 836 stopes. Underhand drift and fill is the mining method and cemented rock fill (CRF) utilizing waste rock mixed with cement slurry is used for backfill. A total of 1,828 cubic meters of backfill were placed during the year and 75 meters of development were completed as well. A new 20-tonne haultruck was added to the underground mining fleet and a nearly 50% increase in the daily backfill placement rate was observed. The Company plans to add a mining crew to extend the main ramp to depth to develop the next stope sublevel in 2020 while concurrently mining the existing stopes.

Current Open-Pit Operations

In 2019, NJMC continued its open pit mining operation which commenced in August of 2016. Mining advanced from the 1012 bench to the 985 bench. A total of 41,385 tonnes of ore at average grade of 2.86 gpt gold and 183.450 tonnes of waste were mined during the year resulting in stripping ratio of 4.43. A portion of the waste, 32,000 tonnes, was gold-mineralized footwall material and stockpiled in a separate area to save as a potential future resource. The Company has completed engineering studies that show an expansion of the existing pit is economically feasible at current gold prices, and therefore, a permit to expand the surface mining operation was submitted to the Idaho Department of Lands. It is expected the permit to expand will be received by mid-year 2020 and then a northern layback of the current pit will start.

While significant modern drilling, underground development, and pit excavation have resulted in industrial scale mining and recovery of gold, there are no mineral reserves at the Golden Chest, as recognized by the SEC.

Exploration Plans

Modern exploration, including nearly 30,000 meters of drilling, reveals six NW-trending ore shoots at Golden Chest that demonstrate strong periodicity, consistent width and spacing, along the Idaho Fault. Most historic production came from the northernmost of these shoots, the Katie-Dora and the Klondike. Excellent mineralization potential remains in unmined portions of the northern shoots as well as in the unmined Paymaster and Joe Dandy shoots to the south. Drilling is planned at depth for the entire the strike length of the Idaho Fault at the property. The Company also plans to evaluate the potential of heap leaching the moderate grade, oxidized footwall material with a laboratory column test. The results of this test could drive future exploration and development efforts.

Recent data compilation efforts by NJMC have integrated all available modern exploration data from the property and across the Murray area, including work by Cominco, Newmont, NJMC, Golden Chest LLC, and the recent information provided by Gold Hill. Based on these studies and the Company’s own exploration results, management believes the Golden Chest property has district-scale production potential for the longer term, not only near the recently constructed mine, but in areas of past exploration and historic production.

Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

During the lease, Gold Hill made many improvements to the Golden Chest property including approximately 1,000 meters of underground development at a nominal cross section of 4 meters by 4 meters, the establishment of a secondary escape-way and ventilation raises, the installation of three-phase power, and many surface improvements such as a septic field and a new haul road to keep mine traffic separate from employee and visitor traffic. NJMC constructed a 2,500 square-foot steel-clad pole building in 2011 which stands at the top of the most easterly driveway to the property and is used primarily for office space and core logging. A 600 square-foot steel-clad pole building, constructed by NJMC in 2005, is also present near the northern ramp portal.

Geology & Mineralization

Gold mineralization occurs in veins associated with multiple faulting and folding events in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The gold mineralization is of a broad type known as orogenic gold, but it also appears to have an association with igneous rock activity. Hence, the vein deposits may be described as intrusion-related orogenic gold. The principal vein being exploited at the Golden Chest Mine is associated with the Idaho Fault, which juxtaposes the quartzites of the upper Prichard Formation against finer-grained argillites, also of the upper Prichard Formation.

Veins occur adjacent to the Idaho Fault and in its footwall but to a lesser extent in its hangingwall. The mineralization occurs in two types of quartz veins, banded and massive, that are generally conformable to bedding in the Proterozoic age Prichard Formation. Banded veins, which occur primarily in argillite, contain, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite and visible gold. Thicker, massive veins occur in quartzite and contain pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, scheelite and visible gold.

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NEW JERSEY MILL

Property Location

The New Jersey Mill is a fully-permitted, 360-tonne per day, flotation mill and concentrate leach plant (“CLP”) located two miles east of Kellogg, Idaho, in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. The mill is located on the same property as the New Jersey Mine, adjacent to U.S. Interstate Highway 90 and easily accessed year-round by local roads. Three-phase electrical power is supplied to the New Jersey Mill by Avista Utilities.

Project Ownership

In 2011, NJMC signed a joint venture (“JV”) agreement with United Mine Services (“UMS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Silver Corporation, to increase the capacity of the New Jersey Mill. UMS funded the mill expansion in return for a 35% interest in JV assets plus the right to process 7,000 tonnes of its ore per month. NJMC is the JV manager and retains a 65% interest in JV assets as well as the right to process its own ore at the rate of 3,000 tonnes per month and to allocate unused and excess capacity in its role as manager. The property covered by the JV agreement includes the crushing circuit, grinding circuit, gravity circuit, flotation circuit, CLP, buildings and surface rights only over the patented mill site claim. Unpatented mill site claims are also part of the JV.

Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

Mill Expansion and Crescent Ore Processing

The mill expansion was completed in 2012, rendering the mill capable of processing 360 tonnes of sulfide ore per day (a four-fold increase) to produce a single flotation concentrate. The expansion cost approximately $3.2 million, all of which was funded by UMS under terms of the JV (Ex. 10.1). The expansion project included the installation of a new cone crusher, a new fine ore bin, new conveyors, a new 2.4-meter by 4.0-meter ball mill, additional flotation cells, a new paste thickener, associated pumps, and a new building. Subsequent to the mill expansion, the New Jersey Mill processed 8,470 dry tonnes of silver ore from the Crescent Mine before operations ended.

In April 2014, Hale Capital Partners, through its subsidiary Crescent Silver LLC (“Crescent”), acquired the assets of UMS, including its stake in the New Jersey Mill JV, in a consensual foreclosure process. Therefore, Crescent is now the NJMC’s joint venture partner at the New Jersey Mill.

Mill Upgrades and Golden Chest Ore Processing

In September 2013, the Skookum Shoot portion of the Golden Chest Mine was leased to Juniper Resources LLC which, through its affiliate companies, developed a modern gold mine that reached full production in May 2015. NJMC processed Golden Chest ore at its New Jersey Mill, earning cash from milling fees and its share of a 2-percent net smelter return royalty on gold production.

Significant additional upgrades, including installation of a new gravity gold recovery circuit and a tune up of the crushing, grinding, flotation, and tailings circuits were completed in 2014 in anticipation of ore deliveries from the Golden Chest Mine. From December 2014 through September 2015, 40,840 dry tonnes from the Golden Chest Mine were successfully processed at the New Jersey Mill producing approximately 8,000 ounces of gold.

In addition to producing concentrates in 2015, NJMC leached approximately 10 tonnes of flotation concentrate, produced from Golden Chest ore, in the CLP at the New Jersey Mill. An improved leaching process that employs a Carbon-in-Leach finishing tank was tested, with objectives of reduced process time and increased gold recovery. Test results provided an understanding of which capital improvements to the leach circuit will be necessary to reach these objectives and also, as expected, confirmed that Golden Chest concentrates are amenable to leaching.

Current Ore Processing Operations

NJMC now has 100-percent ownership of the Golden Chest Mine. In October 2016, the Company resumed operations at the New Jersey Mill, processing ore extracted from open and underground of the Golden Chest. In 2019, the New Jersey Mill processed a record 52,170 tonnes at an average head grade of 3.26 gpt gold with 87% gold recovery.

The mill recycles process water and utilizes a paste tailings disposal process patented by NJMC founder Fred Brackebusch to minimize impacts to the environment. By implementing paste tailings processing methods, NJMC is able to recycle process water and prevent the discharge of process water to surface waters. At full capacity, this method saves more than 50 million gallons of water per year. NJMC was recognized as a “Pollution Prevention Champion” by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in 2014 for its efforts to reduce pollution at the mill.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a net capital cost of $4,194,805 associated with the New Jersey Mill.

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Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Prior to NJMC’s purchase of its stake in BHJV, the BHJV partners envisioned a 4 to 5-year mine life with estimated annual production of 30,000 to 35,000 ounces of gold. Mining was proposed to be conducted by cut and fill methods at a rate of 400 tons per day with a cut-off grade estimated at 4.8 gpt gold. Waste rock will be mixed with portland cement and placed underground as cemented rock backfill (CRF) in the mined ore zones to promote geotechnical stability. Preliminary metallurgical testwork indicates recoveries of approximately 85% of the contained gold in a flotation concentrate and 20% of the mass reporting to a rougher concentrate.

NJMC anticipates progress in regard to BHJV (not the mine or operations) this year and is cooperating with its partner to advance and or consolidate ownership in 2020. The partner maintains management control and all plans are subject to their approval and direction.

Present Condition of Plant & Equipment

Since 2009 Highland has invested nearly $40-million at Butte Highlands building a modern gold mine, including nearly 1.6 kilometers of underground mine development and construction of surface facilities, all of which are located on private lands owned by BHJV.

Geology & Mineralization

Gold mineralization at Butte Highlands is hosted primarily in lower Paleozoic Wolsey Shale with higher-grade mineralization occurring within sediments proximal to diorite sills and dikes. The project is within a favorable geologic domain that has hosted several multi-million-ounce gold deposits. There are currently no mineral reserves as defined by the SEC at Butte Highlands Project.

NEW JERSEY MINE PROJECT

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Geology & Mineralization

The New Jersey Mine area is underlain by argillites and quartzites of the Proterozoic-age Prichard Formation, which commonly hosts gold mineralization regionally. The property occurs adjacent to and north of the major Osburn Fault, an important geological structure of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. The Prichard Formation is divided into nine units of alternating argillites, siltites, and quartzites; the units exposed in the New Jersey Mine area appear to belong to the lower members. Gold mineralization is associated with sulfide-bearing quartz veins that cut the bedding in Prichard argillite and quartzite. Associated sulfides are pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, low-silver tennantite, galena, and sphalerite.

BUCKSKIN PROJECT

Property Location

The Buckskin Project is located 1.5 kilometers north of the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho. The property can be accessed via dirt roads from paved Forest Highway 9. The property is a gold exploration project without known reserves.

Property Ownership

The Buckskin Project is comprised of 12 patented mining claims covering 218 acres and 73 unpatented mining claims covering approximately 1,367 acres. The 218 acres of patented mining claims was acquired through an exploration and mining lease. The Buckskin Lease term runs for 7.5 years and includes annual payments of $12,000 and a 2-percent NSR on future production from the property. If the property is placed into production, the lease will continue as long as production is underway and also includes a right of first refusal for NJMC to purchase the property, and the lease payments are treated as an advance payment on the royalty. The unpatented lode claims adjacent to the core group of claims are wholly owned by the Company and not subject to a royalty. These claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.

Property History

The Buckskin property was mined intermittently for both gold and base metals in the early 20^th century with most of the mining completed in the 1930’s. The property contains numerous old workings, most of which are inaccessible. A mill was located on the property but historic production is unknown.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

In 2019, the Company conducted exploration efforts in the Buckskin area with trenching mapping/sampling, road building, reopening historic underground workings, and underground mapping/sampling. Evaluation of the sampling results is ongoing. The Company plans to reopen additional underground workings and conduct new trenching in 2020.

Geology & Mineralization

The bedrock geology at the Buckskin Project are largely quartzites of the Burke Formation and argillite-siltite of the Prichard Formation. A major structural feature is the Murray Peak Fault, a northerly trending, high-angle reverse fault. Historical prospects and adits are developed along northerly trending shear zones that are likely related to the Murray Peak Fault, that contain and silica flooded rock. Gold mineralization is found in quartz veins and is associated with sulfide minerals including pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena. Anomalous tungsten was also detected in assays.

BUTTE GULCH PROJECT

Property Location

The Butte Gulch Project is located 3 kilometers east of the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho. The project lies immediately adjacent to the east side of Golden Chest Mine. It is accessed by paved Forest Highway 9, then on secondary dirt roads. The property is an exploration property without known reserves.

Property Ownership

The Butte Gulch Project is comprised of 60 acres of both patented surface and mineral rights, 117 acres of patented mineral rights, and 602 acres of unpatented claims. The patented surface and mineral rights were purchased from a third party in mid-2018 and any lode production from the patented claims is subject to a 2% NSR. The patented claims where the Company only owns the lode mineral rights can be placer mined by the current owner who was the vendor of the property. NJMC holds a first right of refusal for the purchase of the surface rights not already owned by the Company. The unpatented lode claims are wholly owned by the Company and not subject to a royalty.

Property History

Butte Gulch has been placer mined by several different operations over the last century however; there are no gold production records from these historic placer mining efforts. There is evidence of historic lode prospecting in the form of surface pits and exploration adits on the property, but the Company is not aware of any modern exploration occurring on the property.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

The property is an exploration stage property adjacent to the Golden Chest Mine. The property vendor has retained the placer mining rights in the bottom of the drainage on the patented claims and conducted placer mining activity last year.

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NJMC has no affiliation or connection with the placer mining operation. Two historic adits have been reopened for mapping and sampling. Additionally, areas have been rock sampled where current placer operations have uncovered altered bedrock.

Geology & Mineralization

Outcrops in the Butte Gulch area are dominantly argillite, siltite and quartzite units that belong to the Prichard Formation. The hinge line of a major regional scale fold called the Trout Creek Anticline traverses the property. Both northwest and northeast trending quartz veins containing pyrite, galena and chalcopyrite have been identified with anomalous silver mineralization. More geologic fieldwork is planned for the upcoming season to explore for gold mineralization.

GIANT LEDGE

Property Location

The Giant Ledge Project is located six kilometers east of the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho. The project is situated in Granite Gulch and is accessed by paved Forest Highway 9 and secondary dirt roads. It is an exploration project without known ore reserves.

Property Ownership

The Company’s land position consists of 57 unpatented lode claims covering an area of 1,119 acres. The claim group includes 3 separate claim blocks; Giant Ledge, Porphyry and Bear. The unpatented lode claims are wholly owned by the Company and not subject to a royalty. These claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.

Property History

The Giant Ledge Project consists of several historical prospected areas with lead, copper and gold mineralization in and along the contact of the igneous intrusive. The Giant Ledge Mine was active in the 1920’s when a 122 meter deep shaft was sunk and about 450 meters of drift development was completed. A flotation mill was erected and a minor amount of undisclosed production was achieved. Bunker Hill Mining Company also examined and mapped the mine workings in the 1950’s. Sunshine Mining Company conducted exploration at the Giant Ledge in the mid-1980’s and drilled two core holes. In 2008, the Company obtained core from Sunshine’s drilling program, and it was re-logged and assayed. The best of the mineralization showed 4.6 meters of 0.908 gpt gold and 0.24% combined copper and lead. An extensive soil sampling program was completed in conjunction with a VLF and magnetometer survey.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

The property is an exploration stage property east of the Golden Chest Mine. Although no significant work was performed at Giant Ledge during the 2009-2019 period, the Company is preparing to resume exploration efforts in 2020.

Geology & Mineralization

The primary structural feature on the Giant Ledge property is the French Gulch fault. The fault contact extends through the property, separating monzonitic intrusive rocks on the west, from Prichard Formation argillite and quartzites on the east. Structurally controlled mineralization is found in both the argillite-quartzite sediments and in the monzonites. Seams and disseminations of auriferous pyrite, galena and chalcopyrite are found up to 10 meters into the footwall and hangingwall.

CROWN POINT PROJECT

Property Location

The Crown Point Project is located 3.5 kilometers west-southwest of the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho. The lower portion of the property can be accessed via Forest Highway 9 and the higher elevation part of the property is accessed seasonally via dirt roads. The property is a gold exploration project without known reserves.

Property Ownership

The Company’s land position consists of 24 unpatented claims covering an area of 362 acres. The unpatented lode claims are wholly owned by the Company and not subject to a royalty. These claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.

Property History

The Crown Point claims were staked in 2018 on the presumed southern extension of the Crown Point shear zone. There is evidence of historic lode prospecting in the form of surface pits on the property, but the Company is not aware of any modern exploration occurring on the property.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

The Company has completed some surface sampling on the unpatented claims, and has no plans for additional work in 2020.

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Geology & Mineralization

The Crown Point shear zone is a fault system that has been historically mapped between the Crown Point patented claim group and the patented Potosi claim group in the south. Host rocks at the property are siltites, argillites and quartzites of the Prichard Formation.

POTOSI

Property Location

The Potosi Project is located 4.4 kilometers southwest of the town of Murray in Shoshone County, Idaho. It is an exploration project without known ore reserves. The project is accessed by the paved Beaver Creek county road and other secondary dirt roads.

Property Ownership

NJMC acquired fee simple title to of 3 patented lode claims as part of the 2018 Butte Gulch land acquisition. The 3 patented claims cover a 71 acre area.

Property History

Potosi has been placer mined in several different operations over the last century however, there is no gold production records from these historic placer mining efforts. There is evidence of historic lode prospecting in the form of surface pits and exploration adits on the property, but the Company is not aware of any modern lode exploration occurring on the property.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Minor reclamation work, road improvements and timber harvesting was conducted in 2019, and minor trenching efforts are planned for 2020.

Geology & Mineralization

Host rocks at the property are siltites and argillites of the Prichard Formation. Geologic mapping suggests fault structures associated with the Crown Point Shear Zone may cross the property.

McKINLEY PROJECT

Property Location

The McKinley Property encompasses a number of historic prospects in central Idaho and extends, from the town of Riggins northward for nearly five miles. The property is an early-stage, gold exploration project accessed via public and private dirt roads off of US Highway 95.

Property Ownership

In 2013, NJMC acquired the McKinley Property through its acquisition of Idaho Champion Resources (“ICR”). The property is held by 28 unpatented claims and an agreement known as the Rupp Lease. The Rupp Lease consists of a mineral lease for 1,728 acres with an additional 1,518 acres of land with certain rights for access and surface disturbance. The 3,246 total acres held through the Rupp Lease requires an annual rental payment of $6,100. If an ore reserve of 250,000 ounces of gold is achieved within the Rupp Lease, there is a 1% NSR royalty on future production less recoupment of capital costs. The Company also holds 28 unpatented claims, totaling 560 acres, adjacent the 4 patented claims of the McKinley Mine and the lands of the Rupp Lease. These claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM. NJMC has dropped the mineral lease for the 4 patented claims where the historic McKinley Mine workings are located.

Property History

The McKinley Property is located in the Simpson Mining District and was first prospected in 1891. The property was subject to intermittent mining activity until it was shut down during WWII. The property remained largely dormant until Hunt Energy executed a sampling program in the late 1970’s and Kennecott Exploration completed a property evaluation in the early-1990s. In 2012, ICR started surface exploration of the property, including a ground magnetic survey, before the acquisition by NJMC in 2013.

ICR previously conducted ground magnetic survey over a large portion of the property, approximately 2.4 by 5.6 kilometers. The survey indicates that potentially major structures passing through the district are associated with some degree of demagnetization. It also appears to indicate the potential mineralization at the McKinley Mine along with several potential target areas, including historic mines and prospects that extend for several miles along the known trend.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

Surface mapping and sampling by NJMC identified two areas with significant gold mineralization in outcrop: the Monarch Zone, about one kilometer S-SW of the McKinley Mine, and along Fiddle Creek, which crosses the southern portion of the property. At the Monarch Zone, several samples returned high-grade gold with values up to 26 gpt. At Fiddle Creek, 10 of 20 samples exceeded 3 gpt gold with one sample exceeding 50 gpt gold. Both areas have had historic prospecting but no significant development and much of the ground between these prospects remains unexplored. More

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geologic fieldwork is planned for the upcoming season to explore for additional gold mineralization between the Monarch and Fiddle Creek zones.

Geology and Mineralization

The McKinley Project is located within the rocks of the Riggins and Seven Devils Groups of the Blue Mountains Island-Arc Complex. The metasediments of the accreted Riggins and Seven Devils Groups are considered to be the source of coarse gold found in the nearby historic placer operations. Mapping and geophysics both suggest major northerly trending fault structures cut these metasediments. Rock alteration consists of carbonization and silicification. Gold mineralization is associated with auriferous pyrite and quartz-carbonate veining.

EASTERN STAR PROJECT

Property Location

The Eastern Star property is located about four miles west of Elk City in central Idaho. It consists of 11 patented lode mining claims acquired by NJMC in 2014 and an additional 45 unpatented lode claims (413 acres) located in 2018. Eastern Star is an early-stage exploration project with no mineral reserves as recognized by the SEC. The property is accessible via improved dirt roads off of Idaho State Highway 14.

Property Ownership

NJMC acquired fee simple title to the 11 patented claims from Premium Exploration Inc. (“Premium”) for $250,817 in 2014. The Company also holds the 45 unpatented lode claims (413 acres) surrounding the core group of patented claims. All of the Eastern Star claims are wholly owned by the Company and not subject to a royalty. The unpatented claims require an annual claim fee payment to the BLM.

Property History

The Elk City Mining District is an historic gold mining region dating back to the 1860s that once supported more than 20 underground mines, including the Eastern Star, along with placer dredging operations. Modern exploration in the district by companies including Cypress-Amax, Kinross Gold, and Bema Gold has focused on near-surface bulk tonnage gold potential, while the many smaller-scale high-grade gold occurrences have largely been ignored.

In recent years, prior operator Premium collected grab samples from three separate locations, representing nearly one-half mile of mineralized trend. Of 25 grab samples, nine returned gold values greater than 16.9 gpt. Premium then drilled three core holes at Eastern Star, targeting a bulk mineable gold deposit.

Present Condition, Work Completed, and Exploration Plans

In 2014, The Company completed mapping, sampling and trenching programs. Company geologists identified several quartz veins that had been exploited by historic prospect pits and small shafts. Surface grab samples from these veins confirmed the widespread presence of high-grade gold within mineralized quartz vein material.

The Company performed an 880-meter trenching program. The channel samples intercepted notable gold mineralization including contiguous samples up to 10.4 meters of 2.25 gpt gold and 6.4 meters of 7.97 gpt gold (which included 4.3 meters of 11.34 gpt gold).

Although no significant work was performed at Eastern Star during the 2015-2018 period, the Company is preparing to resume exploration efforts in 2019. The Company’s exploration objective at Eastern Star is to evaluate its potential for high-grade gold-bearing quartz veins, similar to those that led to historic production and patenting of the mineral claims.

Geology & Mineralization

The Eastern Star property is underlain by extensively weathered, high grade metamorphic rocks such as biotite gneiss and schist, intruded by dikes and sills emanating from the Idaho Batholith. Two types of gold mineralization are present at the Eastern Star property. The first is the large, low-grade, bulk tonnage mineralization associated with the northerly trending Orogrande Shear Zone and the second is the easterly trending high-grade gold quartz veins.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had two citations for a violation of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially (S&S citation) contribute to the cause and affect a mine safety or health hazard under section 104 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. There were no legal actions, mining-related fatalities, or similar events in relation to the Company’s United States operations requiring disclosure pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

The Company's Common Stock currently trades on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Market under the symbol "NJMC" and the Canadian Stock Exchange (“CSE”).

Dividend Policy

The Company has not declared or paid cash dividends or made distributions in the past and the Company does not anticipate that it will pay cash dividends or make distributions in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain and reinvest future earnings, if any, to finance its operations.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is Nevada Agency Trust 50 West Liberty, Suite 880 Reno, Nevada 89501.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

No additional fees are paid for attendance at Board of Directors’ meetings, committee membership or committee chairmanship

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Occasionally, we pay for goods and services with restricted common stock. Our policy is to determine the fair value of the goods or services, and then issue the number of corresponding shares using an agreed upon price for our common stock that considers the bid/offer price as quoted by the OTC Market or the CSE Market.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

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

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Cash Costs and All In Sustaining Costs Reconciliation to GAAP-Reconciliation of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization (GAAP) to cash cost per ounce and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce (non-GAAP).

The table below presents reconciliations between the most comparable GAAP measure of cost of sales and other direct production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization to the non-GAAP measures of cash cost per ounce produced and all in sustaining costs per ounce produced for the Company’s gold production for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The cost per ounce calculations are based on ounces produced. Upon sale, the Company typically receives payment at an average rate of 91% of ounces produced after smelting and refining charges are deducted.

Cash cost per ounce is an important operating measure that we utilize to measure operating performance. AISC per ounce is an important measure that we utilize to assess net cash flow after costs for pre-development, exploration, reclamation, and sustaining capital. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of goods sold do not capture all of the expenditures incurred to discover, develop, and sustain gold production.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company has accumulated deficit at December 31, 2019 and incurred a consolidated net loss in 2019 of $726,507. The Company is currently producing from the open-pit and underground at the Golden Chest. During 2019, production generated cash flow from operations of $206,407 compared to cash flow used in operations of $1,415,135 in 2018. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates the trend to improve. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it has the ability to meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 12 months.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

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

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

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

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

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business

New Jersey Mining Company (“the Company”) was incorporated as an Idaho corporation on July 18, 1996. The Company's primary business is exploring for, developing, and extraction of gold, silver, and base metal mineral resources in the Greater Coeur d’Alene Mining District of North Idaho and extending into Western Montana. The Company is currently focused on mining and milling ore from the Golden Chest property. It is also evaluating new mineral investment and development opportunities in the western United States.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary, the New Jersey Mill Joint Venture (“NJMJV”). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The portion of NJMJV partially owned by other investors is presented as non-controlling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.

Accounting for Investments in Joint Ventures

For joint ventures where the Company holds more than 50% of the voting interest and has significant influence, the joint venture is consolidated with the presentation of non-controlling interest. In determining whether significant influence exists, the Company considers its participation in policy-making decisions and its representation on the venture’s management committee.

For joint ventures in which the Company does not have joint control or significant influence, the cost method is used. For those joint ventures in which there is joint control between the parties, the equity method is utilized whereby the Company’s share of the ventures’ earnings and losses is included in the statement of operations as earnings in joint ventures and its investments therein are adjusted by a similar amount. The Company periodically assesses its investments in joint ventures for impairment. If management determines that a decline in fair value is other than temporary it will write-down the investment and charge the impairment against operations.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s percentage ownership and method of accounting for each joint venture is as follows:

Non-controlling Interest

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Company’s stockholders’ equity and its net income (loss). Non-controlling interests represent non-controlling investor’s initial contribution at the date of the original acquisition, ongoing contributions, and percentage share of earnings since inception.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes for items such as depreciation lives and methods, potential impairment of long-lived assets, deferred income taxes, settlement pricing of gold sales, fair value of stock based compensation, estimation of asset retirement obligations and reclamation liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Gold Revenue Recognition and Receivables-Sales of gold sold directly to customers are recorded as revenues and receivables upon completion of the performance obligations and transfer of control of the product to the customer. For concentrate sales, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price can be reasonably estimated, and revenue is recognized generally at the time of shipment at estimated forward prices for the anticipated month of settlement. Due to the time elapsed from shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, prices at which sales of our concentrates will be settled are estimated. Previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer. For sales of dore’ and metals from doré, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer by the refiner.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Revenue Recognition, continued

Gold Revenue Recognition and Receivables, continued-Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges by the customer for treatment, refining, smelting losses, and other charges negotiated with the customers. Charges are estimated upon shipment of concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from estimates. Costs charged by customers include fixed costs per ton of concentrate and price escalators. Refining, selling and shipping costs related to sales of doré and metals from doré are recorded to cost of sales as incurred. See Note 13 for more information on our sales of products.

Other Revenue Recognition-Revenue from harvest of raw timber is recognized when the performance obligation under a contract and transfer of control have both been completed. Sales of timber found on the Company’s mineral properties are not a part of normal operations.

Inventories

Inventories include concentrate inventory and supplies inventory. Concentrate inventory is valued at the lower of full cost of production or estimated net realizable value based on current metal prices. Costs consist of mining, transportation, royalties, and milling costs including applicable overhead, depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to the operations. Costs are allocated based on the stage at which the ore is in the production process. Supplies inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under this method deferred income tax liabilities or assets are determined at the end of each period using the tax rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets if there is uncertainty regarding their realization.

Uncertain tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process, whereby (i) it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority would be recognized.

Fair Value Measurements

When required to measure assets or liabilities at fair value, the Company uses a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used. The Company determines the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall. The categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 uses significant other observable inputs, and Level 3 uses significant unobservable inputs. The amount of the total gains or losses for the period are included in earnings that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities that were valued at a fair value measurement other than its gold sales receivable. Due to the time elapsed from shipment to the customer and the final settlement with the customer, management must estimate the prices at which sales of gold concentrates will be settled. Previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement by the customer. See Note 13 for further information.

Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, reclamation bond, note receivable, notes payable to related parties, and notes payable approximate their fair values.

Concentration Sales

In 2018 and 2019, the Company has sold its gold flotation concentrate product to a concentrate broker, H&H Metals Corp, a related party (see Note 13). In 2019 and 2018 floatation concentrates accounted 96% and 91%, respectively, of all gold sales. The remaining 4% and 9% in 2019 and 2018, respectively, was dore’ sold to a third party.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net amount excluding net income (loss) attributable to a non-controlling interest by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants, and other convertible securities. For the year ended December 31, 2019, all outstanding stock options (5,262,500) and warrants (12,900,123) were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because they were anti-dilutive due to the net loss in that year. For the year ended December 31, 2018, stock options of 6,792,000 and warrants of 1,200,000 are included in the calculation of diluted income per share. Excluded from the 2018 diluted earnings per share calculation were 262,500 options and 12,900,123 warrants. These options and warrants were excluded because their exercise prices were greater than the average trading prices of the Company’s common stock for the respective period.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 financial statement presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on net income (loss), stockholders' equity, or cash flows as previously reported.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash in banks and other deposits with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are based on the estimated useful lives of the assets and are computed using straight-line or units-of-production methods. The expected useful lives of most of the Company’s buildings are up to 50 years and equipment life expectancy ranges between 2 and 10 years. When assets are retired or sold, the costs and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

Mineral Properties

Significant payments related to the acquisition of mineral properties, mineral rights, and mineral leases are capitalized. If a commercially mineable ore body is discovered, such costs are amortized when production begins using the units-of-production method based on estimated reserves. If no commercially mineable ore body is discovered, or such rights are otherwise determined to have no value, such costs are expensed in the period in which it is determined the property has no future economic value.

Consideration received by the Company pursuant to joint ventures or mineral interest agreements is applied against the carrying value of the related mineral interest. When and if payments received exceed the carrying value, the excess amount is recognized as a gain in the consolidated statement of operations in the period the consideration is received.

Mine Exploration and Development Costs

The Company expenses exploration costs as such in the period they occur. Mine development costs are capitalized as deferred development costs after proven and probable reserves have been identified. Amortization of deferred development costs is calculated using the units-of-production method over the expected life of the operation based on the estimated recoverable mineral ounces.

Pre-Development Activities

Pre-development activities involve cost incurred that may ultimately benefit production, such as underground ramp development, pumping, and open-pit development, which are expensed due to the lack of evidence of economic development, which is necessary to demonstrate future recoverability of these expenses. These costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Claim Fees

Unpatented claim fees paid at time of staking are expensed when incurred. Recurring renewal fees which are paid annually are recorded as other current assets and expensed over the course of the year.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Estimated undiscounted future net cash flows from each mineral property are calculated using estimated future production, three-year average metals prices, operating capital and costs, and reclamations costs. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated discounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset are less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows are subject to risks and uncertainties. It is reasonably possible that changes in estimates could occur which may affect the expected recoverability of the Company’s investments in mineral properties.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Asset Retirement Obligations and Remediation Costs

Mineral properties are subject to standards for mine reclamation that have been established by various governmental agencies. Asset retirement obligations are related to the retirement of the mine when a contractual obligation has been established and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. These obligations are initially measured at fair value with the resulting cost capitalized at the present value of estimated reclamation costs. An asset and a related liability are recorded for the fair value of these costs. The liability is accreted and the asset amortized over the life of the related asset. Adjustments are made for changes resulting from either the timing or amount of the original estimate underlying the obligation. If there is an impairment to an asset’s carrying value and a decision is made to permanently close the property, changes to the liability are recognized and charged to the provision for closed operations and environmental matters. Separate from asset retirement obligations, the Company records liability for remediation costs when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. Accrued remediation costs are not discounted.

Reclamation Bond

Various laws and permits require that financial assurances be in place for certain environmental and reclamation obligations and other potential liabilities. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a $103,320 reclamation bond for the Golden Chest Mine.

Stock Based Compensation

All transactions in which goods or services are received for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock or options to purchase shares of common stock are accounted for based on the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity interest issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The value of common stock awards is determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of the award. The Company estimates the fair value of stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes model, which requires the input of some subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected life”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term (“volatility”), the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of stock-based compensation.

Derivatives

The Company measures derivative contracts as assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivatives in each period are recorded in current earnings (losses). None of the Company’s derivative contracts qualify for hedge accounting. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Going Concern

The Company has accumulated deficit at December 31, 2019 and incurred a consolidated net loss in 2019 of $726,507. The Company is currently producing from the open-pit and underground at the Golden Chest. During 2019, production generated cash flow from operations of $206,407 compared to cash flow used in operations of $1,415,135 in 2018. Planned production for the next 18 months indicates the trend to improve. In prior years, the Company has been successful in raising required funds for ongoing operations from sale of its common stock or borrowing. Management believes it has the ability to meet its contractual obligations with continuing cash flows from operations, existing cash, and potential financings for the next 12 months.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Updates Adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). The update modified the classification criteria and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases. The update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the Company has no long-term operating leases.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The update involves simplification of several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions by expanding the scope of Topic 718 to include nonemployee awards. The update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued

Accounting Standards Updates to Become Effective in Future Periods

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update removes, modifies and makes additions to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of this update on the Company’s fair value measurement disclosures.

3. Inventories

At December 31, 2019, inventories consisted of $197,862 in concentrate inventory and $27,284 in supplies inventory. At December 31, 2018, inventories consisted of $137,530 in concentrate inventory and $45,539 in supplies inventory. At December 31, 2018, the Company recognized an expense of $19,874 due to writing down concentrate inventory to net realizable value.

4. Note Receivable

On June 6, 2018, the Company loaned $250,000 to West Materials, Inc. and William J. West (collectively “West”) which bore interest at 8% if the loan went into default and had a term of fifteen months. Five equal payments were due quarterly with the first two payments received in cash during 2018 and the remaining outstanding $150,000 received in 2019. The note receivable was collateralized by a mortgage on the Butte Gulch real property and a related net smelter royalty right.

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6. Mineral Properties

Mineral properties at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

New Jersey

The Coleman property is located at the New Jersey Mine area of interest and consists of 62 acres of patented mining claims, mineral rights to 108 acres of fee land, 80 acres of land for which the Company owns the surface but not the mineral rights, and approximately 130 acres of unpatented mining claims. The Coleman property was acquired in October 2002.

McKinley

The McKinley project is located near the town of Lucille, Idaho and encompasses three historic hard rock mines on private land in central Idaho. The Company started exploring the property in 2013. A prior lessee is due a 1% to 2% NSR sliding scale royalty on future production based on the price of gold capped at a total of $500,000. In the third quarter of 2019, a $50,000 non-refundable deposit was received from PM&G Company along with a letter of intent contemplating purchase of the McKinley project from the Company. The carrying value of the McKinley project was reduced by $50,000 in 2019 reflecting receipt of this payment. The transaction has not been completed as of the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements.

Golden Chest

The Golden Chest is an exploration and underground mine project located near Murray, Idaho consisting of 25 patented and 70 unpatented mining claims. A 2% Net Smelter Royalty is payable on production at the Golden Chest to a former joint venture partner. Royalty expense of $118,223 and $77,758 was recognized as costs of sales and other direct production costs in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Crown Point

On March 2, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with J-J Farms LLC and Achievement Holdings LLC (“Crown Point”) to lease a group of patented and unpatented mining claims. The initial payment was 1,333,333 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock valued at $0.175/share for a fair value of $233,333. An additional payment was made in September of 2018 for $100,000 in cash. Per the agreement, future payments for the mineral property were as follows:

1,333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock on September 30, 2019. 

Cash payments of $100,000 and $200,000 on September 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively. 

The Company made no payments under this agreement in 2019. In December of 2019, the Company abandoned the property and recognized a loss of $333,333.

Butte Potosi

In 2018, the Company purchased the Butte Potosi property near its Golden Chest mine for $250,440 and a 2% net smelter return on all ores mined and shipped from the property. The Company incurred an additional $24,000 to improve access to the property. This property consists of patented mining claims some of which include both the surface and mineral rights and some of which include only the mineral rights.

Toboggan

Toboggan was a gold and silver exploration project consisting of 106 claims covering 2,100 acres of federal land administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The Little Baldy prospect which was a part of the Toboggan project was under a 2011 lease agreement with Hecla Mining Company (“Hecla”). The lease had a 20-year term and called for annual payments to the Company of $10,000 through the fifth year, then escalating to $15,000 for three years, $20,000 for one year, and $48,000 thereafter. In 2018 which was the seventh year of the lease the Company sold property including the Little Baldy and Toboggan to Hecla for $3,000,000. This sale resulted in a net gain of $2,947,862 which was recognized in 2018.

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Notes Payable

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, notes payable are as follows:

All notes are collateralized by the property or equipment purchased in connection with each note. Future principal payments of debt at December 31, 2019 are as follows:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8. Asset Retirement Obligation

The Company has established asset retirement obligations associated with the ultimate closing of its mineral properties where there has been or currently is operations. Obligations were established for the New Jersey mill in 2014 and the Golden Chest mine in 2016. Activity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the obligations for the Golden Chest and New Jersey mill properties were revised in consideration of additional disturbance activity and timing of future reclamation. The estimated reclamation costs were discounted using credit adjusted, risk-free interest rate of 5.0% from the time the obligation was incurred to the time management expects to pay the retirement obligation.

9. Joint Venture Arrangements

New Jersey Mill Venture Agreement (“NJMJV”)

In January 2011, the Company and United Mine Services, Inc. (“UMS”) entered into a joint venture agreement relating to the New Jersey mineral processing plant. To earn a 35 percent interest in the venture, UMS provided $3.2 million funding to expand the processing plant to 15 tonnes/hr. The Company is the operator of the venture and charges operating costs to UMS for milling its ore up to 7,000 tonnes/month, retain a milling capacity of 3,000 tonnes/month, and as the operator of the venture receive a fee of $2.50/tonne milled. UMS subsequently dissolved and its interest in the mill was transferred to Crescent Silver, LLC (Crescent). As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, an account receivable existed with the Mill Joint Venture from Crescent for $2,410 and $2,051, respectively. To date, no ore has been processed under this joint venture arrangement.

Butte Highlands Joint Venture

On January 29, 2016, the Company purchased a 50% interest in Butte Highlands JV, LLC (“BHJV”) for a total consideration of $435,000. Highland Mining, LLC (“Highland”) is the other 50% owner and manager of the joint venture. Under the operating agreement, Highland will fund all future project exploration and mine development costs. The Agreement stipulates that Highland is manager of BHJV and will manage BHJV until such time as all mine development costs, less $2 million are distributed to Highland out of the proceeds from future mine production. The Company has determined that because it does not currently have significant influence over the joint venture’s activities, it will account for its investment on a cost basis.

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10. Income Taxes

The Company did not recognize a provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had net deferred tax assets principally arising from the net operating loss carryforward for income tax purposes multiplied by an expected blended federal and state tax rate of 27%. As management of the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance equal to 100% of the net deferred tax asset exists at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The significant components of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

At December 31, 2019 the Company had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $12,750,000 for both federal and state purposes, $11,100,000 of which expire between 2021 through 2037. The remaining balance of $1,650,000 will never expire but its utilization is limited to 80% of taxable income in any future year.

The income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 differ from the statutory rate of 21% as follows:

The Company is open to examination of our income tax filings in the United States and state jurisdictions for the 2017 through 2019 tax years. Tax attributes from years prior to that can be adjusted as a result of examinations. In the event that the Company is assessed penalties and or interest, penalties will be charged to other operating expense and interest will be charged to interest expense.

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11. Equity

The Company has authorized 200,000,000 shares of no par common stock at December 31, 2019 and 2018. In addition, the Company has authorized 1,000,000 shares of no par preferred stock, none of which had been issued at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

2019 Activity:

In the second quarter of 2019, 1,200,000 warrants were exercised in exchange for 398,575 shares of the Company’s common stock in a cashless warrant exercise. 

2018 Activity

On March 2, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with J-J Farms LLC and Achievement Holdings LLC (“Crown Point”) to lease a group of patented and unpatented mining claims. The initial payment was 1,333,333 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock valued at $0.175/share. Fair value was based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the date of the transaction. 

In the first and second quarters of 2018, the Company offered units for sale under a private placement. Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s stock and one half of one stock purchase warrant with each whole warrant exercisable for one share of the Company’s stock at $0.22 for 24 months. The Company sold 8,858,578 units for net proceeds of $1,107,571. 

In 2018, the Company issued 108,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock purchase options at $0.15 per share for $16,200 cash. 

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company offered units for sale under a private placement. The Company sold 750,000 units for net proceeds of $99,285. Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s stock and one half of one stock purchase warrant with each whole warrant exercisable for one share of the Company’s stock at CDN$0.25 for 48 months. These warrants were initially sold with an exercise price that was not in the Company’s functional currency of the U.S. dollar. The Company did not account for the warrants as derivatives at December 31, 2018 as it was not considered material to the consolidated financial statements. Subsequently, the Company amended the exercise price of the warrants to USD $0.18. 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 53,286 shares of its common stock valued at $9,059 for professional services. Fair value was based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the date of the transaction. 

Stock Purchase Warrants Outstanding

Transactions in common stock purchase warrants for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

These warrants expire as follows:

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11. Equity, continued

Stock Options

In April 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company established a stock option plan to authorize the granting of stock options to officers and employees. Upon exercise of the options shares are issued from the available authorized shares of the Company. Options reserved to any one related person on an annual basis may not upon exercise exceed 5% and the aggregate number of all options outstanding will not exceed 10% of the issued outstanding common shares as a whole calculated at that time.

In 2017, the Company granted a total of 662,500 options to consultants and employees of the Company. These options vested in 2018. The options had a fair value of $66,539 which was being recognized ratably over the vesting period. Compensation cost of $42,020 was recognized on these options in 2018. No additional options were granted in 2018 and there was no unrecognized compensation at December 31, 2018.

In June 2019, 2,100,000 stock options were granted to non-officer employees. These options vested immediately and are exercisable at $0.14 for 3 years. Total stock based compensation recognized on these options was $190,019. The weighted average fair value of stock option awards granted and the key assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model to calculate the fair value of the options are as follows:

Transactions in stock options for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

At December 31, 2019, the stock options have an intrinsic value of approximately $54,000 and have a weighted average remaining term of 1.62 years.

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New Jersey Mining Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12. Related Party Transactions

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had the following notes payable to related parties:

At December 31, 2019, $34,924 of related party debt is payable in 2020 and the remaining $181,750 is payable in 2021. Related party interest expense for the years ending December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $15,169 and $40,624, respectively. There is no accrued interest payable at December 31, 2019 or 2018 on these notes.

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company paid $9,000 and $40,500, respectively, to the Company’s previous chairman of the board, Del Steiner for consulting purposes. He retired in July 2019.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, gold sales receivable from H&H Metals, who owns 4% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, were $305,924 and $74,673, respectively. Concentrate sales to H&H Metals were $5,857,942 and $3,305,731, during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company leases office space from certain related parties on a month to month basis. Payments under these short-term lease arrangements totaled $24,000 and $23,375 for the year’s ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

13. Sales of Products

Our products consist of both gold floatation concentrates which we sell to a broker (H&H Metal), and an unrefined gold-silver product known as doré which we sell to a precious metal refinery. Revenue is recognized upon the completion of the performance obligations and transfer of control of the product to the customer, and the transaction price can be determined or reasonably estimated.

For gold flotation concentrate sales, the performance obligation is met when the transaction price can be reasonably estimated and revenue is recognized generally at the time when risk is transferred to H&H Metal based on contractual terms. Based on contractual terms, the Company has determined the performance obligation is met and title is transferred to H&H Metal when the Company receives its first provisional payment on the concentrate because, at that time, 1) legal title is transferred to the customer, 2) the customer has accepted the concentrate lot and obtained the ability to realize all of the benefits from the product, 3) the concentrate content specifications are known, have been communicated to H&H Metal, and H&H Metal has the significant risks and rewards of ownership to it, 4) it is very unlikely a concentrate will be rejected by H&H Metal upon physical receipt, and 5) we have the right to payment for the concentrate. Concentrates lots that have been sold are held at our mill up to 60 days, until H&H Metal provides shipping instructions.

Our concentrate sales sometimes involve variable consideration, as they can be subject to changes in metals prices between the time of shipment and their final settlement. However, we are able to reasonably estimate the transaction price for the concentrate sales at the time of shipment using forward prices for the estimated month of settlement, and previously recorded sales and accounts receivable are adjusted to estimated settlement metals prices until final settlement for financial reporting purposes. The embedded derivative contained in our concentrate sales is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period prior to final settlement. It is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue for any one concentrate lot will occur. As such, we use the expected value method to price the concentrate until the final settlement date occurs, at which time the final transaction price is known. At December 31, 2019, metals that had been sold but not final settled thus exposed to future price changes totaled 1,544 ounces of gold. The Company has received provisional payments on the sale of these ounces with the remaining amount due reflected in gold sales receivable.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

13. Sales of Products, continued

Sales and accounts receivable for concentrate shipments are recorded net of charges for treatment and other charges negotiated by us with H&H Metal, which represent components of the transaction price. Charges are estimated by us upon transfer of risk of the concentrates based on contractual terms, and actual charges typically do not vary materially from our estimates. Costs charged by the customer include fixed treatment, refining and costs per ton of concentrate and may include penalty charges for lead and zinc content above a negotiated baseline as well as excessive moisture.

For sales of doré and of metals from doré, the performance obligation is met, the transaction price is known, and revenue is recognized at the time of transfer of control of the agreed-upon metal quantities to the customer.

Sales of products by metal for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

Sales by significant product type for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, our gold sales receivable balance related to contracts with customers of $305,924 and $74,673, respectively, consist only of amounts due from H&H Metal. There is no allowance for doubtful accounts. We have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. For doré sales, payment is received at the time the performance obligation is satisfied. Consideration for concentrate sales is variable, and we receive payment for a significant portion of the estimated value of concentrate parcels at the time the performance obligation is satisfied.

14. Forward Gold Contracts

Prior to 2018, the Company entered into some forward gold contracts which called for the Company to deliver ounces of gold. Under the terms of the contracts, the gold to be delivered did not need to be produced from the Golden Chest property. In addition, the counterparties could request cash payment instead of gold ounces for each quarterly payment. The cash payments were based on average gold prices for the applicable quarter. The contracts were accounted for as derivatives requiring their value to be adjusted to fair value each period end.

One of the forward gold contracts was with Ophir Holdings LLC, (“Ophir”) a company owned by three of the Company’s officers at the time of the transaction. On January 1, 2018, Ophir agreed to convert their Forward Gold Contract which at that time had an outstanding balance of 419.5 ounces with a fair value of $492,784 to a conventional debt structure at 6% interest (see Note 12).

The change in balance for the forward gold contracts for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

The final gold ounces due under these contracts were delivered in September 2018.

15. Subsequent Events

In February 2020, the Company completed a land acquisition of approximately 368 acres of patented mining claims for $751,000. The claims are situated one mile west of its Golden Chest Mine. Funding for this acquisition was obtained through the issue of convertible promissory notes. The notes bear interest at an annual rate of 8.0% for a term of three years and the principal amount is convertible at the option of the debtors for the Company’s common shares at $0.18 per share prior to the notes maturity.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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Robert Morgan has served as the Vice President Exploration of the Company since January 2018. Mr. Morgan has over 22 years of exploration experience, including 20 years focused on gold exploration, of which 12 years were in Northern Idaho and Montana. Mr. Morgan has worked for some of the world's leading gold exploration and mining companies including Newmont and ASARCO throughout the western United States, Alaska and South America. He is practiced in designing, implementing and managing large exploration programs for gold, silver, base metals and rare earth elements. His technical work has included geologic mapping, logging of drill holes, compilation and interpretation of multiple data sets for target identification. Mr. Morgan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from California State University at Chico. He has an extensive environmental background with emphasis on wetlands and water management. Mr. Morgan is a registered professional geologist with the State of Idaho and Professional Land Surveyor registered with the State of Montana.

Monique Hayes was appointed Corporate Secretary in November 2016. She has over 10 years of investor relations corporate governance experience in the mining industry and over 10 years of communications and brand management experience. Prior to joining New Jersey Mining Company, Ms. Hayes worked for Hecla Mining Company, Revett Mining Company and Sterling Mining. Her advertising and communications experience includes working for Publicis Dialog Direct and WhiteRunkle Associates where she worked with national accounts including AT&T Wireless, Bell Atlantic and NordicTrack. Ms. Hayes attended City University where she studied business management, brand strategy and communications.

Legal Proceedings

No Director or Officer has been involved in any legal action involving the Company for the past five years.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Board Nomination Procedures

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.

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Compensation of Officers

A summary of cash and other compensation for John Swallow, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, Delbert Steiner, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board Grant Brackebusch, the Company’s Vice President, and Robert Morgan, the Company’s Vice President (the “Named Executive Officers”), for the two most recent years is as follows:

Executive Officer Summary Compensation Table

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

(1) Based upon 123,812,144 outstanding shares of common stock 10,762,623 warrants, and 9,929,167 vested options at March 1, 2020.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Director Independence

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS

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SIGNATURES

New Jersey Mining Company