ATLAS CORP
S-3/A, 1996-05-03
GOLD AND SILVER ORES
Previous: ASSOCIATES CORPORATION OF NORTH AMERICA, 424B3, 1996-05-03
Next: BIRD CORP, SC 14D1/A, 1996-05-03



<PAGE>
 
                                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 33-65323
      As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 1996
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                             ----------------------
                                   FORM S-3/A
                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            -----------------------
                               ATLAS CORPORATION
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

               DELAWARE                                  1041                 
    (State or other jurisdiction of         (Primary Standard Industrial
     incorporation or organization)          Classification Code Number)
  
                                  13-5503312
                     (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
         
                      370 SEVENTEENTH STREET, SUITE 3050
                            DENVER, COLORADO 80202
                                (303) 629-2440
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ---------------------
              JEROME C. CAIN                        COPIES TO:
             ATLAS CORPORATION                JEFFREY E. COHEN, ESQ.
     370 SEVENTEENTH STREET, SUITE 3050          COUDERT BROTHERS
          DENVER, COLORADO 80202            1114 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
              (303) 629-2440                  NEW YORK, NY 10036-7794
 
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)
                             ---------------------
       Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
                              -------------------   
If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]
                                      
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [X]

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

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

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]

                              -------------------

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                            Proposed Maximum          Proposed Maximum       
     Title of Each Class             Amount to be                Offering                 Aggregate               Amount of        
of Securities to be Registered        Registered            Price Per Share(1)        Offering Price (1)      Registration Fee (2) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                       <C>                       <C>                     <C>
       Common Stock, 
      $1.00 par value             1,400,000 Shares               1.5625                  $2,187,500                 $754.31        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>     

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933.
    
(2) Calculated based on the average of the high and low prices reported on the
    New York Stock Exchange on December 12, 1996.     

                              -------------------

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>
 
  Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 3, 1996

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
- ----------------------
                               ATLAS CORPORATION
                                        
                       1,400,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                          (PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE)
                                        
    This Prospectus relates to the sale from time to time of up to 1,400,000
shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common
Stock"), of Atlas Corporation ("Atlas" or the "Company") by Independence Mining
Company Inc. or its assignees (referred to herein, collectively, as the "Selling
Stockholder"). The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the
Shares by the Selling Stockholder. See "Use of Proceeds".

    Associated with the Common Stock are certain Rights (as defined herein)
which will not be exercisable or evidenced separately from the Common Stock
prior to the occurrence of certain events. See "Description of Common Stock --
Shareholders' Rights Plan".

    It is anticipated that the Shares offered hereby will be sold from time to
time through customary brokerage channels, either through broker-dealers acting
as agents or brokers for the Selling Stockholder or through broker-dealers
acting as principals who may then resell such Shares on the New York Stock
Exchange or otherwise, or through privately negotiated sales, in each case at
prevailing market or other negotiated prices, or by a combination of such
methods. There is no underwriting agreement with respect to the Shares offered
hereby. The Selling Stockholder may pay commissions to designated broker-dealers
for assisting in the sale of the Shares. Any such commissions will be subject to
negotiation. See "Plan of Distribution."

    The Company has agreed to bear all of the expenses incurred by it in
connection with the registration of the Shares offered hereby. The Selling
Stockholder will be responsible for the payment of any expenses, including
brokerage fees or commissions and any transfer taxes, relating to the offer and
sale of the Shares. See "Plan of Distribution."

    The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. On
May 1, 1996, the closing sales price for the Common Stock, as reported on
the New York Stock Exchange, was $1.375.

    PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION OF
CERTAIN FACTORS UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK.

                    ---------------------------------------

           THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY
                THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS
              THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
                 OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                        CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                    ---------------------------------------

                  The date of this Prospectus is May 3, 1996.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional
Offices of the Commission: Northeast Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Midwest Regional Office, Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of
such material can also be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of
the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and such reports, proxy statements and other information can also be inspected
at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005. Certain warrants of the Company are listed on the American Stock
Exchange and such reports, proxy statements and other information can also be
inspected at the offices of the American Stock Exchange, 86 Trinity Place, New
York, New York 10006.

     This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3, of which this Prospectus is a part, nor does
it contain the exhibits relating thereto which Atlas has filed with such
Registration Statement.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The Company's Transition Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December
31, 1995 filed by the Company with the Commission (File No. 1-2714) are
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.

     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein or contained in this Prospectus, shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.

     The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus has been
delivered, on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or
all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated in
this Prospectus by reference, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference therein). Requests for such
copies should be directed to the Secretary of Atlas Corporation, 370 Seventeenth
Street, Suite 3050, Denver, Colorado 80202 (telephone: (303) 629-2440).


                                  RISK FACTORS

    
     PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY, IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE
FOLLOWING FACTORS BEFORE PURCHASING THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.    


RECOMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS AT GOLD BAR

     During October 1995, Atlas reached an agreement in principle with Brown &
Root, Inc. for contract mining services and a U.S.$5 million loan guarantee to
be supplied by Brown & Root for use in financing the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
resumption of mining operations at its Gold Bar mine. Should continued
negotiations fail to result in the execution of a definitive agreement, there
can be no assurance that Atlas would be able to replace this required financial
guarantee and that operations at Gold Bar could restart as currently
anticipated.

LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF ATLAS - NO REVENUES FROM MINING OPERATIONS

    
     Atlas currently has very limited working capital and, pending
recommencement of its operations at its Gold Bar mine and commencement of mining
at its other properties, is not generating revenues from operations. In order to
fund working capital, interest and repayment obligations under its long-term 
debt, and ongoing capital projects, Atlas anticipates it will need to raise
additional funds. Any failure to raise additional funds on terms favorable to
Atlas will adversely affect the business prospects and financial condition of
Atlas.     

NATURE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION

    
     Atlas (the "Company") is involved in the exploration for and mining of
gold. Exploration for and, if warranted, mining of minerals such as gold are
highly speculative and involve greater risks than many other businesses. The
gold mining business requires very large capital expenditures in advance of
anticipated revenues from operations. There is no assurance that the Company
will always be able to obtain all of the financing that it may require on
acceptable terms and conditions in order to exploit available opportunities.
Many exploration programs do not result in the discovery of mineralization and
any mineralization discovered may not be of sufficient quantity or quality to be
profitably mined. The grade of ore mined may differ from that indicated by
drilling results. Such a variation can have an adverse impact on production
results. The reliability of estimates of future production is also affected by
such factors as weather, strikes, environmental factors and the risks arising
from political or social forces. Uncertainties as to the metallurgical
amenability of any minerals discovered may not warrant the mining of these
minerals on the basis of available technology. Mining operations are also
subject to a number of other hazards and risks such as encountering unusual or
unexpected formations, environmental pollution, industrial accidents, rock
movements and folding, many of which cannot be insured against.     

     Some of the mines in which the Company owns an interest are operated
through joint ventures with other mining companies. Any failure of such other
companies to meet their obligations to the Company with respect to such joint
ventures or to third parties could have a material adverse effect on the joint
ventures.

RESERVES

     The reserves included in the Company's public filings are primarily
estimates prepared by management. No assurance can be given that all available
reserves will be recovered by mining and not all of the gold contained in
minable reserves will be recovered in the course of mining. A significant
downward movement in the price of gold may render deposits containing relatively
lower grades of gold mineralization uneconomic. Moreover, short-term factors
relating to the ore reserves, such as the need for orderly development of ore
bodies or the processing of new or different grades, may impair the
profitability of a mine in any particular accounting period.

EXPLORATION AND ACQUISITION PROGRAM

     The Company continually expands its reserves through exploration and
through acquisition of properties which are in production or have mineral
potential. The Company continues to examine a number of business combination
strategies with other mining companies and the acquisition of equity interests
in companies owning properties in production or with mineral potential. There
are a number of risks inherent in any exploration program, relating to the
discovery and location of economic orebodies, the development of appropriate
metallurgical processes, the receipt of necessary governmental permits and the
construction of mining and milling facilities. In addition, few properties which
are explored are developed into producing mines and those which are developed
require at least two to five years from the initial phases of drilling until
commercial production is achieved.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
FLUCTUATION IN THE PRICE OF GOLD

     Because the Company's revenues are derived primarily from the sale of gold,
earnings are directly related to gold prices. Gold prices fluctuate widely and
are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company's control, including
expectations for inflation, the relative exchange rate of the dollar, global and
regional demand, political and economic conditions, expectations for inflation
and production costs in major gold producing regions including South Africa and
Russia. In addition, gold prices have on occasion been subject to very rapid
short-term changes due to speculative activities of investors. Gold prices are
also affected by worldwide production levels, which have increased in recent
years. Market price fluctuations of gold may render uneconomic the mining of
mineral deposits containing relatively lower grades of mineralization.

UNCERTAINTY OF TITLE

     Certain of the Company's mining properties are unpatented mining claims,
and the Company has only possessory title with respect to such properties. The
validity of unpatented mining claims is often uncertain and may be contested.
Although the Company has attempted to acquire satisfactory title to its
properties, the Company, in accordance with mining industry practices, in
certain cases has not obtained title opinions and title insurance with respect
to unpatented claims, with the attendant risk that title, particularly on
undeveloped properties, may be defective.

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

     The acquisition of precious metals mining projects is subject to intense
competition. The Company competes with other companies in connection with the
acquisition, exploration and development of the mining properties that comprise
its various projects. Companies with greater financial resources, larger staff
and labor forces, more equipment for exploration and development and greater
experience may be in a better position than the Company to compete for such
mineral properties.

     The Company competes with substantially larger companies in the production
and sale of gold and other minerals. No single competitor is a material factor
in these markets, however. Prices depend almost entirely upon market conditions
over which the Company has no control. The Company believes that it can promptly
sell at market prices all the gold it can produce for either present or future
delivery.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

     The Company's mining operations are subject to various laws and regulations
concerning prospecting, development, production, exports, taxes, labor
standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, environmental
protection, mine safety and other matters. Instances of noncompliance or the
enactment of new laws or regulations governing the operations and activities of
mining companies could have a material adverse impact on the Company. The
Company believes that it is in compliance with all such laws and regulations.

     Legislation and other proposals have been introduced in the U.S. Congress
that would alter the provisions of the Mining Law of 1872. If enacted, such
legislation could increase the cost of holding unpatented mining claims and
could materially impair the abilities of companies to develop mineral reserves
on unpatented mining claims. Under the terms of certain Federal budget proposals
and proposed legislation, the ability of mining companies to obtain a patent on
unpatented claims would be nullified or substantially impaired. Moreover,
certain forms of such proposals contain provisions for the payment of royalties
to the federal government in respect of production from unpatented mining
claims, which could materially and adversely affect the potential for
development of such claims and the economics of operating existing mines on
federal unpatented mining claims. Such proposed royalties are, however, expected
to affect neither the existing reserves at Gold Bar, which under current
legislative proposals would be grandfathered due to earlier filed patent
applications, nor the Commonwealth property in central Arizona optioned from
Harvest Gold Corporation, which is comprised of patented claims.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     Both existing environmental laws and regulations and environmental laws and
regulations enacted and adopted in the future may have a significant impact upon
the Company's future operations. The Company cannot now accurately predict or
estimate the impact of any such existing or future laws or regulations on their
operations. In connection with its mining and processing activities, the Company
is required to comply with various federal, state and local laws and regulations
pertaining to the discharge or materials into the environment or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment. Instances of noncompliance or the
enactment of new laws or regulations could have a material adverse impact on the
Company. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all such current
laws and regulations.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL; POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     A number of the executive officers and personnel of the Company have
considerable expertise in the mining business. The loss of the services of any
one or more of these executive officers and personnel could have an adverse
effect upon the Company. These executive officers and personnel are David J.
Birkenshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gerald E. Davis, President and
Richard E. Blubaugh, Vice President - Environmental and Governmental Affairs.

     Certain of the directors and officers of the Company are also directors and
officers of other natural resource companies. Conflicts may arise between the
obligations of these directors and officers to the Company and such other
natural resource companies. David J. Birkenshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company is a director of Granges Inc. ("Granges") and is Chairman
of Phoenix Financial Holdings Inc. ("Phoenix"). Gerald E. Davis, President of
Atlas, is Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix. In addition to
Mr. Birkenshaw and Mr. Davis, the remaining officers of Atlas also serve as
officers of Phoenix. Michael B. Richings, a director of Atlas, is President and
Chief Executive Officer of Granges. See the discussions under "RELATIONSHIP WITH
GRANGES INC." beginning on page 6.

CONTINUING OPERATING LOSSES

     While certain of the Company's mining properties may be operated at a
profit during a given fiscal period, the Company's operations as a whole may be
unprofitable due to exploration, development, and operating costs on other
properties. Other items that may adversely affect profitability include selling
expenses, general and administrative costs, allowances for depreciation,
depletion and amortization of assets, and interest expense. The Company reported
net losses of $19,776,000 and $4,266,000 for the year ended June 30, 1995 and
the six month period ended December 31, 1995, respectively. The Company reported
a deficit of $63,216,000 and $67,482,000 as of June 30, 1995 and December 31,
1995, respectively.

NO DIVIDENDS

     For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that the Company will use
earnings, if any, to finance growth and that dividends will not be paid to
shareholders.

                                  THE COMPANY

     Atlas Corporation ("Atlas" or the "Company") is a mining company which is
principally engaged in the business of exploring for, producing and selling
gold. The Company is a Delaware corporation with its principal offices located
at 370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 3050, Denver, Colorado 80202 (telephone number
(303) 629-2440). Incorporated in 1923, the Company first traded on the New York
Stock Exchange in 1937. The Company's primary mining asset is the Gold Bar mine,
located near Eureka, Nevada.


                         RELATIONSHIP WITH GRANGES INC.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     Granges Inc. ("Granges") is a mining company engaged in the exploration for
and the acquisition, development and operation of mineral properties in North
America, Central America and South America. Granges is incorporated under the
laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and its common shares are
listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange. Granges'
principal mining asset and source of cash flow and earnings is the Crofoot/Lewis
mine in Nevada, which produces gold and by-product silver. Granges also owns 41%
of the issued common shares of Zamora Gold Corp., a Canadian company engaged in
mineral exploration in Ecuador.

     In August of 1994 Atlas completed the purchase of 12,694,200 shares of
Granges. On such date, such shares represented 37.2 percent of the issued and
outstanding shares of Granges. The purchase price was Cdn. $4.00 per share
(U.S.$2.80) or an aggregate purchase price of Cdn. $50.8 million (U.S.$35.8
million). As a result of the subsequent amalgamation on May 1, 1995 of Granges
and its 50.5 percent owned subsidiary, Hycroft Resources & Development
Corporation ("Hycroft"), Atlas' interest in the amalgamated entity was reduced
to its present level of 27.5 percent.

     Pursuant to an agreement dated May 13, 1994 as amended by a subsequent
agreement dated February 24, 1995, Atlas agreed that, following the amalgamation
of Granges with Hycroft, which Atlas agreed to support, (i) Atlas would vote its
common shares of Granges in favor of a slate of eleven directors who would
constitute the first Board of Granges from and after its amalgamation with
Hycroft, (ii) that the number of directors would be reduced to an agreed slate
of nine from and after October 1, 1995, (iii) that Atlas would vote its Granges
Common Shares in favor of such nine directors at the first post-amalgamation
annual general meeting of Granges in 1996, and (iv) Michael B. Richings, then
President of Atlas, would become President and Chief Executive Officer of
Granges, subject to approval of the Granges Board, on October 1, 1995. The
agreement also provides for Atlas and Granges to establish a special committee
of the Granges Board of Directors to review and advise the Board on joint
exploration ventures, the development of a South American program and the
exchange of technical information. The agreement entitles Atlas to
representation on the Board of Granges proportionate with Atlas' percentage
shareholding of Granges.

     Mr. Richings became President and Chief Executive Officer of Granges
effective June 1, 1995, and in connection therewith resigned his position as
President of Atlas, although he remains on the board of directors of Atlas. Both
Mr. Richings and David J. Birkenshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Atlas, serve on both the Board of Atlas and the Board of Granges.

     On December 19, 1995 the Company executed an exploration joint venture
agreement with Granges, effective as of September 29, 1995, with respect to
approximately thirty four square miles of the Company's Gold Bar claim block
located near Eureka, Nevada. The terms of the agreement call for Granges to
spend U.S.$2.25 million on exploration and development within three years on the
approximately 1,190 claims included in the area of interest at the rate of
U.S.$625,000 in each of the first two years and U.S.$1 million in the third
year. Granges will be able to terminate the agreement prior to the end of any
year. In addition, to earn a 50% undivided interest in not more than fifteen
square miles within the area of interest, Granges must complete an independent
reserve report recommending development of a deposit containing a mineable
reserve in excess of 300,000 ounces of gold. If a reserve study has not been
completed within the first three years, Granges has an option to earn a 50%
interest in a reduced three square mile area by spending an additional U.S.$1
million in each of the next succeeding two years and completing a reserve study.
Atlas has retained a two percent net smelter royalty on all claims not currently
carrying third party royalties. Atlas has agreed to make available to the
venture, at the time of Granges' earn in, milling throughput rights of not less
than 50% of the capacity of Atlas' existing Gold Bar mill.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     All of the Shares offered hereby are outstanding shares of Common Stock.
The Shares are being sold by the Selling Stockholder for its own account and no
proceeds from the sale of the Shares will be received by the Company.


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDER

     The Shares offered hereby consist of 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock
issued by the Company to the Selling Stockholder in a private placement in
October 1995 as part of a purchase and sale agreement relating to certain
properties located in Elko County, Nevada (the "Doby Properties"). Under the
terms of that agreement, the Selling Stockholder delivered a quitclaim deed, an
assignment of leases, a water rights quitclaim deed and a bill of sale with
respect to the Doby Properties in return for the Shares and $400,000. In
connection with entering into the purchase and sale agreement, the Company also
entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights
Agreement") with the Selling Stockholder pursuant to which the Company agreed to
register the Shares for resale and to use its best efforts to maintain the
registration statement until October 25, 1998. The Company must also register or
qualify the Shares under such other securities or blue sky laws of such
jurisdictions as the Selling Stockholder reasonably requests. The Company must
also, in certain circumstances, include the Shares in any registration statement
it files for any securities on or prior to October 25, 1998. The Registration
Rights Agreement also provides for indemnification of the Selling Stockholder.
See "Plan of Distribution".

     Prior to the Offering, the Selling Stockholder beneficially owned 1,400,000
Shares, all of which are to be offered and sold so that after the Offering, the
Selling Stockholder will beneficially own no Shares. All of the aforesaid Shares
are included in the offering to which this Prospectus relates. The Selling
Stockholder will determine independently the timing and amount of any sale or
sales of Shares covered by this prospectus which it holds. The Selling
Stockholder has not had any position, office or other material relationship with
the Company or any of its predecessors or affiliates within the past three
years.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    
     The Company has been advised that the Shares offered hereby may be sold 
from time to time directly by the Selling Stockholder. Alternatively, the
Selling Stockholder may from time to time offer the Shares through underwriters,
dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of underwriting
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholder and/or the
purchasers of the Shares for whom they may act as agent. The Selling Stockholder
and/or the purchasers of the Shares for whom they may act as agent. The Selling
Stockholder and any underwriters, dealers or agents that participate in the
distribution of the Shares may be deemed to be underwriters and any profit on
the sale of Shares by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions
received by any such underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. At the time a
particular offer of Shares is made, to the extent required, a Prospectus
Supplement will be distributed which will set forth the specific shares to be
sold and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any
underwriters, dealer-agents, any discounts, commissions and other items
constituting compensation from the Selling Stockholder and any discounts,
commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.    

     Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Atlas has agreed to
indemnify the Selling Stockholder, its officers and directors and any person who
controls the Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Securities Act
against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including legal
fees and other expenses incurred in defending any such claim or action) caused
by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any
registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading; provided that the Company shall not be liable in any such case
to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or
proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon an
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
made in such registration statement, any such preliminary

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
prospectus, prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in
conformity with information furnished to Atlas in writing by the Selling
Stockholder specifically for use therein. If the indemnification provided for is
unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless the Selling Stockholder in
respect of any losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) referred to therein, the Company shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable to the Selling Stockholder as a result of such losses, claims, damages,
or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Atlas and the Selling Stockholder
in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any
other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault shall be determined
by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a
material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Selling
Stockholder and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information,
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.


                          DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

GENERAL

     The Company is authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock
$1.00 par value per share and 1,000,000 shares of Series Preferred Stock, $1.00
par value per share ("Preferred Stock"). At December 31, 1995, 20,034,743 shares
of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock
were issued or outstanding. The following summary descriptions, which include a
summary of certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), Bylaws (the "Bylaws") and
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of August 2, 1989 (and as amended
to date) between the Company and Chemical Bank (as successor by merger to
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company) (the "Rights Agreement") are qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and
Rights Agreement, each of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.

COMMON STOCK

     The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to the
preferential dividend rights, if any, applicable to shares of the Preferred
Stock and subject to applicable requirements, if any, with respect to the
setting aside of sums for purchase, retirement or sinking funds for the
Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of
assets or funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled
to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and
distribution to the holders of Preferred Stock. Holders of Common Stock have no
pre-emptive rights and have no right to convert their Common Stock into any
other securities. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company does not
provide for cumulative voting.

PREFERRED STOCK

The Board of Directors is authorized to issue, from time to time (without
further action by the Company's stockholders unless required in a specific case
by applicable law or stock exchange rules) up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock in one or more series and to fix and determine the number of shares
constituting any such series, the special voting powers, designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without
limitation the dividend rights, dividend rate, terms and conditions of
redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices,
conversion or exchange rights and the terms and conditions thereof and
liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any series. The Board of
Directors has designated 200,000 shares of Preferred Stock as Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A
Preferred Stock"), in connection with the Rights Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     The Company does not, at present, have any agreements or understandings
(other than the Rights Agreement which provides for the issuance of the Series A
Preferred Stock under certain circumstances) concerning the issuance of any
Preferred Stock. It therefore is not possible to state the effect of the
authorization of the Preferred Stock (other than the Series A Preferred Stock)
upon the rights of holders of Common Stock until such time as the Board of
Directors determines the respective rights of the holders of one or more series
of Preferred Stock.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation requires that certain
transactions (such as mergers, consolidations, the sale of material assets of
the corporation and certain issuances of shares) involving the Company must be
approved by the vote of 66 2/3% of all of the then outstanding shares of Common
Stock. The Board of Directors of the Company is classified into three classes,
each with Directors serving three-year terms. The terms of office of Directors
of each class end in successive years so that in any given year, Directors of
only one class will be elected. There are currently seven Directors, two of
Class I, three of Class II and two of Class III.

SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS PLAN

     On September 1, 1987, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a
dividend distribution of one right (the "Rights") for each share of Common Stock
outstanding on September 15, 1987. In addition, under the Rights Agreement,
pursuant to which the Rights are issued, each share of Common Stock that becomes
outstanding after September 15, 1987 and prior to the Distribution Date (as
defined below) or, if earlier, the date on which the Rights are redeemed or
exchanged or, if not so redeemed or exchanged on September 15, 1997 will be
accompanied by one Right. Each Right entitles the holder thereof, under certain
conditions, to purchase from the Company one two-hundredth of a share of Series
A Preferred Stock , at a purchase price (the "Purchase Price") of $45.00 per one
two-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment.

     Until the close of business on the date which is the earlier of (i) the
tenth day following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated
or associated persons ("Acquiring Person"), other than an Expert Person (as
defined) in the Rights Agreement), has acquired, or obtained the right to
acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock
(the "Stock Acquisition Date") or (ii) a day fixed by the Board of Directors
which is not later than the nineteenth business day after the commencement by
any person or group of a tender or exchange offer (other than a tender or
exchange offer by an Exempt Person) which would result in the ownership of 30%
or more of the outstanding Common Stock (the earlier of such dates being called
the "Distribution Date"), the Rights will be evidenced, with respect to any of
the Common Stock certificates outstanding as of September 15, 1987 or issued
thereafter, by such Common Stock certificates with a copy of a Summary of Rights
attached thereto.

     The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will
expire at the close of business on September 15, 1997, unless redeemed earlier
as described below.

     The Series A Preferred Stock will be nonredeemable and may not be issued
except upon exercise of Rights. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive, when, and if declared, a quarterly dividend in an amount
equal to the greater of $0.25 per share or 200 times the quarterly cash dividend
declared on the Company's Common Stock. In addition, the Series A Preferred
Stock is entitled to 200 times any non-cash dividends (other than dividends
payable in equity securities) declared on the Common Stock, in like kind. In the
event of liquidation, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled
to receive a liquidation payment in an amount equal to the greater of $9,000 per
share or 200 times the liquidation payment made per share of Common Stock. Each
share of Series A Preferred Stock will have 200 votes voting together with the
Common Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in
which shares of Common Stock are exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive 200 times the amount received per share of
Common Stock. The rights of the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividends,
liquidation and voting are protected by antidilution provisions.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
     Unless the Rights are earlier redeemed, if after the Stock Acquisition Date
the Company were to be acquired in a merger or other business combination (in
which any shares of the Common stock are changed into or exchanged for other
securities or assets) or more than 50% of the assets or earning power of the
Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole) were to be sold or transferred
in one or a series of related transactions, the Rights Agreement provides that
proper provision will be made so that each holder of record of a Right will from
and after that time have the right to receive, upon payment of the Purchase
Price, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a
market value at the time of such transaction equal to two times the Purchase
Price.

     If any Person (other than an Exempt Person) becomes the beneficial owner of
15% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, then each holder of
a Right, other than the Acquiring Person, will have the right to receive, upon
payment of the Purchase Price, in lieu of Series A Preferred Stock, a number of
shares of Common Stock having a market value equal to twice the Purchase Price.
To the extent that insufficient shares of Common Stock are available for the
exercise in full of the Rights, holders of Rights will receive upon exercise
shares of Common Stock to the extent available and then cash, property or other
securities of the Company (which may be accompanied by a reduction in the
Purchase Price), in proportions determined by the Company, so that the aggregate
value received is equal to twice the Purchase Price. Rights are not exercisable
following the acquisition of shares of Common Stock by an Acquiring Person as
described in this paragraph until the expiration of the period during which the
Rights may be redeemed as described below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after
the acquisition of shares of Common Stock as described in this paragraph, Rights
that are (or, under certain circumstances, Rights that were) beneficially owned
by an Acquiring Person will be null and void.

     At any time until ten days following the Stock Acquisition Date (subject to
extension by the Board of Directors), the Board of Directors may cause the
Company to redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.025 per
Right, subject to adjustment. Under certain circumstances set forth in the
Rights Agreement, the decision to redeem shall require the concurrence of a
majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined in the Rights Agreement).
Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors authorizing redemption of
the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate, and the only right
of holders of Rights will be to receive the redemption price without any
interest thereon.

     Until a Right is exercised, the holder, as such, will have no rights as a
stockholder of the Company, including without limitation the right to vote or to
receive dividends.

     The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company
in a manner which causes the Rights to become exercisable. The Company believes,
however, that the Rights should neither affect any prospective offeror willing
to negotiate with the Board of Directors of the Company nor interfere with any
merger or other business combination approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company because the Board of Directors may, at its option, redeem the Rights.
Prior to the Distribution Date, certain terms of the Rights (other than the
principal economic terms) may be amended by the Board of Directors of the
Company without the consent of the holders of the Rights. Reference is made to
the Company as filed with the Commission for a more complete description of the
Rights.


                                    EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements of Atlas Corporation appearing in
Atlas Corporation's Transition Report (Form 10-K) for the period ended December
31, 1995, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

       SEC Registration fee.............................     $754.31
       Legal fees and expenses..........................  $10,000.00*
                                                          ---------- 
       TOTAL............................................  $10,754.31
                                                           ----------
________________
* Estimated amount

All of such expenses are to be borne by the Registrant.


ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a Delaware
corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the right of such corporation) by reason of the fact that such person
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or
was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation or enterprise. A corporation may indemnify such
person against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good
faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an
action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor
under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without
judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the
corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must
indemnify him or her against the expenses (including attorneys' fees) which he
or she actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. The
indemnification provided is not deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to
which an officer or director may be entitled under any corporation's by-law,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

In accordance with Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant contains the following provisions
with respect to indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents of
the Registrant and with respect to limitations on the personal liability of
directors of the Registrant:

       NINTH: (b) No person shall be liable to the Corporation for any loss or
       damage suffered by it on account of any action taken or omitted to be
       taken by him as a director or officer of the Corporation in good faith,
       if such person (i) exercised or used the same degree of care and skill as
       a prudent man would have exercised or used under the circumstances in the
       conduct of his own affairs, or (ii) took, or omitted to take, such action
       in reliance upon advice of counsel for the Corporation or upon statements
       made or information furnished by officers or employees of the Corporation
       which he had reasonable grounds to believe or upon a financial statement
       of the Corporation prepared by an officer or employee of the Corporation
       in charge of its accounts or certified by a public accountant or firm of
       public accountants.

                (d) To the full extent permitted by subsections (a), (b) and (e)
       of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware or any
       successor provisions thereto, (1) the Corporation shall (A) indemnify any
       person who was or is a party, or is threatened  to be made a party, to
       any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
       civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
       that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation,
       against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
       amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by such
       person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and (B) pay
       expenses incurred by such person in defending a civil or criminal action,
       suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action,
       suit or proceeding, and (2) the Corporation may (A) indemnify any person
       who was or is a party, or is threatened  to be made a party, to any
       threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether
       civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
       that such person is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is
       or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
       employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint
       venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including
       attorney's fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements
       actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such
       action, suit or proceeding and (B) pay expenses incurred by such person
       in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding in advance of
       the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding.  The foregoing
       indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions shall not be
       deemed exclusive of any other rights of to indemnification or advancement
       of expenses to which any such person may be entitled under any statute,
       by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
       otherwise.  Any change in law that purports to restrict the ability of
       the Corporation to indemnify or advance expenses to any such person shall
       not affect the Corporation's obligation or right to indemnify and advance
       expenses to any such person with respect to any action, claim, suit or
       proceeding that occurred or arose, or that is based on events or acts
       that occurred or arose, prior to such change in law.

          FIFTEENTH:  No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable
       to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
       fiduciary duty as a director, provided that the foregoing provision of
       this Article FIFTEENTH shall not apply to the liability of a director (i)
       for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or
       its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
       involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
       Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or
       (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
       personal benefit.  This Article FIFTEENTH shall not eliminate or limit
       the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to
       the time this Article FIFTEENTH became effective.

The foregoing provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation grant
indemnification to directors, officers and other agents of the Company in terms
sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under certain circumstances for
liabilities, including expenses, arising in connection with the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.

 EXHIBIT
 NO.           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------       ----------------------

 4.1           Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
               January 3, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's
               quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31,
               1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

 4.2           By-laws of the Registrant, as amended (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to
               the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               June 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

 4.3           Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of August 2, 1989
               between the Company and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company
               (filed as Exhibit 1 to the

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
               Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 1989 and
               incorporated herein by reference).

 4.4           Amendment dated as of September 15, 1993 to the Amended and
               Restated Rights Agreement dated as of August 2, 1989 between the
               Company and Chemical Bank, as successor by merger with
               Manufacturers Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the
               Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
               1993 and incorporated herein by reference).

 4.5           Second Amendment dated as of August 15, 1994 to the Amended and
               Restated Rights Agreement dated August 2, 1989 between the
               Company and Chemical Bank, as successor by merger with
               Manufacturers Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
               Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
               March 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

 5.1           Opinion of Coudert Brothers (filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the
               Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (33-65323) as filed
               with the Commission on December 22, 1995 under the Securities Act
               of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 23.1          Consent of  Ernst & Young LLP.

 24.1          Power of Attorney of Directors and Officers (filed as Exhibit
               24.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (33-
               65323) as filed with the Commission on December 22, 1995 under
               the Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.1          Underwriting Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995 by and among
               the Company, Yorkton Securities Inc. and First Marathon
               Securities Ltd regarding the distribution of special debenture
               warrants exercisable for 7% Exchangeable Debentures due October
               25, 2000 of the Company (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's
               Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
               the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of
               1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.2          Special Warrant Indenture dated November 9, 1995 between the
               Company and The Montreal Trust Company of Canada containing terms
               and conditions governing the issue and exercise of special
               debenture warrants exercisable for 7% Exchangeable Debentures due
               October 25, 2000 of the Company (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the
               Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
               filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
               Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.3          Granges Registration Agreement dated as of November 10, 1995
               between the Company and Granges Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to
               the Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
               filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
               Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.4          Indemnification Agreement dated as of November 15, 1995 between
               the Company and Granges Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the
               Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
               filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
               Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.5          Loan Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995 between the Company
               and First Marathon Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.5 to the Company's
               Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
               the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of
               1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
 99.6          Pledge Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995 between the
               Company and First Marathon Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.6 to the
               Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
               filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
               Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.7          Option Agreement between the Company and Harvest Gold Corporation
               signed September 13, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 99.7 to the Company's
               Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
               the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of
               1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.8          Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 25, 1995 between the
               Company and Independence Mining Company Inc. (filed as Exhibit
               99.8 to the Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3
               (33-65165) filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under
               the Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.9          Registration Rights Agreement dated October 25, 1995 between the
               Company and Independence Mining Company Inc. (filed as Exhibit
               99.9 to the Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3
               (33-65165) filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995 under
               the Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.10         Agreement between the Company and Brown & Root, Inc. dated
               October 23, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 99.10 to the Company's
               Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
               the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of
               1933 and incorporated herein by reference).

 99.11         Mining Venture Agreement with Granges (U.S.) Inc. dated September
               29, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company's transition
               report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1995 and
               incorporated herein by reference).



ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

      A.       The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

               (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

               (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of
                   the Securities Act;

              (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
                   after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or
                   the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
                   individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                   change in the information set forth in this Registration
                   Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
                   decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total
                   dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
                   which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high
                   end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected
                   in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant
                   to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
                   and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the
                   maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
                   "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
                   registration statement; and

                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
           (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
                 distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
                 Statement or any material change to such information in this
                 Registration Statement.

provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement.

             (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
                 Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be
                 deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
                 securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
                 at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
                 offering thereof.

             (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
                 amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
                 unsold at the termination of the offering.

      B.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      C.     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing a Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Denver, State of Colorado, on May 3, 1996.

                              ATLAS CORPORATION

                              By:   /s/ Jerome C. Cain
                                    ------------------------------------
                                    Name:   Jerome C. Cain
                                    Title:  Vice President -- Finance

     Know All Men By These Presents, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints David J. Birkenshaw, Gerald E. Davis and Jerome
C. Cain, severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, and in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Registration Statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, severally, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
each such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes,
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

         Signature                  Title                          Date
         ---------                  -----                          ----

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Chairman of the Board          May 3, 1996
- -------------------------        and Chief Executive Officer    
David J. Birkenshaw              (Chief Executive Officer)    
                               

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------              
Michael B. Richings

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------                 
Douglas R. Cook

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------                 
James H. Dunnett

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------                     
David P. Hall

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------                 
Philip R. Mengel

 /s/  by Jerome C. Cain          Director                       May 3, 1996
- -------------------------                
C. Thomas Ogryzlo

    
 /s/  JEROME C. CAIN             Vice-President-Finance         May 3, 1996
- -------------------------        (Principal Financial Officer)      
Jerome C. Cain                 

 /s/ Jerome C. Cain              Controller                     May 3, 1996
- ---------------------            (Principal Accounting Officer)          
James R. Jensen                 

                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                                        
EXHIBIT
         NO.                 DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
         -------             ----------------------

 
         4.1                 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                             Registrant, dated January 3, 1990 (filed as Exhibit
                             3.2 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form
                             10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1989 and
                             incorporated herein by reference).

         4.2                 By-laws of the Registrant, as amended (filed as
                             Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's annual report on
                             Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1995 and
                             incorporated herein by reference).

         4.3                 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of
                             August 2, 1989 between the Company and
                             Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (filed as
                             Exhibit 1 to the Company's Current Report on Form
                             8-K dated August 2, 1989 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         4.4                 Amendment dated as of September 15, 1993 to the
                             Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of
                             August 2, 1989 between the Company and Chemical
                             Bank, as successor by merger with Manufacturers
                             Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the
                             Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year
                             ended June 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         4.5                 Second Amendment dated as of August 15, 1994 to the
                             Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated August
                             2, 1989 between the Company and Chemical Bank, as
                             successor by merger with Manufacturers Trust
                             Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
                             quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                             March 31, 1995 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         5.1                 Opinion of Coudert Brothers (filed as Exhibit 5.1
                             to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                             (33-65323) as filed with the Commission on December
                             22, 1995 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
                             incorporated herein by reference).

         23.1                Consent of  Ernst & Young LLP.

         24.1                Power of Attorney of Directors and Officers (filed
                             as Exhibit 5.1 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement on Form S-3 (33-65323) as filed with the
                             Commission on December 22, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.1                Underwriting Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995
                             by and among the Company, Yorkton Securities Inc.
                             and First Marathon Securities Ltd regarding the
                             distribution of special debenture warrants
                             exercisable for 7% Exchangeable Debentures due
                             October 25, 2000 of the Company (filed as Exhibit
                             99.1 to the Company's Registration Statement filed
                             on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with the Commission on
                             December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of 1933
                             and incorporated herein by reference).
<PAGE>
 
         99.2                Special Warrant Indenture dated November 9, 1995
                             between the Company and The Montreal Trust Company
                             of Canada containing terms and conditions governing
                             the issue and exercise of special debenture
                             warrants exercisable for 7% Exchangeable Debentures
                             due October 25, 2000 of the Company (filed as
                             Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
                             the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.3                Granges Registration Agreement dated as of November
                             10, 1995 between the Company and Granges Inc.
                             (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's
                             Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
                             filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995
                             under the Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated
                             herein by reference).

         99.4                Indemnification Agreement dated as of November 15,
                             1995 between the Company and Granges Inc. (filed as
                             Exhibit 99.4 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
                             the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.5                Loan Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995
                             between the Company and First Marathon Inc. (filed
                             as Exhibit 99.5 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
                             the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.6                Pledge Agreement dated as of November 21, 1995
                             between the Company and First Marathon Inc. (filed
                             as Exhibit 99.6 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
                             the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.7                Option Agreement between the Company and Harvest
                             Gold Corporation signed September 13, 1995 (filed
                             as Exhibit 99.7 to the Company's Registration
                             Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with
                             the Commission on December 19, 1995 under the
                             Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated herein by
                             reference).

         99.8                Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 25, 1995
                             between the Company and Independence Mining Company
                             Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.8 to the Company's
                             Registration Statement filed on Form S-3 (33-65165)
                             filed with the Commission on December 19, 1995
                             under the Securities Act of 1933 and incorporated
                             herein by reference).

         99.9                Registration Rights Agreement dated October 25,
                             1995 between the Company and Independence Mining
                             Company Inc. (filed as Exhibit 99.9 to the
                             Company's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3
                             (33-65165) filed with the Commission on December
                             19, 1995 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
                             incorporated herein by reference).
<PAGE>
 
         99.10               Agreement between the Company and Brown & Root,
                             Inc. dated October 23, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 99.10
                             to the Company's Registration Statement filed on
                             Form S-3 (33-65165) filed with the Commission on
                             December 19, 1995 under the Securities Act of 1933
                             and incorporated herein by reference).

         99.11               Mining Venture Agreement with Granges (U.S.) Inc.
                             dated September 29, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to
                             the Company's transition report on Form 10-K for
                             the period ended December 31, 1995 and incorporated
                             herein by reference).

<PAGE>
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-3/A) and related Prospectus of Atlas Corporation 
for the registration of 1,400,000 shares of its common stock and to the 
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 16, 1996, except
for Note 19, as to which the date is March 9, 1996, with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Atlas Corporation included in 
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the six months ended December 31, 1995, filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Denver, Colorado
May 2, 1996



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission