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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission file number 1-13627
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APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CAYMAN ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES NOT APPLICABLE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NO.)
CALEDONIAN HOUSE
GROUND FLOOR, MARY STREET NOT APPLICABLE
GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN (ZIP CODE)
CAYMAN ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICE)
(303) 839-5060
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which
Ordinary Shares, $0.01 par value registered
American Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant was approximately $134,150,693 as of March 27, 1998.
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 27, 1998 was
19,348,076.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation A in connection with
the 1998 Annual Meeting are incorporated by reference into Part III of this
Report on Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
GENERAL
Apex Silver Mines Limited is engaged in the exploration and development of
silver properties in South America, Central America and Central Asia. The
Company has accumulated one of the largest, most diversified portfolios of
silver exploration properties in the world. Since the Company was founded in
1993, it has acquired the rights to or gained control of approximately 120
non-producing silver and other mineral properties located in or near the
traditional silver producing regions of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Honduras,
Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan. These acquisitions were premised
on several factors, including (i) the low price of silver relative to the
price of other precious metals, (ii) a perception that silver supply and
demand fundamentals were stronger than the then-prevailing price of silver
suggested, (iii) the general scarcity of attractive publicly-traded silver
companies and (iv) the perception of negative sentiment within the traditional
silver mining community. Exploration efforts since 1993 have successfully
produced the Company's first development project, the San Cristobal project
(the "San Cristobal Project") located in southern Bolivia, where regular and
close spaced drilling and analysis have delineated substantial proven and
probable reserves of silver, zinc and lead. In addition, exploration
activities at the Company's other properties in Bolivia, Peru and Honduras
indicate the presence of significant quantities of mineralized material
containing silver and other metals. Unless otherwise indicated, all references
to the "Company" include Apex Silver Mines Limited, its predecessor entities,
and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries or other entities in which
Apex Silver Mines Limited has a direct or indirect equity or voting interest.
SAN CRISTOBAL STUDY
A first phase feasibility study (the "San Cristobal Study") was completed in
August of 1997 with respect to the San Cristobal Project, which is located in
the San Cristobal district of the Potosi department in southern Bolivia, a
region that has historically produced a significant portion of the world's
silver supply. Proven and probable reserves at San Cristobal as determined by
the San Cristobal Study contain in excess of 219 million ounces of silver, 1.8
million tonnes of zinc and 0.6 million tonnes of lead in 122.9 million tonnes
of ore grading approximately 1.79 ounces of silver per tonne, 1.49 percent
zinc and 0.51 percent lead. At and near the San Cristobal Project, several
deposits contain an additional 57.1 million tonnes of mineralized material,
comprised of 43.3 million tonnes of mineralized material with average grades
of 1.28 ounces of silver per tonne and 1.10 percent of zinc and 0.34 percent
of lead and 13.8 million tonnes of mineralized material at an average grade of
4.21 ounces of silver per tonne. The full dimensions of the mineral deposits
at the San Cristobal Project have not yet been determined; mineralized
material extends outward from the identified ore body in most directions as
well as to depths below 200 meters. The reserve estimates are limited by the
current extent of the Company's program of closely spaced drilling analysis.
The Company will be conducting an ongoing exploration program in order to
fully delineate the mineralized zones.
The San Cristobal Study was prepared for the Company by Kvaerner Metals,
Davy Nonferrous Division ("Davy"), an international engineering, procurement,
construction and management firm. Davy was also retained by the Company to
confirm independently the reliability of the Company's drilling, sampling, and
assaying procedures at the San Cristobal Project.
All aspects of this confirmatory process were controlled by Davy, including
(i) the number of test holes required (four), site selection and drilling of
the four reverse circulation drill holes parallel to holes previously drilled
by the Company; (ii) sample collection, preparation and transportation; and
(iii) assay analysis. Davy's work confirmed results reported by the Company.
Behre Dolbear & Company Inc. ("Behre Dolbear"), a geological and mining
consulting firm, conducted a technical audit of and confirmed, within the
accuracy of plus or minus 25 to 30 percent, the work undertaken by Davy and
the other independent technical specialists who contributed to the San
Cristobal Study. The San Cristobal Study concluded with an economic assessment
of the identified mineral deposits.
Based on the San Cristobal Study, the San Cristobal Project, as currently
delineated, is forecast to produce an average of 14 million ounces of silver,
132,700 tonnes of zinc and 39,500 tonnes of lead per year over the
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anticipated 11.5 year life of the project. The San Cristobal Project is
expected to consist of two large scale, open pit mining operations using
conventional mining and processing technologies capable of producing and
processing an aggregate 30,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") of ore. The stripping
ratio for open pit operations is 1.66 tonnes of waste for each tonne of ore.
The average cash production cost over the life of the San Cristobal Project is
forecast to be $2.66 per silver equivalent ounce. Capital expenditures are
estimated to total $327 million for pre-production development and
construction to complete the San Cristobal Project. Based on the favorable
results of the San Cristobal Study, the Company is targeting the completion of
a final feasibility study of the San Cristobal Project by early 1999 with a
goal of securing committed financing shortly thereafter. Subject to the
completion of a final feasibility study, the Company anticipates beginning
construction at the San Cristobal Project as soon as committed financing is
secured in early 1999, with silver, zinc and lead production commencing in
early 2001.
The Company estimates that its San Cristobal district properties may contain
some of the largest known open pit silver, zinc and lead deposits in the
world. Based on the general geology of the San Cristobal district, the
drilling and analysis performed for the San Cristobal Study, and the amount of
mineralized material identified to date, the Company expects that the San
Cristobal Project could be extended in life and/or increased in scale.
OTHER PROPERTIES
The Company is currently evaluating three other advanced-stage exploration
properties: the Cobrizos silver-copper property located 12 kilometers north of
San Cristobal, the El Ocote silver property in southwestern Honduras, and the
San Juan de Lucanas silver and gold property in southern Peru. At Cobrizos,
drilling by the Company has identified mineralized material which is included
in San Cristobal's overall inventory of mineralized material. At the El Ocote
property, the Company has completed a conceptual engineering study in order to
determine the feasibility of bringing the property into production. Based on
the results of this study, the Company is planning a comprehensive
metallurgical sampling and test program. Upon completion of the registration
of its ownership of the San Juan de Lucanas property, the Company will conduct
a focused exploration and evaluation program to establish and develop reserves
by, among other things, drilling targets identified by previous exploration
activities.
The Company controls a portfolio of silver properties covering more than two
million acres of mineral rights in eight countries. The Company has conducted
limited drilling and sampling at some of these other exploration properties
and anticipates that certain of these properties may contain significant
silver mineralization.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company is one of a limited number of mining companies with a primary
focus on silver exploration, development and production. The Company's
business strategy is to capitalize on its sizeable reserve and mineralized
material base in order to achieve long-term profitable growth and enhance
shareholder value. The principal elements of the Company's business strategy
are as follows: (i) to complete a final feasibility study of a large scale
open pit mining operation at the San Cristobal Project; (ii) to secure the
financing required to develop the San Cristobal Project; (iii) to proceed to
develop the San Cristobal Project into a large scale open pit mining
operation; (iv) to continue exploration and evaluation activities at the
Cobrizos property in southern Bolivia, the El Ocote property in southwestern
Honduras, and the San Juan de Lucanas property in southern Peru; (v) to
evaluate other properties in the Company's portfolio of silver exploration
properties, focusing the Company's exploration and development efforts on
those properties which are most likely to contain significant silver
mineralization and divesting itself of those properties that are not of
continuing interest to the Company; and (vi) to identify and acquire
additional mining and mineral properties that the Company believes contain
significant amounts of silver or have exploration potential.
The Company believes that its expanding international portfolio of
development and exploration properties position it to take advantage of future
increases in demand for silver and certain co-occurring minerals, such as
zinc, lead, copper and gold.
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BACKGROUND
Beginning in 1993, the Company and its founders embarked on a program of
acquiring silver exploration properties throughout the world. As a consequence
of a prolonged depressed price for silver, which culminated in a low of $3.56
per ounce in 1993, many marginal silver producers around the world were forced
to scale back, and in some cases shut down, their silver mining operations.
The resultant mine closures, bankruptcies and low prices contributed to a
generally depressed market for silver mining properties around the world.
Competition for the purchase of silver properties was further dampened by the
fact that many of the silver mining companies that maintained operations
became less aggressive in their search for new silver properties and/or
attempted to diversify into other metals in order to mitigate their exposure
to low silver prices. Negative sentiment among silver producers was reflected
in reduced exploration expenditures. The Company's founders believed that
these market conditions provided the Company with compelling opportunities to
purchase silver exploration properties at attractive prices. Since the
inception in 1993, the Company has acquired a portfolio of silver properties
covering approximately two million acres in eight countries.
While this "bear market" psychology resulted in a soft market for silver
properties, the Company believed that the fundamental outlook for silver was
improving. The trend of large annual surpluses in silver supply relative to
demand, which had peaked in the early 1980s, began to reverse by the early
1990s, when rising industrial demand for silver, combined with declining
production profiles, caused substantial supply deficits. The Company believed
that the disequilibrium in supply and demand suggested that the "bear market"
in silver was nearing an end. Encouraged by what it considered a discrepancy
between market perceptions and improving fundamentals, the Company embarked on
a program of acquiring silver exploration properties globally and recruiting a
professional management team with a proven track record of developing and
operating mining properties worldwide.
The Company believes that it has successfully achieved the objectives of its
initial acquisition program by assembling a portfolio comprised of
approximately 120 non-producing silver and other mineral properties located in
or near traditional silver mining regions of South America, Central America
and Central Asia. Moreover, the Company has recruited an experienced
management team with significant experience in the identification, exploration
and development of mineral properties, as well as the construction and
operation of large-scale mining projects.
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF SILVER PROPERTIES
The Company's current property portfolio is diversified not only in terms of
property location, but also in terms of stages of evaluation. The Company's
development, advanced exploration and other exploration stage mineral
properties are located primarily in or near traditional silver producing
regions in South America, Central America and Central Asia. These properties
include substantial holdings throughout southern Bolivia, northern Chile,
southwestern Honduras, southern Peru, and the Zacatecas district of Mexico, as
well as significant mineral concessions in Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and
Tajikistan. Initial analyses of several of the Company's early-stage
exploration properties indicate the presence of sufficient silver
mineralization to warrant additional exploration and evaluation in order to
determine the potential for future development. Notwithstanding its primary
focus on silver, the Company intends to exploit, where economically feasible,
co-occurring minerals, such as zinc, lead, copper and gold, at its mineral
properties.
CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
Beginning in 1993, the Company and its founders embarked on a program of
acquiring silver exploration properties throughout the world. In December of
1994, in connection with an investment by Silver Holdings LDC ("Silver
Holdings"), the Company reorganized as a Cayman Islands holding company with
subsidiaries based on regional operations. Following this reorganization and
new investment, Apex Silver Mines LDC ("Apex LDC") accelerated its program of
acquiring silver exploration properties. In March of 1996, in connection with
the issuance of 4,256,700 ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share,
("Ordinary Shares"), in a private placement transaction (the "Private
Placement") Apex Silver Mines Limited was organized. The Private Placement,
which was completed as of August 6, 1996, raised gross proceeds of $34.1
million for an approximately 21 percent interest (on a fully diluted basis) in
the Company.
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As an "exempted" company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, Apex Silver
Mines Limited may not carry on business in the Cayman Islands, except in
furtherance of the business of Apex Silver Mines Limited carried on outside
the Cayman Islands. Substantially all of Apex Silver Mines Limited's assets
consist of shares of Apex LDC. As of December 31, 1997, Apex Silver Mines
Limited owned 73 percent of the outstanding share capital of Apex LDC. The
minority shareholders of Apex LDC, (the "Minority Shareholders") are entitled
to sell their shares of Apex LDC to Apex Silver Mines Limited for, at Apex
Silver Mines Limited's sole option, Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis,
cash, or a combination of cash and Ordinary Shares. Apex Silver Mines Limited
currently expects that any future purchases by Apex Silver Mines Limited of
shares of Apex LDC from the Minority Shareholders will involve only an
exchange of Ordinary Shares. Any such transactions will not affect the
beneficial and economic interest in Apex LDC attributable to shareholders of
Apex Silver Mines Limited. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has
approximately 19,124,916 Ordinary Shares outstanding and approximately
7,077,007 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance for approximately 7,077,007
shares of Apex LDC owned by the Minority Shareholders.
Apex LDC, and hence the Company, conducts its business primarily through a
series of directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. The Company has
contracted with Apex Silver Mines Corporation, ("Apex Corporation"), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Apex LDC, for certain management services. Apex
Corporation's office is located in Denver, Colorado. These subsidiaries are
comprised of the following: (i) Andean Silver Corporation LDC ("Andean"),
which is indirectly engaged in exploration and development activities in South
America; (ii) Apex Asia LDC ("Apex Asia"), which is engaged, directly and
indirectly, in exploration activities in Asia; (iii) Apex Corporation, which
serves as the principal management services provider to the Company pursuant
to the terms of a Management Services Agreement executed in connection with
Apex Corporation's formation in the fall of 1996; (iv) Minera de Cordilleras
(Honduras), S. de R.L. ("Cordilleras Honduras"), which is engaged in
exploration and development activities in Honduras; (v) Cordilleras Silver
Mines Ltd. ("Cordilleras Bahamas"), which is indirectly engaged in exploration
and development activities in Honduras; and (vi) Compania Minerales de
Zacatecas, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("CMZ"), which is indirectly engaged in
exploration activities in Mexico.
Apex LDC is the sole beneficial owner of Andean, with a 99 percent interest;
the remaining one percent interest is held by Apex Partners LDC ("Apex
Partners"), which is wholly beneficially owned by Apex LDC. ASC Bolivia LDC
("ASC Bolivia") is 100 percent owned by Andean. Apex LDC is the sole
beneficial owner of ASC Peru LDC ("ASC Peru"); Andean holds a 99 percent
interest in ASC Peru, and ASC Partners LDC ("ASC Partners"), which is wholly
and beneficially owned by Apex LDC, holds the remaining one percent interest.
The Company anticipates that individual properties will be contributed to new
special purpose holding companies prior to the commencement of production at
such properties. The formation of such additional subsidiaries will not
involve any dilution to the Company's beneficial ownership of the underlying
properties.
Apex Asia, which is wholly beneficially owned by Apex LDC, has formed joint
venture entities to own or otherwise hold interests in silver resource
properties in Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, and is in the process of doing so in
Tajikistan. In Kyrgyzstan, Apex Asia holds a 50 percent interest in " "JSC'
Kumushtak" ("Kumushtak Mining"). The remaining 50 percent interest in
Kumushtak Mining is held by the North Kyrgyz Geological Expedition, a
government mining enterprise which operates in the Kumushtak region in
northwestern Kyrgyzstan. Apex Asia owns 99 percent of Kumushtak Management
Company; Apex Partners holds the remaining one percent. In Mongolia, Apex Asia
has organized "Asgatmongu' Company, Ltd. ("Asgat Mining"). Apex Asia holds
approximately one half of the total interests in Asgat Mining and has
appointed the chairman and one other individual of Asgat Mining's four member
board of managers. Mongolrostvetmet, a joint association owned by the
government of Mongolia and Zarubeshvetmet, a recently privatized company
organized under the laws of the Russian Federation, holds the remaining
interest in Asgat Mining. In Tajikistan, Apex Asia has entered into an
agreement with the Adrasman Mining Venture ("Adrasman Mining"), an agency of
the government of Tajikistan, to form "Kanimansur Ltd." Joint Mining Venture
("Kanimansur Mining"). Kanimansur Mining will be 49 percent owned by Apex
Asia.
In Mexico, CMZ serves as the holding company for Minera Largo, S. de R.L. de
C.V. ("Largo"), Metalurgica Barones, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Barones") and Minera
de Cordilleras, S. de R.L. de C.V.
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("Cordilleras Mexico"). Apex LDC is the sole beneficial owner of CMZ, with a
99 percent interest; Apex Partners holds the remaining one percent interest.
Apex LDC is the sole beneficial owner of Cordilleras Mexico; CMZ holds a 99
percent interest and Apex Partners holds the remaining one percent interest.
Barones and Largo are each owned 75 percent by CMZ and 25 percent by Minera
Dolore Anguatias y Anexas, S.A. de C.V., an unaffiliated Mexican company.
Apex LDC is the sole owner of each of Cordilleras Bahamas and Apex
Corporation. Apex LDC is the sole beneficial owner of Cordilleras Silver Mines
(Cayman) LDC with a 20 percent interest; the remaining 80 percent interest is
held by Cordilleras Bahamas. Apex LDC is the sole beneficial owner of
Cordilleras Honduras, with a 99 percent interest; the remaining one percent
interest is held by Apex Partners.
GEOLOGY AND RESERVES OF THE SAN CRISTOBAL PROJECT
The San Cristobal Project occupies the central portion of a depression
associated with a Miocene Age volcanism. The 4-km-diameter depression
subsequently filled with fine to coarse grained volcaniclastic sedimentary
rocks (shale, conglomerate, sandstone, landslide, debris, talus, etc.) In the
late Miocene period, after sedimentation had nearly filled the depression, a
series of dacite and andesite porphyry sills and domes intruded into the
volcaniclastics. Disseminated and stockwork silver-lead-zinc mineralization
formed locally both within the volcaniclastics and in the intrusions
themselves. The disseminated mineralization has not been mined in the past
except for some areas of the Toldos mine. Previous workings were only on
mineralized veins. ASC Bolivia studies indicate the presence of at least 15
domes, all located in close proximity to one another. Most of the mineralized
domes are hydrothermally altered. As of December 31, 1997, nine of the domes
have been drilled by ASC Bolivia with drilling conducted in sufficient detail
to allow estimates of proven and probable reserves at the Tesorera and Jayula
domes and additional mineralized material at Tesorera, Jayula, Animas, and
Toldos domes. ASC Bolivia currently controls the mineral rights to all of
these domes.
The two largest identified areas of mineralization, the Jayula and Tesorera
deposits, are identified separately below. ASC Bolivia intends to analyze
these and other areas in conjunction with the overall exploration and
development plans for the San Cristobal Project.
JAYULA
The Jayula deposit consists of a dacite porphyry sill intruded into
volcaniclastics that filled the depression. Both the dacite intrusion and the
adjacent sediments have been cut by numerous narrow veins and veinlets,
forming a mineralized stockwork over large areas. Mineralization in the
stockwork consists of iron oxides, clays, galena, barite, sphalerite, pyrite,
tetrahedrite, and acanthite. Veins and veinlets are most common in the dacite
sill, near its contact with the sedimentary rocks. Within the volcaniclastic
rock themselves, and locally within the intrusive sill, is a second form of
mineralization, characterized by disseminated galena, sphalerite, and
acanthite. This disseminated mineralization is predominately confined to
coarser grained sedimentary beds, usually conglomerates and coarse sandstones.
As the extent of ore grade mineralization is confined to the limits of the
beds of coarse-grained units, the mineral zones within the sediments are both
stratiform and strata-bound, forming gently dipping tubular bodies of
mineralization which parallel the bedding of the sediments.
Oxidation of the mineralized zone in the Jayula deposit has occurred to a
depth averaging 40 meters. In this oxide zone, zinc has been nearly completely
leached out; silver values, however, are greatly enhanced due to secondary
enrichment processes. In the oxide zone, the dominant minerals are iron
oxides, clays, native silver, and secondary acanthite.
Based on the assay results of samples taken from old small-scale underground
workings, surface exposures, and seven diamond core and 50 reverse circulation
drill ("RC") holes drilled by ASC Bolivia, ASC Bolivia believes that the
dacite porphyry intrusion hosts approximately 80 to 90 percent of the
mineralization identified at Jayula, with the volcaniclastics hosting the
remainder. The mineralized zone at Jayula covers an area no less than 500
meters by 600 meters on the surface, and ore grade mineralization extends to
at least 200 meters below the surface. As of December 31, 1997, of the 57
holes drilled at Jayula, approximately one-half had ore-grade
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mineralization at their lowest depth. The mineralized zone has not been fully
delineated by the drilling, with ore grade mineralization over significant
widths being found at the southeast, west, and northwest perimeters of the
drilled area and at depth. The exploration program has delineated the
boundaries of the deposit only at the northeast corner of the deposit.
TESORERA
The Tesorera deposit is 1,300 meters southwest of the Jayula deposit, and
both appear to be part of the same large mineralized system. The geology and
mineralization at Tesorera are nearly identical to Jayula. At Tesorera, the
west side of the deposit consists of a dacite porphyry sill intruded into the
volcaniclastic sediments, and, as at Jayula, disseminated mineralization
occurs within certain coarse-grained sedimentary beds and in the intrusion
itself. This mineralization is similarly strata-bound and stratiform, forming
several subparallel, gently dipping horizons parallel to the bedding of the
volcaniclastics. The mineralogy is identical to that at Jayula, consisting of
pyrite, iron oxides, barite, clays, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, and
acanthite.
Oxidation has affected the Tesorera deposit to a greater depth than at the
nearby Jayula deposit, typically extending to a depth of 75 meters. The oxide
zone mineralogy of Tesorera, like that at Jayula, is dominated by iron oxides,
clays, native silver, and secondary acanthite.
As of December 31, 1997, the Tesorera deposit has been drilled by 139 RC and
ten diamond core holes. The assays indicate that the mineralization is present
over an area of 950 meters by 450 meters. As at Jayula, the deposit is open to
depth and in three directions, but it is closed to the west, as the dacite
intrusion appears to have received minimal mineralization. Approximately 40
percent of the holes had ore-grade mineralization at their lowest depth, which
was usually in excess of 200 meters below the surface.
DRILLING PROGRAM
ASC Bolivia has been engaged in a comprehensive delineation and in-fill
drilling program at the San Cristobal Project since October 1996. This program
was designed to substantiate initial positive drill results at several of the
numerous intrusive dacite or breccia domes located in the district and has
concentrated on the Tesorera, Jayula, and Animas mineralized dome complexes.
As of December 31, 1997, ASC Bolivia has drilled 278 RC drill holes and 17
diamond core holes for a total of 64,554 meters of RC drilling and 4,752
meters of diamond core drilling at the San Cristobal Project. These drill
holes were generally spaced at intervals from 25 up to 150 meters. Although
this drilling is sufficient to establish the presence of proven and probable
ore reserves at the Tesorera and Jayula deposits, drilling has been too widely
spaced to establish proven and probable reserves at the Animas deposit. The
following table summarizes the drilling activities at San Cristobal.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIAMOND DRILL HOLES RC DRILL HOLES
----------------------- ----------------------
NO. OF AVG. NO. OF AVG.
HOLES DEPTH SPACING HOLES DEPTH SPACING
------ ----- ---------- ------ ----- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dome Complex
Jayula......................... 7 250m 100 - 150m 50 225m 60 - 150m
Tesorera....................... 10 250m 50 - 150m 139 225m 25 - 70m
Animas......................... 0 -- -- 33 200m 40 - 120m
--- ---
Subtotal..................... 17 -- -- 222 -- --
Surrounding Anomalies............ 0 NA NA 56 250m random
--- ---
Total Drilling............... 17 278
=== ===
</TABLE>
MINEABLE RESERVES
Proven and probable reserve estimates were based on regularly spaced
drilling at the Tesorera and Jayula domes as discussed above. Proven and
probable reserves were calculated using an equivalent per tonne combined value
cut-off grade of $4.18 for in-pit and $6.34 for pit limit design, and market
price assumptions of $5.00 per
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ounce of silver, $0.55 per pound of zinc, and $0.30 per pound of lead. Proven
and probable reserves include an average recovery of 75.5 percent for silver,
78.0 percent for zinc and 73.3 percent for lead. The ore reserve estimation
method used was kriging. The following tables set forth the Company's proven
and probable reserves of silver, zinc and lead at the San Cristobal Project,
as indicated by the drilling completed to date. The proven and probable
reserves and mineralized material have been determined by Mine Reserves
Associates Inc. ("MRA"), independent consultants working as members of the
first phase feasibility consultants' team. Confirmation of the reserves and
mineralized material was also conducted by another independent consulting
firm, Pincock, Allen & Holt ("PAH") which developed an independent resource
grade model using a common data set that checked closely with the reserve
estimates. Davy and, separately, Behre Dolbear acting as technical auditor,
reviewed the reserve estimates and confirmed the results reported below within
the accuracy of the San Cristobal Study.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES--SAN CRISTOBAL PROJECT
-----------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE GRADE CONTAINED METALS
----------------------- ---------------------
TONNES SILVER ZINC LEAD SILVER ZINC LEAD
OF ORE GRADE GRADE GRADE OUNCES TONNES TONNES
(000S) (OZ./TONNE) (%) (%) (000S) (000S) (000S)
------- ----------- ----- ----- ------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tesorera.................. 42,113 1.88 2.00 0.67 79,384 842 282
Jayula.................... 80,778 1.73 1.23 0.43 140,088 994 347
------- ---- ---- ---- ------- ----- ---
Total................... 122,891 1.79 1.49 0.51 219,472 1,836 629
======= ==== ==== ==== ======= ===== ===
</TABLE>
Stripping ratio for the above combined open-pit operations is 1.66 tonnes of
waste for each tonne or ore.
ADDITIONAL MINERALIZED MATERIAL
The following table sets forth the Company's estimates of the silver, zinc
and lead mineralized material contained in its property portfolio. Mineralized
material is that part of mineral deposits (i) for which tonnage and grade are
computed (a) partly from specific measurements, samples or production data
compiled from appropriately spaced assays of outcrops, trenches, underground
workings or drill holes and (b) partly from projections based on geological
evidence, and (ii) that have not been measured and sampled with sufficient
confidence to determine that the identified deposit can be economically and
legally extracted at the time of such determination. The mineralized material
estimates were determined by MRA for the Tesorera and Jayula deposits, and by
the Company with respect to the other deposits. In the case of the Cobrizos
deposit, the mineralized material estimates were verified by MRA.
In the case of the El Ocote deposit, the mineralized material estimates were
developed by the Company and reviewed by Behre Dolbear.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINERALIZED MATERIAL
AVERAGE GRADE
--------------------------------
SILVER
TONNES (000S) (OUNCES/TONNE) ZINC (%) LEAD (%)
------------- -------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
San Cristobal Project
Tesorera deposit............... 2,611 0.77 1.37 0.37
Jayula deposit................. 32,122 1.22 0.91 0.22
Animas deposit................. 8,600 1.67 1.71 0.76
Toldos deposit................. 3,000 3.86 -- --
Cobrizos deposit............... 10,800 4.31 -- --
El Ocote deposit................. 2,100 9.90 -- --
</TABLE>
RISK FACTORS
As the Company moves from its organizational phase to its advanced
exploration and development phase, several risk factors have become evident
and need to be addressed on an on-going basis.
7
<PAGE>
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; HISTORY OF LOSSES
The Company, incorporated in the Cayman Islands in March of 1996, is the
successor to the mineral property acquisition, exploration and development
activities conducted by its affiliates since 1993. The Company has incurred
losses since its inception, and expects to incur additional losses for at
least the next four years. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had an
accumulated deficit of $28,782,621.
RESERVE AND OTHER MINERALIZATION ESTIMATES
The reserves and other mineralization figures presented herein, unless
otherwise indicated, are based on estimates of contained silver and other
metals made by independent geologists and/or the Company's personnel. These
estimates are imprecise and depend on geological interpretation and
statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling which may prove
unreliable. There can be no assurance that such estimates will be accurate, or
that indicated reserves or mineralization could be profitably exploited. Since
production has not yet commenced on any of the Company's properties, reserves
and other mineralization estimates for these properties may require
adjustments or downward revisions based on actual production experience. Any
material reductions in estimates of the Company's reserves and other
mineralization, or of the Company's ability to extract such reserves or
mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on the results of
operations and financial condition of the Company.
The Company has completed a first phase feasibility study with respect to a
portion of only one of its properties, the San Cristobal Project. Accordingly,
the Company has not established the presence of any proven or probable
reserves at any of its other mineral properties. Although conceptual studies
have been prepared with respect to the Company's El Ocote and San Juan de
Lucanas exploration properties by independent parties using data and
assumptions provided by the Company, these studies involve assumptions and
projections based on a level of data insufficient to establish the presence of
proven or probable reserves. There can be no assurance that subsequent testing
or future feasibility studies will establish additional reserves at the
Company's properties. The failure to so establish additional reserves could
restrict the Company's ability to successfully implement its strategies for
long term growth.
In addition, there can be no assurance that the proven or probable reserves
set forth in the San Cristobal Study will actually be able to be mined and
processed profitably, if at all. The San Cristobal Study is based on many
assumptions, any, some, or all of which may prove to be inaccurate. The
failure of any such assumptions to prove accurate may alter the conclusions of
the San Cristobal Study and may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In addition, the economics of mining at San Cristobal are based on (i) bench
scale metallurgical testing of drill samples from the property to estimate
extraction yields of silver and other metals, (ii) estimates of the cost of
creating and operating the necessary mine process infrastructure and transport
facilities to profitably extract the minerals at the property and (iii)
estimates of the market price of silver, zinc and lead. Such estimates can be
highly inaccurate. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the
anticipated extraction rates or operating costs, or create the necessary
facilities within the budgets, proposed by the San Cristobal Study.
SAN CRISTOBAL PROJECT RISKS
In addition to the other risk factors, the San Cristobal Project involves
the following risks:
The proximity of the town of San Cristobal may adversely affect the
Company's ability to efficiently mine the San Cristobal Project. The Company
expects to seek to relocate the local population of approximately 350. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop an amicable and
economically feasible relocation program within the time period anticipated by
the Company's development plans.
Although the Company anticipates that the development of the San Cristobal
Project will be successfully completed and that the resulting operations will
commence production by early 2001, no assurance can be given that the
development of the San Cristobal Project will be completed on a timely basis,
that the operations will achieve the anticipated production capacity or that
the construction costs or ongoing operating costs associated
8
<PAGE>
with the development of the San Cristobal Project will not be higher than
anticipated. The construction of expanded mining operations involves a number
of uncertainties, including factors beyond the Company's control. Failure to
obtain necessary project financing or to complete the development of the San
Cristobal Project on a timely basis or unexpected cost increases could have a
material adverse effect on future results of operations and financial
condition of the Company. If the capital expenditures required to complete the
development of the San Cristobal Project are significantly higher than
expected, there is no assurance that the Company's capital resources would be
sufficient to cover such costs or that the Company would be able to obtain
alternative sources of financing to cover such costs.
NO PRODUCTION HISTORY
The Company has no history of silver production. The Company's strategy to
develop its economically feasible properties will require the construction or
rehabilitation and operation of mines, processing plants and related
infrastructure. As a result, the Company is subject to all of the risks
inherent in the establishment of new mining operations and business
enterprises. There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully
establish mining operations or profitably produce silver or other metals at
any of its properties.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH
The Company anticipates that as its mineral properties are brought into
production and as it acquires additional mineral rights, it will experience
significant growth in its operations. This growth is expected to create new
responsibilities for management personnel, as well as added demands on the
Company's operating and financial systems. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in meeting such demands and managing its
anticipated growth. The Company's growth is dependent, in part, on the
continued identification and acquisition of additional mineral rights. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in acquiring
additional mineral rights.
VOLATILITY OF METALS PRICES; HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The profitability of the Company and its long-term viability are dependent
in large part on the market price of silver and other metals, including zinc
and lead. The market prices for such metals are volatile and are affected by
numerous factors beyond the Company's control, including expectations for
inflation, speculative activities, currency exchange fluctuations, global or
regional consumption patterns, supply of and demand for silver and the other
metals, political and economic conditions and production and transportation
costs. The aggregate effect of these factors is impossible for the Company to
predict and could have a material adverse effect on the Company and the
results of its operations.
Certain mining operations, including the San Cristobal Project, may be
dependent upon anticipated proceeds from the production of secondary metals
and a decline in the price of any metals extracted by the Company could
materially adversely affect the profitability of the Company. If the market
price for these metals falls below the Company's production costs and remains
at such level for any sustained period, the Company will experience additional
losses and may determine to discontinue the development of a project or mining
at one or more of its properties.
The Company currently does not hedge against commodity and base metals price
risks. However, the Company anticipates that as its mineral properties are
brought into production and it begins to derive revenue from the production,
sale and exchange of commodity and base metals, the Company may utilize
various price hedging techniques to lock in forward delivery prices on a
portion of its production, and thereby mitigate some of the risks associated
with fluctuations in the prices of the metals it produces. The Company may
also engage in hedging activities to hedge the risk of exposure to currency
fluctuations as a result of its operations in several foreign countries. There
can be no assurance that the use of hedging techniques will always benefit the
Company. For example, there is the possibility that the Company will lock in
forward deliveries at prices lower than the market price at the time of
delivery. Such an event would negatively affect the Company's revenues and
profits.
9
<PAGE>
EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT RISKS
The degree of profitability of the Company's operations will be affected by
the costs and results of its continued exploration and development programs.
The Company is seeking to expand its reserves through a broad program of
exploration and development, including ongoing development activities at the
San Cristobal Project. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature,
involves many risks, and frequently is non-productive. There can be no
assurance that the Company's mineral exploration efforts will be successful.
Once mineralization is discovered, it usually takes a number of years from the
initial phases of exploration until production is possible, during which time
the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures
are required to establish ore reserves through drilling, to determine metal
content and metallurgical processes to extract such metal from the ore and, in
the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. As
a result of these uncertainties, no assurance can be given that the Company's
exploration programs will result in the establishment of new ore reserves.
None of the Company's mineral properties have an operating history upon
which estimates of future cash operating costs may be based. Estimates of
reserves and cash operating costs, particularly for development projects, to a
large extent, are based upon the interpretation of geologic data obtained from
drill holes and other sampling techniques, and feasibility studies which
derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and
grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body,
expected recovery rates of silver and other metals from the ore, comparable
facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions, and
other factors. As a result, it is possible that actual cash operating costs
and economic returns may differ significantly from those currently estimated
by the Company. It is not unusual in new mining operations to experience
unexpected problems during the start-up phase.
There are a number of uncertainties inherent in any development program,
including the location and dimensions of a deposit, metal content, development
of appropriate metallurgical processes, receipt of necessary governmental
permits and the construction of mining and processing facilities.
The costs involved in building or upgrading all necessary power, water or
transportation facilities at any given property may be considerable,
particularly in light of the frequently remote locations of the Company's
properties. The development of many of the Company's properties will require
the creation of extensive infrastructure in order to commence production at
such sites. No assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in
sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that the funds
required for development can be obtained at all, or on a timely basis.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company's future development
activities or exploration efforts will result in profitable mineral
production.
TITLE TO MINERAL PROPERTIES
Although it is the Company's policy to seek to confirm the validity of its
rights to title to, or contract rights with respect to, each mineral property
in which it has a material interest, there is no guarantee that title to its
properties will not be challenged or impugned. Title insurance generally is
not available, and the Company's ability to ensure that it has obtained secure
claim to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely
constrained. The Company has not conducted surveys of all of the claims in
which it holds direct or indirect interests and, therefore, the precise area
and location of such claims may be in doubt. Accordingly, the Company's
mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers
or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected
defects. In addition, the Company may not be able to operate its properties as
permitted, or to enforce its rights with respect to such properties.
The Company's rights to certain of its mineral properties, including certain
of its principal properties at the San Cristobal Project, derive from
leaseholds or purchase option agreements which require the payment of rent or
other installment fees. In the event the Company fails to make such payments
with respect to any of its mineral properties on the relevant due date, the
Company's rights to any such property may lapse. There can be no assurance
that the Company will, or will be able to, effect all such payments by the
requisite payment dates. In
10
<PAGE>
addition, certain of the Company's contracts with respect to its mineral
properties mandate development or production schedules. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to meet any or all of such development
or production schedules. In addition, the Company's ability to transfer or
sell its rights to certain mineral properties may require governmental
approvals or third party consents, which may not be granted.
The Company's title to, and control over its San Juan de Lucanas property in
Peru has been contested by certain employee creditors of the prior operator of
the property. During the last three years, parts of the property have been
physically controlled by individuals challenging the Company's ownership.
There can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in its attempt to
register title to the property.
MINING RISKS AND INSURANCE
The business of mining is generally subject to a number of risks and
hazards, including adverse environmental effects, industrial accidents, labor
disputes, technical difficulties posed by unusual or unexpected geologic
formations, cave-ins, flooding and periodic interruptions due to inclement or
hazardous weather conditions. Such risks can result in damage to and
destruction of, mineral properties or producing facilities, as well as
personal injury, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and
possible legal liability. Although the Company maintains, and intends to
continue to maintain, insurance with respect to its operations and mineral
properties within ranges of coverage consistent with industry practice, no
assurance can be given that such insurance will be available at economically
feasible premiums. Insurance against environmental risks (including potential
liability for pollution or other disturbances resulting from mining
exploration and production) is not generally available to the Company.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
The Company currently conducts exploration activities in countries with
developing economies, including Bolivia, Chile, Honduras, Mexico and Peru in
Latin America, and Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan in Central Asia. Each
of these countries has experienced recently, or is experiencing currently,
economic or political instability. Hyperinflation, volatile exchange rates and
rapid political and legal change, often accompanied by military insurrection,
have been common in these and certain other emerging markets in which the
Company may conduct operations. The Company may be materially adversely
affected by possible political or economic instability in any one or more of
those countries. The risks include, but are not limited to, terrorism,
military repression, expropriation, changing fiscal regimes, extreme
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, high rates of inflation and the
absence of industrial and economic infrastructure. Changes in mining or
investment policies or shifts in the prevailing political climate in any of
the countries in which the Company conducts exploration and development
activities could adversely affect the Company's business. Operations may be
affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to
production restrictions, price controls, export controls, income and other
taxes, expropriation of property, maintenance of claims, environmental
legislation, labor, welfare benefit policies, land use, land claims of local
residents, water use and mine safety. The effect of these factors cannot be
accurately predicted.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
All commercial production and mineral exploration and development by the
Company will be subject to foreign laws and regulations controlling not only
the mining of and exploration for mineral properties, but also the possible
effects of such activities upon the environment. These laws and regulations
are comprehensive and deal with matters such as air and water quality, mine
reclamation, waste handling and disposal, the protection of certain species
and the preservation of certain lands. These environmental laws and
regulations may require the acquisition of permits or other authorizations for
certain activities. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which
will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties
for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed
projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their
officers, directors and employees. Permits from a variety of regulatory
authorities are required for many aspects of mine operation and reclamation.
The Company cannot predict what environmental
11
<PAGE>
legislation or regulations will be enacted or adopted in the future or how
future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted. Compliance
with more stringent laws and regulations, as well as potentially more vigorous
enforcement policies or regulatory agencies or stricter interpretation of
existing laws, may necessitate significant capital outlays, may materially
adversely affect the Company's future operations or may cause material changes
or delays in the Company's intended activities.
The Company's preliminary analysis of the existing mining activities
conducted by the current owner and operator of the Toldos mine at the San
Cristobal Project indicates that low-level effluents from the site may be
draining into a seasonal stream which flows into the Rio Grande and,
ultimately, into the Salar de Uyuni, a salt lake to the north of the San
Cristobal Project. Pursuant to the recently enacted Bolivian mining code,
mining companies are not liable for identified pre-existing conditions. The
Company expects to improve the environmental situation which may currently
exist at the site. The Company does not expect any such remediation program to
have a material adverse effect on the Company's proposed operations at the San
Cristobal Project.
Environmental conditions may exist on other mineral properties currently
owned or controlled by the Company which are unknown to the Company at present
and which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the
properties. The Company has not sought an environmental analysis at any of its
mineral properties, nor has it conducted a comprehensive review of the
environmental laws and regulations applicable to it in each of the various
jurisdictions in which it owns or controls mineral properties. To the extent
the Company is subject to environmental liabilities, the satisfaction of such
liabilities would reduce the Company's net cash flow and could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Should the Company be unable to fund fully the cost of remediation of any
environmental condition, the Company might be required to suspend operations
or enter into interim compliance measures pending completion of the required
remediation.
COMPETITION
The mining industry is intensely competitive. The Company competes with many
companies possessing greater financial resources, operational experience and
technical facilities than itself. Competition in the mining business could
adversely affect the Company's ability to attract requisite capital funding or
acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in
the future. The Company recently has encountered increasing competition from
other mining groups in its efforts to acquire mineral properties.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE RISKS
The Company currently conducts, and will continue to conduct, all of its
operations through subsidiaries. The Company's ability to obtain dividends or
other distributions from its subsidiaries may be subject to, among other
things, restrictions on dividends under applicable local law and foreign
currency exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries
operate. The subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends or make other
distributions to the Company may also be subject to their having sufficient
funds from their operations legally available for the payment thereof which
are not needed to fund their operations, obligations or other business plans.
If the Company's subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends or make other
distributions to the Company, the Company's growth may be inhibited after the
proceeds of the Offerings are exhausted, unless the Company is able to obtain
additional debt or equity financing on terms which are acceptable to the
Company. In the event of a subsidiary's liquidation, there may not be assets
sufficient for the Company to recoup its investment therein.
REQUIREMENT OF ADDITIONAL FINANCING
The net proceeds of the Company's Initial Public Offering were not
sufficient to complete the Company's planned development of the San Cristobal
Project. The Company intends to seek additional financing to complete
development of the San Cristobal Project and to fund the development of other
of its mineral properties, including the Cobrizos, El Ocote, San Juan de
Lucanas, and Choroma properties. Sources of such external
12
<PAGE>
financing include bank borrowings and future debt and equity offerings. There
can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms
acceptable to the Company and its shareholders, or at all. The failure to
obtain such additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the
results of operations and the financial condition of the Company.
The operations contemplated by the Company are expected to be highly capital
intensive. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to secure
the financing necessary to retain its rights to, or to begin, or, if begun, to
sustain production at the Company's mineral properties.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company is dependent on the services of certain key executives including
its Chairman and the Chief Operating Officer. The loss of these persons, other
key executives or personnel, or the inability to attract and retain the
additional highly skilled employees required for the expansion of the
Company's activities, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business or future operations. Although the Chairman does not have a written
contract certain key executives have entered into written agreements. The
Company does not intend to maintain "key-man" life insurance on any of its
executive officers or other personnel.
SUBSTANTIAL CONTROL BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
As of December 31, 1997, Thomas S. Kaplan and the Company's other directors
and officers, together with members of their families and entities that may be
deemed affiliates of or related to such persons or entities, beneficially own
approximately 50 percent of the Ordinary Shares, including approximately
7,077,007 Ordinary Shares which would be issued in the event the Company
elected to satisfy all of its obligations to the Minority Shareholders of Apex
LDC through the issuance of Ordinary Shares. Mr. Thomas Kaplan and others,
together with certain of the shareholders of Apex LDC, including Silver
Holdings, have entered into an agreement with respect to the appointment of
two designees of Silver Holdings to the Company's board of directors for so
long as Silver Holdings owns one percent of the outstanding Ordinary Shares,
including Ordinary Shares it may receive as a Minority Shareholder. Silver
Holdings' investors include entities affiliated with Mr. Paul Soros,
Mr. Richard Katz and Mr. Eduardo Elsztain, who are directors of the Company.
In addition, Quantum Industrial Partners LDC and Geosor Corporation,
collectively own more than 50 percent of Silver Holdings. By virtue of his
ownership of Geosor Corporation and his position with Soros Fund Management
LLC, an investment advisor to Quantum Industrial Partners LDC, Mr. George
Soros may have the power to direct the election of the directors of Silver
Holdings, who in turn, will elect the two designees. Such a high level of
ownership by such persons may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring
or preventing a change in control of the Company or other events which could
be of benefit to the Company's other shareholders.
METALS MARKET OVERVIEW
SILVER MARKET
Silver has traditionally served as a medium of exchange, much like gold.
While silver continues to be used for currency, the principal uses of silver
can be divided into three main categories: (i) industrial uses, primarily
electrical and electronic components; (ii) photography; and (iii) jewelry and
silverware. According to the CPM Group ("CPM"), in 1997, approximately 798.9
million ounces of silver were consumed for these and other industrial
purposes, up 5.5 percent from 1996.
Silver's strength, malleability, ductility, thermal and electrical
conductivity, sensitivity to light and ability to endure extreme changes in
temperature combine to make silver a widely-used industrial metal.
Specifically, it is used in batteries, computer chips, electrical contacts,
and high-technology printing. Silver's anti-bacterial properties also make it
valuable for use in medicine and in water purification.
Most silver production is obtained from mining operations for which silver
is not the principal or primary product. Approximately 78 percent of mined
silver is produced as a by-product of mining of lead, zinc, gold or
13
<PAGE>
copper deposits. CPM estimates that recycled or secondary production accounts
for a decreasing proportion of total silver supply, approximately 27 percent
of total silver production in 1997, compared to an average of 31 percent of
aggregate silver production between 1980 and 1990. CPM further estimates that
total silver supply (from mine production, recycling and estimated dishoarding
and government stockpile sales) has been insufficient to meet industrial
demand since 1990, and stockpiles have been diminishing. CPM studies indicate
that approximately 584.7 million ounces of silver were supplied from all
sources in 1997, up 5.8 percent from 1996. Mine production of silver rose 6.1
percent to 419.7 million ounces.
The table on the following page sets forth the London Silver Market's annual
average, high and low spot price of silver in U.S. dollars per troy ounce
since 1977.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR AVERAGE HIGH LOW
---- ------------------ --------
(DOLLARS PER TROY OUNCE)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1977........................................ $ 4.63 $ 4.97 $ 4.31
1978........................................ 5.42 6.26 4.82
1979........................................ 11.06 32.20 5.94
1980........................................ 20.98 49.45 10.89
1981........................................ 10.49 16.30 8.03
1982........................................ 7.92 11.11 4.90
1983........................................ 11.43 14.67 8.37
1984........................................ 8.14 10.11 6.22
1985........................................ 6.13 6.75 5.45
1986........................................ 5.46 6.31 4.85
1987........................................ 7.01 10.93 5.36
1988........................................ 6.53 7.82 6.05
1989........................................ 5.50 6.21 5.04
1990........................................ 4.83 5.36 3.95
1991........................................ 4.06 4.57 3.55
1992........................................ 3.95 4.34 3.65
1993........................................ 4.31 5.42 3.56
1994........................................ 5.28 5.75 4.64
1995........................................ 5.19 6.04 4.41
1996........................................ 5.19 5.83 4.71
1997........................................ 5.17 6.27 4.22
</TABLE>
- --------
Source: Silver Institute and Kitco
ZINC AND LEAD MARKETS
The Company anticipates that the San Cristobal Project will, and that other
future projects may, involve the production of economically significant
quantities of metals other than silver. The Company expects that production
from the San Cristobal Project will include the extraction, processing and
sale of significant quantities of zinc and lead.
Zinc is utilized for its resistance to corrosion, and, in the form of steel
coating, is widely used in construction of infrastructure, housing and office
buildings. In the automotive industry, zinc is used for steel coating, and
die-casting, and is an important component of tires and motor oil. Smaller
quantities of various forms of zinc are used in fertilizers, food supplements
and cosmetics, and in specialty electronic applications such as satellite
receivers. Industrial consumption of zinc in 1997 was estimated by the
International Lead Zinc Study Group (the "ILZSG") at 7.73 million tonnes.
Recycled zinc accounts for about 30 percent of the zinc consumed on an annual
basis. According to the ILZSG, 5.56 million tonnes of zinc were produced in
1997.
14
<PAGE>
The primary use of lead is in motor vehicle batteries, but it is also used
in cable sheathing, shot for ammunition and alloying, and in chemical form for
use in alloys, glass and plastics. Industrial consumption of lead in 1997 is
estimated by the ILZSG at 6.05 million tonnes. Lead is widely recycled with
secondary production accounting for a steady 54 percent of total supply.
According to the ILZSG, 6.05 million tonnes of lead were produced in 1997.
The following table sets forth the annual average spot prices for zinc and
lead on the London Metals Exchange since 1977:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ZINC LEAD
---- ----------- -----------
(U.S. CENTS PER POUND)
<S> <C> <C>
1977.......................................... 34.4c 30.7c
1978.......................................... 31.0 33.7
1979.......................................... 33.5 52.6
1980.......................................... 34.4 41.4
1981.......................................... 38.3 33.5
1982.......................................... 33.7 24.7
1983.......................................... 34.6 19.3
1984.......................................... 41.7 20.1
1985.......................................... 35.5 17.7
1986.......................................... 34.1 18.4
1987.......................................... 36.2 27.0
1988.......................................... 56.3 29.7
1989.......................................... 77.6 30.5
1990.......................................... 68.9 36.7
1991.......................................... 50.7 25.3
1992.......................................... 56.2 24.6
1993.......................................... 43.6 18.4
1994.......................................... 45.3 24.9
1995.......................................... 46.8 28.6
1996.......................................... 46.5 35.1
1997.......................................... 59.7 28.3
</TABLE>
- --------
Source: Fleming Global Mining Group and ILZSG
MANAGEMENT
Executive Officers and Certain Personnel
Apex Silver Mines Limited has no executive officers. Under the Companies Law
(1995 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, directors are authorized to bind the
corporation that they represent. Apex Silver Mines Limited has entered into a
Management Services Agreement pursuant to which Apex Silver Mines Limited has
engaged Apex Corporation to provide a broad range of corporate management and
advisory services. Set forth below are certain personnel of the Company and
its subsidiaries.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<C> <C> <S>
Thomas S. Kaplan........ 35 Chairman of Apex Silver Mines Limited, and Chief
Executive Officer of Apex Corporation
Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating
Keith R. Hulley......... 57 Officer, Apex Corporation
Vice President of Corporate Development, Apex
Marcel DeGuire.......... 48 Corporation
Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer,
Gregory G. Marlier...... 48 Apex Corporation
Larry Buchanan.......... 53 Chief Geologist, Apex Corporation
Douglas M. Smith........ 54 Vice President Exploration, Apex Corporation
Vice President Investor Relations, Apex
Linda Good Wilson....... 40 Corporation
Leni Berliner........... 43 Commercial Development Manager, Apex Corporation
President & Chief Executive Officer, Andean
Johnny Delgado Achaval.. 58 Silver
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
Thomas S. Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan has been the Chairman of the board of directors
of the Company since its inception in March of 1996 and is a director and was
the founder of Apex LDC and its predecessor, Apex Bermuda, which contributed
substantially all of its assets to Apex LDC in December of 1994. Mr. Kaplan is
a director of Litani Capital Management LDC ("Litani LDC") and a principal
shareholder in Consolidated Commodities Ltd. Consolidated Commodities Ltd. is
a shareholder of Apex Silver Mines Limited, and Litani LDC is a shareholder of
both Apex Silver Mines Limited and Apex LDC. For the past ten years, Mr.
Kaplan has served as an advisor to private clients, trusts and fund managers
in the field of strategic forecasting, an analytical method which seeks to
identify and assess global trends in politics and economics and the way in
which such trends relate to international financial markets, particularly in
the developing markets of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Mr.
Kaplan has managed numerous venture capital investments and portfolio
investment accounts, and is a principal of several entities specializing in
direct and portfolio investments, including Feder Information Services
Corporation, Tigris Financial Group Ltd., FMS Partners L.P. and Bridge Capital
Group L.P. Mr. Kaplan also serves as a director of African Plantations
Corporation LDC, a Cayman Islands limited duration company which owns and
operates coffee and tea plantations in eastern and southern Africa. Mr. Kaplan
was educated in Switzerland and England and holds B.A., M.A., and D. Phil.
degrees in History from the University of Oxford.
Keith R. Hulley. Mr. Hulley has been a director of the Company since April
of 1997. A mining engineer with more than 30 years experience, Mr. Hulley has
served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Apex
Corporation since its formation in October of 1996. From early 1991 until he
joined the Company, he served as a member of the board of directors and the
Director of Operations at Western Mining Holdings Limited Corporation
("Western Mining"), a publicly traded international nickel, gold and copper
producer. At Western Mining, Mr. Hulley's responsibilities included
supervising on a global basis strategic planning, mine production,
concentrating, smelting, refining and sales. During this period, Western
Mining produced on an annual basis approximately 90,000 tonnes of nickel,
700,000 ounces of gold, 80,000 tonnes of refined copper and 1,500 tonnes of
uranium oxide. Mr. Hulley also supervised the development and operation of
Western Mining's Mount Keith open-pit nickel mine, a $450 million mining
project. Prior to joining Western Mining, Mr. Hulley was the President, Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of USMX Inc., a
publicly traded precious-metals exploration company. Mr. Hulley has also
served as the President of the minerals division and Senior Vice President for
Operations of Atlas Corporation, where he was in charge of mining exploration,
development and production. Previously he was Vice President of Mining and
Development of the U.S. division of BP Minerals, Inc. Over the course of his
career, Mr. Hulley has worked as a miner and shift supervisor in the gold
mines of South Africa, Mine Operation Superintendent of Kennecott
Corporation's Bingham Canyon mine which processed 100,000 tonnes of ore per
day, and project manager of the early phase of the Ok Tedi exploration and
development projects in Papua New Guinea. A member of the American Institute
of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers and a Fellow of the Australian Institute
of Mining and Metallurgy, Mr. Hulley holds a B.S. in Mining Engineering from
the University of Witwatersrand and an M.S. in Mineral Economics from Stanford
University.
Marcel F. DeGuire. Mr. DeGuire serves as Vice President of Development of
Apex Corporation. Prior to joining Apex in August of 1996, he served as Vice
President of Project Development and Regional Director for the jurisdictions
formerly part of the Soviet Union of Newmont Gold Company. During this period,
Mr. DeGuire acted as Project Leader of Newmont Gold's Muruntau large scale
open pit heap leach gold project in Uzbekistan. This facility processes 37,800
tonnes of ore per day and was built at a cost of $225 million. Mr. DeGuire was
directly involved in the joint venture negotiations leading up to the project,
the subsequent feasibility studies, completion of construction and the
commencement of mining operations. In addition to his work in Central Asia,
Mr. DeGuire has been responsible for various feasibility analyses, including
the Yanacocha gold project in Peru, on behalf of Newmont Mining Corp. During
his almost 20 years with Newmont Mining, Mr. DeGuire worked as resident
manager of a uranium mine and rose to President of several of Newmont Mining's
subsidiaries and became a leading expert in environmental management and mine
reclamation, serving as Newmont Mining's Vice President of Environmental
Affairs and Research and Development as well as other senior executive
positions. Mr. DeGuire is a member of the American Institute of Mining,
Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, the Canadian Institute of Metallurgy,
the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America and has published various
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articles on mineral processing and environmental matters. Mr. DeGuire holds a
B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and
M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Gregory G. Marlier. Mr. Marlier serves as the Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer of Apex Corporation. From August of 1991 until
November of 1996, when he joined Apex Corporation, Mr. Marlier was the
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Cambior USA, Inc., the mineral
resources exploration and development subsidiary of Cambior, Inc., an
international mining company based in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Marlier has almost
25 years of mining industry finance experience, serving as Chief Financial
Officer and Corporate Secretary of Westmont Mining, Inc. (a predecessor of
Cambior USA), Controller and Corporate Secretary of New Castle Energy
Corporation and director of administrative services of Dorchester Coal
Company. Mr. Marlier has also worked with Northern Coal Company and
Consolidation Coal Company (Consol). A member of the Association of Mining
Financial Professionals and National Mining Association, Mr. Marlier holds a
B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from John Carroll University,
Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Larry J. Buchanan. Dr. Buchanan serves as Chief Geologist to Apex
Corporation and is a principal advisor to the Company's international
operations. Dr. Buchanan is a noted exploration geologist with a reputation as
one of the industry's leading experts on epithermal deposits, on which he has
written several definitive texts. His analysis of such deposits has given rise
to the industry paradigm known as "The Buchanan Model". Dr. Buchanan has
published eight geological texts, played a key role in identifying several
multi-million ounce gold deposits, and developed implementation programs for
numerous currently producing mines. His consulting clients have included
Cyprus Minerals Company, FMC Corporation, Total Resources, Inc. and Fischer-
Watt Gold Co. Inc. ("Fischer-Watt"). Dr. Buchanan is a shareholder and
director of Begeyge Minera Ltda. Dr. Buchanan holds a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in
Geological Engineering and Ph.D in Economic Geology from the Colorado School
of Mines.
Douglas M. Smith, Jr. Mr. Smith serves as Vice President of Exploration for
Apex Corporation. Mr. Smith began his career with Minas de San Luis, S.A.,
where he was District Geologist at the Taylotita mine, one of the largest
epithermal silver-gold deposits in the world, and became Chief Geologist at
the Company. Prior to joining Apex, Mr. Smith was employed for almost 20 years
by ASARCO Incorporated ("ASARCO"), which he joined in 1977. During his tenure
at ASARCO, he held numerous positions including Manager of the Rocky Mountain
Exploration Division and, most recently, Chief Geologist of the Latin American
Exploration Division, where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of
exploration and project evaluation in Spanish-speaking countries of the
Americas, including Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Mexico. Mr. Smith left ASARCO in
1997 to join Apex Corporation. Mr. Smith holds a B.S. in Geology from the
University of New Mexico.
Linda Good Wilson. Ms. Wilson joined Apex Corporation as Vice President of
Investor Relations in October 1997. Prior to joining Apex Corporation, Ms.
Wilson was Director of Investor Relations for Addwest Minerals, a newly listed
Canadian junior gold producer. With 14 years of mining experience, Ms. Wilson
spent 10 years at Cyprus Amax in numerous positions, including Director in the
Investor Relations and Treasury Department. Ms. Wilson began her career as a
Geologist at Amax's Mount Tolman Project, a large copper-molybdenum deposit in
eastern Washington. Ms. Wilson holds a B.A. in Geology from Colby College and
a M.S. in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines.
Leni S. Berliner. Ms. Berliner serves as Commercial Development Manager for
Apex Corporation. Prior to joining the Company in the fall of 1996, Ms.
Berliner was the Chief Administrator-South America for Andean, a position she
had held since Andean's inception in 1994; prior to the formation of Andean,
she represented Andean Bahamas in a similar capacity starting in mid-1993.
Before joining the Company, Ms. Berliner was a private sector development
analyst and management consultant for ten years devising country investment
strategies for, among others, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, the
investment arm of the Inter-American Development Bank. Ms. Berliner is a
specialist in Latin American business and banking, and has worked extensively
throughout the region and in other emerging markets. She holds a B.A. with
honors from the
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an MPIA in Economic and Social
Development from, and was a Public Service Fellow at, the University of
Pittsburgh.
Johnny Delgado Achaval. Mr. Delgado serves as the Chief Executive Officer of
Andean. Mr. Delgado has over 30 years experience in the South American mining
industry, including 15 years as President, and principal shareholder, of
Mineria Tecnica Consultores Asociados S.A. ("Mintec"), one of Bolivia's
leading mining consulting firms, and the agent for Andean Silver Corporation
LDC since the formation of its Bolivian branch in 1994. Mr. Delgado founded
Mintec in 1981. Prior to the formation of Mintec, Mr. Delgado worked with
International Mining Company from 1966 to 1981, where he served initially as
Chief of Exploration and Project Manager and then as Technical Vice President
of its tungsten mining holding company, Estalsa Boliviana S.A. Both before and
during his tenure at Mintec, Mr. Delgado was involved in all aspects of
international mining, including the direction of major exploration efforts in
Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile, as well as management of
mining operations in Bolivia. Mr. Delgado has taught mining engineering,
mining finance and mine geology. He is a member of the Geological Society of
Bolivia, the Society of Bolivian Engineers and the Mining Club.
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 35 full-time
employees.
Apex Corporation provides management, advisory and administrative services
for the Company pursuant to a Management Services Agreement dated October 22,
1996. The services provided by Apex Corporation include identifying and
evaluating investment opportunities, making recommendations to the board of
directors with respect to the Company's exploration and development
activities, staffing employees and providing the necessary expertise to manage
the Company's affairs and monitor its exploration and development activities,
advising the Company with respect to investments, contractual and financing
activities and providing financial services. The Company pays Apex Corporation
a service fee in an amount equal to the direct and indirect costs incurred by
Apex Corporation in providing its services, plus 10 percent of such costs.
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
PROPERTIES
The Company's portfolio of silver properties in Bolivia, Peru, Chile,
Honduras, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan, which cover an area in
excess of two million acres, contain identified silver mineralization or offer
significant exploration potential. These mineral properties consist of (i)
mining concessions which the Company has acquired, or is in the process of
acquiring, directly; (ii) concessions which the Company has leased, generally
with an option to purchase; (iii) concessions which the Company has agreed to
explore and develop and, if feasible, bring into production, in concert with
local joint venture partners; and (iv) new claims, principally to mineral
properties which the Company believes offer significant exploration
opportunities and which the Company has staked on its own behalf.
The Company's exploration and development activities are currently focused
on four properties: the San Cristobal Project and the Cobrizos property in
southern Bolivia, the El Ocote property in southwestern Honduras, and the San
Juan de Lucanas property in southern Peru. All four of these properties remain
subject to various stages of exploration, analysis and development. The
Company has completed a first phase feasibility study with respect to the San
Cristobal Project. Based on the favorable results of the San Cristobal Study,
the Company is targeting the completion of a final feasibility study of the
San Cristobal Project by late 1998. The Company expects to drill additional
holes on the Cobrizos property during 1998. The Company has completed
conceptual studies with respect to the El Ocote and San Juan de Lucanas
properties. Although the San Cristobal Project remains the Company's top
development priority, the initial analysis from the Cobrizos, El Ocote, and
San Juan de Lucanas properties have been promising and the Company believes
that these properties may be economic development and production candidates.
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In addition to the aforementioned properties, the Company controls a
portfolio of silver exploration properties located in eight countries in South
America, Central America and Central Asia. The Company generally seeks to
structure its acquisitions of mineral rights so that individual properties can
be explored without significant expense and acquired if significant
development opportunities are identified. Properties that the Company
determines do not warrant further exploration or development expenditures will
be sold or otherwise relinquished, typically without further financial
obligation to the Company. Although the Company believes that its exploration
properties may contain significant silver mineralization, the Company's
analysis of such properties is at a preliminary stage. The activities
performed to date at these properties often have involved the analysis of data
from previous exploration undertaken with respect to a property, as
supplemented by the Company's own fieldwork and sampling programs.
The Company's flagship property, the San Cristobal Project, is discussed in
Item 1. The Company's other properties are described below.
COBRIZOS
Location and Access
The Cobrizos property is located on level terrain 12 kilometers north of the
San Cristobal Project in southern Bolivia. The proximity to the San Cristobal
Project affords significant potential operating efficiencies. The former
railroad maintenance town of Uyuni lies 70 kilometers to the northeast and the
railroad to the Chilean port of Antofagasta, 460 kilometers distant, passes 20
kilometers to the north. The Bolivian commercial centers of Oruro and La Paz,
respectively, are located 350 kilometers and 500 kilometers to the north.
Operating History
Green and blue colored copper carbonate minerals were produced from the
deposit for use as pigment during pre-Columbian times and Spanish miners
subsequently engaged in small scale native copper and copper sulfate mining.
Between 1892 and 1906 Compania Arenal sank shafts as deep as 60 meters and
produced copper from approximately 100,000 tonnes of material extracted from
shallow underground and open cast workings. A combination of flooding and
carbon dioxide build-up in the workings ultimately forced a cessation of
operations.
Title and Ownership Rights
The Company acquired the right to enter into a joint venture with Comibol on
its approximately 4,178 acres of mining rights at the Cobrizos property
through public tender in August of 1996. An agreement defining the joint
venture was signed on September 11, 1996. Pursuant to this agreement, the
Company must complete certain payments and work commitments in order for its
rights to vest in this joint venture at the Cobrizos property, to which
Comibol contributes only the mining rights. These obligations are summarized
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT MINIMUM WORK
PERIOD PER ACRE COMMITMENT
------ --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
0-24 months..................................... $ 1.44 $625,000
25-48 months..................................... $ 48.28 No minimum
49-60 months..................................... $240.89 No minimum
</TABLE>
Comibol will receive five percent of the operating cash flow, as defined
below, from production at the Cobrizos property until the Company has
recovered its entire capital investment; thereafter, Comibol will receive 15
percent of operating cash flow. The Company has the right, in its discretion,
to reduce the acreage subject to the joint venture agreement prior to
commencement of the third year thereof and again prior to the commencement of
the fifth year thereof. Operating cash flow is defined in the agreement as the
gross revenues less the cost of transportation, smelting and refining,
marketing commissions, production costs and administrative expenses. Financing
costs and depreciation are not deductible from gross revenues.
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Geology
The Cobrizos property hosts an oxidized copper-silver deposit of the red
bed-type composed of narrow (less than ten centimeters thick) veins in a
stockwork cutting shale and sandstone of the Jurassic Potoco Formation, which
dips steeply to the east.
Mineralized Material
In November and December of 1995, prior to entering into the aforementioned
joint venture agreement with Comibol, the Company conducted initial field
studies including geologic mapping and the collection of 108 samples for
geochemical analysis of gold, silver, and copper. After successfully bidding
for and acquiring the Cobrizos property, the Company conducted a mercury vapor
survey over the greater mineralized area in August of 1996. In October of
1996, the Company drilled 11 inclined (-60 degrees) RC holes. Four of the
holes drilled in a row 700 meters long and spaced no less than 150 meters
apart tested a single stratigraphic horizon and intersected silver and copper
mineralization.
These drill results precipitated a follow-up drilling phase focused on this
single stratographic horizon during which eight additional holes were drilled
over a strike length of 850 meters which, together with the four earlier
holes, resulted in all the drill holes being spaced approximately 75 meters
apart. The results indicate a steeply dipping mineralized zone with an average
width of 55 meters over the 855 meters of strike length. The indicated depth
from surface or near surface is at least 100 meters. The Cobrizos property
contains mineralized material of 10.8 million tonnes at an average grade of
4.3 ounces of silver per tonne and approximately 0.22 percent of copper. These
estimates were confirmed by MRA.
Exploration and Development
Further drilling is needed in order to increase the reliability of current
data, to determine the limits of the mineralization at the site, and to
establish proven and probable reserves. The Company believes that the
proximity of the Cobrizos property to the San Cristobal Project may result in
significant operating efficiencies. Open pit mining with processing either at
the deposit site or at the proposed milling and processing facility at the San
Cristobal Project will be evaluated, and metallurgical test work will be
conducted.
EL OCOTE
Location and Access
The El Ocote property in southwestern Honduras is located near the town of
Santa Lucia in the municipality of La Labor, department of Ocotepeque,
approximately 150 kilometers south of the major city of San Pedro Sula and
approximately 30 kilometers east of the Guatemalan border. The property is
accessible by means of the paved Pan-American Highway, which passes within one
kilometer of the deposit. Power, water and labor are available within two
kilometers of the property. The site is largely unimproved with no equipment
on site; some underground development has occurred, and it is possible to
inspect the mineral body from four adits.
Operating History
A portion of the El Ocote property was first explored and put into
production in the late nineteenth century. Rosario Resources ("Rosario"), a
New York-based company, subsequently acquired the property and in 1963 drilled
four diamond drill holes. According to Rosario's geologists responsible for
the project, Rosario decided against further development due to difficult
logistics and what was perceived to be unfavorable metallurgy. Rosario's
metallurgical studies at the time indicated that the mineralized material at
the site was best processed by flotation.
Title and Ownership
In 1983, a Honduran entity, Compania Minera Ocote, S. de R.L. ("Minera
Ocote") acquired the property. In June of 1994, the Company, acting through an
agent, acquired an exclusive five-year exploitation concession
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and purchase option for the El Ocote property from Minera Ocote totaling 986
acres. Minera Ocote's rights to the property derive from a 40-year mining
concession granted by the government of Honduras in March of 1983, which may
be extended for an additional 20-year term.
Pursuant to the contract with Minera Ocote, the Company has committed to
undertake a five-year, $1,000,000 exploration and development program on the
property, and to advance production royalties of $50,000 and $75,000 to Minera
Ocote on the fourth and fifth anniversaries, respectively, of the agreement.
The Company is also responsible for maintaining Minera Ocote's concession
until such time as title has been formally transferred to the Company. Minera
Ocote has agreed to transfer the title to the property on the fifth
anniversary of the aforementioned contract, assuming the property is in
production, or at such earlier time as the Company may request. Upon the
commencement of commercial production at the property, the Company will pay
Minera Ocote a five-percent NSR royalty.
In addition to the aforementioned concession at the El Ocote property, the
Company has also contracted with Minera Ocote to acquire an exploration
permit, the Ocote Exploration Zone, covering approximately 17,414 acres of
adjacent territory. Minera Ocote's title to this exploration permit was
formally granted in March of 1996. This exploration permit will have a life of
four years, extendable for an additional two years before converting into an
exploitation concession. The Company expects that if it elects to acquire this
permit outright from Minera Ocote, title to the property will be assigned to
Cordilleras Honduras. The Company also holds a right of first refusal with
respect to another property contiguous to the El Ocote property and is in the
process of negotiating for an option to buy such property.
Geology
The major geological feature of the El Ocote property is a zone of
mineralized breccia rock contained in a near vertical pipe-shaped structure.
This pipe is located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters on the side
of the very steep eastern slopes of Cordillera Del Merendo. The deposit is
hosted by a thin package of Tertiary andesitic volcanics, which overlie
Tertiary sediments and volcaniclastics, as well as Cretaceous Yojoa Group
limestones. Although faults are believed to be present immediately east and
northeast of the structure, it does not appear to have been subjected to any
significant post-mineral faulting.
The deposit consists of a near vertical column of brecciated diorite,
roughly oval in plan section, in which silver and copper minerals, plus
fluorite, and quartz form the cement around the breccia fragments. This
structure in plan has dimensions of 150 meters (north-south) by 90 meters
(east-west). Within the mineralized structure, the fragments comprise angular
to rounded diorite and diorite porphyry. The degree of brecciation decreases
with depth, such that at a depth of less than approximately 50 meters below
the 1,200 level, there is no longer significant brecciation and the rock is
merely weakly jointed.
The bulk of the silver mineralization is in one massive block of breccia
near the surface, with the grade diminishing rapidly below the 1,200 meter
level. Below that level, most of the higher grade material takes the form of
several arcuate bands, concave upward, which extend downward from the west
side of the structure and which terminate with depth toward the east.
Mineralized Material
In 1995, the Company began a process of evaluating the exploration and
development potential of the identified mineralized zone at the El Ocote
property. Specifically, the Company resampled four preexisting mine levels,
mapped the geology of the area, prepared topographic maps of the site, and
drilled 16 RC drill holes into the pipe-like structure and two RC holes into
the surrounding host rock. A total of 3,422 meters of drilling was completed
during this program and a total of 2,258 samples from these holes were sent
for assay. Using this drill assay data and the data from 313 samples from the
underground mine workings, the Company estimated that the deposit contains
approximately 2.1 million tonnes of mineralized material containing 9.9 ounces
of silver per tonne at a cut-off grade of 2.0 ounces of silver per tonne.
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Conceptual Study
The Company commissioned Davy to prepare a conceptual study in order to
estimate the potential and timing of undertaking rapid exploitation of the
property via rapid bulk underground mining and heap leach extraction methods.
This study utilized the Company's estimate of mineralized material mentioned
above.
This study was completed in July of 1997 and concluded as follows:
. The project's economics are sensitive to metallurgical recovery and metal
prices. Assuming a 50 percent heap leach recovery, the project's internal
rate of return is positive with silver prices of approximately $6.00 per
ounce, or at a 75 percent recovery, a positive rate of return begins at
prices above $4.00 per ounce of silver.
. Metallurgical test work should be undertaken to determine cyanide
consumption and silver recovery rates.
. Upside potential lies in lower cyanide consumption rates and the
discovery of ore reserves to improve the return on capital invested in
the mining and processing facilities.
Exploration and Development
The Company plans to commission an extensive metallurgical sampling and
testing program as the next step in its continuing evaluation of this
property. The Company believes that there is little likelihood of discovering
additional resources within the pipe structure itself. Nonetheless, as part of
the appraisal of the mineral potential of the El Ocote property, a regional
stream sediment survey was conducted over an area of 80 square kilometers. The
stream draining the mineralized area at the El Ocote property assayed 0.6
parts per million ("ppm") silver. Most other streams in the immediate area
assayed under 0.5 ppm silver. However, a large number of streams draining an
area 4.5 kilometers southwest of the mineralized structure assayed from 0.6 to
2.6 ppm silver. As numerous streams draining this area are strongly anomalous
in silver, the Company believes it is likely that additional silver
mineralization may occur in the headwaters of those sampled streams. The
Company plans to conduct further reconnaissance fieldwork in this anomalous
area until the source of the silver is discovered.
SAN JUAN DE LUCANAS
Location and Access
The San Juan de Lucanas property is located 147 kilometers east of the town
of Nazca in the San Juan district of the Lucanas province in the department of
Ayacucho in southern Peru, approximately 500 kilometers south of Lima. The
property is accessible by means of a partly paved, well-maintained highway
from Nazca which extends to within ten kilometers of the property and is
connected to the mine and mill site by well-established gravel roads. Water
and labor are available on site while power must be generated at the site.
Operating History
Mineralization was discovered in the San Juan district in colonial times.
Documented mining has occurred intermittently in the area since 1938. Empresa
Minera San Juan de Lucanas S.A. ("EMSJ") operated the San Juan de Lucanas mine
from 1966 until 1990, at which time operations were discontinued due to
operating losses. Between 1990 and early 1996, a small mining cooperative
intermittently ran the San Juan de Lucanas mine at a low production level.
Since 1951, the three mined veins at San Juan de Lucanas property have
produced approximately 3,000,000 tonnes of ore grading an average of 13.8
ounces of silver per tonne and 0.061 ounces of gold per tonne. Mill recoveries
of 84 percent silver and 91 percent gold resulted in district production of
approximately 35,830,000 ounces of silver and 170,400 ounces of gold.
Title and Ownership Rights
Through its new claims and the acquisition of mining concessions and certain
contract rights entitling it to explore and develop mining concessions in the
district, the Company has acquired title to, or otherwise controls,
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<PAGE>
mineral rights to more than 52,000 acres of properties dispersed over an area
of approximately 150 square miles in the San Juan district of the Lucanas
province of Peru. The Company has contracted to acquire 38 existing mining
concessions relating to 42,071 acres of land, including the aforementioned
pre-existing mining complex, and has staked new claims covering more than
10,131 acres. The Company believes that it controls all known mineralized
structures in the San Juan district.
The registered holders of title to the 38 mining concessions include EMSJ
and Banco Minero del Peru, S.A. ("Banco Minero"), a Peruvian state bank which
is in liquidation. Among EMSJ's creditors were Banco Minero, which became
EMSJ's sole shareholder, and EMSJ's former employees, who where the
beneficiaries of certain statutory labor liens on EMSJ's assets. As a result,
these mining assets, although primarily registered in the name of EMSJ, also
included certain properties registered in the name of Banco Minero which are
now registered in the name of ASC Peru, a subsidiary of the Company. In June
of 1993, Banco Minero agreed to transfer ownership of the San Juan de Lucanas
mining complex to EMSJ's former workers in exchange for a release of all
claims by such workers against EMSJ and its successor in interest, Banco
Minero. The Banco Minero settlement agreement was subject to (i) a two-step
court approval process and (ii) subsequent registration with the Peruvian
Registry of Mines. The approval process has been completed and the
registration of the settlement agreement has been ordered by the Labor Court
in Lima. The registration of the settlement agreement, transfer of title to
the Company and the raising to public deed of the Company's rights to acquire
the concessions, however, remain pending.
The Company has contracted with more than 90 percent in interest of the
beneficiaries of the Banco Minero settlement agreement to acquire all of their
rights in the San Juan de Lucanas mining complex (such contracts, the "San
Juan Contracts"). The Company has obtained the opinion of local counsel
attesting to the validity and enforceability of the San Juan Contracts. In
order for the Company to perfect its title to the San Juan de Lucanas mining
complex, the Banco Minero settlement agreement must be duly registered with
the Peruvian Registry of Mines. Since Peruvian law does not provide for
fractional interests in mining properties as an administrative procedure, a
special purpose mining entity, to be named SMRL Dorita I de Ica ("SMRL"),
which will be beneficially owned by the workers party to the settlement
agreement, will become the holder of the title to the San Juan de Lucanas
property. The SMRL is broadly analogous to a Peruvian limited liability
corporation. Pursuant to the San Juan Contracts, the Company will become the
holder of at least 90 percent of the participating interests in SMRL. The
Company expects that pursuant to the San Juan Contracts, SMRL will be
compelled to sell the San Juan de Lucanas property to the Company or its
designee upon the registration of the settlement agreement.
As several of the former workers party to the Banco Minero settlement either
are not party to the San Juan Contracts, or have sought or may be expected to
seek to opt out of the San Juan Contracts, the Company's interest in
particular properties comprising the San Juan de Lucanas mining complex may be
subject to a small amount of dilution. Management does not believe that any
such dilution will have a material adverse effect on its interests or
activities in the San Juan district. The Company is pursuing the rapid
resolution of all title disputes and is committed to an amicable settlement
with all parties involved.
Concurrent with the resolution of outstanding administrative legal issues,
the Company has taken steps to maintain an orderly physical presence in the
San Juan district. Of the 337 surviving ex-workers, approximately 60 continue
to live at the mining camp while the others no longer live in the district.
Those at the camp are living at a subsistence level. The Company provides
periodic truckloads of food and other supplies and has provided some
assistance to the local school and sports teams. The Company has two
representatives at the camp who periodically report to management, and the
Company's engineering personnel have made numerous uneventful visits to the
camp. However, the situation is unstable and is likely to remain so until such
time as the Company is able to make purchase payments on the SMRL properties.
The Company expects to make such payments as soon as the registration of the
settlement agreements have been completed and the San Juan Contracts have been
raised to public deed.
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Geology
The mineral deposits at the San Juan de Lucanas property are epithermal,
with mineralization occurring in a number of steeply dipping veins, running
along two well defined orientations. The north-south veins include the veins
known as Santa Rosa, Saramarca, Yanarumi, Ventanilla and Rosaura; the
northeast-southwest vein is known as Concepcion-Raquel. The outcrops of the
Ventanilla and Concepcion-Raquel structures can be followed on the surface for
over one kilometer. The rocks hosting the veins consist of lava flows and tuff
flows with conglomerate.
There are several systems of veins on the property. The Concepcion-Raquel
vein forms the most important structure in the district and is comprised of
two sets of three parallel structures each. The width of the veins varies
between two and four meters, although in some sections of the mine, widths
over 20 meters can be found. The Santa Rosa vein and another associated vein,
Alfa Romeo, form the second most important vein system; with vein widths
varying from one to seven meters. The third most important vein system is the
Saramarca system which is comprised of a series of veins and mineralization
occurring in lenses.
All three vein systems are mineralized with gold, chalcopyrite, sphalerite,
galena, argentite and ruby silvers. Successive processes of leaching and
oxidation led to the formation of an enriched zone which constitutes the most
readily mineable portion of the deposit. The main minerals at the surface are
oxides extending to a depth of approximately 100 meters. The oxides contain
significant grades of silver and gold in some areas. Below this level, an
enriched zone with a vertical interval of 200 to 250 meters is present in most
of the known veins.
Mineralized Material
Underground mineralized material is estimated at 139,000 tonnes with an
average silver grade of 9.27 ounces per tonne and gold grade of 0.086 ounces
per tonne.
During January and February of 1995, the Company engaged independent
contractors to survey and drill, under the supervision of Company geologists,
the two tailings dumps using impact casing methods. Twenty holes were drilled,
and 149 samples obtained. Approximately 85 percent of the tailings area was
sampled, and there is no reason to believe that the remaining 15 percent would
yield significantly different results.
Based on the work described above, the Company estimates that the two
tailings dumps contain at least 1.75 million tonnes of mineralized material
with an average silver grade of 1.74 ounces per tonne and gold grade of 0.006
ounces per tonne. The Company sent a 60 pound (30 kilogram) sample to the
University of Cardiff, Wales, for metallurgical testing to estimate
recoveries, material balances for various throughputs for processing the
tailings, reagent consumption and preliminary equipment and capital
specifications. PAH found that these test results support the concept of
reprocessing the tailings profitably, assuming a tailings reclaim agglomerate
and heap leach process for a new or refurbished underground mine combined
operation. The tailings component would contribute a net cash margin (before
tax) of $1.99 per ounce of silver at an assumed price of $5.15 per ounce of
silver.
Conceptual Study
In June of 1995, PAH performed a conceptual study evaluating the
rehabilitation of the idled San Juan de Lucanas mine complex. PAH concluded
that rehabilitation would be feasible, and require approximately $10 million
to return the mine to a 500 tpd underground mining operation. Operating cash
costs of a rehabilitated and developed mine were estimated by PAH to be
approximately $2.40 per ounce of silver when fully operational. PAH outlined a
mine and power rehabilitation program and also defined requirements for
replacement of the crushing and grinding sections, a new flotation plant,
thickening section and cyanidation section, and repairs to the Merrill-Crowe
precipitation section. All ancillary structures would have to be rebuilt. The
Company believes additional reserves, which could result from such proposed
exploration, would be required to justify such investment.
24
<PAGE>
Exploration and Development
The Company has defined a two stage, 5,500 meter core drilling program with
the goal of delineating an additional two million tonnes of reserves within
the known vein system. The first stage would consist of 12 core holes drilled
into eight veins to depths averaging 250 meters, for a total of 2,875 meters.
The second stage would consist of another 10 holes in the same veins, for a
total of 2,625 meters. If successful, a third phase consisting of additional
drilling and underground drifting will be conducted, the results of which will
be used to justify the rehabilitation and development of the mine, as well as
further exploration on other parts of the property.
OTHER MINERAL PROPERTIES
In addition to the aforementioned development project and advanced
exploration properties, the Company has a portfolio of more than two million
acres of exploration properties located in the traditional silver producing
regions of the world or otherwise identified by the Company as areas which
warrant exploration. The Company generally seeks to structure its acquisitions
of mineral properties in order to allow the Company to engage in phased
exploration of individual properties at a relatively low cost and to acquire
those properties that it regards as presenting significant development
opportunities. Properties which the Company determines do not warrant further
exploration or development will be sold or otherwise relinquished, typically
without further cost obligations to the Company. The Company currently owns,
controls or has options to acquire approximately 120 silver and other mineral
holdings classified into 20 major groups of exploration properties located in
eight countries. The distribution of these holdings is summarized in the table
on the following page:
LOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MAJOR GROUPS OF EXPLORATION PROPERTIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF
NUMBER OF TOTAL
COUNTRY PROPERTIES ACREAGE(1) ACREAGE(1)
------- ----------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SOUTH AMERICA
Bolivia............................... 3 1,336,651 63.8%
Chile................................. 3 53,127 2.5
Peru.................................. 6 110,570 5.3
--- --------- -----
Subtotal............................ 12 1,500,348 71.6
--- --------- -----
CENTRAL AMERICA
Honduras.............................. 1 26,464 1.3
Mexico................................ 3 5,363 0.3
--- --------- -----
Subtotal............................ 4 31,827 1.6
--- --------- -----
CENTRAL ASIA
Kyrgyzstan............................ 2 541,149 25.8
Mongolia.............................. 1 6,919 0.3
Tajikistan............................ 1 13,838 0.7
--- --------- -----
Subtotal............................ 4 561,906 26.8
--- --------- -----
Total............................... 20 2,094,081 100.0%
=== ========= =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Acreage and percent of total acreage figures do not include land
considered part of the San Cristobal Project, El Ocote, San Juan de
Lucanas, and Cobrizos properties. These four properties consist of claims
and concessions comprising approximately 5,066 acres, 68,291 acres, 52,944
acres and 4,253 acres, respectively.
While the Company in the near term expects to focus primarily on the
development of the San Cristobal Project, the acquisition, exploration and
evaluation of properties will be vigorously pursued in order to unlock the
potential value of the Company's existing exploration property portfolio as
well as to sustain continuing corporate growth objectives.
25
<PAGE>
Drilling and geophysical engineering services are frequently subcontracted
to regional and/or international firms. Chemical analysis generally is
performed in laboratories located in the same regions as the specific
property, with metallurgical testing and analysis conducted in the U.S. When
using core drilling, the Company uses conventional split core sampling in its
testing, retaining one half of all drill cores for reference and confirmatory
testing processes. Similarly, representative portions of chip samples from
rotary percussion, reverse circulation drilling are processed leaving
substantial quantities of the chip sample material for reexamination and other
future test work.
The Company's international exploration activities are described on a
country-by-country basis below. Due to the limited nature of the available
information regarding these properties, the general exploration portfolio is
addressed below in a summary manner only.
BOLIVIA
The Company has continued its aggressive land acquisition program throughout
Bolivia, making the Company one of this country's largest private owners of
mineral rights. The Company's holdings and joint ventures, excluding the
Cobrizos property and the San Cristobal Project, now total approximately 1.3
million acres, including its existing joint venture interests for the historic
Pulacayo mine and options on several properties being explored presently. The
Company expects to pursue aggressively its exploration program in Bolivia.
In December of 1997, the Company paid approximately $4.3 million to Empresa
Minera Yanamallco in exchange for equipment and mining properties. In
addition, the Company assumed approximately $2.5 million in debt that will be
paid out of cash and production.
CHILE
The Company has been systematically staking concessions in northern Chile.
This program, which is based on efforts to identify promising silver
exploration zones, has resulted in the staking of 22 claims over an area of
more than 53,000 acres. The Company's exploration of its Chilean property
holdings are at an early stage.
PERU
In addition to its San Juan de Lucanas property, the Company has undertaken
numerous activities in Peru, including: (i) the acquisition and preliminary
evaluation of the Otuzco property located in northern Peru which has been
leased and is subject to a purchase option held by the Company; and (ii)
technical evaluation of a number of the mining properties being sold by
Centromin, the Peruvian state-owned mining company. The Company is presently
engaged in land acquisition programs in several districts.
MEXICO
Exploratory work in Mexico has successfully secured a significant land
position in the vicinity of Zacatecas, historically Mexico's largest silver
producing district. An initial exploration program was completed in March of
1997. The Company's continuing program is evaluating the potential for several
underground silver operations. Additional exploration targets throughout
Mexico are being analyzed by the Company's Zacatecas office.
HONDURAS
Including its El Ocote property, the Company holds approximately 68,000
acres of exploration and exploitation concessions. The Company's analysis of
these properties remains preliminary. Over the course of the next 12 to 18
months, the Company expects to conduct additional field reconnaissance in
order to determine further drill targets at these properties.
KYRGYZSTAN
On March 26, 1996, the Company established Kumushtak Mining, a 51/49 joint
venture with North-Kyrgyz Geological Expedition (Apex 51%), a state enterprise
organized under the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic.
26
<PAGE>
Kumushtak Mining holds concessions located in a belt of silver occurrences
which extends for several hundred kilometers in the Kumushtak river valley in
western Kyrgyzstan. The area encompasses several historic mining districts.
The Company recently completed its first round of drilling at one
significant silver anomaly situated in Kumushtak. The results of such drilling
indicate insufficient grades to sustain economic production at prevailing
silver prices. However, due to Kumushtak Mining's large property holdings and
exploration potential, the Company intends to preserve a strategic position in
this region and continue with its interest in Kumushtak Mining. The Company
believes that Kumushtak Mining's extraordinarily large concession offers the
possibility of numerous occurrences of silver and gold.
MONGOLIA
On March 26, 1996, the Company established Asgat Mining, a 50/50 joint
venture with Mongolrostvetmet, a joint association owned by the Mongolian
government and Zarubeshvetmet, a privatized company formed under the laws of
the Russian Federation. Asgat Mining is involved in the evaluation of the
Asgat silver deposits in northwestern Mongolia (the "Asgat Silver Property").
Work on the Asgat Silver Property, which already contains some underground
development, has principally involved data preparation for a feasibility
study. Recently, metallurgical bench scale test work has been conducted with
mixed results. While recoveries of silver and copper were high, the results
indicated large amounts of arsenic and antimony. The Company regards the Asgat
Silver Property as a strategic property position with potential long term
development prospects. Asgat Mining is presently assessing other precious
metal prospects based on its detailed knowledge of information and conditions
in Mongolia.
TAJIKISTAN
The Company is in the process of obtaining an exclusive, irrevocable license
to exploit the Bolshoi Kanimansur and the Western Kanimansur silver deposits
in northern Tajikistan, through the formation of Kanimansur Mining, which will
be 49 percent owned by Apex Asia and 51 percent by Adrasman Mining. The
Company is considering entering into a joint venture with respect to the
property with Zarabeshtsvetmet, a Russian mining company.
GLOSSARY
ADIT--a horizontal or nearly horizontal passage driven from the surface for
the working of a mine.
ANDESITE--a porphyritic igneous rock with low quartz content.
BACK--a mining term indicating the rock volume which is above a level in a
mine; the term may also refer to the roof of a mine working.
BRECCIATION OR BRECCIA--fracturing of preexisting rocks by natural forces; a
rock type formed in this manner.
BULK MINING--surface or underground mining methods applied to large bodies
of ore which involve large-scale, automated excavation techniques.
CONCENTRATE--a mineral processing product that generally describes the
material that is produced after crushing and grinding ore and then effecting
significant separation of gangue (waste) minerals from the metal and/or metal
minerals, discarding the waste and minor amounts of metal and/or metal
minerals leaving a "concentrate" of metal and/or metal minerals with a
consequent order of magnitude higher content of metal and/or metal minerals
than the beginning ore material.
27
<PAGE>
CONCEPTUAL STUDY--an initial technical financial study of a project at a
sufficient level of accuracy and detail to allow a decision as to whether to
undertake a feasibility study with respect to a given property.
CONGLOMERATE--a course-grained clastic sedimentary rock, composed of rounded
to subangular fragments larger than 2 millimeters in diameter set in a fine-
grained matrix of sand or silt.
CORE--a sample of rock produced by diamond drilling.
CUT-OFF GRADE--the minimum grade of mineralization or ore used to establish
quantitative estimates of total mineralized ore.
DEVELOPMENT--work carried out for the purpose of opening up a mineral
deposit and making the actual ore extraction possible.
DIAMOND DRILL--a type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by
abrasion rather than by percussion. The hollow bit of the drill cuts a core of
rock which is recovered in long cylindrical sections.
DRIFT--a horizontal passage underground that follows along the length of a
vein or mineralized rock formation.
EPITHERMAL--said of a Hydrothermal mineral deposit formed within about 1
kilometer of the earth's surface and in the temperature range of 100 to 250
degrees Celsius, occurring mainly as veins; a term applied to deposits formed
at shallow depths from ascending solutions of moderate temperatures.
EXPLORATION--work involved in searching for ore, by geological mapping,
geochemistry, geophysics, drilling and other methods.
FAULT--a fracture in a rock where there has been displacement of the two
sides.
FEASIBILITY STUDY--a technical financial study of a project at sufficient
level of accuracy and detail to allow a decision as to whether a given project
should proceed.
FRACTURE--breaks in a rock, usually due to intensive folding or faulting.
GRADE--the average assay of a ton of ore, reflecting metal content.
HEAP LEACHING--a process involving the percolation of a cyanide solution
through crushed ore heaped on an impervious pad or base to dissolve minerals
or metals out of the ore.
HYDROTHERMAL ALTERATION--alteration of rocks or minerals by the reaction of
hydrothermal water (hot water) with preexisting solid phases.
INTRUSION--in geology, a mass of igneous rock that while molten, was forced
into or between other rocks.
KRIGING--a geostatistical estimation method for calculating a geological
three dimensional model for the estimation of mineralized material and proven
and probable reserves. This method was developed to provide the "best linear,
unbiased estimate" for grade based on a least squares minimization of the
error estimation, or Kriging errors.
LEACHED--the separation, selective removal or dissolving out of soluble
constituents from a rock or orebody by the natural action of percolating
water.
LENS--a geological deposit bounded by converging surfaces, at least one of
which is curved, thick in the middle and thinning out to the edges, resembling
a convex lens.
28
<PAGE>
LEVEL--a sub-horizontal working in a mine, like a drift or a tunnel, often
given a number which relates its depth below an arbitrarily chosen reference
point, e.g., the -300 Level usually means the working is 300 meters below some
chosen reference point.
MASSIVE--said of mineral deposits characterized by a great concentration of
ore in one place, as opposed to disseminated or vein deposits.
MILL--a processing plant that produces a concentrate of the valuable
minerals or metals contained in an ore. The concentrate must then be treated
in some other type of plant, such as a smelter, to effect recovery of the pure
metal.
MINEABLE--the portion of a resource for which extraction is technically and
economically feasible.
MINERALIZATION--the concentration of metals and their compounds in rocks,
and the processes involved therein.
MINERALIZED MATERIAL--that part of mineral deposits (i) for which tonnage
and grade are computed (a) partly from specific measurements, samples or
production data compiled from appropriately spaced assays of outcrops,
trenches, underground workings or drill holes and (b) partly from projections
based on geological evidence, and (ii) that have not been measured and sampled
with sufficient confidence to determine that the identified deposit can be
economically and legally extracted at the time of such determination.
NET SMELTER RETURN OR NSR--a return based on the actual proceeds from sale
of metal or mineral products received less the cost of refining or smelting at
an off-site refinery.
OPEN PIT--a surface working open to daylight, such as a quarry.
ORE--material that can be economically mined and processed.
OUNCE--a unit of measurement of weight. In the precious metals industry, and
at Apex, one troy ounce, the equivalent of 31.103 grams.
OUTCROP--the part of a rock formation that appears at the earth's surfaces,
often protruding above the surrounding ground.
PORPHYRY--an igneous rock of any composition that contains conspicuous
phenocrysts (large crystals) in a fine-grained rock mass.
PROBABLE RESERVES--that part of a mineral deposit which may be economically
and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination for
which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar
to that used for proven reserves (see below), but the sites for inspection,
sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately
spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves,
is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.
PROVEN RESERVES--that part of a mineral deposit which may be economically
and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination for
which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches,
workings and drill holes and grade and/or quality are computed from the
results of detailed sampling; and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and
grade measurement are spaced so closely and the geological character is so
well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well
established.
RECOVERY--the percentage of contained metal extracted from ore in the course
of processing such ore.
REFINING--the final stage of metal production in which residual impurities
are removed from the metal.
29
<PAGE>
RESERVES--that part of a mineral deposit which may be economically and
legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.
REVERSE CIRCULATION DRILL--a rotary drill or rotary percussion drill in
which the drilling fluid and cuttings return to the surface through the drill
pipe, minimizing contamination.
SECONDARY ENRICHMENT/SUPERGENE ENRICHMENT--a mineral deposition process in
which near surface oxidation produces acidic solutions that leach (dissolve)
minerals or metals, carry them downward, and precipitate them, thus enriching
sulfide minerals already present.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS/SEDIMENTS--rocks resulting from the consolidation of loose
sediments that have accumulated in layers consisting of mechanically formed
fragments of older rock transported from its source and deposited in water, or
from air or ice.
SHAFT--a vertical or steeply inclined excavation for the purposes of opening
and servicing an underground mine. It is usually equipped with a hoist at the
top which lowers and raises a conveyance for handling personnel and materials.
SILL--a near horizontal flat-bedded strata of intrusive rock.
SMELTING--heating ore or concentrate material with suitable flux materials
at high temperatures creating a fusion of these materials to produce a melt
consisting of two layers on top, a slag of the flux and gangue (waste)
minerals, and below molten impure metals. This generally produces an
unfinished product requiring refining.
STOCKWORK--a mineral deposit in the form of a three dimensional network of
anastomosing veinlets diffused in the host rock.
STRATA-BOUND--a mineral deposit confined to a single stratigraphic unit.
STRIKE--the course or bearing of a vein or a layer of rock.
TAILINGS--the finely-ground waste product from ore processing.
TON--a dry short ton (2,000 pounds).
TONNE--a metric ton (1,000 kilograms, or 2,205 pounds).
VEIN--a mineralized zone having a more or less regular development in
length, width and depth which clearly separates it from neighboring rock.
WASTE--barren rock in a mine, or mineralization that is too low in grade to
be mined and milled at a profit.
CONVERSION TABLE
In this Form 10-K, figures are presented in both United States standard and
metric measurements. Conversion rates from United States standard to metric
and metric to United States standard measurement systems are provided in the
table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. MEASURE METRIC UNIT METRIC MEASURE U.S. UNIT
- ------------ ----------- -------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2.47 acres....................... 1 hectare 0.4047 hectares............. 1 acre
3.28 feet........................ 1 meter 0.3048 meters............... 1 foot
0.62 miles....................... 1 kilometer 1.609 kilometer............. 1 mile
0.032 ounces (troy).............. 1 gram 31.103 grams................ 1 ounce (troy)
1.102 tons....................... 1 tonne 0.907 tonnes................ 1 ton
</TABLE>
30
<PAGE>
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See the discussion regarding the title and ownership rights at the San Juan
de Lucanas property set forth above in Item 2.
ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On October 3, 1997, an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the
Company was held. By special resolution, by a vote of 8,965,977.93 for and 0
against, the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of amended and
restated Memorandum and Articles of Association in place of and in
substitution for the then existing Memorandum and Articles of Association of
the Company. By ordinary resolution, by a vote of 8,965,977.93 for and 0
against, the shareholders of the Company approved: The division of the
Company's Board of Directors into three classes designated Class I, Class II
and Class III, each consisting of one-third the total number of directors
constituting the entire board of directors of the Company and elected each of:
(a) Harry M. Conger, Richard Katz and Michael Comninos each to serve as a
Class I director of the Company until the date of the 1998 annual meeting
of the shareholders of the Company, or his earlier death, resignation or
removal from office;
(b) Keith R. Hulley, Paul Soros and Ove Hoegh each to serve as a Class II
director of the Company until the date of the 1999 annual meeting of the
shareholders of the Company, or his earlier death, resignation or removal
from office;
(c) Thomas S. Kaplan, Eduardo S. Elsztain and David Sean Hanna each to serve
as a Class III director of the Company until the date of the 2000 annual
meeting of the shareholders of the Company, or his earlier death,
resignation or removal from office.
By ordinary resolution, by a vote of 8,965,977.93 for to 0 against, the
shareholders authorized, empowered and directed the members of the board of
directors of the Company to split the Ordinary Shares at a ratio and on terms
to be determined in their sole discretion; provided that the ratio of such
share split shall not exceed 10.1. By ordinary resolution, by a vote of
8,965,977.93 for and 0 against, the shareholders of the Company approved and
adopted both the Company's Employees' Share Option Plan and Non-Employee
Directors' Share Option Plan.
PART II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The company's Ordinary Shares have been traded on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "SIL" since November 25, 1997. For the period from
November 25, 1997 through December 31, 1997 the high and low closing sales
prices for the Ordinary shares as reported by the American Stock Exchange were
$13 1/16 and $11, respectively.
Shareholders. As of March 20, 1998, the last reported sale price of the
Ordinary Shares on the American Stock Exchange was $11 1/2. As of March 20,
1998, the Company had approximately 70 shareholders of record and an estimated
1,000 additional beneficial holders whose stock was held in street name by
brokerage houses.
Dividends. The Company has never paid any dividends on its Ordinary Shares
and expects for the foreseeable future to retain all of its earnings from
operations for use in expanding and developing its business. Any future
decision as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the
Company's board of directors and will depend upon the Company's earnings,
receipt of dividends from its subsidiaries, financial position, capital
requirements, plans for expansion and such other factors as the board of
directors deems relevant.
31
<PAGE>
Beginning in 1998, the Company intends to use the net proceeds for one or
more of the following purposes: (i) feasibility studies, financing, and
construction and development of the San Cristobal Project, (ii) exploration
and development activities at any of the other properties within the Company's
existing portfolio, (iii) maintenance of control or ownership of the Company's
existing mineral properties by making ongoing lease payments, and paying
royalties and other maintenance and registration fees, and (iv) acquisition of
additional properties or businesses that are complementary to those of the
Company. In addition, the Company may use the net proceeds for working capital
and other general corporate purposes. The Company will contribute the gross
proceeds from the Offering, and all associated expenses, to Apex LDC in
exchange for an equal number of Apex LDC shares.
Although the Company has not determined a specific allocation of proceeds
among the various uses described above, the Company currently estimates that
it will spend approximately $15 million in direct expenses in 1998 in
connection with the final feasibility study, and an additional $5 million and
$5 million, respectively, for exploration activities at the San Cristobal
Project and the Company's other mineral properties over the next two years
performing reconnaissance, field mapping and sampling, including drilling. The
Company expects to incur approximately $5 million per annum in general and
administrative expenses prior to corporate allocation to subsidiaries. The
amounts actually expended on each of the uses described above will vary
depending upon, among other factors, the results of the final feasibility
study and the success of the Company's exploration and development activities.
Additional financing will be required to fund future development activities
and there can be no assurance that such financing will be available at all, or
on terms acceptable or favorable to the Company and its shareholders.
On August 15, 1997, the Company acquired a 2.5 percent interest in ASC
Bolivia for 268,496 shares of the Company valued at $11 per share. The total
purchase price of $2,953,456 has been recorded as mining properties.
Also on August 15, 1997, the Company granted two associates a total of
138,595 shares in consideration for services and recorded $1,524,545 of
administrative expense.
On December 1, 1997, the Company closed the Offering. The Company sold
5,000,000 Ordinary Shares at a price of $11 per share on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "SIL" in the Offering and in a concurrent offering
to a shareholder. The Ordinary Shares sold were registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-34685). The effective date of the Registration Statement
was November 25, 1997. The Offering was principally underwritten by Salomon
Brothers, Inc, Salomon Brothers International Limited, PaineWebber
Incorporated, PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd., Scotia Capital Markets
(USA) Inc., ABN AMRO Rothschild and Smith Barney, Inc. In addition, on
December 23, 1997, the underwriters exercised an option to purchase an
additional 523,372 Ordinary Shares at the initial public offering price of $11
per share. Net proceeds raised in the Offering were approximately $54.8
million. Professional fees and other expenses totalling approximately $6
million were incurred by the Company in connection with the Offering.
32
<PAGE>
ITEM 6: SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data for the Company for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the period from December 22, 1994
(inception) through December 31, 1997 are derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The selected financial data
that has not been presented herein is immaterial. The table on the following
page should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 22,
1994
(INCEPTION)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, THROUGH
--------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
------------ ------------ ----------- -------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Interest income......... $ 962 $ 575 $ 462 $ 2,014
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Total income............ 962 575 462 2,014
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Expenses
Exploration........... 9,754 9,591 1,560 21,010
Administrative........ 4,130 1,924 982 7,184
Consulting............ 1,523 2,506 560 4,734
Professional fees..... 391 1,096 657 2,165
Amortization and
depreciation......... 149 57 57 263
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Total expenses.......... 15,947 15,174 3,816 35,356
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Loss before minority
interest............... (14,985) (14,599) (3,354) (33,342)
Minority interest....... -- 2,876 1,493 4,559
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Net loss for the
period................. $ (14,985) $ (11,723) $ (1,861) $ (28,783)
============ ============ =========== ============
Net loss per Ordinary
Share-Basic and
diluted(/1/)........... $ (0.72) $ (0.66) $ (0.12) $ (1.59)
============ ============ =========== ============
Weighted average number
of Ordinary Shares
outstanding............ 20,930 17,672 15,900 18,146
CASH FLOW DATA:
Net cash provided by
financing activities... $ 55,008 $ 35,269 $ 6,430 $ 97,393
Net cash used in
operating activities... (17,777) (12,092) (3,491) (33,688)
Net cash used in
investing activities... (6,148) (524) -- (6,672)
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Net increase in cash.... $ (31,083) $ 22,653 $ 2,939 $ 57,033
============ ============ =========== ============
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994
------------ ------------ ----------- -------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............ $ 73,329 $ 26,797 $ 6,820 $ 9,929
Total liabilities....... 4,100 2,486 359 114
Minority interest....... -- -- 2,876 4,369
Shareholders' equity.... 69,229 24,311 3,585 5,446
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In 1997, the Company adopted SFAS 128. All prior period earnings per share
data have been restated to conform with the provisions of this Statement.
33
<PAGE>
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Selected Financial
Data and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
The Company is a mining exploration and development company that holds a
portfolio of silver exploration and development properties in South America,
Central America and Central Asia. None of these properties are in production
and, consequently, the Company has no current operating income or cash flow.
BACKGROUND
In mid-1993, Apex Silver Mines Ltd. ("Apex Bermuda") was established to
acquire and develop silver exploration properties throughout the world.
On December 22, 1994, Apex Bermuda contributed substantially all of its
assets to Apex Silver Mines LDC, a limited duration company formed under the
laws of the Cayman Islands.
In March of 1996, Apex Silver Mines Limited, a limited liability company
formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands, was incorporated in order to
facilitate the 1996 Private Placement. In connection with the 1996 Private
Placement, Apex Silver Mines Limited issued Ordinary Shares to certain of the
non-U.S. investors in Apex LDC in exchange for their interests in Apex LDC.
These transactions, and the 1996 Private Placement were completed effective as
of August 6, 1996. As of December 31, 1997, Apex Silver Mines Limited owns
approximately 73 percent of Apex LDC. The minority shareholders of Apex LDC
(the "Minority Shareholders") are entitled to sell their shares of Apex LDC to
the Company for, at Apex Silver Mines Limited's sole option, Ordinary Shares
of Apex Silver Mines Limited on a one for one basis, cash, or a combination of
cash and Ordinary Shares. The Company currently expects that any future
purchases by Apex Silver Mines Limited of shares of Apex LDC from the Minority
Shareholders will involve only Ordinary Shares. Any such transactions will not
affect the beneficial and economic interest in Apex LDC attributable to
shareholders of Apex Silver Mines Limited. As of December 31, 1997, Apex
Silver Mines Limited has approximately 19,124,916 Ordinary Shares outstanding
and approximately 7,077,007 Ordinary Shares reserved for issuance for
approximately 7,077,007 shares of Apex LDC owned by the Minority Shareholders.
If all such shares of Apex LDC were issued, Apex Silver Mines Limited would
have 26,201,923 Ordinary Shares outstanding.
THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On December 1, 1997, the Company closed its initial public offering (the
"Offering") of Ordinary Shares. The Company sold 5,000,000 Ordinary Shares at
a price of $11 per share on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"SIL". 3,720,000 Ordinary Shares were offered initially in the United States
and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters, 450,000 Ordinary Shares were offered
initially outside the United States by the International Underwriters and
830,000 Ordinary Shares were offered in a concurrent offering by the Company
directly to a shareholder. In addition, on December 23, 1997, the underwriters
exercised their option to purchase an additional 523,372 Ordinary Shares at
the initial price of $11 per share. Net proceeds raised in the Offering were
approximately $54.8 million.
THE SAN CRISTOBAL PROJECT
From 1994 to 1997, the properties comprising the San Cristobal Project were
acquired in a series of transactions. In 1996 the Company began exploring
these properties, and discovered the presence of a significant silver, zinc
and lead deposit with the potential to be developed as a large scale open-pit
mining project. In the fall of 1996, an in-fill drilling program using reverse
circulation and diamond core drilling was continued in order to delineate the
deposit and the amount of reserves. In addition, an expanded exploration
effort at the San Cristobal Project resulted in the discovery of additional
silver and base metal anomalies. On August 15, 1997,
34
<PAGE>
the Company acquired the 2.5 percent minority interest in ASC Bolivia for
268,496 shares of the Company valued at $11 per share. The primary asset of
ASC Bolivia is the San Cristobal Project. Accordingly, the total consideration
of $2,953,456 has been capitalized as mining properties.
Based on the San Cristobal Study, the San Cristobal Project is forecast to
produce annually an average of 14 million ounces of silver, 132,700 tonnes of
zinc and 39,500 tonnes of lead during an expected minimum life of 11.5 years.
The San Cristobal Project is expected to consist of two large scale, open pit
mining operations using conventional mining and processing technologies
capable of producing and processing an aggregate 30,000 tonnes per day ("tpd")
of ore. The average cash production cost over the life of the San Cristobal
Project is forecast to be $2.66 per silver equivalent ounce. Capital
expenditures are estimated to total $327 million for pre-production
development and construction to complete the San Cristobal Project. Based on
the favorable results of the San Cristobal Study, the Company is targeting the
completion of a final feasibility study of the San Cristobal Project by the
first quarter of 1999 with a goal of securing committed financing in the first
half of 1999.
The Company commissioned this final feasibility study at the beginning of
1998. The Company intends to continue an extensive drilling program in order
to (i) further define the existing ore bodies, (ii) increase the San Cristobal
Project's proven and probable reserves and (iii) evaluate other areas of
potential mineralization. At the same time, contracts for power supply,
transportation, and smelting and refining of metal concentrates will be
negotiated.
If the results of this final feasibility study confirm the economic
feasibility of the San Cristobal Project, and if no new properties emerge in
the interim that are considered to be more attractive development
opportunities, the Company expects to devote the majority of the proceeds from
the Offering to financing the final feasibility study and contribute to the
construction and development costs of the San Cristobal Project.
The Company has retained Rothschild Natural Resources LLC and Barclays Bank
PLC as the Company's financial advisor and arranger, respectively, in
connection with the anticipated project financing of the San Cristobal
Project. The Company anticipates that project financing activities will
commence on a preliminary basis in early 1998 and then accelerate with the
delivery of the a final feasibility study in early 1999 with financing to be
secured by the second quarter of 1999. If this timetable is achieved, project
construction could commence in early 1999 and, after an approximate two-year
construction and development program, production could commence in early 2001.
OTHER PROJECTS
The Company is also assessing the economic viability of (i) the Cobrizos
property in Bolivia, which may be developed in conjunction with the San
Cristobal Project; (ii) the El Ocote project in Honduras; and (iii) the San
Juan de Lucanas project in Peru.
The Cobrizos property is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the
San Cristobal Project. Recent drilling by the Company suggests the presence of
approximately 10.8 million tonnes of mineralized material containing 4.3
ounces of silver per tonne and 0.2 percent copper. This mineralized material
estimate has been reviewed and verified by MRA, an independent mine geology
consulting firm. The mineralized body is amenable to open pit mining and is
being considered as a satellite mining operation that could provide additional
feed to the proposed mill to be constructed at the San Cristobal Project,
thereby enhancing the silver grade of the ore processed by the mill after the
early years of operation at the San Cristobal Project.
The El Ocote property is located in southwest Honduras. Behre Dolbear
reviewed the Company's estimate that the property contains approximately 2.1
million tonnes of mineralized material averaging 9.9 ounces of silver per
tonne and prepared a conceptual study of this property for the Company in
1996. On the basis of this initial
35
<PAGE>
study, the Company conducted further fieldwork and a second conceptual study.
This latest study, which was performed by Davy, utilized the earlier resource
estimates, and estimated new capital and operating costs and production
schedules based on underground mining and heap leach processing. The Company
expects to conduct an additional round of fieldwork and to undertake
metallurgical sampling and heap leach tests. If warranted, these analyses will
be followed by additional drilling to establish proven and probable reserves.
In June 1995, Pincock, Allen and Holt, ("PAH") prepared a conceptual study
for the rehabilitation of an idled mine at the San Juan de Lucanas property.
The results indicated that approximately $10 million in capital expenditures
would be required to rehabilitate the mine to a 500 tpd capacity operation.
The Company believes that the identification of additional reserves at the
site would be required to justify such an investment. In addition, the Company
has experienced lengthy delays in its effort to register its title to the
properties comprising the San Juan de Lucanas property. While the Company
believes its legal position is secure, it is not currently possible to
estimate when this registration process will be completed. The Company expects
to begin exploration and commission a first phase feasibility study of the
property after its title thereto has been perfected.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Loss Before Minority Interest. The Company does not yet produce silver or
any other mineral products and has no revenues from product sales. The only
source of revenue is interest income. The loss before minority interest for
the year ended December 31, 1997 was $14,984,958 compared to a loss before
minority interest of $14,599,240 and $3,354,160 for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Exploration. Mineral exploration expenditures are expensed as incurred prior
to the determination of the feasibility of mining operations. Once it has been
determined that a mineral property has proven and probable ore reserves,
subsequent development and exploration expenses are capitalized. Through
December 31, 1997, all acquisition and exploration costs have been expensed as
incurred, except those pertaining to the San Cristobal Project. As of
September 1, 1997, the Company has capitalized exploration and development
costs associated with the San Cristobal Project and will continue to do so in
the future.
Exploration expenses were $9,754,231 for the year ended December 31, 1997
compared to $9,590,632 and $1,559,874 for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. The increased exploration expenses from 1996 to 1997
were due to an increase in exploration activity at the San Cristobal Project.
Total cumulative exploration expense at the San Cristobal Project was
$16,685,071 through December 31, 1997.
Administrative. Administrative expenses were $4,129,623 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to $1,923,165 and $982,261 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increased expenditures were
primarily due to the hiring of key management personnel during the second half
of 1996, the opening of Apex Corporation's Denver office in 1996, and stock
option compensation expense associated with the granting of stock options to
directors and officers in the year ended December 31, 1997.
Consulting. Consulting fees were $1,523,116 for the year ended December 31,
1997 compared to $2,506,250 and $560,060 for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. The decrease in 1997 versus 1996 is primarily due to
expenses associated with retaining third party consultants to prepare
technical studies on various properties that were capitalized on the San
Cristobal Project from September 1 to December 31, 1997.
Professional Fees. Professional fees were $390,369 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to $1,096,271 and $657,621 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in 1996 over 1995 was
primarily due to higher legal and accounting fees. The decrease from 1996 to
1997 was primarily due to the capitalization of costs associated with the
Offering.
36
<PAGE>
Interest Income. The primary source of income for the Company since
inception is interest income. Interest income for the year ended December 31,
1997 was $961,810 compared to $574,470 and $462,247 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company's policy is to invest
all excess cash in liquid, high credit quality, short term financial
instruments. The increase in interest income for the comparative periods was
due to the additional cash raised in the 1996 Private Placement and the
Offering.
Income Taxes. Apex Corporation, the Company's U.S. management services
company, is subject to U.S. income taxes. Otherwise the Company pays no income
tax in the U.S. since the Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and
conducts no business that currently generates U.S. taxable income. There is
currently no corporate taxation imposed by the Cayman Islands. If any form of
taxation were to be enacted in the Cayman Islands, the Company has been
granted exemption until January 16, 2015.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Company does not provide any post-retirement or post-employment benefits
to its employees and therefore does not accrue for such expenses. In 1997,
Apex Corporation instituted a 401(k) Plan for its U.S. employees. Apex
Corporation makes monthly contributions to this 401(k) Plan, and currently
matches 50 percent of each employee's contribution up to an employee
contribution of six percent of base salary. Employees vest in the Company's
contribution at 50 percent after one year of service and 100 percent after two
years of service. Although the Company does not currently have a formal bonus
or incentive plan for any of its employees, it anticipates instituting an
incentive based bonus plan in the future.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$57,033,193 compared to $25,949,771 at December 31, 1996. The increase in 1997
relative to 1996 was due primarily to the receipt of net proceeds from the
Offering.
In connection with the 1996 Private Placement, which closed effective August
6, 1996, the Company issued 4,256,700 Ordinary Shares at a price of $8.00 per
share and received net proceeds of $32,449,350.
The net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31,
1997 was $17,776,508 compared with $12,091,580 and $3,490,631 for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The variance in the net cash
used in operating activities between the comparative periods was due to the
increased exploration activity and the San Cristobal Study. The net cash
provided by financing activities was $55,007,682 for the year ended December
31, 1997, compared with $35,269,068 and $6,430,307 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, due to the Offering in 1997 and the
Private Placement in 1996.
The Company is subject to a series of obligations with respect to its
mineral properties; the failure to meet any of these commitments could result
in the loss or forfeiture of one or more of the Company's properties. These
obligations consist of government mineral patent fees and commissions, work
commitments, lease payments and advance royalties. In addition, a number of
the Company's property interests derive from contractual purchase options. In
order to acquire such properties, the Company will be obliged to make certain
payments to the registered concession holders and others who have interests in
the properties.
The Company does not currently have a line of credit with any financial
institution.
The Company's future revenues and earnings will be influenced by currency
exchange rates and by world market prices for silver, zinc, lead, copper and
gold, which fluctuate and over which the Company has no control. Depending
upon market conditions for currency exchange and metal prices, the Company may
from time to time hedge its metal or currency exposure in order to decrease
fluctuations in revenues and earnings. The Company does not currently have
firm policies or guidelines for hedging foreign currency, interest rate or
metals price exposure.
37
<PAGE>
The Company does not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or
incidents that may result in the Company's liquidity either materially
increasing or decreasing at present or in the foreseeable future.
The Company will devote the majority of the net proceeds received from the
Offering to finance its portion of the San Cristobal Project's construction
and development. In addition, it is anticipated that significant expenditures
will be made for other continuing exploration, property acquisition, property
evaluation and general corporate expenses.
The development program at the San Cristobal Project will require
significant additional financing. Sources of financing may include bank
borrowings and future additional debt or equity financing. There can be no
assurance that any such financing will be obtainable on terms that are
attractive to the Company, or at all. The Company has retained Rothschild
Natural Resources LLC and Barclays Bank PLC to act as the Company's financial
advisor and arranger, respectively, in connection with the anticipated project
financing for the San Cristobal Project.
As of the date hereof, the Company does not plan to declare or pay a
dividend.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
The Company's current and future mining and processing operations and
exploration activities will be subject to various federal, state and local
laws in the countries in which it conducts its activities, which govern the
protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, taxes,
labor standards, occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances and other
matters. Management does not believe that compliance with such regulations
will have a material adverse effect on its competitive position. The Company
intends to obtain all licenses and permits required by all applicable
regulatory agencies in connection with its mining operations and exploration
activities. The Company intends to maintain standards of environmental
compliance consistent with World Bank environmental guidelines.
The Company's preliminary analysis of the previous leaching operations at
the Toldos mine indicates that some effluents from the site may be draining
into a seasonal stream which flows into the Rio Grande and, ultimately, into
the Salar de Uyuni, a salt lake to the north of the San Cristobal Project.
Under Bolivian law the Company is not obligated to remediate known pre-
existing environmental conditions. Nonetheless, the Company expects to improve
the environmental situation which may currently exist at the Toldos property.
The Company does not expect any such program to have a material adverse effect
on the Company's proposed operations at the San Cristobal Project.
YEAR 2000 DATE CONVERSION
The inability of computer programs to correctly interpret the century from a
date which consists of two-year digits does not appear to be a significant
problem to the Company. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has no mainframe
or central database. The Company's accounting system is directed by personal
computers and software. Although minor adjustments may be required on the
software applications, these costs will be immaterial. To further mitigate the
risk of loss of data, the Company intends to perform regular tape backups of
all files, contact software manufacturers about updates to their products and
keep informed of the latest developments concerning year 2000 issues.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This filing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All
statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this filing
which address activities, events or developments that the Company expects,
believes, intends or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including
such matters as future investments in existing development projects and the
acquisition of new mineral properties (including the amount and nature
thereof), business strategies and
38
<PAGE>
the future need for additional funds from outside sources, are forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and
uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy, and some of
which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results,
financial and otherwise, could differ materially from those set forth in or
contemplated by the forward-looking statements therein.
ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Currently, the Company's major principal cash balances are held in U.S.
dollars. Subsidiary cash balances in foreign currencies are held to minimum
balances and therefore have a minimum risk to currency fluctuations. There are
currently no hedge positions against foreign currencies. The Company currently
does not hedge commodity and base metals price risks. However, the Company
anticipates that as its mineral properties are brought into production and it
begins to derive revenue from the production, sale and exchange of commodity
and base metals, the Company may utilize various price hedging techniques to
lock in forward delivery prices on a portion of its production, and thereby
mitigate some of the risks associated with fluctuations in the prices of the
metals it produces. The Company may also engage in hedging activities to hedge
the risk of exposure to currency fluctuations as a result of its operations in
several foreign countries. There can be no assurance that the use of hedging
techniques will always benefit the Company.
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX
The Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary information filed as
part of this Item 8 are listed under Part IV, Item 14, "Exhibits, Financial
Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K" and contained in this Form 10-K
at page F-1.
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable
PART III
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF APEX
CORPORATION
Information regarding directors of Apex Silver Mines Limited and certain
executive officers of Apex Corporation is incorporated by reference to the
section entitled "Election of Directors" in the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Proxy
Statement").
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Executive
Compensation and Other Information" in the Company's Proxy Statement, which
information (except for the Report of the Board of Directors on Executive
Compensation and the Performance Graph) is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption "Security
Ownership of Principal Shareholders and Management" in the Company's Proxy
Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to the information contained under the caption
"Shareholder Transactions" contained in the Company's Proxy Statement, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
39
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K or incorporated by reference.
1. The consolidated financial statements of the Company are listed on the
"Index to Financial Statements", on Page F-1 to this report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules (omitted because not material or not
applicable).
(b) Reports on Form 8-K (none).
(c) Exhibits.
EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
3.1 Amended and restated Memorandum of Association of the Registrant.
3.2 Amended and restated Articles of Association of the Registrant.
4.1 Specimen of certificates representing the Registrant's Ordinary
Shares, par value U.S. $0.01 each.*
10.1
</TABLE>
Shareholders' Agreement, dated as of August 6, 1996, among the
Shareholders of the Registrant.*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
10.2 Form of consent to amendment of above Shareholders' Agreement, dated March 21, 1995.*
10.3 Buy-Sell Agreement, dated as of August 6, 1996, by and among the Registrant, Apex LDC, Litani and
Silver Holdings.*
10.4 Summary of the Registrant's 401(K) Plan.*
10.5 Management Services Agreement among the Registrant and its subsidiaries.*
10.6 Form of Registrant's Non-Employee Director's Plan.*
10.7 Form of Registrant's Employees Share Option Plan.*
10.8 Form of Registrant's Share Option Agreement.*
10.9 Employment contract between the Registrant and Marcel F. DeGuire, dated July 23, 1996.*
10.10 Employment contract between the Registrant and Gregory G. Marlier, dated September 26, 1996.*
10.11 Employment contract between the Registrant and Keith R. Hulley, dated August 4, 1996.*
10.12 Employment contract between the Registrant and Douglas M. Smith Jr., dated January 21, 1997.*
10.13 English translation of Deed of Lease and Purchase Option Contract between Monica de Prudencio and
Mineria Tecnia Consultores Asociados, S.A. ("Mintec"), dated November 7, 1994, regarding the
Tesorera concession, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant, as
required
by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.14 English translation of Assignment Agreement, between ASC Bolivia LDC and Mintec regarding the
rights to the above agreement, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the
Registrant, as
required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.15 English translation of the Lease and Purchase Option Contract between Empresa Minera Yana Mallcu
S.A. and Mintec, dated February 7, 1996, regarding the Toldos concession, with an attached note from
Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.16 English translation of the Assignment of Lease and Purchase Option Agreement among Banco
Industrial S.A., Mintec and ASC Bolivia LDC, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of
the Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
10.17 English translation of the Purchase Option Agreement between Mintec
and Litoral Mining Cooperative Ltd., dated August 17, 1995, regarding
the Animas concession, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a
director of the Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-
T.*
10.18 English translation of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement between
Mintec and ASC Bolivia LDC, dated May 22, 1996, regarding the Animas
concession, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the
Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.19 English translation of the Purchase Agreement between ASC Bolivia LDC
and Litoral Mining Cooperative Ltd., regarding the Animas concessions
with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant,
as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.20 English translation of the Joint Venture Agreement between Corporacion
Minera Boliviano S.A. ("Comibol") and ASC Bolivia LDC, regarding the
Cobrizos Concession, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a
director of the Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-
T.*
10.21 English translation of the Joint Venture Agreement between Comibol and
ASC Bolivia LDC, regarding the Choroma Concession, with an attached
note from Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant, as required by
Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.22 Mining Agreement between Compania Minera Ocote and Kerry A. McDonald,
dated June 24, 1994, regarding the El Ocote concession.*
10.23 Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Kerry A. McDonald and
Cordilleras Silver Mines Ltd., dated September 27, 1994, regarding the
assignment of the above Mining Agreement.*
10.24 Acknowledgment from Bruce Wallis in his capacity as President of
Compania Minera Ocote S. de R. L. that Cordilleras Silver Mines
(Cayman) LDC has been assigned Kerry A. McDonald's rights under the
above Mining Agreement, dated July 10, 1995.*
10.25 English translation of the agreement between Andean Silver Corporation
LDC and 190 of the co-owners of the assets which previously belonged
to Empressa Minera San Juan de Lucanas, S.A. ("EMSJ"), regarding the
San Juan de Lucanas concession, dated January 12, 1995, with an
attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant, as
required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.26 English translation of the agreement between Andean Silver Corporation
LDC and 133 of the co-owners of the assets which previously belonged
to EMS-J, regarding the San Juan de Lucanas concession, dated January
12, 1995, with an attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the
Registrant, as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.27 English translation of the form of agreement between 16 individuals
who are some of the co-owners of the assets which previously belonged
to EMSJ, regarding the San Juan de Lucanas concession, with an
attached note from Keith Hulley, a director of the Registrant, as
required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
10.28 Board Designation Agreement, dated October 28, 1997, by and between
the Registrant and Silver Holdings.*
10.29 Registration Rights and Voting Agreement, dated October 28, 1997 by
and among the Registrant, Silver Holdings, Consolidated, Argentum,
Aurum LLC and Thomas S. Kaplan.*
10.30 Amended and Restated Voting Trust Agreement, dated October 29, 1997,
between Thomas Kaplan and Consolidated.*
10.31 Amended and Restated Voting Trust Agreement, dated October 29, 1997,
between Thomas Kaplan and Argentum LLC.*
10.32 English translation of the Purchase Agreement between Monica de
Prundencio and ASC Bolivia, regarding the Tesorera and Jayula
concessions, dated September 3, 1997, with an attached note from Keith
Hulley as required by Rule 306 of Regulation S-T.*
21 List of Subsidiaries.*
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
27 Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- --------
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-34685).
42
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Apex Silver Mines Limited
("Registrant")
/s/ Thomas S. Kaplan
Dated March 27, 1998 By: _________________________________
THOMAS S. KAPLAN CHAIRMAN, BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT,
IN THE CAPACITIES, AND ON THE DATES, INDICATED.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ Thomas S. Kaplan Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
THOMAS S. KAPLAN
/s/ Harry M. Conger Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
HARRY M. CONGER
/s/ Michael Comninos Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
MICHAEL COMNINOS
/s/ Eduardo S. Elsztain Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
EDUARDO S. ELSZTAIN
/s/ David Sean Hanna Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
DAVID SEAN HANNA
/s/ Ove Hoegh Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
OVE HOEGH
/s/ Keith R. Hulley Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
KEITH HULLEY
/s/ Richard Katz Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
RICHARD KATZ
/s/ Paul Soros Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------
PAUL SOROS
43
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Management..................................................... F-2
Report of Independent Accountants........................................ F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-3
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the period from December 22, 1994
(inception) through December 31, 1997................................... F-4
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the period from December
22, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 1997.......................... F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the period from December 22, 1994
(inception) through December 31, 1997................................... F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements........................... F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Management is responsible for the preparation of the accompanying financial
statements and for other financial and operating information appearing in the
annual report. Management believes that the Company's accounting systems and
internal accounting controls provide assurance that all accounts and records
are maintained by qualified personnel in requisite detail, and accurately and
fairly reflect transactions of Apex Silver Mines Limited in accordance with
established policies and procedures.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, the majority of whose members
are neither officers nor employees of the Company or its affiliates. The Audit
Committee recommends independent accountants to act as auditors for the
Company for consideration by the Board of Directors; reviews the Company's
financial statements; confers with the independent accountants with respect to
the scope and results of their audit of the Company's financial statements and
their reports thereon; reviews the Company's accounting policies, tax matters
and internal controls; and reviews compliance by the Company with the
requirements of federal regulatory agencies. Direct access to the Audit
Committee is given to the Company's financial and accounting officers and the
independent accountants.
/s/ Thomas S. Kaplan/s/ Gregory G. Marlier
Thomas S. KaplanGregory G. Marlier
ChairmanVice President and Chief Financial Officer
Apex Silver Mines LimitedApex Silver Mines Corporation
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Apex Silver Mines Limited
(Successor to Apex Silver Mines LDC),
an Exploration Stage Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of changes in shareholders' equity and
of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Apex Silver Mines Limited (successor to Apex Silver Mines LDC) and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 1997, and 1996 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 and the period from December 22, 1994 (inception) through December
31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the
opinion expressed above.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Price Waterhouse LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 26, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 57,033,193 $ 25,949,771
Accrued interest receivable...................... 102,412 --
Amounts due from affiliate....................... 722,717 --
Prepaid expenses and other assets................ 968,050 154,225
------------ ------------
Current assets................................. 58,826,372 26,103,996
Mining properties and development costs............ 11,888,258 --
Plant, buildings and equipment (net)............... 1,149,842 523,534
Value Added Tax recoverable........................ 1,351,004 --
Deferred organizational costs (net)................ 113,183 169,774
------------ ------------
Total assets................................... $ 73,328,659 $ 26,797,304
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Amounts due to affiliate......................... $ -- $ 533,275
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits............. 40,736 310,669
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities... 553,130 1,642,050
Current portion of long-term debt................ 412,408 --
------------ ------------
Current liabilities............................ 1,006,274 2,485,994
Long-term debt..................................... 3,093,788 --
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)............ -- --
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary shares, $.01 par value, 75,000,000
shares authorized; 19,124,916, and 13,079,246,
shares issued and outstanding, respectively
(See Note 1e)................................... 191,249 130,792
Contributed surplus.............................. 97,819,969 37,978,181
Accumulated deficit.............................. (28,782,621) (13,797,663)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity..................... 69,228,597 24,311,310
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..... $ 73,328,659 $ 26,797,304
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 22,
1994
(INCEPTION)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income
Interest income....... $ 961,810 $ 574,470 $ 462,247 $ 2,013,783
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Total income........ 961,810 574,470 462,247 2,013,783
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Expenses
Exploration........... 9,754,231 9,590,632 1,559,874 21,009,922
Administrative........ 4,129,623 1,923,165 982,261 7,182,829
Consulting............ 1,523,116 2,506,250 560,060 4,734,266
Professional fees..... 390,369 1,096,271 657,621 2,164,861
Amortization and
depreciation......... 149,429 57,392 56,591 263,412
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Total expenses...... 15,946,768 15,173,710 3,816,407 35,355,290
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Loss before minority
interest............... (14,984,958) (14,599,240) (3,354,160) (33,341,507)
Minority interest in
loss of consolidated
subsidiary............. -- 2,875,927 1,492,975 4,558,886
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Net loss for the
period............. $(14,984,958) $(11,723,313) $(1,861,185) $(28,782,621)
============ ============ =========== ============
Net loss per ordinary
share--Basic and
diluted(/1/)........... $ (0.72) $ (0.66) $ (0.12) $ (1.59)
============ ============ =========== ============
Weighted average
ordinary shares
outstanding (See Note
1e).................... 20,929,882 17,672,206 15,899,553 18,145,992
============ ============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
(1) Diluted earnings per share were anitdilutive for all periods presented.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
SHARES CONTRIBUTED ACCUMULATED SHAREHOLDERS'
OUTSTANDING AMOUNT SURPLUS DEFICIT EQUITY
----------- -------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Issuance of shares upon
incorporation December
22, 1994............... 8,822,546 $ 88,225 $ 5,571,398 $ -- $ 5,659,623
Net loss................ -- -- -- (213,165) (213,165)
---------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31,
1994................... 8,822,546 88,225 5,571,398 (213,165) 5,446,458
Net loss................ -- -- -- (1,861,185) (1,861,185)
---------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31,
1995................... 8,822,546 88,225 5,571,398 (2,074,350) 3,585,273
Issuance of shares in
private placement...... 4,256,700 42,567 32,406,783 -- 32,449,350
Net loss................ -- -- -- (11,723,313) (11,723,313)
---------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31,
1996................... 13,079,246 130,792 37,978,181 (13,797,663) 24,311,310
Acquisition of minority
interest in ASC
Bolivia................ 268,496 2,685 2,950,771 -- 2,953,456
Issuance of shares to
associates............. 138,595 1,386 1,523,159 -- 1,524,545
Issuance of shares ..... 115,207 1,152 231,566 -- 232,718
Stock option
compensation expense... -- -- 416,562 -- 416,562
Issuance of shares upon
Initial Public
Offering, net of share
issue costs............ 5,523,372 55,234 54,719,730 -- 54,774,964
Net loss................ -- -- -- (14,984,958) (14,984,958)
---------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31,
1997................... 19,124,916 $191,249 $97,819,969 $(28,782,621) $ 69,228,597
========== ======== =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 22,
1994
(INCEPTION)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
------------- ------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from
operating activities:
Net cash used in
operating activities
(See Note 11)........ $ (17,776,508) $ (12,091,580) $ (3,490,631) $(33,687,305)
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from
investing activities:
Mining properties and
development costs.... (5,428,606) -- -- (5,428,606)
Purchases of plant,
buildings and
equipment............ (719,146) (524,335) -- (1,243,481)
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in
investing
activities......... (6,147,752) (524,335) -- (6,672,087)
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from
financing activities:
Net proceeds from
issuance of ordinary
shares............... 55,007,682 35,269,068 6,430,307 97,675,541
Deferred
organizational and
financing costs...... -- -- -- (282,956)
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by
financing
activities......... 55,007,682 35,269,068 6,430,307 97,392,585
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and
cash equivalents....... 31,083,422 22,653,153 2,939,676 57,033,193
Cash and cash
equivalents beginning
of period.............. 25,949,771 3,296,618 356,942 --
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
End of period........... $ 57,033,193 $ 25,949,771 $ 3,296,618 $ 57,033,193
============= ============= ============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH
TRANSACTIONS:
Acquisition of
minority interest in
ASC Bolivia for
ordinary shares at
$11 per share........ $ 2,953,456 -- -- $ 2,953,456
Acquisition of mining
properties for
assumption of debt... $ 3,506,196 -- -- $ 3,506,196
</TABLE>
F-6
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
1. INCORPORATION, RECAPITALIZATION, INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING, OWNERSHIP AND
OPERATIONS
a. Apex Silver Mines Limited ("Apex Limited" or the "Company") was formed
under the laws of the Cayman Islands in March of 1996 for the sole purpose of
serving as a holding company for certain ownership interests in Apex Silver
Mines LDC ("Apex LDC"). On April 15, 1996, holders of approximately 55% of the
then-outstanding shares of Apex LDC elected to participate, effective as of
the completion of a proposed private placement of shares of Apex Limited which
was completed as of August 6, 1996, in a recapitalization effected by an
exchange, on a one-for-one basis, of their shares in Apex LDC for identical
equity instruments of Apex Limited (the "Recapitalization"). The balance of
shareholders retained a direct ownership interest in Apex LDC. As a result of
this Recapitalization, Apex LDC became a majority-owned subsidiary of Apex
Limited. For purposes of the accompanying consolidated financial statements of
Apex Limited, the Recapitalization has been given retroactive effect to the
date of incorporation of Apex LDC, with the results of operations and equity
attributable to the other ownership interests in Apex LDC being reflected in
"minority interest in consolidated subsidiary". Consequently, for purposes of
these financial statements, Apex Limited is considered the successor to Apex
LDC.
b. In August of 1996, Apex Limited issued 4,256,700 ordinary shares in a
private placement transaction (the "Private Placement") for net proceeds of
$32.4 million. These proceeds were contributed to Apex LDC in exchange for the
issuance by Apex LDC of 4,256,700 shares of its share capital. As a result of
this private placement, the Company's ownership interest in Apex LDC was
increased from approximately 55% to 65%.
c. On December 1, 1997, the Company closed its initial public offering (the
"Offering") of ordinary shares. The Company sold 5,000,000 ordinary shares at
a price of $11 per share on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"SIL". In addition, on December 23, 1997, the underwriters exercised an option
to purchase an additional 523,372 ordinary shares at the initial price of $11
per share. Net proceeds raised in the Offering were approximately $54.8
million. These proceeds were contributed to Apex LDC in exchange for the
issuance by Apex LDC of 5,523,372 shares of its share capital. As a result,
the Company's ownership interest in Apex LDC increased to 73%.
d. Apex LDC was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on
November 23, 1994 as a 30-year limited duration company on the contribution of
all the assets of its predecessor entity, Apex Silver Mines Ltd., a Bermuda
corporation. (Actual contribution occurred on December 22, 1994.) The activity
of the predecessor has not been presented herein as it was immaterial.
However, all expenses incurred by the predecessor have been presented. The
Company's principal activity is the exploration of mineral properties. The
Company participates in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties
for possible future development directly and indirectly through Apex LDC's
principal subsidiaries, Andean Silver Corporation LDC ("Andean"), ASC Bolivia
LDC ("ASC Bolivia"), Apex Asia LDC ("Apex Asia"), Minera de Cordilleras
(Honduras), S. de R.L. ("Cordilleras Honduras"), Cordilleras Silver Mines Ltd.
("Cordilleras Bahamas"), Cordilleras Silver Mines (Cayman) LDC ("Cordilleras
Cayman"), Compania Minerales de Zacatecas, S. de R.L. de C.V. ("CMZ"), Apex
Silver Mines Corporation ("Apex Corporation"), and ASC Peru LDC ("ASC Peru").
e. In conjunction with the Recapitalization and the Private Placement, Apex
Limited and the shareholders of Apex LDC entered into a Buy-Sell Agreement
(the "Buy-Sell Agreement") which is intended to maintain the same beneficial
interest in Apex LDC attributable to all shareholders of Apex LDC prior to the
Recapitalization and Private Placement. Pursuant to the terms of the Buy-Sell
Agreement, upon a request by a shareholder of Apex LDC, Apex Limited is
required to purchase, at its sole option, for cash, for ordinary shares or for
a combination thereof, the shares of Apex LDC owned by such shareholder. Apex
Limited currently expects that any purchase of shares of Apex LDC will involve
only an equal number of ordinary shares. As of
F-7
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
December 31, 1997, Apex Limited has approximately 19,124,916 shares
outstanding and approximately 7,077,007 ordinary shares reserved for issuance
for the approximately 7,077,007 shares of Apex LDC owned by such shareholders.
If all such ordinary shares were issued, the Company would have approximately
26,201,923 ordinary shares outstanding. Because of the provisions of the Buy-
Sell Agreement, all of the outstanding shares of Apex LDC are considered
ordinary shares for purposes of computing basic net loss per ordinary share.
f. The Company, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, is active in
Central America, South America and Central Asia and currently holds interests
in, or is the beneficial owner of, non-producing silver resource properties in
Chile, Bolivia, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru and Tajikistan.
The Company is in the process of evaluating its properties to determine
economic feasibility of bringing one or more of the properties into
production.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
("GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. The Company's significant accounting policies are
summarized as follows:
a. Basis of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its majority owned subsidiaries. Investment in 50% joint ventures are
proportionately consolidated.
b. Translation of foreign currencies
All expenditures are made in United States dollars. Accordingly, the Company
uses the United States dollar as its functional currency.
c. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Short-term investments
include certificates of deposit with maturities greater than three months, but
not exceeding six months. Short-term investments are recorded at cost which
approximates fair value.
d. Mining properties, exploration and development costs
The Company expenses general prospecting costs and the costs of acquiring
and exploring unevaluated mining properties. When a property is determined to
have proven and probable reserves, further exploration costs and development
costs are capitalized. Acquisition costs relating to properties with
development potential are capitalized. When ore reserves are developed and
operations commence, capitalized costs will be amortized using the units-of-
production method. Upon abandonment or sale of projects, all capital costs
relating to the specific project are written off in the year abandoned or sold
and a gain or loss is recognized. As of August 31, 1997, no exploration or
development costs had been capitalized. On August 31, 1997, the Company
established proven and probable reserves at the San Cristobal Project.
Accordingly, beginning September 1, 1997, all costs associated with the San
Cristobal Project were capitalized. As of December 31, 1997, capitalized
property and development costs related to the San Cristobal Project amounted
to $11,888,258.
F-8
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
e. Fixed assets
Buildings and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to thirty years.
f. Deferred organizational costs
Costs incurred in the organization of the Company have been capitalized and
are being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years.
g. Asset impairment
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be
recoverable. If the sum of estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted
basis is less than the carrying amount of the related asset, an asset
impairment is considered to exist. The related impairment loss is measured by
comparing estimated future net cash flows on a discounted basis to the
carrying amount of the asset. Changes in significant assumptions underlying
future cash flow estimates may have a material effect on the Company's
financial position and results of operations. To date, no such impairments
have been identified.
h. Stock compensation
As permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company has elected to
measure compensation expense as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Under that method,
the difference between the exercise price and the market value of options, or
the market value of shares, at the date of grant is charged to compensation
expense ratably over the vesting period.
i. Net loss per ordinary share
In 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which requires the presentation of basic
and diluted earnings per share. All prior-period earnings per share data have
been restated to conform with the provisions of this Statement.
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net
earnings available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share
reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary
shares.
Outstanding options to purchase 455,625 ordinary shares were not included in
the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been
antidilutive.
j. New accounting pronouncements
Other pronouncements issued by authoritative bodies with future effective
dates are either not applicable or not material to the consolidated financial
statements of the Company.
3. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes includes United States federal, state and
foreign income taxes currently payable as well as deferred income taxes based
on currently enacted tax laws. Deferred income taxes are
F-9
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
provided for the tax consequences of differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is
recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be
realized.
There is currently no taxation imposed by the Cayman Islands. If any form of
taxation were to be enacted, the Company has been granted exemption therefrom
to January 16, 2015. The Company's subsidiaries which do business in other
countries have not generated income and therefore are not liable for local
income taxes.
As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, operating loss carryforwards generated by
ASC Bolivia amounted to approximately $13.5 and $3.4 million, respectively.
Operating losses (as adjusted for inflation) may be carried forward and
deducted from taxable income indefinitely. The deferred tax asset resulting
from the operating loss carryforwards has been entirely offset by a valuation
allowance.
No net deferred tax assets related to operating losses generated through
December 31, 1997 by the Company's other foreign subsidiaries have been
included in the accompanying financial statements, as all such assets have
been entirely offset by a valuation allowance.
4. VALUE ADDED TAX RECOVERABLE
The Company has recorded all value added tax ("VAT") paid by ASC Bolivia,
ASC Peru and Cordilleras Honduras as recoverable assets. The VAT paid by ASC
Bolivia and ASC Peru is expected to be recovered through the sale of mine
production and the VAT paid by Cordilleras Honduras is recoverable upon
application to local authorities. As of December 31, 1997, the VAT recorded by
ASC Bolivia, ASC Peru and Cordilleras Honduras was $1,024,877, $142,661 and
$183,466, respectively.
5. PLANT, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
The components of plant, buildings and equipment were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Buildings.......................................... $ 410,639 $274,054
Mining equipment................................... 728,313 183,356
Other furniture and equipment...................... 104,529 66,925
---------- --------
1,243,481 524,335
Less: Accumulated depreciation..................... (93,639) (801)
---------- --------
$1,149,842 $523,534
========== ========
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense for the period ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 totaled
$92,838 and $801, respectively.
In December 1997, the Company exercised its option to acquire the Toldos
properties which are contiguous to the San Cristobal Project. Under the terms
of the option agreement the Company paid $1,667,621 and assumed a debt of
$2,562,196 (See Note 7).
F-10
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
6. DEFERRED ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Organizational costs................. $ 282,956 $ 282,956 $282,956
Less: Accumulated amortization....... (169,773) (113,182) (56,591)
--------- --------- --------
$ 113,183 $ 169,774 $226,365
========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
Amortization expense was $56,591 for each of the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
$ --
Banco de Santa Cruz................................ $ 536,000
Barex.............................................. 900,000 --
Banco Industrial................................... 1,126,196 --
Monica de Prudencio................................ 944,000 --
---------- ---------
Sub-total........................................ 3,506,196 --
Less Current Portion............................... (412,408) --
---------- ---------
Total............................................ $3,093,788 $ --
========== =========
</TABLE>
The following debt was assumed as a result of the Company's decision to
exercise its option to purchase the Toldos property in December 1997:
Banco de Santa Cruz - The Company is required to make an initial payment of
$53,600 on March 31, 1998. Beginning in 1999, the Company will pay $68,914
for each of the next seven years, plus interest at Banco de Santa Cruz'
preferential rate of interest. As of December 31, 1997, the preferential
interest rate was approximately 14%. Although the principal payments of
$68,914 are due annually, the Company is required to make interest payments
on a quarterly basis.
Barex - The Company will make one payment of $900,000 on December 1, 2001.
No interest is due on this debt.
Banco Industrial - This debt will be paid through a 5% net smelter return
royalty in the first year of production. Based on the current mine plan,
the Company anticipates production to begin in the year 2001. No interest
is due on this debt.
Monica de Prudencio - This debt was acquired in September 1997, when the
Company exercised its option to purchase various properties in the San
Cristobal area. The total option price was $2,000,000 of which $1,020,000 was
paid in cash. The remainder is being paid in 78 monthly installments of
$12,000 due the fifteenth of every month until June, 2004 and a final payment
of $8,000 due July 15, 2004. No interest is due on this debt.
F-11
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
8. STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company has established a share option plan for officers, employees,
consultants and agents of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Plan"). Under
the Plan, the total number of options outstanding at any time cannot exceed
ten percent of the number of ordinary shares outstanding. Options granted
under the Plan are non-assignable and exist for a term, not to exceed ten
years, fixed by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of the
Company ("the Committee"). Options vest ratably over periods of up to four
years with the first tranche vesting on the date of grant. Unexercised options
expire ten years after the date of grant.
The following table summarizes stock option information:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of period....... 281,250 --
Options granted at $8 during period.............. 174,375 281,250
--------- ---------
Options outstanding at end of period............. 455,625 281,250
========= =========
Options exercisable at end of period............. 241,727 73,438
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options
granted during period........................... $ 1.08 $ 1.30
Weighted average remaining Contractual life...... 8.9 years 9.7 years
</TABLE>
Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123, and
has been determined as if the Company has accounted for its employees' stock
options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123. For purposes of
calculating the fair value of options, volatility was not considered for the
options granted since the Company was non-public at the date of grant. The
Company currently does not foresee the payment of dividends in the near term.
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Weighted average risk-free interest rate........... 6.27% 6.45%
Expected dividend yield............................ -- --
Weighted average expected life (in years).......... 2.33 2.78
</TABLE>
For the purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The
Company's pro forma information follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
As reported
Net loss...................................... $(14,984,958) $(11,723,313)
Net loss per ordinary share................... (.72) (.66)
Pro forma
Net loss...................................... $(15,199,421) $(11,852,522)
Net loss per ordinary share................... (.73) (.67)
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
9. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO DECEMBER 31, 1997
In 1997, Apex LDC hired Mineria Tecnica Consultores Asociados S.A.
("Mintec") to perform services on its behalf in Bolivia. These services
include administrative expenses, obtaining interests in properties on Apex
LDC's behalf, and consulting services. Certain persons affiliated with Mintec
serve as directors or officers of Apex LDC's subsidiaries. In January 1998,
ASC Bolivia acquired 100% of Mintec's assets, including buildings, equipment,
mining concessions and its commercial name, for approximately $1.3 million.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Apex LDC engaged Tigris Financial Group Ltd. ("Tigris") and LCM Holdings LDC
("LCM") to provide management advisory services to Apex LDC and its
subsidiaries. Tigris is wholly owned by Mr. Thomas S. Kaplan, a director and
officer of Apex LDC and its subsidiaries, and an indirect shareholder. LCM is
wholly owned by an indirect shareholder of Apex LDC. This consulting
arrangement was terminated at the end of the first quarter of 1997, following
the formation of Apex Corporation. Apex Corporation provides management,
advisory and administrative services for the Company pursuant to a Management
Services Agreement dated October 22, 1996. Apex Corporation bills the Company
110% of its incurred costs. During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 fees and reimbursed expenses paid to Tigris and LCM for such services
amounted to $93,964, $423,684, and $143,368, respectively.
Apex LDC hires both individuals and companies ("associates") to perform
services on its behalf in countries in which it has mineral interests. These
services include administrative expenses, obtaining interests in properties on
Apex LDC's behalf, and consulting services. In certain cases persons
affiliated with such associates serve as officers or directors of Apex LDC's
subsidiaries. During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
total amounts charged to Apex LDC by such related associates were $7,395,441,
$5,695,193, and $1,965,276, respectively, and are included in the statement of
operations under the applicable captions.
During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, Apex LDC paid an
associate who, until August 6, 1996, was a shareholder of certain subsidiaries
of Apex LDC $485,179, and $239,647, respectively, in consideration for geology
services provided and disbursements made on Apex LDC's behalf. During 1997,
this associate became an employee of Apex Corporation and thus, is not
considered a related party.
Two individuals, one of whom is an officer and indirect shareholder of Apex
LDC, the second of whom is an officer of certain of Apex LDC's subsidiaries,
are also shareholders and directors of Begeyge Minera Ltda. ("Begeyge"), with
whom the Company has a non-binding commitment to purchase the Suyatal Project
for an aggregate purchase price of $3,000,000 (see Note 12). Begeyge also
served as an associate during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
During 1996, the Company paid Begeyge $106,691.
F-13
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
11. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
A reconciliation of net earnings to cash from operations is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 22,
1994
(INCEPTION)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from
operating activities:
Net loss.............. $(14,984,958) $(11,723,313) $(1,861,185) $(28,782,621)
Adjustments to
reconcile net loss
to net cash used in
operating
activities:
Amortization and
depreciation........ 149,429 57,392 56,591 263,412
Minority interest in
loss of consolidated
subsidiary.......... -- (2,875,927) (1,492,975) (4,558,886)
Stock option
compensation
expense............. 416,562 -- -- 416,562
Shares issued in
consideration for
services............ 1,524,545 -- -- 1,524,545
Changes in operating
assets and
liabilities:
(Increase) decrease
in accrued interest
receivable.......... (102,412) 66,112 (50,856) (102,412)
(Increase) decrease
in prepaid
expenses............ (813,825) (154,225) 24,167 (1,690,767)
Increase in Value
Added Tax
Recoverable......... (1,351,004) -- -- (1,351,004)
(Increase) decrease
in amounts due
to/from affiliates.. (1,254,800) 411,246 (411,246) --
Increase (decrease)
in other current
liabilities......... (1,360,045) 2,127,135 244,873 593,866
------------ ------------ ----------- ------------
Net cash used in
operating activities... $(17,776,508) $(12,091,580) $(3,490,631) $(33,687,305)
============ ============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company had outstanding options and other non-binding commitments
relating to certain mineral properties at December 31, 1997 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPERTY 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 THEREAFTER
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Honduras
El Coloal
District(1).......... $ 496,000 $ 200,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000 $ 75,000
Suyatal(2)............ -- 25,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 2,785,000
Bolivia
San Cristobal......... 206,500 2,050 1,026,458 2,050 2,050 2,050
Choroma............... 446 14,882 -- 74,405 -- --
Ximena Group(3)....... 18,420 138,420 138,420 138,420 138,420 138,420
General............... 172,650 172,650 223,767 591,490 591,490 591,490
Pulacayo(4)........... 18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000
Peru
Otuzco(5)............. 54,798 54,798 54,798 54,798 54,798 54,798
Aventura(6)........... 15,689 15,689 15,689 15,689 15,689 15,689
San Juan de
Lucanas(7)........... 892,852 1,292,852 42,852 42,852 42,852 42,852
General............... 19,600 19,600 19,600 19,600 19,600 19,600
Chile................... 24,080 24,080 24,080 24,080 24,080 24,080
Mexico.................. 34,900 34,900 34,900 34,900 34,900 34,900
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total............... $1,953,935 $2,012,921 $1,713,564 $1,131,284 $1,056,879 $3,801,879
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(SUCCESSOR TO APEX SILVER MINES LDC)
AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(EXPRESSED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
- --------
(1) This district is comprised of five separate properties. Upon production,
the Company will also pay a 5% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on one
of these properties.
(2) Annual installments are not to exceed the greater of $40,000, or a 2%
NSR.
(3) These payments include purchase payments of $120,000 per year plus patent
payments of $18,420. The 1998 payment of $120,000 is included in the
Company's current portion of long-term debt.
(4) These payments are being applied toward a joint venture with Cooperativa
Minera Pulacayo.
(5) Otuzco is comprised of five properties, two of which are leased with an
option to buy. Should the Company elect to exercise these options, total
payments would be $550,000.
(6) Aventura is comprised of five properties, two of which are leased with an
option to buy. Should the Company elect to exercise these options, total
payments would be $90,000.
(7) The Company has an option to purchase this property for $2.1 million
payable in 15 installments. This table reflects the payments to be made if
the Company makes the initial payment in June 1998.
In addition to those summarized above, the Company has the following non-
binding commitments:
Tajikistan--Kanimansur Ore Field: The joint venture agreement related to
this proposed acquisition is still awaiting approval by the government. An
initial capital contribution of $49,000 must be effected within one year of
the formal registration of Kanimansur Mining.
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents,
receivables, VAT recoverable, accounts payable, other current liabilities and
long-term debt. Except for the VAT and long-term debt, the carrying amounts of
these financial instruments approximate fair value due to their short
maturities. The estimated fair values of the Company's long-term financial
instruments, as measured on December 31, 1997 and 1996, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------- -----------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
----------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
VAT Recoverable........................ $ 1,351,004 $ 995,314 -- --
Long-term Debt......................... 3,093,788 2,046,358 -- --
</TABLE>
The fair values of the Value Added Tax recoverable and the long-term debt
are estimated based on expected discounted future cash flows.
F-15
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.1
THE COMPANIES LAW (1995 REVISION)
---------------------------------
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
-------------------------
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(Amended and Re-Stated by Special Resolution dated the 3/rd/ of October, 1997)
1. The name of the Company is Apex Silver Mines Limited.
2. The Registered Office of the Company will be situate at the offices of
CALEDONIAN BANK & TRUST LIMITED, GROUND FLOOR, CALEDONIAN HOUSE, MARY
STREET, P.O. BOX 1043, GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS or at such
other location as the Directors may from time to time determine.
3. The objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the
Company shall have full power and authority to carry out any object not
prohibited by any law as provided by Section 6(4) of The Companies Law
(1995 Revision).
4. The Company shall have and be capable of exercising all the functions of a
natural person of full capacity irrespective of any question of corporate
benefit as provided by Section 26(2) of The Companies Law (1995 Revision).
5. Nothing in the preceding sections shall be deemed to permit the Company to
carry on the business of a Bank or Trust Company without being licensed in
that behalf under the provisions of the Banks and Trust Companies Law (1995
Revision), or to carry on Insurance Business from within the Cayman
Islands or the business of an Insurance Manager, Agent, Sub-agent or Broker
without being licensed in that behalf under the provisions of the Insurance
Law (1995 Revision), or to carry on the business of Company Management
without being licensed in that behalf under the provisions of the Companies
Management Law (1996 Revision).
6. The Company will not trade in the Cayman Islands with any person, firm or
corporation except in furtherance of the business of the Company carried on
outside the Cayman Islands; Provided that nothing in this section shall
be construed as to prevent the Company effecting and concluding contracts
in the Cayman Islands, and exercising in the Cayman Islands all of its
powers necessary for the carrying on of its business outside the Cayman
Islands.
7. The liability of the Shareholders is limited.
8. The capital of the Company is US$750,000.00 divided into 75,000,000 shares
of a nominal or par value of US$0.01 each provided always that subject to
the provisions of The Companies Law (1995
-1-
<PAGE>
Revision) and the Articles of Association the Company shall have power to
redeem or purchase any of its shares and to sub-divide or consolidate the
said shares or any of them and to issue all or any part of its capital
whether original, redeemed, increased or reduced with or without any
preference, priority or special privilege or subject to any postponement of
rights or to any conditions or restrictions whatsoever and so that unless
the conditions of issue shall otherwise expressly provide every issue of
shares whether stated to be Ordinary, Preference or otherwise shall be
subject to the powers on the part of the Company hereinbefore provided.
9. The Company may exercise the power contained in Section 223 of The
Companies Law (1995 Revision) to deregister in the Cayman Islands and be
registered by way of continuation in some other jurisdiction.
-2-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 3.2
THE COMPANIES LAW (1995 REVISION)
---------------------------------
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
-------------------------
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
(Amended and Re-Stated by Special Resolution dated the 3/rd/ of October, 1997)
The Articles contained or incorporated in Table 'A' in the First Schedule of the
Companies Law (1995 Revision) shall not apply to this Company and the following
Articles shall comprise the Articles of Association of the Company:-
1. In these Articles:-
(a) "Holder" means, in relation to registered shares, the Shareholder
whose name is entered in the Register of Members as the holder of
those shares and, in the case of shares issued in bearer form, the
holder for the time being of the certificate representing the same;
(b) "Law" means the Companies Law (1995 Revision) of the Cayman Islands
and any statutory amendment or modification thereof. Where any
provision of the law is referred to, the reference is to that
provision as modified by any law for the time being in force. Unless
the context otherwise requires, expressions defined in the law or any
statutory modification thereof in force at the date at which these
Articles become binding on the Company, shall have the meanings so
defined;
(c) "Ordinary Resolution" means a resolution of a general meeting of the
Shareholders passed by simple majority vote;
(d) "Register of Members" means the Register of Members of the Company
maintained in accordance with Section 39 of the Law at such place or
places as the Directors may from time to time determine;
(e) "Registered Office" means the registered office of the Company in the
Cayman Island, as determined by the Directors from time to time;
(f) "Secretary" means any person appointed by the Directors to perform any
of the duties of the Secretary of the Company;
(g) "Securities Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, of the United States of America;
(h) "Shareholder" means a Shareholder of the Company whose name is entered
in the Register of Members;
<PAGE>
(i) "Special Resolution" means a special resolution of the Company passed
in accordance with Section 59 of the Law.
SHARES
2. Subject as herein provided all shares in the capital of the Company for the
time being and from time to time unissued shall be under the control of the
Directors, and may be allotted or disposed of in such manner, to such
persons and on such terms as the Directors in their absolute discretion may
think fit.
3. If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of
shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the
terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied with the consent
in writing of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class,
or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general
meeting of the holders of the shares of the class. To every such separate
general meeting the provisions of these Articles relating to general
meetings shall mutatis mutandis apply, but so that the necessary quorum
shall be one person at least holding or representing by proxy one-third of
the issued shares of the class and that any holder of shares of the class
present in person or by proxy may demand a vote.
SHARE CERTIFICATES
4. No Share may be issued other than as fully paid and the Company shall
decline to allot Shares to satisfy any application unless cleared funds in
full payment of the Shares to which an application relates have been
received by the Company by close of business in such place on such date as
may be determined by the Directors.
5. Every person whose name is entered as a Shareholder in the Register of
Members shall, without payment, be entitled to a certificate under the seal
of the Company specifying the share or shares held by him and the amount
paid up thereon, provided that in respect of a share or shares held jointly
by several persons the Company shall not be bound to issue more than one
certificate, and delivery of a certificate for a share to one of several
joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all.
6. If a share certificate is defaced, lost or destroyed it may be renewed on
such terms, if any, as to evidence and indemnity as the Directors think
fit.
FRACTIONAL SHARES
7. The Directors may issue fractions of a share of any class of shares, and,
if so issued, a fraction of a share shall be subject to and carry the
corresponding fraction of liabilities (whether with respect to nominal or
par value, premium, contribution, calls or otherwise howsoever),
limitations, preferences, privileges, qualifications, restrictions, rights
(including, without prejudice to the foregoing generality, voting and
participation rights) and other attributes of a whole share of the same
class of shares. If more than one fraction of a share of the same class is
issued to or acquired by the same Shareholder such fractions shall be
accumulated. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that in
these Articles the expression "share" shall include a fraction of a share.
TRANSFER OF SHARES
8. The instrument of transfer of any share shall be executed by or on behalf
of the transferor and if so required by the Directors shall also be
executed on behalf of the transferee and the transferor shall be deemed to
remain a holder of the share until the name of the transferee is entered in
the Register of Members in respect thereof. Transfers of shares shall be
made on only by the registered holder thereof, or by such holder's attorney
thereunto authorized by power of attorney filed with the Secretary or any
transfer agent. The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive
right of a person registered in the Register of Members as the owner of
shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner.
2
<PAGE>
9. The following provisions shall apply to all shares:-
(a) Shares shall be transferred in any usual or common form approved by
the Directors or failing such determination in the following form:
"I [TRANSFEROR] for good and valuable consideration received by me
from [TRANSFEREE] do hereby transfer to the said [TRANSFEREE] the [
] share(s) standing in my name in the Register of APEX SILVER MINES
LIMITED to hold unto the said [TRANSFEREE] his executors,
administrators and assigns, subject to the several conditions on which
I held the same at the time of the execution hereof: and I, the said
[TRANSFEROR] do hereby consent that my name remain on the Register of
the said Company until such time as the said Company may enter the
transferee's name thereon; And I the said [TRANSFEREE] do hereby agree
to take the said share(s) subject to the same conditions.
As witness our hands
Signed by the said [TRANSFEROR]
on the day of [199_]
in the presence of:
_________________________ _________________________
Witness Transferor
Signed by the said [TRANSFEREE]
on the day of [199_]
in the presence of:
_________________________ _________________________
Witness Transferor
(b) The Directors may decline to recognize any instrument of transfer
unless the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the certificate of
the shares to which it relates, and such other evidence as the
Directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor
to make the transfer.
(c) The legal personal representative of a deceased sole holder of a share
shall be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title
to the share. In the case of a share registered in the name of two or
more holders, the survivors or survivor, or the legal personal
representatives of the deceased survivor, shall be the only person
recognized by the Company as having any title to the share.
(d) Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or
bankruptcy of a Shareholder shall upon such evidence being produced as
may from time to time be properly required by the Directors, have the
right either to be registered as a Shareholder in respect of the share
or, instead of being registered himself, to make such transfer of the
share as the deceased or bankrupt person could have made; but the
Directors shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or
suspend registration as they would have had
3
<PAGE>
in the case of a transfer of the share by the deceased or bankrupt
person before the death or bankruptcy.
(e) A person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or
bankruptcy of the holder shall be entitled to the same dividends and
other advantages to which he would be entitled if he were the
registered holder of the share, except that he shall not, before being
registered as a Shareholder in respect of the share, be entitled in
respect of it to exercise any right conferred by Shareholdership in
relation to meetings of the Company.
ALTERATION OF CAPITAL
10. The Company may from time to time by Ordinary Resolution increase the share
capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amount, as the
resolution shall prescribe.
11. The new shares shall be subject to the same provisions with reference to
the payment of calls, lien, transfer, transmission, forfeiture and
otherwise as the shares in the original share capital.
12. The Company may by Ordinary Resolution:-
(a) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of
larger amount than its existing shares;
(b) sub-divide its existing shares, or any of them into shares of smaller
amount than is fixed by the Memorandum of Association, subject
nevertheless to the provisions of Section 12 of the Law;
(c) cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution,
have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person.
13. The Company may by Special Resolution reduce its share capital and any
capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by law.
REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE OF OWN SHARES
14. (a) Subject to the provisions of the Law, the Company may
(i) issue shares which are to be redeemed or are liable to be
redeemed at the option of the Company or the holder;
(ii) purchase its own shares (including any redeemable shares); and
(iii) make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its
own shares otherwise than out of profits or the proceeds of a
fresh issue of shares.
(b) A share which is liable to be redeemed may be redeemed by either the
Company or the Holder giving to the other not less than thirty days
notice in writing of the intention to redeem such shares specifying
the date of such redemption which must be a day on which banks in the
Cayman Islands are open for business.
(c) The amount payable on such redemption on each share so redeemed shall
be the amount determined by the Directors as being the fair value
thereof as between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
4
<PAGE>
(d) Any share in respect of which notice of redemption has been given
shall not be entitled to participate in the profits of the Company in
respect of the period after the date specified as the date of
redemption in the notice of redemption.
(e) The redemption or purchase of any share shall not be deemed to give
rise to the redemption or purchase of any other share.
(f) At the date specified in the notice of redemption or purchase, the
holder of the shares being redeemed or purchased shall be bound to
deliver up to the Company at its registered office the certificate
thereof for cancellation and thereupon the Company shall pay to him
the redemption or purchase monies in respect thereof.
(g) The Directors may when making payments in respect of redemption or
purchase of shares in accordance with the provisions of this , if
authorized by the terms of issue of the shares being redeemed or
purchased or with the agreement of the holder of such shares, make
such payment either in cash or in specie.
CLOSING REGISTER OF MEMBERS OF FIXING RECORD DATE
15. For the purpose of determining Shareholders entitled to notice of or to
vote at any meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or
Shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to
make the determination of Shareholders for any other proper purpose, the
Directors may provide that the Register of Members shall be closed for
transfers for a stated period but not to exceed in any case forty days. If
the Register of Members shall be so closed for the purpose of determining
Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Shareholders
such register shall be so closed for at least ten days immediately
preceding such meeting and the record date for such determination shall be
the date of the closure of the Register of Members.
16. In lieu of or apart from closing the Register of Members, the Board may fix
in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of
Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the
Shareholderss, and for the purpose of determining the Shareholders entitled
to receive payment of any dividend, the Board may fix a subsequent date no
later than the date of payment as the record date for such dividend.
17. If the Register of Members is not so closed and no record date is fixed for
the determination of Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of Shareholders or Shareholders entitled to receive payment of a
dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on
which the resolution of the Board declaring such dividend is adopted, as
the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of
Shareholders. When a determination for Shareholders entitled to vote at any
meeting of Shareholders has been made as provided in this Article, such
determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof. For the purpose of
determining Shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or Shareholders entitled to
receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make the determination of
Shareholders for any other proper purpose, the Directors may provide that
the Register of Members shall be closed for transfers for a stated period
but not to exceed in any case forty days. If the Register of Members shall
be so closed for the purpose of determining Shareholders entitled to notice
of or to vote at a meeting of Shareholders such register shall be so closed
for at least ten days immediately preceding such meeting and the record
date for such determination shall be the date of the closure of the
Register of Members
5
<PAGE>
GENERAL MEETINGS
18. (a) The Directors may, whenever they think fit, convene a general meeting
of the Company.
(b) Except as otherwise required by law, and subject to the terms of any
class or series of shares issued by the Company having a preference
over the ordinary shares as to dividends or upon liquidation, or to
elect directors, general meetings may also be convened upon the
written request of Shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding
ordinary shares generally entitled to vote. General meetings shall
also be convened on the written requisition of any two Shareholders of
the Company deposited at the Registered Office of the Company
specifying the objects of the meeting and signed by the
requisitionists, and if the Directors do not within twenty-one days
from the date of deposit of the requisition proceed duly to convene
the meeting, the requisitionists themselves may convene the general
meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which
meetings may be convened by the Directors, and all reasonable expenses
incurred by the requisitionists as a result of the failure of the
Directors shall be reimbursed to them by the Company.
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS
19. Subject to the provisions of Section 59 of the Law relating to Special
Resolutions, seven days' notice at the least counting from the date service
is deemed to take place as provided in these Articles specifying the place,
the day and the hour of the meeting and, in case of special business, the
general nature of that business, shall be given in manner hereinafter
provided or in such other manner (if any) as may be prescribed by the
Company in general meeting to such persons as are, under the Articles of
the Company, entitled to receive such notices from the Company; but with
the consent of all the Shareholders entitled to receive notice of some
particular meeting, that meeting may be convened by such shorter notice or
without notice and in such manner as those Shareholders may think fit.
20. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt
of a notice of a meeting by any Shareholder shall not invalidate the
proceedings at any meeting.
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
21. All business carried out at a general meeting shall be deemed special with
the exception of sanctioning a dividend, the consideration of the accounts,
balance sheets, and ordinary report of the Directors and auditors, and the
appointment and removal of Directors and the fixing of the remuneration of
the auditors. No special business shall be transacted at any general
meeting without the consent of all Shareholders entitled to receive notice
of that meeting unless notice of such special business has been given in
the notice convening that meeting.
22. No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
Shareholders is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business;
save as herein otherwise provided one or more Shareholders holding at least
a majority in number of the issued shares of the Company present in person
or by proxy shall be a quorum.
23. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is
not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of Shareholders,
shall be dissolved; in any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same
day in the next week, at the same time and place, and if at the adjourned
meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed
for the meeting the Shareholder or Shareholders present shall be a quorum.
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24. The Chairman, if any, of the Board of Directors, or an Director designated
by the Board of Directors, shall preside as Chairman at every general
meeting of the Company.
25. If there is no such Chairman, or if at any meeting he is not present within
one hour after the time appointed for holding the meeting or is unwilling
to act as Chairman, and the Board of Directors shall not elect someone to
act as Chairman, the Shareholders present shall choose one of their number
to be Chairman.
26. The Chairman may with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is
present (and shall if so directed by the meeting) adjourn a meeting from
time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted
at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the
meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting is adjourned
for ten days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in
the case of an original meeting. Save as aforesaid it shall not be
necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be
transacted at an adjourned meeting.
27. At any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be
decided by Ordinary Resolution unless required by Law or these Articles to
be decided by Special Resolution.
28. Subject to the terms of any class or series of shares issued by the
Company, if a Shareholder desires to nominate persons for election as
Directors at any general meeting duly called for the election of Directors,
written notice of such Shareholder's intent to make such a nomination must
be given and received by the Secretary of the Company at the principal
executive offices of the Company not later than (i) with respect to an
annual general meeting of Shareholders, sixty days in advance of the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, and
(ii) with respect to an extraordinary general or special meeting, the close
of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such
meeting is first sent or given to Shareholders. Each such notice shall set
forth (i) the name and address, as it appears in the Register of
Shareholder, of the Shareholder who intends to make the nomination and of
the person or persons to be nominated, (ii) a representation that the
Shareholder is a holder of record of shares of the Company entitled to vote
at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting
to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice, (iii) the class
and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by the
Shareholder, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings
between the Shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons
(naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or
nominations are to be made by the Shareholder, (v) such other information
regarding each nominee proposed by such Shareholder as would be required to
be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether or not the Company is then subject
to such Regulation and (vi) the consent of each nominee to serve as a
Director. The Chairman of the annual general meeting or extraordinary
general or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, refuse to
acknowledge a nomination not made in compliance with the foregoing
procedure, and any such nomination not properly brought before the meeting
shall not be considered.
29. Subject to the terms of any class or series of shares issued by the
Company, if a Shareholder desires to submit a proposal for consideration by
the Shareholders at any general or special meeting, written notice of such
Shareholder's intent to submit such a proposal must be given and received
by the Secretary of the Company at the principal executive offices of the
Company not later than (i) with respect to an annual general meeting of
Shareholders, sixty days in advance of the anniversary date of the
immediately preceding annual general meeting, and (ii) with respect to an
extraordinary general or special meeting, the close of business on the
tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first sent
or given to Shareholders. Each such notice shall set forth (i) the name
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and address, as it appears in the Register of Shareholder, of the
Shareholder who intends to submit such proposal, (ii) a representation that
the Shareholder is a holder of record of shares of the Company entitled to
vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the
meeting to submit such proposal, (iii) the class and number of shares of
the Company which are beneficially owned by the Shareholder, (iv) such
other information regarding each proposal submitted by such Shareholder as
would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether or not
the Company is then subject to such Regulation and (vi) the consent of each
nominee to serve as a Director. The Chairman of the annual general meeting
or extraordinary general or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant,
refuse to acknowledge a proposal not made in compliance with the foregoing
procedure, and any such proposal not properly brought before the meeting
shall not be considered.
30. A vote demanded on the election of a Chairman or on a question of
adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A vote demanded on any other question
shall be taken at such time as the Chairman of the meeting directs.
VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
31. Subject to the terms of any class or series of shares issued by the
Company,on a vote every Shareholder and every person representing a
Shareholder by proxy shall have one vote for each share of which he or the
person represented by proxy is the holder.
32. In the case of joint holders the vote of the senior who tenders a vote
whether in person or by proxy shall be accepted to the exclusion of the
votes of the joint holders; and for this purpose seniority shall be
determined by the order in which the names stand in the Register of
Members.
33. A Shareholder of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made
by any court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote by his committee, or
other person in the nature of a committee appointed by that court, and any
such committee or other person, may vote by proxy.
34. No Shareholder shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless he
is registered as a Shareholder of the Company on the record date for such
meeting or holds a valid proxy of such a Shareholder and unless all sums
presently payable by him in respect of shares in the Company have been
paid.
35. Votes may be given either personally or by proxy.
36. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the
appointor or of his attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the
appointor is a corporation, either under seal or under the hand of an
officer or attorney duly authorized. A proxy need not be a Shareholder of
the Company.
37. An instrument appointing a proxy may be in any form approved by the
Directors, or failing any such approval by the Directors, shall be in the
following form:-
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
I/We the undersigned being a Shareholder in the above Company
HEREBY APPOINT [ ] whom failing [ ] to be my proxy and on
my/our behalf to attend, vote at and do all acts and things
which I/We could personally have done at a meeting of Shareholders
of the said Company to be held at the Registered Office
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of the Company on the day of [199_] and at all continuations and
adjournments thereof.
Date:____________________ ________________________
Signature of Shareholder
38. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to
demand or join in demanding a vote.
39. A resolution in writing signed by all of the Shareholders for the time
being entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at general
meetings (or being corporations by their duly authorized representatives)
shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been passed at a general
meeting of the Company duly convened and held.
CORPORATIONS ACTING BY REPRESENTATIVES AT MEETINGS
40. Any corporation which is a Shareholder or a Director of the Company may by
resolution of its directors or other governing body authorize such person
as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of the Company
or of any class of Shareholders of the Company or of the Board of Directors
of the Company or of a Committee of Directors, and the person so authorized
shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation
which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were an
individual Shareholder or Director of the Company.
DIRECTORS
41. (a) The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five nor more
than twenty-one persons. Subject to Article 41(c), the Board of Directors
shall have the exclusive power and right to set the exact number of
Directors within that range from time to time by resolution adopted by the
vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors. Until the Board of
Directors adopts such a resolution, the exact number of Directors shall be
nine.
(b) The Directors shall be divided into three classes of equal size,
designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, each class to be comprised
of at least three Directors; provided, however, if the total number of
Directors is 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 or 20, one Class may have
one fewer or one more Director than the other two Classes. The Board of
Directors shall make the subsequent appointments of individual Directors to
particular Classes. The Directors initially appointed to Class I will hold
office for a term expiring at the 1998 annual general meeting of
Shareholders; the Directors initially appointed to Class II will hold
office for a term expiring at the 1999 annual general meeting of
Shareholders; and the Directors initially appointed to Class III will hold
office for a term expiring at the 2000 annual general meeting of
Shareholders. At each annual general meeting of Shareholders, the
successors of the class of Directors whose terms expire at that meeting
shall be of the same class as the Directors they succeed and shall be
elected for three-year terms.
(c) Unless for cause, no resolution of the Board of Directors may be
adopted if its effect would be to remove from office, or shorten the term
of, any incumbent Director.
(d) A Director shall hold office until the annual general meeting for the
year in which his term expires and until his successor shall be elected and
shall qualify, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement or
removal from office. Any newly created directorship resulting from an
increase in the number of Directors and any other vacancy on the Board of
Directors, however
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caused, may be filled by a majority of the Directors then in office,
although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director. Any Director
elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy shall hold office until
the annual general meeting of Shareholders for the year in which the term
of the Director vacating office expires and until his successor shall have
been elected and qualified. Any newly created directorship resulting from
an increase in the number of Directors may be created in any class of
Directors that the Board of Directors may determine, and any Director
elected to fill the newly created vacancy shall hold office until the term
of office of such class expires.
(e) One or more or all of the Directors of the Company may be removed with
or without cause only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
representing eighty (80%) in value of the outstanding shares generally
entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, at a meeting of
Shareholders for which proper notice of the proposed removal has been
given.
42. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of
Directors, which may include their expenses, if any, of attendance at each
meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee.
43. A Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company
in conjunction with his office of Director for such period and on such
terms as to remuneration and otherwise as the Board of Directors may
determine.
44. A Director may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for
the Company and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for
professional services as if he were not a Director. No share ownership
qualification for Directors shall be required.
45. A Director of the Company may be or become a Director or other officer of
or otherwise interested in any company promoted by the Company or in which
the Company may be interested as Shareholder or otherwise and no such
Director shall be accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other
benefits received by him as a director or officer of, or from his interest
in, such other company.
46. No person shall be disqualified from the office of Director or prevented by
such office from contracting with the Company, either as vendor, purchaser
or otherwise, nor shall any such contract or any contract or transaction
entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which any Director shall be
in any way interested or be liable to be avoided, nor shall any Director so
contracting or being so interested be liable to account to the Company for
any profit realized by any such contract or transaction by reason of such
Director holding office or of the fiduciary relation thereby established. A
Director shall be at liberty to vote in respect of any contract or
transaction in which he is so interested as aforesaid; provided, however,
that the nature of the interest of any Director in any such contract or
transaction shall be disclosed by him at or prior to its consideration and
any vote thereon.
47. A general notice that a Director is an officer, director or Shareholder of
any specified firm or company and is to be regarded as interested in any
transaction with such firm or company shall be sufficient disclosure under
Article 46 and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give
special notice relating to any particular transaction.
ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
48. Any Director may in writing appoint another person to be his alternate to
act in his place at any meeting of the Directors at which he is unable to
be present. Every such alternate shall be entitled to notice of meetings of
the Directors and to attend and vote thereat as a Director when the person
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appointing him is not personally present and where he is a Director to have
a separate vote on behalf of the Director he is representing in addition to
his own vote. A Director may at any time in writing revoke the appointment
of an alternate appointed by him. Such alternate shall not be an officer of
the Company and shall be deemed to be the agent of the Director appointing
him. The remuneration of such alternate shall be payable out of the
remuneration of the Director appointing him and the proportion thereof
shall be agreed between them.
49. Any Director may appoint any person, whether or not a Director of the
company, to be the proxy of that Director to attend and vote on his behalf,
in accordance with instructions given by that Director, or in the absence
of such instructions at the discretion of the proxy, at a meeting or
meetings of the Directors which that Director is unable to attend
personally. The instrument appointing the proxy shall be in writing under
the hand of the appointing Director and shall be in the form printed below
or any other form approved by the Directors, and must be lodged with the
Chairman of the meeting of the Directors at which such proxy is to be used,
or first used, prior to the commencement of the meeting:-
APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED
I the undersigned being a Director of the above Company HEREBY
APPOINT [ ] when failing [ ] to be my Proxy and on my
behalf to attend, vote at and to do all acts and things which
I could personally have done at a meeting of Directors of the
said Company to be held on the day of [199_] and all continuations
and adjournments thereof.
Date:____________________ ________________________
Signature of Director
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
50. The business of the Company shall be managed by the Directors, who may pay
all expenses incurred in getting up and registering the Company and may
exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Law or these
Articles, required to be exercised by the Company in general meeting,
subject, nevertheless, to any regulation of these Articles, to the
provisions of the Law, and to such Articles, being not inconsistent with
the aforesaid Articles, or provisions as may be prescribed by the Company
in general meeting; but no Article made by the Company in general meeting
shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors which would have been valid
if that Article had not been made.
51. The Directors may from time to time appoint any person, whether or not a
director of the Company to hold such office in the Company as the Directors
may think necessary for the administration of the Company, including
without prejudice to the foregoing generality, the office of President, one
or more Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Manager or
Controller, and for such term and at such remuneration (whether by way of
salary or commission or participation in profits or partly in one way and
partly in another), and with such powers and duties as the Directors may
think fit. The Directors may also appoint one or more of their number to
the office of Managing Director upon like terms, but any such appointment
shall ipso facto determine if any Managing Director ceases from any cause
to be a Director, or if the Company in general meeting resolves that his
tenure of office be terminated.
52. The Directors shall appoint the Company Secretary (and if need be an
Assistant Secretary or Assistant Secretaries) who shall hold office for
such term, at such remuneration and upon such conditions and with such
powers as they think fit. Any Secretary or Assistant Secretary so
appointed by the Directors may be removed by the Directors.
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53. The Directors may delegate any of their powers to committees consisting of
such Shareholder or Shareholders of their body as they think fit; any
committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated
conform to any Articles that may be imposed on it by the Directors.
54. The Directors may from time to time and at any time:
(a) by power of attorney appoint any company, firm or person or body of
persons, whether nominated directly or indirectly by the Directors, to
be the attorney or attorneys of the Company for such purposes and with
such powers, authorities and discretion (not exceeding those vested in
or exercisable by the Directors under these Articles) and for such
period and subject to such conditions as they may think fit, and any
such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection
and convenience of persons dealing with any such attorney as the
Directors may think fit, and may also authorize any such attorney to
delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretion vested
in him.
(b) provide for the management of the affairs of the Company in such
manner as they shall think fit and the provisions contained in the
three next following paragraphs shall be without prejudice to the
general powers conferred by this paragraph.
(c) establish any committees, local boards or agencies for managing any of
the affairs of the Company and may appoint any persons to be
Shareholders of such committees or local boards and may appoint any
managers or agents of the Company and may fix the remuneration of any
of the aforesaid.
(d) delegate to any such committee, local board, manager or agent any of
the powers. authorities and discretion for the time being vested in
the Directors and may authorize the Shareholders for the time being of
any such local board, or any of them to fill up any vacancies therein
and to act notwithstanding vacancies and any such appointment or
delegation may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions as
the Directors may think fit and the Directors may at any time remove
any person so appointed and may annul or vary any such delegation, but
no person dealing in good faith and without notice of any such
annulment or variation shall be affected thereby.
Any such delegates as aforesaid may be authorized by the Directors to
subdelegate all or any of the powers, authorities, and discretion for the
time being vested to them.
BORROWING POWERS OF DIRECTORS
55. The Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money
and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital or
any part thereof, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities
whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or
obligation of the Company or of any third party.
THE SEAL
56. (a) The Seal of the Company shall not be affixed to any instrument
except by the authority of a resolution of the Board of Directors
provided always that such authority may be given prior to or after the
affixing of the Seal and if given after may be in general form
confirming a number of affixings of the Seal. The Seal shall be
affixed in the presence of a Director or the Secretary (or an
Assistant Secretary) of the Company or in the presence of any one or
more persons as the Directors may appoint for the purpose and every
person as aforesaid shall sign
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every instrument to which the Seal of the Company is so affixed in
their presence.
(b) The Company may maintain a facsimile of its Seal in such countries or
places as the Directors may appoint and such facsimile Seal shall not
be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution
of the Board of Directors provided always that such authority may be
given prior to or after the affixing of such facsimile Seal and if
given after may be in general form confirming a number of affixings of
such facsimile Seal. The facsimile Seal shall be affixed in the
presence of such person or persons as the Directors shall for this
purpose appoint and such person or persons as aforesaid shall sign
every instrument to which the facsimile Seal of the Company is so
affixed in their presence and such affixing of the facsimile Seal and
signing as aforesaid shall have the same meaning and effect as if the
Company Seal had been affixed in the presence of and the instrument
signed by a Director or the Secretary (or an Assistant Secretary) of
the Company or in the presence of any one or more persons as the
Directors may appoint for the purpose.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary shall have the authority to affix the Seal, or the facsimile
Seal, to any instrument for the purposes of attesting authenticity of
the matter contained therein but which does not create any obligation
binding on the Company.
DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
57. The office of Director shall be vacated, if the Director:-
(a) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his
creditors;
(b) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; or
(c) resigns his office by notice in writing to the Company.
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
58. The Directors may meet together (either within or without the Cayman
Islands) for the despatch of business, adjourn, and otherwise regulate
their meetings and proceedings as they think fit. Questions arising at any
meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. Any two Directors or the
Chariman may, and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary on the requisition
of such persons shall, at any time summon a meeting of the Directors.
59. At least one meeting to the Board of Directors shall be held in the Cayman
Islands in each calendar year.
60. A Director or Directors may participate in any meeting of the Board, or of
any committee appointed by the Board of which such Director or Directors
are Shareholders, by means of telephone or similar communication equipment
by way of which all persons participating in such meeting can hear each
other and such participation shall be deemed to constitute presence in
person at the meeting.
61. The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the Directors
may be fixed by the Directors, and unless so fixed, if there be more than
two Directors shall be a majority of Directors, and if there be two or less
Directors shall be one. A director represented by proxy or by an Alternate
Director at any meeting shall be deemed to be present for the purposes of
determining whether or not a quorum is present.
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62. A Director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in
a contract or proposed contract with the Company shall declare the nature
of his interest at a meeting of the Directors. A general notice given to
the Directors by any Director to the effect that he is a Shareholder of any
specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any
contract which may thereafter be made with that company or firm shall be
deemed a sufficient declaration of interest in regard to any contract so
made. A Director may vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract
or arrangement notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he
does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at
any meeting of the Directors at which any such contract or proposed
contract or arrangement shall come before the meeting for consideration.
63. A Director may hold any other office or place of profit under the Company
(other than the office of auditor) in conjunction with his office of
Director for such period and on such terms (as to remuneration and
otherwise) as the Directors may determine and no Director or intending
Director shall be disqualified by his office from contracting with the
Company either with regard to his tenure of any such other office or place
of profit or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, nor shall any such contract
or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which any
Director is in any way interested, be liable to be avoided, nor shall any
Director so contracting or being so interested be liable to account to the
Company for any profit realized by any such contract or arrangement by
reason of such Director holding that office or of the fiduciary relation
thereby established. A Director, notwithstanding his interest, may be
counted in the quorum present at any meeting whereat he or any other
Director is appointed to hold any such office or place of profit under the
Company or whereat the terms of any such appointment are arranged and he
may vote on any such appointment or arrangement.
64. Any Director may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for
the Company, and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for
professional services as if he were not a Director; provided that nothing
herein contained shall authorize a Director or his firm to act as auditor
to the Company.
65. The Directors shall cause minutes to be made in books or loose-leaf folders
provided for the purpose of recording:
(a) all appointments of officers made by the Directors;
(b) the names of the Directors present at each meeting of the Directors
and of any committee of the Directors;
(c) all resolutions and proceedings at all meetings of the Company, and of
the Directors and of committees of Directors.
66. When the Chairman and Secretary of a meeting of the Directors sign the
minutes of such meeting the same shall be deemed to have been duly held
notwithstanding that all the Directors have not actually come together or
that there may have been a technical defect in the proceedings.
67. A resolution signed by all the Directors shall be as valid and effectual as
if it had been passed at a Meeting of the Directors duly called and
constituted. When signed a resolution may consist of several documents
each signed by one or more of the Directors.
68. The continuing Directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body
but if and so long as their number is reduced below the number fixed by or
pursuant to these Articles as the necessary quorum of Directors, the
continuing Directors may act for the purpose of increasing the number, or
of summoning a general meeting of the Company, but for no other purpose.
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69. The Directors may elect a Chairman of their meetings and determine the
period for which he is to hold office; but if no such Chairman is elected,
or if at any meeting the Chairman is not present within one hour after the
time appointed for holding the same, the Directors present may choose one
of their number to be Chairman of the meeting.
70. A committee appointed by the Directors may elect a Chairman of its
meetings; if no such Chairman is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairman
is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the
same, the Shareholders present may choose one of their number to be
Chairman of the meeting.
71. A committee appointed by the Directors may meet and adjourn as it thinks
proper. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority
of votes of the committee Shareholders present.
72. All acts done by any meeting of the Directors or of a committee of
Directors, or by any person acting as a Director, shall notwithstanding
that it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the
appointment of any such Director or person acting as aforesaid, or that
they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if every such person
had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a Director.
DIVIDENDS
73. Subject to Law, the Board of Directors may from time to time declare
dividends on shares of the Company outstanding and authorize payment of the
same out of the profits of the Company (realized or unrealized), share
premium account, or any other account permitted by Law, and may from time
to time pay to the Shareholders such interim dividends, as appears to the
Board of Directors to be appropriate.
74. The Board of Directors may declare that any dividend be paid wholly or
partly by the distribution of shares or other securities of the Company
and/or specific assets and in particular of paid up shares, debentures, or
debenture stock of any other company or in any one or more of such ways and
where any difficulty arises in regard to such distribution, the Board of
Directors may settle the same as it deems expedient and in particular may
issue fractional shares and fix the value for distribution of such specific
assets or any party thereof and may determine that cash payments shall be
made to any Shareholder upon the basis of the value so fixed in order to
adjust the rights of all Shareholders and may vest any such specific assets
in trustees as may seem expedient to the Board of Directors.
75. No dividend shall bear interest against the Company unless expressly
authorized by the Board of Directors.
ACCOUNTS
76. The books of account relating to the Company's affairs shall be kept in
such manner as may be determined from time to time by the Directors.
77. The books of account shall be kept at the Registered Office of the Company,
or at such other place or places as the Directors think fit, and shall
always be open to the inspection of the Directors.
78. The Directors shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent
and at what times and places and under what conditions or Articles the
accounts and books of the Company or any of them shall be open to the
inspection of Shareholders not being Directors, and no Shareholder (not
being a Director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or book or
document of the Company except as conferred by Law or authorized by the
Directors or by the Company in general meeting.
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CAPITALIZATION OF PROFITS
79. The Company may upon the recommendation of the Directors resolve that it is
desirable to capitalise any part of the amount for the time being standing
to the credit of any of the Company's reserve accounts or to the credit of
the profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution, and
accordingly that such sum be set free for distribution amongst the
Shareholders who would have been entitled thereto if distributed by way of
dividend and in the same proportions on condition that the same be not paid
in cash but be applied either in or towards paying up any amounts for the
time being unpaid on any shares held by such Shareholders respectively or
paying up in full unissued shares or debentures of the Company to be
allotted and distributed credited as fully paid up to and amongst such
Shareholders in the proportion aforesaid, or partly in the one way and
partly in the other, and the Directors shall give effect to such
resolution; Provided always that a share premium account and capital
redemption reserve may only be applied in accordance with the provisions of
the Law.
80. Whenever such a resolution as aforesaid shall have been passed the
Directors shall make all appropriations and applications of the undivided
profits resolved to be capitalised thereby, and all allotments and issues
of fully paid shares or debentures, if any, and generally shall do all acts
and things required to give effect thereto, with full power to the
Directors to make such provision by payment in cash or otherwise as they
think fit for the case of shares or debentures becoming distributable in
fractions.
NOTICES
81. A notice may be given by the Company or by the persons entitled to give
notice to any Shareholder personally by sending it by post, air courier,
cable, facsimile transmission or telex to him to the address as shown in
the Register. Any such notice shall be deemed to have beenb effected on
the date the letter containing the same is posted as aforesaid, or sent by
air courier, cable, facsimile transmission or telex.
82. A notice may be given by the Company to the joint holders of a share by
giving the notice to the joint holder named first in the Register of
Members in respect of the share.
83. A notice may be given by the Company to the persons entitled to a share in
consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a Shareholder by sending it
through the post in a prepaid letter addressed to them by name, or by the
title of representatives of the deceased, or trustee of the bankrupt, or by
any like description at the address, if any, supplied for the purpose by
the persons claiming to be so entitled, or (until such address has been so
supplied) by giving the notice in any manner in which the same might have
been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred.
84. Notice of every general meeting shall be given in some manner hereinbefore
authorized to:-
(a) all Shareholders who have supplied to the Company an address for the
giving of notices to them; and
(b) every person entitled to a share in consequence of the death or
bankruptcy of a Shareholder, who but for his death or bankruptcy would
be entitled to receive notice of the meeting.
No other person shall be entitled to receive notices of general meetings.
INDEMNITY
16
<PAGE>
85. (a) Every Director (including for the purposes of this Article any
Alternate Director appointed pursuant to the provisions of these
Articles), Managing Director, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and, at
the discretion of the Board of Directors, other officer, consultant,
employee or agent, for the time being and from time to time of the
Company and the personal representatives of the same shall be
indemnified and secured harmless out of the assets and funds of the
Company against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses,
losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by him in or
about the conduct of the Company's business or affairs or in the
execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or
discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by him
in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings
concerning the Company or its affairs in any court whether in the
Cayman Islands or elsewhere, provided, that no indemnification shall
be available in the case of wilful default or fraud.
(b) No such Director, Alternate Director, Managing Director, agent,
Secretary, Assistant Secretary or other officer of the Company shall
be liable (i) for the acts, receipts, neglects, defaults or omissions
of any other such director or officer or agent of the Company or (ii)
by reason of his having joined in any receipt for money not received
by him personally or (iii) for any loss on account of defect of title
to any property of the Company or (iv) on account of the insufficiency
of any security in or upon which any money of the Company shall be
invested or (v) for any loss incurred through any bank, broker or
other agent or (vi) for any loss occasioned by any negligence,
default, breach of duty, breach of trust, error of judgement or
oversight on his part or (vii) for any loss, damage or misfortune
whatsoever which may happen in or arise from the execution or
discharge of the duties, powers authorities, or discretions of his
office or in relation thereto, unless the same shall happen through
his own dishonesty.
(c) The Board of Directors may authorize the Company to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 83(a),
against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any
such capacity, or arising out of his status as suche, whether or not
the Company would have the power to indemnify him against such
liability under the provisions of this Article 85.
NON-RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS
86. No person shall be recognized by the Company as holding any shares upon any
trust and the Company shall not be bound by or be compelled in any way to
recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent,
future or partial interest in any of its shares or any other rights in
respect thereof except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in each
Shareholder registered in the Company's Register of Members.
WINDING UP
87. If the Company shall be wound up the liquidator may, with the sanction of
an Ordinary Resolution of the Company divide amongst the Shareholders in
specie or kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company (whether
they shall consist of property of the same kind or not) and may, for such
purpose set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as
aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as
between the Shareholders or different classes of Shareholders. The
liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such
assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the contributories
as the liquidator, with the like sanction shall think fit, but so that no
Shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities
whereon there is any liability.
17
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT OF MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
88. Subject to and insofar as permitted by the provisions of the Law, the
Company may from time to time by Special Resolution alter or amend its
Memorandum of Association or these Articles in whole or in part, provided
however that an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority representing
eighty per cent (80%) in value of the outstanding shares entitled to vote,
voting together as a single class shall be required for any amendment to
Articles 41(b) and 41(e) of these Articles to be effective.
REGISTRATION BY WAY OF CONTINUATION
89. (a) The Company may by Special Resolution resolve to be registered by
way of continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands or
such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being
incorporated, registered or existing;
(b) In furtherance of a resolution adopted pursuant to sub-clause (a) of
this Article, the Directors may cause an application to be made to the
Registrar of Companies to deregister the Company in the Cayman Islands
or such other jurisdiction in which it is for the time being
incorporated, registered or existing and may cause all such further
steps as they consider appropriate to be taken to effect the transfer
by way of continuation of the Company.
18
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 57,033,193 25,949,771
<SECURITIES> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,793,179<F1> 154,225<F1>
<ALLOWANCES> 0 0
<INVENTORY> 0 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 58,826,372 26,103,996
<PP&E> 14,765,699<F2> 807,291<F2>
<DEPRECIATION> (376,595) (113,983)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 73,328,659 26,797,304
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,006,274 2,485,994
<BONDS> 3,093,788<F3> 0
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 191,249 130,792
<OTHER-SE> 69,037,348 24,180,518
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 73,328,659 26,797,304
<SALES> 0 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> (961,810) (574,470)
<CGS> 15,946,768 15,173,710
<TOTAL-COSTS> 15,946,768 15,173,710
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> (14,984,958) (14,599,240)
<INCOME-TAX> 0 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (14,984,958) (14,599,240)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 2,875,927<F4>
<NET-INCOME> (14,984,958) (11,723,313)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.72) (0.66)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.72) (0.66)
<FN>
<F1>In the "Receivables" for 1997 there is $968,050 of "prepaid expenses"; in 1996
there is $154,225 of "prepaid expenses".
<F2>In the "PP&E" for 1997 there is $11,888,258 of "Mining Properties", $1,351,004
of "value added tax" and $282,956 of "Organization Costs"; in 1996 there is
$282,956 of "Organization Costs".
<F3>In the "Bonds" for 1997 there is $3,093,788 of "Long-term debt".
<F4>In the "Changes" for 1996 there is $2,875,927 of "Minority Interest in Loss".
</FN>
</TABLE>
