Q2 2024 Financial Results

Toronto, Ontario, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

(“Amaroq” or the “Corporation” or the “Company”)

Q2 2024 Financial Results

TORONTO, ONTARIO – 14 August 2024 – Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM, TSXV, NASDAQ Iceland: AMRQ), an independent mine development company with a substantial land package of gold and strategic mineral assets in Southern Greenland, presents its Q2 2024 financials. A conference call for analysts and investors will be held today at 14:00 BST (13:00 GMT, 09:00 EST), details of which can be found further down in this announcement. All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq, commented:

“Progress at Nalunaq is advancing smoothly, and we remain on track to achieve first gold production later this year. The completion of the main building works marks a significant milestone, and we are now focused on installing the key components of the processing plant. A standout achievement this quarter was receiving approval from the Greenlandic Government for our Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. Upholding the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility is fundamental to our mission as we bring Nalunaq into production.

“Our exploration efforts across our gold and strategic minerals targets are also progressing well. At Nalunaq, the Target Block resource expansion program is underway, with drill crews now fully mobilized on-site. At Stendalen, we have successfully completed the camp construction, and drilling operations have begun, informed by promising results from recently completed ground geophysics.

“Additionally, we are pleased to announce a significant post-period development: the successful arrangement of a substantial increase and extension of our debt financing package with Landsbankinn. This new arrangement simplifies the structure of the facility while securing more favorable rates.”

Q2 2024 Corporate Highlights

  • Amaroq group liquidity of $62.2 million consisting of cash balances, undrawn revolving credit facilities, undrawn revolving credit overrun facility less trade payables ($96.3 million as of March 31, 2024).
  • Gold business working capital before convertible note liability of $50.5 million that includes prepaid contractors on the Nalunaq project of $19.6 million as of June 30, 2024 ($78.2 million that includes prepaid contractors on the Nalunaq project of $17.5 million as of March 31, 2024)
  • The Gardaq Joint Venture that comprises the Strategic Minerals business has available liquidity of $13.5 million as of June 30, 2024 ($17 million as of March 31, 2023).
  • Amaroq continues to develop opportunities in Servicing and Hydro to enhance local procurement options and support the transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Post-Period Highlights

  • In July 2024, the Company agreed heads of terms, subject to final documentation, with Landsbankinn for US$35 million in three Revolving Credit Facilities, securing a substantial increase and extension to its current debt facilities.
  • On 6 August 2024, Ellert Arnarson joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Q2 2024 Operational Highlights

  • Permitting: The Government of Greenland approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the Nalunaq project in June 2024. The Company is now working with stakeholders on the Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA), which it aims to have in place by the end of the year.
  • Contracting and Procurement: Procurement of all key contract packages is 92% complete. Contracts for the flotation recovery and dry stack tailings sections (“phase two”) building and equipment has commenced and will be completed by the end of Q3 2024. The remaining contracts are also expected to be concluded in Q3 2024.
  • Engineering: Process plant detail design and engineering for phase one was 96% complete at the end of Q2, with all packages issued to the market. Engineering for phase two of the process plant building has commenced and will be completed by the end of Q3 2024.
  • Construction: Plant pad earthworks and civil construction was 100% complete. The plant building structural steel is 100% complete and cladding is 94% complete. Mechanical installation of the crushing circuit is 68% complete and installation of the civil foundations for the retaining walls, stockpile reclaimer and stacker conveyor have commenced. The TMM and light vehicle workshop construction is complete and electrical installation was 78% complete. Foundations for the new accommodation unit were 25% complete. Overall process plant construction is 56% complete.
  • Mining: Mine Development has progressed as new equipment has arrived to site, including two new ST7 scoops and one new Jumbo drill. The ramp has been completed to 732 m and the first ore round was blasted on June 30th. Amaroq has continued the sump development which is 75% complete. Both Mine Arc refuge stations have been commissioned. The leaky feeder communication system was installed from 300 to the 720 ml. Construction of the underground main heating system on 300ml portal has commenced. The exhaust raise fans for Target Block have been commissioned in preparation for the development of the exploration drift as drilling is planned to commence in September.
  • Nalunaq Exploration: All additional 75 vein sampling from historical core housed at Nalunaq has been completed and submitted to ALS for assaying. Drill crews and equipment for surface exploration drilling targeting expanded mineralization at the Target Block, have been mobilised to site.
  • Strategic Minerals: Amaroq has mobilised three drill rigs and a semi-permanent 40 person camp in order to enact an expanded drilling programme at Stendalen, which has now commenced.

Nalunaq Project KPIs

  • 103,680 total hours worked during Q2 2024
  • Daily average of 96 people working on site at Nalunaq in Q2 2024
  • Ratio of Greenlandic personnel at Nalunaq was 51% in Q2 2024

Outlook

  • Activities at Nalunaq remain on track to deliver first gold in Q4 2024. An additional accommodation wing is due to be added in Q3 2024 to accommodate up to 120 people on site.
  • The Ni-Cu exploration programme continues at the Stendalen copper-nickel discovery with an expanded drilling programme targeting the sulphide zone.

Exploration activities overview

Gold projects:

  • Nalunaq
    • All additional 75 vein sampling from historical core housed at Nalunaq has been completed and submitted to ALS for assaying.
    • Drill crews and equipment for surface exploration drilling to enlarge the mineralised zone at the Target Block have mobilised to site.
    • Following completion of the underground rehabilitation, exploration will now be conducted from underground as well as surface. The 2024 exploration programme aims to provide additional information and data on the Mountain Block and Target Block extensions to the Main Vein as well as assessing continuity and form of the 75 Vein. Underground drilling locations have been designed and a rig is to be mobilised for operations in Q4 2024.
  • Vagar and Surrounding Areas
    • Amaroq intends to continue its target generation programmes in the regions near to Nalunaq and Vagar licences.

Strategic Minerals:

  • Sava Copper Belt (Sava/North Sava)
    • Geological field team have commenced a programme of mapping and sampling across the copper belt area assessing both potential porphyry and magmatic Cu-Ni targets.
    • Following the identification of a copper/molybdenum porphyry system at Target West, the Company intends to continue additional porphyry target generation across the Sava and North Sava licences as well as regionally across the Copper Belt targeting areas that hold the greatest potential to host porphyry related systems.
    • Further assessment of the prospectivity of the epithermal copper/gold mineralisation at Target North is also planned.
  • Stendalen
    • Following the new Copper-Nickel discovery made at Stendalen, Amaroq has mobilised three drill rigs and a semi-permanent camp to site to facilitate an expanded drilling programme.
    • Following the successful completion of a ground geophysics programme, a more robust conductive target within the interpreted Feeder Zone has been defined which will be the focus of the 2024 drilling programme, which commenced post-period in August.
    • In addition, the Company has commenced planning for a downhole geophysics programme to provide further confidence to the overall extend and geometry of the intrusion and associated sulphide mineralisation.
    • Leveraging off the data from this discovery, ground studies will also assess the potential for further target areas regionally.
  • Kobberminebugt
    • Amaroq continues to review the results of the detailed geophysical programme conducted over the Kobberminebugt licence in 2023. Specific geophysical targets will be interpreted, and target generation activities will take place during Summer 2024.
  • Nunarsuit
    • Geophysical data collected during 2023 is currently being fully assessed and Amaroq aims to conduct a targeted field programme on the licence during Summer of 2024. Initial targets will include specific geophysical anomalies as well as outcropping niobium bearing pegmatites.

Details of conference call

A conference call for analysts and investors will be held today at 14:00 BST (13:00 GMT, 09:00 EST), including a management presentation and Q&A session.

To join the meeting, please register at the below link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vcw3xLPxTP2xvokJBtfQVQ

Amaroq Financial Results

The following selected financial data is extracted from the Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Financial Results

 

Six months ended June 30

 

2024
$

2023
$

Exploration and evaluation expenses

(748,040)

(3,459,846)

Site development costs

(1,825,564)

General and administrative

(8,294,917)

(5,383,216)

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

31,340,880

Share of 6-months loss of an equity-accounted joint arrangement

(1,909,817)

(1,639,482)

Unrealized gain on derivative liability

5,291,615

Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income

(3,988,193)

19,980,808

Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share

(0.013)

0.07

Financial Position

 

As at June 30

As at March 31

 

2024
$

2024
$

Cash on hand

31,663,204

65,086,851

Total assets

177,950,773

179,887,713

Total current liabilities (before convertible notes liability)

8,490,107

7,371,146

Total current liabilities (including convertible notes liability)

41,932,965

48,922,487

Shareholders’ equity

135,365,745

130,283,503

Working capital-gold business (before convertible notes liability)

50,534,953

78,210,475

Working capital-gold business (after convertible notes liability)

17,092,095

36,659,134

Gold business liquidity (excludes $17.0 and $18.7M ring-fenced for strategic mineral exploration as of March 31, 2024 and Dec 31, 2023)

62,153,117

96,303,850

Conditional Awards under RSU Plan

Amaroq further announces that it made a conditional award (the “Award”) under the Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “RSU Plan”) to the Chief Financial Officer Ellert Arnarson whose appointment became effective on 06 August 2024. The Award consists of a conditional right to receive value if the future performance targets, applicable to the Award, are met. Any value to which the participant is eligible in respect of the Award will be granted as Restricted Share Units (each an “RSU”), with each RSU entitling the participant to receive common shares in the Company. Each RSU will be granted under, and governed in accordance with, the rules of the Company’s Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “RSU Plan”) available on the Company’s website at https://www.amaroqminerals.com/about/corporate-governance/
The details of the Award are as follows:

  • Initial price: share price on the date of appointment being C$1.04;
  • Hurdle rate: 10% p.a. above the Initial Price;
  • Pool: value equal to 10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate;
  • Individual allocation: 12% of the pool;
  • Measurement date: 31 December 2025, a single measurement date based on the 3 months average share price;
  • RSU Grant date: Q1 2026;
  • Vesting: 100% vests Q1 2027.

PDMR Dealing Notification Form of provided in accordance with Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 can be found below.

******************

DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM
FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY
AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS

1.

Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated

a)

Name:

Ellert Arnarson

2.

Reason for the notification

a)

Position/status:

Chief Financial Officer

b)

Initial notification/Amendment

Initial notification

3.

Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor

a)

Name

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.

b)

LEI:

213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70

4.

Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted

a)

Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument:

Identification code:

Restricted Share Units (“RSU”), with each RSU entitling the participant to receive common shares in the Company

b)

Nature of the transaction:

Award under Restricted Share Unit Plan

c)

Price(s) and volume(s):

Price(s)                        Volume(s)
     Nil                                  12% of the Total Pool

d)

Aggregated information:

  • Aggregated volume:
  • Average price:

    n/a

e)

Date of the transaction(s):

August 14, 2024

f)

Place of the transaction

XOFF

Enquiries:

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. 
Eldur Olafsson, Executive Director and CEO
[email protected] 

Eddie Wyvill, Corporate Development
+44 (0)7713 126727
[email protected]

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Callum Stewart
Varun Talwar
Simon Mensley
Ashton Clanfield
+44 (0) 20 7710 7600 

Panmure Liberum (UK) Limited (Joint Broker)
Scott Mathieson
Kieron Hodgson
+44 (0) 20 7886 2500

Camarco (Financial PR)
Billy Clegg
Elfie Kent
Fergus Young
+44 (0) 20 3757 4980 

For Company updates:
Follow @Amaroq_minerals on X (Formerly known as Twitter)
Follow Amaroq Minerals Inc. on LinkedIn

Further Information: 

About Amaroq Minerals 

Amaroq Minerals’ principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in South Greenland. The Company’s principal asset is a 100% interest in the past producing Nalunaq Gold mine which is due to go into production towards the end of 2024. The Company has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region as well as advanced exploration projects at Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt exploring for Strategic metals such as Copper, Nickel, Rare Earths and other minerals. Amaroq Minerals is continued under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Glossary

Ag

silver

Au

gold

Bt

Billion tonnes

Cu

copper

g

grams

g/t

grams per tonne

km

kilometers

Koz

thousand ounces

m

meters

Mo

molybdenum

MRE

Mineral Resource Estimate

MT

Magnetotelluric data

Nb

niobium

Ni

nickel

oz

ounces

REE

Rare Earth Elements

t

tonnes

Ti

Titanium

t/m3

tonne per cubic meter

U

uranium

USD/ozAu

US Dollar per ounce of gold

V

Vanadium

Zn

zinc

Inside Information

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on Market Abuse (“UK MAR”), as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on Market Abuse (“EU MAR”).

Qualified Person Statement

The technical information presented in this press release has been approved by James Gilbertson CGeol, VP Exploration for Amaroq Minerals and a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London, and as such a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024

The attached financial statements have been prepared by Management of Amaroq Minerals Ltd. and have not been reviewed by the auditor

       
   

As at
June 30,

As at
December 31,

 

Notes

2024

2023

   

$

$

ASSETS

     

Current assets

     

Cash

 

31,663,204

21,014,633

Sales tax receivable

 

199,790

69,756

Prepaid expenses and others

 

19,593,779

18,681,568

Inventory

 

7,768,077

680,358

Total current assets

 

59,224,850

40,446,315

Non-current assets

     

Deposit

 

177,944

27,944

Escrow account for environmental rehabilitation

 

5,716,288

598,939

Financial Asset – Related Party

3,13

4,975,422

3,521,938

Investment in equity accounted joint arrangement

3

21,582,994

23,492,811

Mineral properties

4

48,683

48,821

Right of use asset

7

682,555

574,856

Capital assets

5

85,542,037

38,241,559

Total non-current assets

 

118,725,923

66,506,868

TOTAL ASSETS

 

177,950,773

106,953,183

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

     

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

8,375,316

6,273,979

Convertible notes

6

33,442,858

35,743,127

Lease liabilities – current portion

7

114,791

80,206

Total current liabilities

 

41,932,965

42,097,312

Non-current liabilities

     

Lease liabilities

7

652,063

577,234

Total non-current liabilities

 

652,063

577,234

Total liabilities

 

42,585,028

42,674,546

Equity

     

Capital stock

8

207,202,359

132,117,971

Contributed surplus

 

6,716,481

6,725,568

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(36,772)

(36,772)

Deficit

 

(78,516,323)

(74,528,130)

Total equity

 

135,365,745

64,278,637

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

177,950,773

106,953,183

       

Subsequent events

16

   

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

   

Three months
ended June 30,

Six months
ended June 30,

 

Notes

2024

2023

2024

2023

   

$

$

$

$

           

Expenses

         

Exploration and evaluation expenses

10

127,173

(2,278,193)

(748,040)

(3,459,846)

Site development costs

 

(1,825,564)

(1,825,564)

General and administrative

11

(4,335,691)

(2,806,181)

(8,294,917)

(5,383,216)

Gain (loss) on disposal of capital assets

 

(37,791)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

514,521

(171,828)

435,012

25,175

Operating gain (loss)

 

(3,693,997)

(7,081,766)

(8,607,945)

(10,681,242)

Other income (expenses)

         

Interest income

 

25,866

240,268

41,192

471,588

Gardaq management income and allocated cost

 

578,568

506,640

1,214,894

506,640

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

31,340,880

31,340,880

Share of net loss of joint arrangement

3

(1,263,385)

(1,639,482)

(1,909,817)

(1,639,482)

Unrealized gain on derivative liability

6

9,591,828

5,291,615

Finance costs

12

(9,558)

(8,839)

(18,132)

(17,576)

           

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

5,229,322

23,357,701

(3,988,193)

19,980,808

           
           
           
           

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

 

326,825,939

263,281,297

308,700,211

263,242,536

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

 

364,748,474

273,398,692

308,700,211

273,359,931

Basic earnings (loss) per share

14

0.016

0.09

(0.013)

0.08

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

14

0.014

0.09

(0.013)

0.07

Effect of dilution

 

0.002

0.01

Share options

 

7,261,353

10,117,395

7,261,353

10,117,395

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

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited, in Canadian Dollars)

 

Notes

Number of common shares outstanding

Capital Stock

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive
loss

Deficit

Total Equity

     

$

$

$

$

$

Balance at January 1, 2023

 

263,073,022

131,708,387

5,250,865

   (36,772)

(73,694,617)

    63,227,863

Net income and comprehensive income

 

19,980,808

19,980,808

Options exercised, net

 

208,275

128,758

(150,000)

(21,242)

Stock-based compensation

9

902,028

902,028

Balance at June 30, 2023

 

263,281,297

131,837,145

6,002,893

(36,772)

(53,713,809)

84,089,457

               

Balance at January 1, 2024

 

263,670,051

132,117,971

6,725,568

(36,772)

(74,528,130)

64,278,637

Net loss and comprehensive loss

 

   

(3,988,193)   

(3,988,193)

Shares issued under a fundraising

8

62,724,758

75,574,600

 

 

75,574,600

Shares issuance costs

8

(1,218,285)

 

 

(1,218,285)

Options exercised – net

 

1,023,918

728,073

(745,500)

 

(17,427)

Stock-based compensation

9

736,413

 

736,413

Balance at June 30, 2024

 

327,418,727

207,202,359

6,716,481

(36,772)

(78,516,323)

135,365,745

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

     
 

Notes

Six months ended June 30,

   

2024

2023

   

$

$

Operating activities

     

Net (loss) income for the period

 

(3,988,193)

19,980,808

Adjustments for:

     

Depreciation

5

347,881

352,763

Amortisation of ROU asset

7

53,340

39,774

Stock-based compensation

9

736,413

902,028

Gain on loss of control of subsidiary

3

(31,340,880)

Unrealized loss on derivative liability

6

(5,291,615)

Loss on disposal of capital assets

 

37,791

Share of net losses of joint arrangement

3

1,909,817

1,639,482

Gardaq management income and allocated cost

3,13

(1,214,894)

(506,640)

Interest income

 

(41,192)

(471,588)

Other expenses

 

(17,427)

Foreign exchange

 

(667,577)

(47,985)

Finance costs

 

18,132

17,576

   

(8,155,315)

(9,396,871)

Changes in non-cash working capital items:

     

Sales tax receivable

 

(130,033)

17,004

Due from related party

3,13

(175,663)

(1,712,863)

Prepaid expenses and others

 

(8,015,367)

(1,580,751)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

2,100,537

1,734,337

   

(6,220,526)

(1,542,273)

Cash flow used in operating activities

 

(14,375,841)

(10,939,144)

Investing activities

     

Transfer to escrow account for environmental rehabilitation

 

(5,066,193)

Construction in progress and acquisition of capital assets

5

(45,078,383)

Prepayment for acquisition of ROU asset

 

(5,825)

Deposit

 

(150,000)

Cash flow used in investing activities

 

(50,300,401)

Financing activities

     

Proceeds from issuance of shares

8

75,574,600

Shares issuance costs

8

(1,218,285)

Lease payments

7

(63,932)

(53,173)

Interest received

 

41,192

471,588

Cash flow from financing activities

 

74,333,575    

418,415

Net change in cash before effects of exchange rate changes on cash during the period

 

9,657,333

(10,520,729)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

 

991,238    

53,012

Net change in cash during the period

 

10,648,571

(10,467,717)

Cash, beginning of period

 

21,014,633

50,137,569

Cash, end of period

 

31,663,204

39,669,852

Supplemental cash flow information

     

Borrowing costs capitalised to capital assets (note 5)

 

2,569,838

ROU assets acquired through lease

 

155,214

Options exercised

 

728,073

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

  1.    NATURE OF OPERATIONS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (the “Corporation”) was incorporated on February 22, 2017, under the Canada Business Corporations Act. As of June 19, 2024, the Corporation completed its continuance from the Canada Business Corporations Act into the Province of Ontario under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Corporation’s head office is situated at 100 King Street West, Suite 3400, First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4, Canada. The Corporation operates in one industry segment, being the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. It owns interests in properties located in Greenland. The Corporation’s financial year ends on December 31. Since July 2017, the Corporation’s shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX-V”). Since July 2020, the Corporation’s shares are also listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (“AIM”) and from November 1, 2022, on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Iceland which were transferred on September 21, 2023 on Nasdaq Main Market Iceland (“Nasdaq”) under the AMRQ ticker.

These unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Financial Statements”) were approved by the Board of Directors on August 14, 2024.

1.1    Basis of presentation and consolidation

The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Corporation and those of its 100% owned subsidiary Nalunaq A/S, company incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act. The Financial Statements also include the Corporation’s 51% equity share of Gardaq A/S, a joint venture with GCAM LP (Note 3).

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) including International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The accounting policies, methods of computation and presentation applied in these Financial Statements are consistent with those of the previous financial year ended December 31, 2023.

  2.    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS

The preparation of the Financial Statements requires Management to make judgments and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, Management evaluates its judgments in relation to assets, liabilities and expenses. Management uses past experience and various other factors it believes to be reasonable under the given circumstances as the basis for its judgments. Actual outcomes may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

In preparing the Financial Statements, the significant judgements made by Management in applying the Corporation accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the Corporation’s audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

3.        INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE OR JOINT VENTURE CORPORATION

 

   As at
    June 30,
2024

As at
    June 30,
2023

 

$

$

Balance at beginning of period

23,492,811

        Original investment in Gardaq ApS

7,422

        Transfer of non-gold strategic minerals licences at cost

36,896

        Investment at conversion of Gardaq ApS to Gardaq A/S

55,344

        Gain on FV recognition of equity accounted investment in joint venture

31,285,536

        Share of joint venture’s net losses for six months ended June30

(1,909,817)    

(1,639,482)

Balance at end of period

21,582,994    

29,745,716

        Original investment in Gardaq ApS

7,422

7,422

        Transfer of non-gold strategic minerals licences at cost

36,896

36,896

        Investment at conversion of Gardaq ApS to Gardaq A/S

55,344

55,344

        Gain on FV recognition of equity accounted investment in joint venture

31,285,536

31,285,536

        Investment retained at fair value- 51% share

31,385,198

31,385,198

Share of joint venture’s cumulative net losses

(9,802,204)

(1,639,482)

Balance at end of period

21,582,994

29,745,716

The following tables summarize the unaudited financial information of Gardaq A/S.

 

As at
   June 30,
2024

As at
   June 30,
2023

 

$

$

Cash and cash equivalent

13,483,026

29,337,924

Prepaid expenses and other

2,741,424

64,645

Total current assets

16,224,450

29,402,569

Mineral property

117,576

92,240

Total assets

16,342,026

29,494,809

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

339,675

243,939

Financial liability – related party

4,975,422

2,218,604

Total liabilities

5,315,097

2,462,543

Capital stock

30,246,937

30,246,937

Deficit

(19,220,008)

(3,214,671)

Total equity

11,026,929

27,032,266

Total liabilities and equity

16,342,026

29,494,809

3.        INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE OR JOINT VENTURE CORPORATION (CONT’d)

 

As at
    June 30,
2024

As at
    June 30,
2023

 

$

$

Exploration and Evaluation expenses

2,799,464

2,751,253

Interest expense (income)

(4,640)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

(369,405)

(43,222)

Operating loss

2,425,419

2,708,031

Other expenses

1,319,319

506,640

Net loss and comprehensive loss

3,744,738

3,214,671

3.1 Financial Asset – Related Party

Subject to a Subscription and Shareholder Agreement dated 13 April 2023, the Corporation undertakes to subscribe to two ordinary shares in Gardaq (the “Amaroq shares”) at a subscription price of GBP 5,000,000 no later than 10 business days after the third anniversary of the completion of the subscription agreement.

Amaroq’s subscription will be completed by the conversion of Gardaq’s related party balance into equity shares. Gardaq’s related party payable balance consists of overhead, management, general and administrative expenses payable to the Corporation. In the event that the related party payable balance is less than GBP 5,000,000, the Corporation shall, no later than 10 business days after the third anniversary of Completion:

(a)   subscribe to one Amaroq share by conversion of the amount payable to the Corporation,
(b)   subscribe to one Amaroq share at a subscription price equal to GBP 5,000,000 less the amount payable to the Corporation

In the event that the amount payable to the Corporation exceeds GBP 5,000,000, the Corporation shall subscribe to the Amaroq shares at a subscription price equal to GBP 5,000,000 by conversion of GBP 5,000,000 of the amount due from Gardaq. Gardaq shall not be liable to repay any of the balance payable to the Corporation that exceeds GBP 5,000,000 (equivalent to CAD 8,647,100 as at 30 June 2024). See note 13.1.

During the six-month period ended 30 June 2024, the Corporation determined that the financial asset should be reclassified to the non-current asset category since the amount will be settled during April 2026. As a result, an amount of $4,975,422 has been reclassified to non-current assets as at 30 June 2024 ($3,521,938 reclassified as at 31 December 2023, nil as at 31 December 2022).

  4.    MINERAL PROPERTIES

 

As at December 31,
2023

Transfer

As at June 30,
2024

 

$

$

$

Nalunaq – Au

1

1

Tartoq – Au

18,431

18,431

Vagar – Au

11,103

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq – Au

6,076

6,076

Anoritooq – Au

6,389

6,389

Siku – Au

6,821

(138)

6,683

Total mineral properties

48,821

(138)

48,683

  4.   MINERAL PROPERTIES (CONT’d)

 

As at December 31,
2022

Transfers

As at June 30,
2023

 

$

$

$

Nalunaq – Au

1

1

Tartoq – Au

18,431

18,431

Vagar – Au

11,103

11,103

Nuna Nutaaq – Au

6,076

6,076

Anoritooq – Au

6,389

6,389

Siku – Au

6,821

6,821

Naalagaaffiup Portornga – Strategic Minerals

6,334

(6,334)

Saarloq – Strategic Minerals

7,348

(7,348)

Sava – Strategic Minerals

6,562

(6,562)

Kobberminebugt – Strategic Minerals

6,840

(6,840)

Stendalen – Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

North Sava – Strategic Minerals

4,837

(4,837)

Total mineral properties

85,579

(36,758)

48,821

  5.   CAPITAL ASSETS

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction in progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

Six months ended June 30, 2024

         

Openingnetbookvalue

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

Additions

47,254

138

47,600,967

47,648,359

Depreciation

(99,187)

(217,499)

(31,195)

(347,881)

Closing net book value

1,438,192

3,141,873

77,765

80,884,207

85,542,037

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction in progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

As at June 30, 2024

         

Cost

2,351,042

4,514,225

232,231

80,884,207

87,981,705

Accumulated depreciation

(912,850)

(1,372,352)

(154,466)

(2,439,668)

Closing net book value

1,438,192

3,141,873

77,765

80,884,207

85,542,037

  5.   CAPITAL ASSETS (CONT’d)

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction In progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2023

         

Openingnetbookvalue

1,735,752

3,742,384

216,385

7,522,085

13,216,606

Additions

25,761,155

25,761,155

Disposals

(80,983)

(80,983)

Adjustment

43,054

43,054

Depreciation

(198,373)

(430,266)

(69,634)

(698,273)

Closing net book value

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

 

Field equipment and
infrastructure

Vehicles and rolling stock

Equipment (including software)

Construction In progress

Total

 

$

$

$

$

$

As at December 31, 2023

         

Cost

2,351,041

4,466,971

232,231

33,283,240

40,333,483

Accumulated depreciation

(813,662)

(1,154,853)

(123,409)

(2,091,924)

Closing net book value

1,537,379

3,312,118

108,822

33,283,240

38,241,559

Depreciation of capital assets related to exploration and evaluation properties is being recorded in exploration and evaluation expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, under depreciation. Depreciation of $316,879 ($321,265 for the six months ended June 30, 2023) was expensed as exploration and evaluation expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

As at June 30, 2024, the Corporation had capital commitments, of $50,977,087. These commitments relate to the development of Nalunaq Project, rehabilitation of the Nalunaq mine, construction of processing plant, purchases of mobile equipment and establishment of surface infrastructure.

During the first six months of 2024 the Corporation capitalised borrowing costs of $2,569,838 to construction in progress, which are included in additions.

  6.   CONVERTIBLE NOTES

 

Convertible notes loan

Embedded Derivatives at FVTPL

Total

 

$

$

$

Balance as at December 31, 2023

11,763,053

23,980,074

35,743,127

Accretion of discount

1,811,142

1,811,142

Accrued interest

758,696

758,696

Fair value change

(5,291,615)

(5,291,615)

Foreign exchange loss

421,508

421,508

Balance as at June 30, 2024

14,754,399

18,688,459

33,442,858

Non-current portion

Current portion

14,754,399

18,688,459

33,442,858

6. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (CONT’d)

 

Convertible notes loan

Embedded Derivatives at FVTPL

Total

 

$

$

$

Balance as at December 31, 2022

Gross proceeds from issue

30,431,180

30,431,180

Embedded derivative component

(19,443,663)

19,443,663

Transaction costs

(362,502)

(362,502)

Accretion of discount

949,062    

949,062    

Accrued interest

508,576    

508,576    

Fair value change

4,536,411   

4,536,411   

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

(319,600)    

(319,600)    

Balance as at December 31, 2023

11,763,053    

23,980,074    

35,743,127    

Non-current portion

Current portion

11,763,053    

23,980,074    

35,743,127    

6.1 Revolving Credit Facility

A $25 million (US$18.5 million) Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) was entered into with Landsbankinn hf. and Fossar Investment Bank on September 1, 2023, with a two-year term expiring on September 1, 2025 and priced at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 950bps. Interest is capitalized and payable at the end of the term.

The RCF is denominated in US Dollars and the SOFR interest rate is determined with reference to the CME Term SOFR Rates published by CME Group Inc. The RCF carries (i) a commitment fee of 0.40% per annum calculated on the undrawn facility amount and (ii) an arrangement fee of 2.00% on the facility amount where 1.5% has been paid on the closing date of the facility and 0.50% is to be paid on or before the first draw down. The facility is not convertible into any securities of the Corporation.

The facility will be secured by (i) a bank account pledge from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement. The Corporation has not yet drawn on this facility.

This facility will be replaced by the new revolving credit facilities that are expected to be finalized subsequent to the interim financial reporting date (see note 16).

6.    CONVERTIBLE NOTES (CONT’d)

6.2 Convertible notes

Convertible notes represent $30.4 million (US$22.4 million) notes issued to ECAM LP (US$16 million), JLE Property Ltd. (US$4 million) and Livermore Partners LLC (US$2.4 million) on September 1, 2023 with a four-year term and a fixed interest rate of 5%. The conversion price of $0.90 per common share is the closing Canadian market price of the Amaroq shares on the day, prior to the closing day of the Debt Financing.

The convertible notes are denominated in US Dollars and will mature on September 30, 2027, being the date that is four years from the convertible note offering closing date. The principal amount of the convertible notes will be convertible, in whole or in part, at any time from one month after issuance into common shares of the Corporation (“Common Shares”) at a conversion price of $0.90 (£0.525) per Common Share for a total of up to 33,812,401 Common Shares. The Corporation may repay the convertible notes and accrued interest at any time, in cash, subject to providing 30 days’ notice to the relevant noteholders, with such noteholders having the option to convert such convertible notes into Common Shares at the conversion price up to 5 days prior to the redemption date. If the Corporation chooses to redeem some but not all of the outstanding convertible notes, the Corporation shall redeem a pro rata share of each noteholder’s holding of convertible notes. The Corporation shall pay a commitment fee to the holders of the convertible notes of, in aggregate, $5,511,293 (US$4,484,032), which shall be paid pro rata to each noteholder’s holding of convertible notes. The commitment fee is payable on the earlier of (a) the date falling 20 business days after all amounts outstanding under the Bank Revolving Credit Facility have been repaid in full, but no earlier than the date that is 24 months after the date of issuance of the notes; and (b) the date falling 30 (thirty) months after the date of the subscription agreement in respect of the notes, irrespective of whether or not notes have converted at that date or been repaid.

The convertible notes will be secured by (i) bank account pledge agreements from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement.

The convertible notes represent hybrid financial instruments with embedded derivatives requiring separation. The debt host portion (the “Host”) of the instrument is initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost, whereas the aggregate conversion and repayment options (the “Embedded Derivatives”) are classified at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL).

The fair value of the convertible notes at inception was recognized at $30.4 million (US$22.4 million) and $19.4 million (US$14.3 million) embedded derivative component was isolated and determined using a Black Scholes valuation model which required the use of significant unobservable inputs. As of June 30, 2024, the Corporation identified the fair value of embedded derivative associated with the early conversion option to be $18.7 million ($24.0 million as of December 31, 2023). The change in fair value of embedded derivative in the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 has been recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. The Host liability component at inception, before deducting transaction costs, was recognized to be the residual amount of $10.9 million (US$8.1 million) which is subsequently measured at amortized cost. Transaction costs incurred on the issuance of the convertible note amounted to $1,004,030, of which $362,502 was allocated to, and deducted from, the host liability component, and $641,528 was allocated to the embedded derivative component and charged to profit and loss.

6.    CONVERTIBLE NOTES (CONT’D)

6.3 Cost Overrun Facility

$13.5 million (US$10 million) Revolving Cost Overrun Facility was entered into with JLE Property Ltd. on September 1, 2023, on the same terms as the Bank Revolving Credit Facility.

The Overrun Facility is denominated in US Dollars with a two-year term, expiring on September 1, 2025, and will bear interest at the CME Term SOFR Rates by CME Group Inc. and have a margin of 9.5% per annum. The Overrun Facility carries a stand-by fee of 2.5% on the amount of committed funds. The Overrun Facility is not convertible into any securities of the Corporation.

The Overrun Facility will be secured by (i) bank account pledge agreements from the Corporation and Nalunaq A/S, (ii) share pledges over all current and future acquired shares in Nalunaq A/S and Gardaq A/S held by the Corporation pursuant to the terms of share pledge agreements, (iii) a proceeds loan assignment agreement, (iv) a pledge agreement in respect of owner’s mortgage deeds and (v) a licence transfer agreement.   The Corporation has not yet drawn on this facility.

This facility will be replaced by the new revolving credit facilities that are expected to be finalized subsequent to the interim financial reporting date (see note 16).

     7.    LEASE LIABILITIES

 

As at
June 30,
2024

As at
December 30,
2023

 

$

$

Balance beginning

657,440

729,237

Lease additions

155,214

Lease payment

(63,932)

(105,894)

Interest

18,132

        34,097

Balance ending

766,854

657,440

Non-current portion – lease liabilities

(652,063)

      (577,234)

Current portion – lease liabilities

114,791

80,206

The Corporation has two leases for its offices. In October 2020, the Corporation started a lease for five years and five months including five free rent months during this period. The monthly rent is $8,825 until March 2024 and $9,070 for the balance of the lease. The Corporation has the option to renew the lease for an additional five-year period at $9,070 monthly rent indexed annually to the increase of the consumer price index of the previous year for the Montreal area. In March 2024, the Corporation started a new lease for a two-year term with the option to extend for two more years. The monthly rent is $5,825 until March 2025 after which the monthly rent may increase as per the lease terms.

7. LEASE LIABILITIES (CONT’d)

7.1         Right of use asset

As at

As at

 

June 30,

December 31,

 

2024

2023

 

$

$

Opening net book value

574,856

655,063

Additions

161,039

Amortisation

(53,340)

(80,207)

Closing net book value

682,555

574,856

     

Cost

997,239

836,200

Accumulated amortisation

(314,684)

(261,344)

Closing net book value

682,555

574,856

8.   SHARE CAPITAL

On February 23, 2024, the Corporation successfully completed its oversubscribed fundraising which resulted in a total of 62,724,758 new common shares being placed with new and existing institutional investors at a placing price of 74 pence (CAD $1.25 at the closing exchange rate on 9 February 2024). The placing price represents a 5.7% premium to the closing share price on 9 February 2024 on the AIM exchange. The fundraising consisted of:

  • A placing of new common shares with new and existing institutional investors at the placing price (the “UK Placing”). Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited acted as the sole bookrunner and broker on the UK Placing.
  • A placing of new depository receipts representing new common shares with new and existing investors at the placing price (the “Icelandic Placing”). Landsbankinn hf. and Fossar fjarfestingarbanki hf. acted as joint bookrunners on the Icelandic Placing and Landsbankinn hf. acted as underwriter.
  • A private placement of new common shares by certain existing institutional investors and a director of the Company at the placing price (the “Canadian Subscription”). The Director subscribed to approximately CAD $3.4 million (equivalent to GBP 2.0 million) in the fundraising.

As a result of the subscription, net proceeds of approximately GBP 44 million (CAD 75.6 million) have been raised, exceeding the initial targeted amount of GBP 30 million. The shares subscribed to were credited as fully paid and rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of the Corporation.

     9.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        9.1 Stock options

An incentive stock option plan (the “Plan”) was approved initially in 2017 and renewed by shareholders on June 14, 2024. The Plan is a “rolling” plan whereby a maximum of 10% of the issued shares at the time of the grant are reserved for issue under the Plan to executive officers, directors, employees and consultants. The Board of directors attributes that the stock options and the exercise price of the options shall not be less than the closing price on the last trading day, preceding the grant date. The options have a maximum term of ten years. Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall vest and become exercisable at such time or times as may be determined by the Board, except options granted to consultants providing investor relations activities shall vest in stages over a 12-month period with a maximum of one-quarter of the options vesting in any three-month period. The Corporation has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the options in cash.

On May 14, 2024, and June 3, 2024, the Corporation granted its employees 22,988 stock options with an exercise price ranging from $1.30 to $1.31 per share. The stock options vested 100% at the grant date. The options were granted at an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the shares the day prior to the grant. Total stock-based compensation costs amounted to $18,163 for an estimated fair value of $0.72 per share.

On January 5, 2024, a former director of the Corporation exercised his options. As a result, 150,000 options were exercised which resulted in the former director receiving 60,637 shares net of applicable withholdings. On May 23, 2024, the former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Corporation exercised his options. As a result, 1,800,000 options were exercised which resulted in the former CFO receiving 963,281 shares net of applicable withholdings.

Changes in stock options are as follows:

 

Six months ended June 30, 2024

December 31, 2023

 

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price

Number of options

Weighted average exercise price

   

$

 

$

Balance, beginning

9,188,365

0.59

10,717,395

0.57

Granted

22,988

1.30

80,970

1.01

Exercised

(1,950,000)

0.60

(1,610,000)

0.46

Balance, end

7,261,353

0.59

9,188,365

0.59

Balance, end exercisable

7,259,522

0.59

9,188,365

0.59

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at June 30, 2024 are as follows:

Number of options outstanding

Number of options exercisable

Exercise price

Expiry date

   

$

 

1,670,000

1,670,000

0.38

December 31, 2025

100,000

98,169

0.50

September 13, 2026

1,245,000

1,245,000

0.70

December 31, 2026

2,700,000

2,700,000

0.60

January 17, 2027

73,333

73,333

0.75

April 20, 2027

39,062

39,062

0.64

July 14, 2027

1,330,000

1,330,000

0.70

December 30, 2027

19,480

19,480

0.77

July 24, 2028

61,490

61,490

1.09

December 20, 2028

11,538

11,538

1.30

May 14, 2029

11,450

11,450

1.31

June 3, 2029

7,261,353

7,259,522

   

        9.2 Restricted Share Unit

9.2.1 Description

Conditional awards were made in 2022 that give participants the opportunity to earn restricted share unit awards under the Corporation’s Restricted Share Unit Plan (“RSU Plan”) subject to the generation of shareholder value over a four-year performance period.

The awards are designed to align the interests of the Corporation’s employees and shareholders, by incentivising the delivery of exceptional shareholder returns over the long-term. Participants receive a 10% share of a pool which is defined by the total shareholder value created above a 10% per annum compound hurdle.

The awards comprise three tranches, based on performance measured from January 1, 2022, to the following three measurement dates:

  • First Measurement Date: December 31, 2023;
  • Second Measurement Date: December 31, 2024; and
  • Third Measurement Date: December 31, 2025.

Restricted share unit awards granted under the RSU Plan as a result of achievement of the total shareholder return performance conditions are subject to continued service, with vesting as follows:

  • Awards granted after the First Measurement Date – 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after three years.
  • Awards granted after the Second Measurement Date – 50% vest after one year, 50% vest after two years.
  • Awards granted after the Third Measurement Date – 100% vest after one year.

The maximum term of the awards is therefore four years from grant.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

The Corporation’s starting market capitalization is based on a fixed share price of $0.552. Value created by share price growth and dividends paid at each measurement date will be calculated with reference to the average closing share price over the three months ending on that date.

  • After December 31, 2023, 100% of the pool value at the First Measurement Date is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan, subject to the maximum number of shares that can be allotted not being exceeded.
  • After December 31, 2024, the pool value at the Second Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First and Second Measurement Dates). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.
  • After December 31, 2025, the pool value at the Third Measurement Date is reduced by the pool value from the Second Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the Second and Third Measurement Dates), and then further reduced by the pool value from the First Measurement Date (increased in line with share price movements between the First Measurement Date and the Third Measurement Date). 100% of the remaining pool value, if any, is delivered as restricted share units under the RSU Plan.

9.2.2 RSU Plan Amendment

The RSU Plan was amended by a shareholders General Meeting on June 15, 2023. As a result of the amendment the number of shares that could be issued under the RSU Plan to satisfy the conditional awards and other share awards was increased from 10% of a fixed share capital amount of 177,098,740 shares to 10% of share capital at the time of award, amounting to 10% of 263,073,022 shares, reduced by the number of outstanding options at each calculation date. As a result, an additional expense based on the difference between the fair value of the conditional awards before and after the modification will be recognised over the service period. The incremental fair value was determined and incorporated info the valuation in 9.2.4.

9.2.3 New Conditional Award under RSU Plan

On October 13, 2023, Amaroq made an award (the “Award”) under the RSU Plan as detailed below. The Award consists of a conditional right to receive value if the future performance targets, applicable to the Award, are met. Any value to which the participants are eligible in respect of the Award will be granted as Restricted Share Units (each an “RSU”), with each RSU entitling a participant to receive common shares in the Corporation. Each RSU will be granted under, and governed in accordance with, the rules of the Corporation’s Restricted Share Unit Plan.

Award Date

October 13, 2023

Initial Price

CAD 0.552

Hurdle Rate

10% p.a. above the Initial Price

Total Pool

10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate, not exceeding 10% of the Corporation’s share capital.
The number of shares will be determined at the Measurement Dates.

Participant proportion

Edward Wyvill, Corporate Development 10%

Performance Period

January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025 (inclusive)

Normal Measurement Dates

First Measurement Date: December 31, 2023, 50% vesting on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the third anniversary of grant.
Second Measurement Date: December 31, 2024, 50% vesting on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the second anniversary of grant.
Third Measurement Date: December 31, 2025, vesting on the first anniversary of grant.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

9.2.4 Valuation

The fair value of the award granted in December 2022 and modified June 2023, in addition to the award granted October 13, 2023, increased to $7,378,000 based on 90% of the available pool being awarded.  

During June 2024, some of the awards were forfeited due to the departure of Jaco Crouse, CFO of the Corporation, effective June 3, 2024 (see note 9.2.5). As a result of the departure, previously recognised RSU award vesting charges of $566,875 were reversed and the percentage of the pool that was allocated was reduced to 70%.

A charge of $6,750 and $718,250 was recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 respectively, including the reduction of $566,875 of previously recognized RSU vesting charges which were reversed during the period as a result of the forfeiture of the RSU awards (a charge of $449,000 and $898,000 was recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023).

The fair value was obtained through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model which calculates a fair value based on a large number of randomly generated projections of the Corporation’s share price.

Assumption

Value

Grant date

December 30, 2022

Amendment date

June 15, 2023

Additional award date

October 13, 2023

Forfeiture of 20% of the awards date

June 3, 2024

Expected life (years)

2.22 – 3.00

Share price at grant date

$0.70 – $0.97

Exercise price

N/A

Dividend yield

0%

Risk-free rate

3.60% – 4.71%

Volatility

55% – 72%

Fair value of awards – First Measurement Date

$3,538,000

Fair value of awards – Second Measurement Date

$1,526,000

Fair value of awards – Third Measurement Date

$786,000

Total fair value of awards (70% of pool)

$5,850,000

Expected volatility was determined from the daily share price volatility over a historical period prior to the date of grant with length commensurate with the expected life. A zero-dividend yield has been used based on the dividend yield as at the date of grant.

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONT’d)

9.2.5 Awards under Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “RSU”)

On February 23, 2024, in alignment with the Company’s RSU plan dated 15 June 2023, the Company granted an award (the “Award”) to directors and employees of the Company as listed below.

Award Date

February 23, 2024

Initial Price

CAD 0.552

Hurdle Rate

10% p.a. above the Initial Price

Total Pool

10% of the growth in value above the Hurdle rate, not exceeding 10% of the Company’s share capital
The number of shares is determined at the Measurement Dates

Participant proportions and Number of shares
subject to RSU

Eldur Olafsson, CEO                                      40%        3,805,377 shares

Jaco Crouse1, CFO                                          20%        1,902,688 shares

Joan Plant, Executive VP                               10%        951,344 shares

James Gilbertson, VP Exploration                  10%        951,344 shares

Edward Wyvill, Corporate Development        10%        951,344 shares

First Measurement Date:

31 December 2023
50% of the Shares will vest on the first anniversary of grant, with the remaining 50% vesting on the third anniversary of grant.

1The shares awarded under the RSU to Jaco Crouse, CFO, have been forfeited as a result of his departure effective June 3, 2024.

10. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION EXPENSES (RECOVERY)

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Geology

119,346

(138,599)

133,343

(25,494)

Drilling

1,036,653

1,036,653

Lodging and on-site support

(184,469)

51,714

51,714

Analysis

127,877

(26,355)

132,910

(26,355)

Geophysical survey

(416,177)

(416,177)

Transport

8,112

320,553

4,909

624,753

Helicopter charter

601,815

681,682

Logistic support

(51,509)

(51,509)

Insurance

Maintenance infrastructure

(463,922)

284,769

16,832

578,890

Supplies and equipment

75,586

432,460

110,511

603,017

Project Engineering

55,792

Government fees

30,873

25,615

32,849

25,615

Exploration and evaluation expenses before depreciation

(286,597)

2,120,939

431,354

3,138,581

Depreciation

159,424

157,254

316,686

321,265

Exploration and evaluation expenses

(127,173)

2,278,193

748,040

3,459,846

11.     GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Salaries and benefits

2,121,857    

620,073

2,991,272

1,237,662

Director’s fees

159,000

157,000

318,000

314,000

Professional fees

912,159    

910,879

1,851,968    

1,522,757

Marketing and investor relations

147,134

164,719

313,171

306,686

Insurance

93,917

67,602

172,833

135,204

Travel and other expenses

639,947    

219,782

1,244,459

521,053

Regulatory fees

188,726

179,614

582,459

372,554

General and administration before following elements

4,262,740    

2,319,669

7,474,162

4,409,916

Stock-based compensation

24,107

451,014

736,413

902,028

Depreciation

48,844

35,498

84,342

71,272

General and administration

4,335,691    

2,806,181

8,294,917

5,383,216

12.             FINANCE COSTS

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Lease interest

9,558

8,839

18,132

17,576

 

9,558

8,839

18,132

17,576

13.        RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

13.1 Gardaq Joint Venture

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Gardaq management fees and allocated cost

578,568

506,640

1,214,894

506,640

Other allocated costs

139,765

1,712,863

175,663

1,712,863

Foreign exchange revaluation

56,710

(899)

62,927

(899)

 

775,043

2,218,604

1,453,484

2,218,604

As at June 30, 2024, the balance receivable from Gardaq amounted to $4,975,422 ($3,521,938 as at December 31, 2023). This receivable balance represents allocated overhead and general administration costs to manage the exploration work programmes and day-to-day activities of the joint venture. This balance will be converted to shares in Gardaq within 10 business days after the third anniversary of the completion of the Subscription and Shareholder Agreement dated April 13, 2023 (See note 3.1).

13.2 Key Management Compensation

The Corporation’s key management are the members of the board of directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President Exploration, and the Executive Vice President. Key management compensation is as follows:

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

$

$

$

$

Short-term benefits 

       

Salaries and benefits 

394,843

312,513

840,566

654,817

Director’s fees 

159,000

157,000

318,000

314,000

Long-term benefits 

       

Stock-based compensation

806

2,014

1,612

4,028

Stock-based compensation – RSU

(153,250)

449,000

398,250

898,000

Total compensation 

401,399

920,527

1,558,428

1,870,845

14. NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

The calculation of net loss per share is shown in the table below.

 

Three months ended June 30,

Six months ended June 30,

 

2024

2023

2024

2023

 

$

$

$

$

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

5,229,322

23,357,701

(3,988,193)

19,980,808

         

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic

326,825,939

263,281,297

308,700,211

263,242,536

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

364,748,474

273,398,692

308,700,211

273,359,931

Basic earnings (loss) per share

0.016

0.09

(0.013)

0.08

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

0.014

0.09

(0.013)

0.07

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Corporation is exposed to various risks through its financial instruments. The following analysis provides a summary of the Corporation’s exposure to and concentrations of risk at June 30, 2024:

15.1 Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. The Corporation’s main credit risk relates to its prepaid amounts to suppliers for placing orders, manufacturing and delivery of process plant equipment, as well as an advance payment to a mining contractor. The Corporation performed expected credit loss assessment and assessed the amounts to be fully recoverable.

15.2 Fair Value

Financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value are classified in the fair value hierarchy based upon the nature of the inputs used in the determination of fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

•        Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•  Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices)
• Level 3 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (i.e., unobservable inputs)

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT’d)

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Corporation’s financial instruments:

 

June 30,
2024

December 31, 2023

  

$

$

Cash

31,663,204

21,014,633

Sales tax receivable

199,790

69,756

Prepaid expenses and others

19,593,779

18,681,568

Deposit

177,944

27,944

Escrow account for environmental monitoring

5,716,288

598,939

Financial Asset – Related Party

4,975,422

3,521,938

Investment in equity-accounted joint arrangement

21,582,994

23,492,811

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(8,375,316)

(6,273,979)

Convertible notes

(33,442,858)

(35,743,127)                

Lease liabilities

(766,854)

(657,440)

Due to the short-term maturities of cash, prepaid expenses, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate fair value at the respective balance sheet date.

The carrying value of the convertible note instrument approximates its fair value at maturity and includes the embedded derivative associated with the early conversion option and the host liability at amortized cost.

The carrying value of lease liabilities approximate its fair value based upon a discounted cash flows method using a discount rate that reflects the Corporation’s borrowing rate at the end of the period.

15.3 Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Corporation seeks to ensure that it has sufficient capital to meet short-term financial obligations after taking into account its exploration and operating obligations and cash on hand. The Corporation is currently negotiating new Head of Terms with Landsbankinn in order to fund general and administrative costs, exploration and evaluation costs and Nalunaq project development costs. The Corporation’s options to enhance liquidity include the issuance of new equity instruments or debt.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and contractual maturities of financial liabilities:

 

As at June 30, 2024

As at December 31, 2023

 

Trade and other payables

Convertible Notes

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Convertible Notes

Lease liabilities

 

$

$

$

$

$

$

Within 1 year

8,375,316

149,650

6,273,979

108,345

1 to 5 years

33,442,858

556,236

35,743,127

544,178

5 to 10 years

181,393

126,975

Total

8,375,316

33,442,858

887,279

6,273,979

35,743,127

779,498

The Corporation has assessed that it is not exposed to significant liquidity risk due to its cash balance in the amount of $31,663,204 million at the period end.

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 2, 2024, the Corporation announced that it agreed a Head of Terms, subject to final approval and documentation, with Landsbankinn for US$35 million in three Revolving Credit Facilities, securing a substantial increase and extension to its existing debt facilities.

  • The financing package will replace the existing undrawn credit and cost overrun facilities, simplifying the structure of the debt package and increasing financial flexibility and liquidity for the Company.
  • Amaroq has signed term sheets for a US$35 million debt financing package with Landsbankinn consisting of:
    • US$28.5 million facility with a margin of 9.5% per annum, reducing to 7.5% once the full amount has been drawn and the Company’s cumulative EBITDA over a three-month period exceeds CAD 6 million. This facility will replace the Company’s existing revolving credit and cost overrun facilities entered into on September 1, 2023, but not the convertible debt facilities. US$18.5 million of the facility is to be used towards the completion of the Nalunaq development with the balance available for general corporate purposes.
    • US$6.5 million facility with a margin of 7.5% per annum, available for general corporate purposes once all other facilities have been fully drawn.
    • The new facilities will have a 1.5% arrangement fee, a 0.4% commitment fee on unutilised amounts, and an expected maturity date of October 1, 2026.
    • The new facilities will be subject to certain ongoing covenant tests, further detail of which will be provided on closing of definitive documentation.
  • Amaroq will finalise the new facilities’ legally binding documentation and expects to be in a position to sign binding documents before the end of the year. The Corporation’s currently undrawn US$28.5 million debt facilities will remain in place until this time.
  • The financing package with Landsbankinn will be finalised in agreement with current debt holders, which include Fossar Investment Bank, GCAM LP, JLE Property Ltd., First Pecos LLC and Linda Investments Limited.

Attachment


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