U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) of THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the Transition period from to
Commission file number 0-17386
FISCHER-WATT GOLD COMPANY, INC.
(Name of small business issuer in its Charter)
Nevada 88-0227654
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization Identification No.)
1621 North 3rd Street, Suite 1000
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Issuer's telephone number, including area code) 208-664-6757
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value
(Title of Class)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ ] No [ X ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of
Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to
the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]
The issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year were $3,250,887.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates as of May
1, 1999 (using the average of the Bid and Asked prices) was $4,283,222.
The number of Shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding on May 1,
1999 was 659.
Documents Incorporated by Reference into this Report: None
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one) Yes [ ] No [ X ]
<PAGE>
PART 1
Item 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Introduction
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Fischer-Watt Gold Mining Company, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries,
"Fischer-Watt", "FWG" or the "Company"), was formed under the laws of the State
of Nevada in 1986. Fischer-Watt's primary business is mining and mineral
exploration, and to that end to own, acquire, improve, sell, lease, convey lands
or mineral claims or any right, title or interest therein; and to search,
explore, prospect or drill for and exploit ores and minerals therein or
thereupon.
During the fiscal year ending January 31, 1998, no material acquisitions were
completed by the Company.
During fiscal year 1998, the Company's only producing metals property was the El
Limon Mine in the Oronorte district in Colombia, South America. The Company
assumed control of operations in late August 1995 after purchasing it from
Greenstone Resources of Canada. During calendar year 1998 the mine produced
16,705 ounces of gold and a like amount of silver. This was a 6% increase from
the previous year.
The Company revenue for the year was $3,250,887, the cost of sales were
$2,246,046 and General and administrative expense's were $1,294,491. The average
selling price for gold during the year was $291.37 per ounce.
During the year an aggressive cost reduction program was initiated. This program
reduced the cost of sales from $4.1 million in fiscal 1997 to $2.5 million in
fiscal 1998, a reduction of 61 percent.
In fiscal year 1997 the company revised its The revision in the Companys cash
cost calculation methodology was made in an effort to more closely conform to
the Gold Institute Production Cost Standard.
Operations
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The cash cost per ounce of gold was $302.70 for fiscal 1997 and fell to $211.94
in fiscal 1998. This 30% reduction was the result of an aggressive cost control
program, commissioning of a cyanidation plant which reduced selling costs, and
staff reductions.
The Company sells most of its precious metal production to one customer. However
due to the nature of the precious metals market the Company is not dependent
upon this significant customer to provide a market for its products. Although
the Company could be is directly affected by weakness in the precious metals
processing business, the Company monitors the financial condition of its
customer and considers the risk of credit loss to be remote.
Production from the El Limon Mine comes from a single vein with an average dip
of 42 degrees and an average width of 1.6 feet. The average grade of this vein
is 1.2 ounces of gold per tonne. Prior to the time that the company took over
the operation the average grade of the ore being sent to the plant for
processing was only 0.36 ounces per tonne or 30 % of the available value of the
vein. It was apparent from this data that a study program which would identify
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methods to improve the grade of the ore being sent to the processing plant was
necessary. Several steps have been taken already as a result of this grade
control program and more will follow. The actions which are already underway are
as follows:
The previous mining method required a minimum stoping width of 4.0 feet and made
it necessary for the miners to stand on a slippery slope of 42 degrees while
drilling the holes required to blast the ore and waste. These requirements
dictated that at a minimum the grade of the ore being sent to the processing
plant would be diluted by 60% and that the productivity of the miners would be
restricted. In fact the actual dilution of the ore was higher. Grade to the
processing plant of 0.36 ounces per tonne vs. an available grade of 1.2 ounces
per tonne is a dilution of 70%. A new mining method has been designed and put
into operation which reduces the minimum stoping width to 3.0 feet and enables
the miners work down the 42 degree slope and stand on solid rock while drilling.
The vein at the El Limon Mine is a white, opaque quartz which normally breaks
into pieces two inches in diameter or smaller when blasted. However the waste
material surrounding the vein is a very dark colored metasediment which normally
breaks into much larger pieces. The difference in breaking size between the ore
material and the waste has been put to use underground by putting all of the
blasted material on a two inch grizzly (screen), separating the oversize
material and putting it back into mined out working places (stopes) for ground
support. Analysis of the sand size particles produced by blasting in the stopes
showed that they contain significant amounts of gold and a system has been
designed which will allow this fine material to be washed off of the larger
fragments of the ore and waste, collected in various sumps underground and on
surface and pumped to the processing plant. This washing system in addition to
recovering high grade fines allows for visual discernment of ore and waste and
manual separation as the material proceeds from underground to the processing
plant. Installation of this slurry pumping system which was designed to be done
in phases and was completed February, 1998.
The results of this grade control program to date have been impressive. As
stated previously the average feed grade prior to the company taking control of
the mine was 0.36 ounces per tonne the average grade presently is 0.57 ounces
per tonne. This is a 58% improvement in the grade of material delivered from the
mine.
The characteristics of the ore body, such as vein width and grade, have not
changed. The improved output is being accomplished by a two stage upgrading of
the mined ore where waste rock that became mixed in with the vein material
during the mining sequence is removed prior to the ore being milled. A large
percentage of this waste is now being removed while the ore is still
underground. The separation is based on the different breakage characteristics
of the ore and waste with the waste rock breaking into larger fragments than the
vein material. A second ore and waste separation is carried out on the surface.
This sorting is based on color since the waste rock is a uniform dark rock
compared to the lighter colored ore. These measures have resulted in the mill
feed being upgraded from an average of 0.57 ounces per tonne to 0.65 ounces per
tonne, an increase of 14 percent.
Since a significant portion of this ore-waste separation is carried out
underground, that waste is no longer being hoisted thereby creating hoisting
capacity for additional ore. In this way, mill throughput of the upgraded ore
has been averaging around 2,000 tonnes per month.
To reduce costs and improve efficiencies, personnel changes and realignment are
continuing to take place, a new cost control system has been introduced,
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improved metal revenue enhancement program implemented, commissioning of a
cyanidation treatment plant, the size of the support staff reduced and improved
purchasing procedures put in place at both the mine site and Medellin office.
Mine Development
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A change in the mining method at the El Limon Mine has increased productivity in
the stopes and development of a new level, Level 6, is underway. The capacity of
the locomotive ore cars, and mucking machines, assigned to Level 6 was increased
to improve the efficiency of development and production.
The La Aurora is approximately six kilometers south of El Limon Mine and is
close to a publicly maintained highway. It is accessed by a 310 meter long
decline ramp which was constructed with rubber tired mining equipment. The ramp
intersects a vein structure similar to El Limon. The mine will utilizing low
cost, trackless, mining methods. The mine is fully developed but was placed on
standby in October awaiting improvement in the price of gold. When operational,
the ore from the La Aurora will be transported to the mill at El Limon.
Development of this second property, the Juan Vara, has been temporarily
suspended due to the low price of gold . The Juan Vara is approximately two
kilometers from the El Limon Mine processing plant.
Exploration
- -----------
Exploration at the El Limon Mine is focused primarily on confirmation and
delineation of extensions of the El Limon Mine vein. An ongoing program of
drilling from selected locations on Levels 5 and 6 has proven vein continuity
both horizontally and at depth. To the north, Level 5 development has exposed
120 meters of the vein with an average width of 0.5 meters and average grade of
over 35 grams of gold per tonne. Drilling has confirmed the continuity of the
vein on Level 7.
Surface drilling at El Carmen property is confirming the continuity of the vein
at depth. The drill core indicates the possibility of a disseminated gold
stockworks. The grade of this mineralization, while sub-economic, confirmed the
presence of a large stockwork associated with the high grade El Carmen vein.
Assays of this disseminated stockwork ranged between 0.2 grams of gold per tonne
to 0.5 grams of gold per tonne. If the grade in this system is found to improve
slightly along strike it could allow for its development by low cost surface
mining and heap leach processing methods.
In December, 1996, the Company announced the acquisition of the 200 hectare El
Veinte property, located approximately 14 kilometers south of the El Limon Mine.
The El Veinte is viewed as having similar geology to the El Carmen. Drilling at
the El Veinte was planned for this year but was suspended to conserve cash .
Do to the low price of gold and the critical cash position of the Company, all
of the exploration properties were critically evaluated for potential. As a
results of this evaluation all of the U. S. exploration were dropped except
Castle, Red Canyon and Tempo. All three of these properties are Joint Ventured
(JV) with other firms and the financial commitments assumed by the J. V.
partner. The costs related to property abandonment ($2.1 million) were charged
in fiscal 1997. Some costs related to the closing of the Reno, Nevada
exploration office were expensed as General and Administrative costs in fiscal
1998.
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Plan of Operation
- -----------------
The Company anticipates that it will, during fiscal 1999, continue to improve
its operations at Oronorte. This will include additional capital expenditures
for shaft rehabilitation and improved hoisting at the El Limon Mine, processing
plant improvements and expansion at the El Limon Mine,. The company completed
construction of a cyanidation treatment plant at El Limon in May. This plant
element the need to ship concentrates to an off shore smelter and thus reduced
operating costs by approximately $50 per ounce of gold The company sells 100% of
its product in Colombia.
Fischer-Watt incurred a net loss of $1,872,927 in fiscal 1998 compared to a net
loss of $3,937,667 in fiscal 1997. The Company has an accumulated deficit of
$13.9 million and continues to experience negative cash flows from operations.
The Company did report net income in fiscal 1997, however this was principally
the result of realized gains on the sale of exchange of non-producing mineral
properties. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability
to continue as a going concern.
The company was adversely effected by the marked decline in the price of gold,
its primarily product. The selling price of gold declined from $359 per ounce in
January, 1997, to $287.45 per ounce in December, 1998. This $72 decline reduce
company revenue by $1.2 million. The El Limon mine varied between break-even,
negative and positive cash flow depending on the price of gold and various
operating costs. To conserve cash, management has; closed the Reno, Nevada,
office, reduced the staff at Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, and Medellin, Colombia,
offices. In addition exploration activities have been greatly reduced and
payment schedules negotiated with various vendors. The company has arranged the
conversion of a Colombian Bank line of credit to a much lower cost IMF backed
loan.
Management believes that as the El Limon Mine gold property, held by Oronorte is
further developed and production levels increase, sufficient cash flows will
exist to fund the Company's mining operations and exploration and development
efforts in other areas. Management anticipates achieving levels of production
sufficient to fund the Company's operating needs by the end of fiscal 1999, and
until then will fund operations with cash raised from future equity or debt
financing, the anticipated exercise of common stock warrants expiring and
disposition of or joint ventures with respect to mineral properties.
The ability of the Company to achieve its operating goals and thus positive cash
flows from operations is dependent upon the future market price of gold, future
capital raising efforts, and the ability to achieve future operating
efficiencies anticipated with increased production levels. Management's plans
will require additional financing, reduced exploration activity, or disposition
of or joint ventures with respect to mineral properties. While the Company has
been successful in these capital raising endeavors in the past, there can be no
assurance that its future efforts, and anticipated operating improvements will
be successful. The Company does not currently have adequate capital to continue
its contemplated business plan beyond the mid part of calendar year 1999. The
Company is presently investigating all of the alternatives identified above to
meet its short-term liquidity needs. The Company believes that it can arrange a
transaction or transactions to meet its short-term liquidity needs, however
there can be no assurance that any such transactions will be concluded or that
if concluded they will be on terms favorable to the Company.
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Item 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
SUMMARY
- -------
The following is a description of the Company's mineral properties. The Company
holds interests in mineral properties located in Colombia, the United and
Mexico. The Company's interest in the properties varies on a property by
property basis. The nature and amount of the Company's interest in properties is
discussed in this item.
COLOMBIAN PROPERTIES
- --------------------
Oronorte, Department of Antioquia, Colombia
- -------------------------------------------
Oronorte is a mining company licensed to operate in Colombia. It is 99.95% owned
by Fischer-Watt and Fischer-Watt's wholly-owned subsidiaries. All of Oronorte's
mining licenses and permits were transferred to it from Greenstone in 1995. At
this time, Oronorte holds a total of 29 mining concessions in the Oronorte
district comprising an area of 5,735 hectares. The following properties are
included in the Oronorte district.
1. El Limon Mine.
2. Juan Vara prospect.
3. La Aurora Mine.
4. El Carmen property.
5. El Veinte property.
All of the properties are located in north central Colombia in the Department
(State) of Antioquia. The properties are within 2 to 6 kilometers of each other
and have a common geological environment. The El Carmen property is
approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the El Limon Mine and has a different
geological environment.
At the present time, the El Limon Mine is in production and the La Aurora Mine
is fully developed but is on standby due to gold prices. The El Carmen property
is in an ongoing second stage development program.
Access to the El Limon Mine is by road from Medellin, approximately 160
kilometers to the southwest. The mine is on the main road leading from Bogota to
the port of Barranquilla on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a one day drive from the
mine to the port of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast. The mine is about 5
kilometers south of the village of Zaragoza. Zaragoza is located on the Nechi
river and is about 24 river kilometers south of El Bagre. Travel between
Zaragoza and El Bagre can be by either road or river. The closest airport is at
El Bagre which has four scheduled flights per day to Medellin.
The El Limon Mine facilities are connected to the government power grid. Since
the government rations power, the mine has installed two diesel powered
generators with outputs of 260 and 240 kWh. There are periods of time when there
is insufficient power to operate all of the plant and mining equipment
simultaneously. During these periods, management has elected to run the mill,
one compressor, hoists and lighting. This means there is insufficient compressed
air and ventilation in the mine and work is impeded. A third generator was
purchased which makes the mine self- sufficient for electrical power.
The mine is connected to the national telephone network through the town of
Zaragoza. During the current year, a new telephone was installed on the
property. The mine also has a satellite and phone which is used for emergencies.
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History
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The El Limon Mine was discovered by prospecting in 1939 and was operated on a
small scale until 1946 when lack of capital forced suspension of operations. In
1947, G. Leland and H. Vom Stauffen examined the property for the Timmins Group
of Montreal. The company deemed the mine to be too small at that time to mount
an efficient operation. Leland and Vom Stauffen considered the project to be
economic and formed a partnership to exploit the mine by improving the milling
facilities. Proven reserves at the time were about 12,000 tonnes at 35 grams
gold per tonne.
Choco - Pacifico leased the property in 1958 and drilled six holes, three of
which intersected a high grade section of the vein. Reserves were calculated at
25,000 tonnes of 35 grams gold per tonne. Choco - Pacifico returned the property
to Vom Stauffen in 1962 when the parent decided to invest further in the Segovia
Mines and the Nechi Placers.
Vom Stauffen continued to operate the mine from 1962 to his death in 1975, when
his widow sold the mine to other investors who fought amongst themselves. Grupo
Minero Ltd. of Medellin and Oronorte S.O.M. resolved the legal problems and
received clearance from the Mine Department to begin exploiting the deposit.
These companies lacked capital and know-how and were approached by Greenstone
with a proposal to purchase and operate the mine. The deposit was acquired by
Greenstone Resources in 1986 and placed into production in November 1990.
Following the acquisition by Greenstone, metallurgical testing, plant re-design
and additional exploration was undertaken.
Underground mine development was started in 1990. Since that time the work has
consisted of developing the main levels, deepening one shaft and installing a
production hoist, sinking a winze and installing a hoist, driving the stope
raises and mining the rooms. Some pillar recovery has been carried out.
El Limon Mine Historical Production
- -----------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------- ---------------- ----------- --------------- ------------- ----------
Calendar Year Tonnes Milled Recovered Average Recovered Oz Head Grade
Ounces Recovery % Per Tonne g/Tonne
- -------------- ---------------- ----------- --------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1990* 2,040 365 90 0.18 6.2
1991 24,567 10,241 90 0.42 14.4
1992 17,302 7,679 90 0.45 15.3
1993 26,961 9,990 90 0.38 12.8
1994 23,011 7,510 91 0.32 11.1
1995 22,563 8,603 92 0.38 12.9
1996 23,088 12,855 90 0.54 18.7
1997 25,541 16,665 92 0.62 21.1
1998 25,594 16,705 92 0.62 21.9
- -------------- ---------------- ----------- --------------- ------------- ----------
</TABLE>
* Two months operation
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As shown in the table above, the head grade increased by 64% from 1995 to 1998.
This increase was the result of improved grade control, improvements in the
mining methods, and the purchase of additional mining equipment.
The mineable reserves at the Oronorte properties are shown below. The reserves
were calculated by Ing. Alejandro Pineda M, an independent geological
consultant.
The tonnes shown are fully diluted, mineable tonnes. They have been diluted to
include a mining height of 1.35 meters perpendicular to the dip of the vein.
Specific gravity of the vein is 2.65 and specific gravity of the waste is 2.80.
The minimum cut-off grade used is 7.49 grams of gold per tonne and the erratic
high values, higher than 100 grams of gold per tonne are cut to 100 grams of
gold per tonne while calculating the grades of these reserves. The value of
recovered gold is assumed to be $300 per ounce. Initial reserve estimates made
in 1989, prior to the commencement of production, calculated the reserves at
41,000 tonnes at 14.3 grams of gold per tonne. Since then, in addition to the
total current reserves, in excess of 136,000 tonnes have been mined over the
life of the mine. The nature of narrow, high grade hydrothermal gold veins such
as are present at El Limon Mine is that the relatively low reserve estimates are
due to the high cost of outlining these reserves too far ahead of the mining.
Oronorte Reserves - January, 1999 (FY 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
El Limon La Aurora Juan Vara Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonne g/T Tonne g/T Tonne g/T Tonne g/T Oz/AU
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- --------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Proven 66,288 19 23,673 2 89,961 15 42,015
Probable 33,135 19 18,413 2 20,072 6 71,620 11 25,190
Possible 171,010 17 61,530 4 232,540 14 103,030
- -------- ---------- ---- ----------- --- -------- ---- ---------
Total 270,433 18 103,616 3 20,072 6 394,121 13 170,236
Oz of Au 155,744 10,619 3,872 170,236
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- -----------------------------
</TABLE>
The calendar year 1999 mining plan calls for the mining and processing of
approximately 34,000 tonnes of ore and the recovery of approximately 16,000
ounces of gold (500,000 grams). It is anticipated that the development and
exploration work to be carried out at El Limon Mine during 1999 will more than
replace the reserves to be mined during 1998.
El Limon Mine
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A description of the mining and processing operations at El Limon Mine is
presented below.
Access to the mine is from an adit on Level 0 (Elev. 135 meters). Three inclined
winzes provide access to the lower levels. One of the winzes is being enlarged
and deepened to provide more rapid access to all levels.
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The mining method being used is inclined room and pillar with no filling. The
vein strikes north-south, dips 42 west and has an average thickness of 45 cm.
With such a low dip, all broken ore is mechanically (or manually) mucked to ore
chutes.
Material from underground is transported to the surface, where, by utilizing a
crusher grizzly, a vibrating feeder, a jaw crusher and a vibrating screen, it is
sent to a cone crusher and fed to a ball mill.
From the ball mill, the material feeds to a pulsating jig. The jig concentrate
is processed in a furnace at the mine and poured into DORE bars. The DORE is
sold to a Colombian customer with payment normally received within two business
days. Jig overflow is fed through cyclones, then sent to flotation cells. It is
then filtered to produce a concentrate which is feed to an on site cyanidation
processing plant. The cyanidation plant recovers the gold using a Merill Crowe
recovery circuit. The final product is sold the a well established refinery in
Medellin.
The mill recoveries average 92 percent, which is typical for the type of
metallurgical process used at the El Limon Mine.
The current hourly paid labor force are residents of the town of Zaragoza and
surrounding area. They are all members of a cooperative called "A Precooperativa
de Trabajo Asociado de Zaragoza - Precoomizar Ltd." This particular cooperative
is one of the first being used in the Colombian mining industry. The mine was
subject to a series of work slow downs which culminated in a week long strike in
October. The labor contract was modified and the work force reduced. Labor
unrest will probably continue to be a problem during the next year.
The total number of persons employed by the Company, both directly and
indirectly, is shown below. This is a reduction of 33% (135 people) from the
previous year:
Mine Site
Company Employees 28
Precoomizar Employees 150
Contractors (average) 0
----
Subtotal 170
Medellin Office 3
----
Grand Total 173
Regional Geology
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The gold prospects and mines which make up the Oronorte properties lie in a
thick sequence of Paleozoic age metasediments within the Central Colombian
Cordillera. The main group of properties, which include the El Limon Mine and
the La Aurora and Juan Vara prospects, occur along 15 kilometers of strike on
the west side of the Otu fault. This major regional structure has a total strike
extent of approximately 120 kilometers in a direction of N20 degrees W S20
degrees E. A number of gold bearing quartz veins also occur on the east side of
the Otu Fault, including the Company's El Carmen prospect. The quartz gold veins
of the Oronorte area were formed from hydrothermal solutions produced by
Cretaceous age intrusions and their location is strongly influenced by the Otu
Fault.
The El Carmen prospect is the most northerly of a number of gold bearing
quartz-sulfide vein systems that occur in a quartz diorite batholith of Jurassic
age that intrudes the Paleozoic basement.
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Approximately 60 kilometers south, in an identical geological setting, lies the
Segovia district which currently produces approximately 45,000-50,000 ounces of
gold a year from underground operations. This district has produced 4.3 million
ounces of gold from quartz-sulfide vein systems. One of the largest of these,
the El Silencio Mine, has worked a vein which extends at least 2 kilometers
along strike and 1.3 kilometers down dip.
The geology of the Oronorte mines and deposits is described below.
El Limon Mine
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The El Limon Mine deposit is a typical epithermal gold bearing quartz vein of
late Cretaceous age. Its strike direction is N5 degrees W and S5 degrees E and
the amount of dip varies from 35 degrees to 45 degrees towards the west. The
vein is continuous for more than 300 meters along strike between sections 4800N
and 5150N, extending from surface to Level 6 - 250 meters vertically below the
surface. The deposit is open at depth and along its strike direction.
Well defined mining contacts occur to the north and south on Levels 0, 1 and 3.
On these levels, quartz vein grades decrease to less than 5 grams of gold per
tonne within a few meters along strike. This results in a decrease of mining
grade, over a 1.2 meter width, to less than 2-3 grams of gold per tonne from
10-20 grams of gold per tonne. However, surface quartz vein exposures and
underground drilling north and south of the mine indicate a continuation of the
gold mineralization regionally.
The vein is structurally continuous except for a series of reverse faults with
displacement ranging from 0.5 to 40 meters. There are two main fault planes
(Lionel & El Limon Mine) which have displaced the vein by 35 - 40 meters each in
a sinistral sense. Because of this displacement, level 2 has been structurally
eliminated from El Limon Mine.
Gold mineralization is related to sulfide content, predominantly pyrite, with
minor amounts of galena and sphalerite. Sulfide content ranges between 5 and 12%
and is a reliable visual indicator of grade. The gold to silver ratio is 1:1.
Generally, the sulfides occur as distinct bands 2-5 mm in thickness in the upper
half of the vein. The bands are relatively continuous over several meters.
Occasionally, the banded structure is replaced by a more irregular, patchy
sulfide distribution. There is no direct relation between internal structure and
grade. The presence of galena indicates improved gold values, even in zones with
a sulfide content well below the 5-12% range. Drilling and development to date
indicate an increase in galena content with depth.
The grade in the north end has increased significantly. Over the past several
months the undiluted stope grade of the vein on Level 5 and 6 have averages
51.16 grams of gold per tonne over an average width of 0.35 meters. The average
stope width during this same time period has been 1.2 meters thereby producing a
mining grade of 15.63 grams of gold per tonne. This mining grade has been
improved by 17% through grade control procedures resulting in a grade fed to the
mill of 21 grams of gold per tonne.
Juan Vara Vein
- --------------
The Juan Vara vein is the strike extension of the El Limon Mine vein and is
located approximately 2 kilometers south. This vein has been trenched and a
short adit was driven in the vein. True width of the vein varies from 0.2 meters
to 0.4 meters and the gold grades are 33 grams of gold per tonne and 8 grams of
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gold per tonne respectively. A ramp from the surface is underway for the
development of this vein to a depth of 60 meters. Work has been temporarily
halted due to the low price of gold.
Aurora Vein
- -----------
The Aurora vein is located 6 kilometers due south of the El Limon Mine. It has
the same strike as El Limon Mine but is structurally located approximately
300-400 meters in the footwall of the El Limon Mine. Its geological environment
is similar to the El Limon Mine vein.
The Aurora vein is a massive milky quartz vein dipping 45 degrees to the west
and cutting metasedimentary host rocks. The main sulfides are pyrite,
pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and minor amounts of galena.
The sulfides constitute 3-5% of the total vein material and most of the sulfides
were concentrated towards the north end of the drift. The grade of the vein is
16 grams of gold per tonne over a width of 40 centimeters for a strike length of
40 meters from the north face. The grades from the south end of the drift range
from trace to 5 grams of gold per tonne over the vein width. The concentration
of sulfides in the south end is less than 1%.
This mine has been fully developed but has been placed on standby due to the low
price of gold.
El Carmen
- ---------
The original recorded exploration work at El Carmen was completed by Dual
Resources, a Canadian company, with assistance from Greenstone. Dual Resources
acquired the property in 1987 and conducted a two phase program of trenching and
diamond drilling which established indicated reserves of 146,288 tonnes at a
recoverable grade of 11.0 grams of gold per tonne. These geological reserves
were reviewed in the field and accepted by Behre Dolbear and Company, Inc., an
independent industry consultant.
The El Carmen property is located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of El
Limon Mine. An 80 meter long adit was driven to intersect the vein. Two short
cross cuts, one east and one west, were driven on the vein. This confirmed the
presence of the vein widths of 0.7 to 1.5 meters. The results of sampling have
returned values between 17 and 42 grams of gold per tonne. A 105 meter long,
inclined diamond drill hole was recently completed which intersected the vein at
the anticipated location. The vein intersection was 0.7 meters with a grade of
490 grams of gold per tonne. This grade has been confirmed by Jacobs laboratory,
an independent laboratory, in the United States. Limited tonnage is produced
from this operation by a contractor.
El Veinte
- ---------
The El Veinte property is located 14 kilometers south of the El Limon Mine. It
is viewed as having similar geology to the El Carmen. This property has had
little exploration done at this time do to a shortage of funds.
MEXICAN PROPERTY
- ----------------
Minera Montoro Properties, Baja California, Mexico
- --------------------------------------------------
During 1989, Fischer-Watt acquired a 49% interest in Minera Montoro S.A. de C.
V. ("Montoro"), a corporation duly incorporated in and authorized to conduct
business in Mexico. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, that was
11
<PAGE>
increased to 50%. Effective July 1996, the Company' 's interest was increased to
65%. Montoro holds a claim on two mineral interests in Mexico. In March 1994,
the Company, through Minera Montoro, formalized an agreement with Gatro South
America Holdings Limited (Gatro)that was initiated in April 1993 to conduct a
generative exploration program in Baja California. Four properties were acquired
under the generative exploration program (El Arenoso, Alborada, Julio Cesar and
Sierra de Cobre). Under the terms of the agreement, Montoro would have received
a 2.5% net smelter return plus a $5,000,000 payment, per property, upon
commencement of commercial production. Except for El Arenoso, the other
properties have been dropped by Gatro.
Montoro is currently undertaking a continuous review of meritorious Mexican
mineral properties and hopes to acquire worthy properties in the near future;
however, there can be no assurance that any properties will be acquired.
Los Verdes Property, Sonora, Mexico
- -----------------------------------
In June, 1997, Montoro obtained the purchase option on the Los Verdes Copper
project in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The agreement was with the Mexican
subsidiary of COMINCO, a publicly held Canadian based mining company. The
Company did limited exploration, which included confirmation of previous work
and reopening of an exploration drift. A order of magnitude study (limited
feasibility study) was completed and initial discussions held with financial
institutions.
During the year the price of copper declined to well below the economic point of
operating this property. This property was returned to COMICNO at the end of the
year. The Company has no financial obligations relating to Los Verdes.
Domestic Properties
- -------------------
Annual filing fees of $100 per claim are required to continue the ownership of
an unpatented lode mining claim in the United States. An unpatented lode mining
claim gives the owner the right to mine the ore and to use its surface for
mining related activities. A patented mining claim conveys fee title to the
claimant (all surface and mineral rights). The Company is current for all
required fees and payments for all of its mining properties. If joint venture
partners are required to make these payments and fail to perform their
commitments, the Company would be in danger of losing its property position.
Bills currently being considered by the United States Congress to amend the
federal mining law could substantially affect the ability of mining companies to
develop mineral resources on federal lands. The results, if any, of this pending
legislation is unknown. Because mining claims in the United States are
self-initiated and self-maintained, they possess some unique vulnerabilities not
associated with other types of property interests. If the validity of an
unpatented claim is challenged by the government or by a private party, the
claimant has the burden of proving the present economic feasibility of mining
minerals located thereon. Thus, it is conceivable that unpatented claims that
were valid when located could become invalid if challenged.
Serem Gatro Canada, Inc. ("Serem Gatro") sold Great Basic Exploration and Mining
(GBEM) to Great Basin Mining (GBM) in May 1995. As a condition of that sale, a
Participation Agreement between Serem Gatro and GBM (the Serem Gatro Agreement)
gives Serem Gatro the right to participate in any of the core properties. A
12
<PAGE>
senior representative of Serem Gatro's parent Company, Billiton, contact the
Company during the year. After reviewing the records Billiton agreed to drop the
participation clause.
Management Evaluation
- ---------------------
Fischer-Watt greatly curtailed its exploration efforts in Nevada. In addition to
closing the Reno, Nevada, exploration office, all of the company properties were
critically evaluated as to; potential, holding costs, and likelihood of
attracting joint venture partners. Based on this evaluation properties were
either dropped or assigned to others. The retained properties are discussed
below.
Red Canyon, Eureka County, Nevada
- ---------------------------------
Red Canyon is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Eureka in the
northwest corner of the Roberts Mountains, and about four miles southeast of the
Tonkin Springs gold mine. Access to the property is by way of paved highway from
Eureka and graded county road to the northern edge of the claim group at Tonkin
Springs.
The property is currently the subject of a joint venture agreement between the
Company (20%) and Battle Mountain Gold Company (BMG)(80%) . Hemlo Gold, the
previous operator of the joint venture, merged with BMG in 1996.
The joint venture leases approximately 4,750 acres of unpatented federal lode
claims from Edward L. Deveyns and David Ernst under a mining exploration and
lease agreement, dated July 10, 1992. Federal claim, lease and rental payments
and advance royalty payments are paid by BMG.
Since the property was acquired by GBEM in October 1991, geological, geochemical
and geophysical surveys have been used to target rotary and core drill holes
toward potential gold mineralization. Economic grades and widths of gold
mineralization were intersected by several GBEM drill holes and extensions of
that mineralization have been projected into untested areas.
During fiscal 1997, BMG completed compilation of previous work, conducted a
ground magnetometer survey and geologic mapping and sampling leading to the
drilling of 19 reverse circulation holes. Economic grades of gold mineralization
were intercepted in four of the holes. Encouraging results from additional
surface sampling and magnetic geophysical surveys were integrated into the
database.
BMG has informed the company that it has curtailed its plans in relationship to
the property due to the current price of gold. They do intend to retain their
option but have no plans to drill
Tempo, Lander County, Nevada
- ----------------------------
The Tempo Prospect is located approximately 17 miles northwest of the town of
Austin, Nevada, and is accessible by dirt road.
The Company's interest in the Tempo Property is pursuant to a mineral lease
agreement between the Lyle F. Campbell Trust and GBEM dated October 14, 1994.
The Company leases unpatented mining claims and has located other unpatented
mining claims totaling 7,670 acres. The Company is required to pay an advanced
minimum royalty of $40,000 in 1996, $80,000 in 1997, and $120,000 per annum
thereafter. A work commitment of $100,000 is required in 1996 and $200,000 per
annum thereafter. These advanced minimum royalty payments and work commitments
are presently the responsibility of the Company's joint venture partner and the
royalty payments can be taken in kind if production is achieved.
13
<PAGE>
The Tempo Lease has been committed to the Joint Venture Agreement between GBEM
and Digger Resources, Inc. (Digger), which became effective on or about July 25,
1996 (Tempo Venture). The Tempo Venture vests Digger Resources Inc. with an 80%
participating interest and GBEM with a 20% participating interest in the Tempo
Property. Digger Resources Inc. is obligated to expend $1.5 million on the Tempo
Venture before December 31, 2000 or complete a feasibility study by that date.
Failure to perform either of these obligations would be deemed to be a
withdrawal by Digger Resources Inc. from the Tempo Venture.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, Digger acquired 80% of the
Company's interest in the Tempo property. Digger has also become operator of the
property. Should Serem Gatro exercise its option to acquire the maximum 40%
participation interest in the property, Digger would retain a 60% interest and
the Company would retain a 7.5% Net Proceeds Royalty. Under the terms of the
joint venture agreement, Digger has agreed to assume responsibility for advanced
minimum royalty payments and work commitments.
Digger has recently completed an 11 drill hole exploration program and is
evaluating the results in anticipation of a second phase drilling program of 19
holes
Castle, Esmeralda County, Nevada
- --------------------------------
The Castle property is located approximately 22 miles west of Tonopah, Nevada
along the southern edge of the Monte Cristo Range. Access is by US Highways 6 &
95, which passes just north of the property.
The Company acquired the property, consisting of 20 unpatented lode mining
claims, from Kennecott Exploration by way of a Mining Purchase Agreement dated
September 30, 1996. Subsequently, the Company staked an additional 30 unpatented
mining claims around the perimeter of the original property. There are no other
underlying agreements to burden the property.
Geologically, gold mineralization is hosted by Tertiary volcanic rocks that lie
unconformably over Ordovician Palmetto Formation. The gold is contained in
quartz veins and silicification associated with northeast trending range front
faults. The property was originally identified by a regional geophysical program
enacted by Kennecott, with subsequent discovery of gold mineralization by a
reverse circulation drilling program. Kennecott eventually drilled over 60
reverse circulation exploratory holes to define a geological resource that
ranges from 1.47 million tons averaging 0.049 ounces of gold per ton to 3.60
million tons averaging 0.046 ounces of gold per ton, using a 0.02 ounce per ton
cut off grade and a variable search radius for the calculations. The property is
about 1 mile south of the Boss mine, which produced about 630,000 tons of ore at
an average grade of 0.058 ounces per ton gold in the 1980's but is now idle.
Definition drilling is required to determine a more accurate estimate of the
actual resource, and to determine whether or not the property contains a minable
resource. Additional exploration drilling is required to test favorable
exploration trends and to further test existing mineralized drill holes that
were outside of the geological resource. The Castle property was optioned to
Zephyr Mining in the fall of 1997. Zephyr is the exploration and mining
subsidiary of J. D. Welsh, a privately held, Reno, Nevada, based construction
company.
14
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
- ---------------------
The Company's property interests require minimum payments to be made, or work
commitments to be satisfied, to maintain ownership of the property. However, all
of these payments may be avoided by timely forfeiture of the related property
interest. If the joint venture partner, or the Company, fails to meet these
commitments, the Company could lose its rights to explore, develop or mine the
property. The table below lists the various properties and the required
financial commitments.
All of the Oronorte (Colombia) property group is held by licenses and mining
permits. No annual payments are required and work commitments are minimal, but
they are subject to a four percent production royalty tax to the government.
PROPERTY COMMITMENTS
For the year ending January 31, 1999
Lease Work J. V. Net
Property Payments Commitments Total Share FWG Cost
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle 5,400 5,400 (5,400) 0
Red Canyon 74,500 74,500 (74,500) 0
Tempo 118,500 200,000 318,500 (318,500) 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 198,400 200,000 398,400 (398,400) 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Oronorte is currently the defendant in several claims relating to labor
Contracts and employee termination's which occurred during a labor strike. This
strike and the resulting termination's took place during the former ownership of
Oronorte. The estimated amount of the claims against Oronorte totals
approximately $200,000. In the event of an unfavorable outcome from Oronorte's
perspective, there is a likelihood that the Company would have the right to
claim indemnity from Greenstone Resources Canada Ltd. pursuant to the terms of
the agreements related to the acquisition of Greenstone of Colombia, Ltd. and
Oronorte.
On October 18, 1996, Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. commenced a legal
proceeding against Greenstone Resources Canada Ltd. and Greenstone Resources
Ltd. in Ontario Court (General Division) seeking payment of the sum of
$1,508,544 (U.S.) pursuant to Article 8.4 of an Agreement dated October 20, 1995
between the plaintiff and the defendants. Pursuant to Article 8.4 of the
Agreement dated October 20, 1995, liabilities of GRC and its subsidiaries,
including contingent liabilities, that exceeded $1,000,000 (U.S.) shall be
reimbursed by the defendants. The payment sought includes liquidated liabilities
in the amount of $308,544 (U.S.), and contingent unliquidated liabilities in the
amount of $1,200,000 (U.S.).
15
<PAGE>
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the fiscal year no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders,
through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
The Company's common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board. The high and low
bid quotations were obtained from the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Trading and Market Services report. The quotations below reflect
inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commissions and may not
necessarily represent actual trades.
HIGH BID LOW BID
Year Ended January 31, 1999
First Quarter $ .14 $ .08
Second Quarter .12 .03
Third Quarter .07 .03
Fourth Quarter .15 .04
Holders:
As of May 1, 1999, the Company had 659 shareholders of record of its common
stock
Cash Dividends:
Since inception, the Company has not declared nor paid any cash dividends.
Changes in Securities
- ---------------------
During the year common shares were issued for various reasons. This is
summarized below and detailed in the attached auditors report.
Date Shares Reason
- ---- ------ ------
Various, 1999 3,028,600 Exercise of warrants at exercise
price of $.05 to $.07 per share
Item 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
Statements which are not historical facts contained herein are forward looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ from projected results. Such forward-looking statements include
statements regarding expected commencement dates of mining or mineral production
operations, projected quantities of future mining or mineral production, and
anticipated production rates, costs and expenditures, as well as projected
demand or supply for the products that FWG and/or FWG Subsidiaries produce,
which will affect both sales levels and prices realized by such parties. Factors
16
<PAGE>
that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others,
risks and uncertainties relating to general domestic and international economic
and political risks associated with foreign operations, unanticipated ground and
water conditions, unanticipated grade and geological problems, metallurgical and
other processing problems, availability of materials and equipment, the timing
of receipt of necessary governmental permits, the occurrence of unusual weather
or operating conditions, force majeure events, lower than expected ore grades
and higher than expected stripping ratios, the failure of equipment or processes
to operate in accordance with specifications and expectations, labor relations,
accidents, delays in anticipated start-up dates, environmental costs and risks,
the results of financing efforts and financial market conditions, and other
factors described herein and in FWG's quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB. Many of
such factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Actual
results may differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to
put undue reliance on forward- looking statements. The Company disclaims any
intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable laws.
Summary
The Company revenue for the year was $3,250,887, the cost of sales were
$2,246,046 and General and administrative expense's were $1,294,491. The average
selling price for gold during the year was $291.37 per ounce.
During the year an aggressive cost reduction program was initiated. This program
reduced the cost of sales from $4.1 million in fiscal 1997 to $2.5 million in
fiscal 1998, a reduction of 61 percent.
The Company reported net loss of $1,872,927 for the year ended January 31, 1999.
This loss also included $1,140,067 in exploration expenses. Exploration expenses
will be significantly reduced in subsequent years. The Company has an
accumulated deficit of $13.9 million and continues to experience negative cash
flow from operations and incur losses from its mining operations. Management
believes further developed and production levels increase, sufficient cash flows
will exist to fund the Company's continuing mining operation, exploration and
development efforts in other areas. Management anticipates achieving levels of
production sufficient to fund the Company's operating needs by the end of fiscal
1999. The ability of the Company to achieve its operating goals, and thus
positive cash flows from operations, is dependent upon the future market price
of gold and the ability to achieve future operating efficiencies anticipated
with increased production levels. Management's plans may require additional
financing or disposition of some of the Company's non-producing assets. While
the Company has been successful in raising cash in the past, there can be no
assurance that its future cash raising efforts and anticipated operating
improvements will be successful.
Short-term Liquidity
As of January 31, 1999 the Company had $18,736 in cash and $500,000 in a
Certificate of Deposit.
On January 31, 1999, the Company's current ratio of current assets to
current liabilities was less than 1:1 A current ratio of less than 1:1 indicates
that the Company does not have sufficient cash and other current assets to pay
its bills and other liabilities incurred at the end of its fiscal year and due
and payable within the next fiscal year. The management intends to correct this
situation by planned improvements in the Colombian operations. Management
anticipates achieving levels of production sufficient to fund the Company's
operating needs by the end of fiscal 1998 and, in the interim, anticipates that
17
<PAGE>
it will fund operations with the cash raised in the March offering. Inaddition
the exploration activities have been reduced to contractual obligations, less
than $120,000 per year, and significant staff reductions have taken place in
both the U. S. and Colombia. A new labor contract is being negotiated and a mine
employee reduction of at least 110 people is anticipated.
On March 12, 1996 the Company announced that it had completed a $5 million
foreign offering conducted outside of the United States pursuant to Regulation
"S". These funds are to finance capital equipment and working capital needs for
further development and expansion of the Company's gold mining operation in
Colombia and its Nevada exploration activities.
This Regulation S offering consisted of the sale of 4,980,000 units at $1.06 per
unit. Each unit was composed of two shares of Fischer-Watt common stock and one
share purchase warrant. Each of these warrants entitles the holder to purchase
one additional share of Fischer-Watt common stock at an exercise price of $.75
through February 28, 1998. These securities were not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States
absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.
For information about the Company's current properties see Item 2 "Description
of Property" above and Note 3 to Financial Statements.
Pursuant to agreements among Greenstone, Dual Resources Ltd., and the Company,
Greenstone made a payment of $300,000 to Dual to acquire 2,800,000 shares of
Oronorte common stock for the benefit of the Company. The Company's obligation
to repay Greenstone this $300,000 is evidenced by a note payable which bears
interest at the rate of 10% per annum. This note became payable, in full, on
June 20, 1996 at which time the Company withheld payment while negotiating the
settlement of amounts owed to the Company by Greenstone.
Prior to its acquisition by the Company, GBEM, borrowed funds from Serem Gatro
Canada Inc. This loan was evidenced by a note. The note payable is for moneys
lent and advanced to GBEM by SGC during the period April 1, 1995, to May 31,
1995, as provided under the share purchase agreement among Serem Gatro, GBEM and
GBM made as of May 31, 1995.
The note was to be repaid not later than September 30, 1995. and bears interest
at 8%. Repayment of this note payable and related interest is currently being
negotiated with SGC.
Management believes that the Company has adequately reserved its reclamation
commitments.
Long-term Liquidity:
Cash flows from operations during fiscal 1999 are expected to be sufficient to
fund operating and administrative expenses and exploration expenses. The Company
does not anticipate needing additional funding from equity or borrowings unless
a major expansion at its Oronorte property is necessary and cost justified or an
acquisition opportunity arises.
FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996
The Company had revenues of $3,250,887 in fiscal 1998 compared to $5,502,625 for
fiscal 1997. The most significant reason for this change is the $72 per ounce
decline in the selling price gold. . The selling price of gold is dictated by
18
<PAGE>
world wide factors and conditions, none of which are in thecontrol of the
Company. The future price of gold is unknown. An aggressive cost control program
was initiated which resulted in the cost of sales declining to $2.3 million in
fiscal 1998 from $4.1 million in fiscal 1997, a reduction of 44%. In fiscal 1997
the Company wrote down a significant portion of it United States exploration
properties and thus incurred a non-reoccurring charge of $2,031,084 (comparable
fiscal 1996 charges were $588,000).
REVENUES
Forward Sales of Precious Metals
The Company does not presently employ forward sales contracts or engage in any
hedging activities.
Sales of Mineral Properties
No material income was received from the sale of mineral properties during the
year.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Abandoned Mineral Interests:
No mineral properties were abandoned during the year.
Selling, General and Administrative:
Selling, general and administrative costs decreased from $1,304,900 in fiscal
1997 to $1,294,491 in fiscal 1998 The decrease was the result of closer fiscal
control. Further reductions are planned in fiscal 1999.
Foreign Exchange Gain
The Company accounts for foreign currency translation in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, "Foreign
Currency Translation" ("SFAS No.52"). The assets and liabilities of the
Colombian unit are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance
sheet date. Income and expenses are translated using the weighted average rates
of exchange prevailing during the period. The related translation adjustments
are reflected in the accumulated translation adjustment section of shareholders'
equity. The Company recognized a currency exchange loss of $234,3304 in the year
ended January 31, 19997.
Other Income and Expenses
Net interest expense decreased from $320,000 in fiscal 1997 to $189,000 in
fiscal 1998. This decrease is due primarily to pay down of revolving lines of
credit used to finance the working capital requirements of the Colombian
operations. The most significant line is for $500,000 with a Colombian bank, is
secured by a like amount CD held by a Bank in Miami.
Commitments and Contingencies
19
<PAGE>
Foreign companies operating in Colombia, South America, may be subject to
discretionary audit by the Colombian Government in respect of their monetary
exchange declarations. Any such audit by the Colombian Government must be
initiated within two years of filing an exchange declaration. While the Company
has not received any notice of intention from the Colombian Government to
conduct such an audit and the Company has no reason to believe that the
Colombian Government will conduct such an audit in respect its Colombian, the
Company has the right to claim indemnity from Greenstone Resources Canada
Limited pursuant to the terms of agreements made regarding the acquisition of
Greenstone of Colombia, Ltd. and the Oronorte properties.
In connection with the purchase of GRC, Greenstone agreed to reimburse the
Company for certain liabilities, including contingent liabilities, existing at
the date of purchase in excess of $1,000,000. At the present time, the Company
has paid or identified as current payables approximately $309,000 in excess of
the $1,000,000. Management is seeking to recover these excess liabilities from
Greenstone in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement.
The Company's property interests require minimum payments to be made, or
work commitments to be satisfied, to maintain ownership of the property not in
production. However, all of these payments may be avoided by timely forfeiture
of the related property interest. If the joint venture partner, or the Company,
fails to meet these commitments the Company could lose its rights to explore,
develop or mine the property.
Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
See Index to Financial Statements attached hereto as page F-1
Item 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On February 1, 1999, BDO Seidman, LLP, resigned as principal independent
accountant for the Company. This resignation was without warning and was
affective in both the United States and Colombia. They had not completed the
fiscal 1998 audit at the time of resignation.
The Company subsequently engaged Grupo Consultor Colombiano (Colombian
Consulting Group) as its Colombian independent auditor. GCC is affiliated with
Moore Stephens International Limited, the London based international accounting
firm. Simultaneously the Company engaged Stark Tinter and Associated, LLC,
Englewood, Colorado, as its principle independent auditor.
PART III
Item 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 (a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
Directors and Executive Officers:
The following table sets forth certain information as to all directors and
executive officers of Fischer-Watt:
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Directorship
Name Age With the Company Held Since
- ------------------- ---- ------------------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
George Beattie 70 Chairman of Board August 27, 1993
Chief Executive Officer
President
Gerald D. Helgeson 64 Director March 14, 1994
Secretary
Peter Bojtos 49 Director April 24, 1996
Vice Chairman
Vice President
James M. Seed 57 Director June 1, 1996
Jorge E. Ordonez 58 Director June 12, 1996
Michele D. Wood 32 Chief Financial Officer November 1, 1996
Assistant Secretary
Resigned April 13, 1998
R.M. (Mike) Robb 57 Vice President of Operations February 1, 1997
</TABLE>
All of the above directors have been elected for a term of one year or until a
successor is elected. Directors are subject to election annually by the
shareholders. Directors are elected by a simple majority of the shareholders.
There are no family relationships by blood, marriage or adoption among any of
the officers or significant employees of the Company.
GEORGE BEATTIE
George Beattie, born November 22, 1927, has an Engineer of Mines degree
from the Colorado School of Mines. He has been active in the mineral industry
since 1960, working up from front line supervisory positions to Director of
Mining for Callahan Mining Corporation and General Manager, Western Mines for
United Nuclear Corp. In 1980, Mr. Beattie formed Mineral Advisors, Inc., a
consulting firm offering expertise in the development and management of mineral
projects. He is also recognized as an expert in the application of explosives,
and has served as a consultant for Western States Energy in the Pacific
Northwest. Mr. Beattie became Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
of Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc., on August 27, 1993. Mr. Beattie devotes all
of his business time to the affairs of the Company.
GERALD D. HELGESON
Gerald Helgeson was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on October 3, 1933. After
graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1955, Mr. Helgeson founded Jack
Frost, Inc., which became the largest integrated poultry complex in the Upper
Midwest. In addition, Mr. Helgeson was a member of the Young President's
Organization. Mr. Helgeson is now semi-retired and resides in Fallbrook,
California and he presently belongs to the Los Angeles YPO Graduate Group. Mr.
Helgeson has been a director of the Company since March 14, 1994. Although Mr.
Helgeson was appointed Vice President of the Company in October 1995, he does
not generally function in an executive officer capacity for the Company.
21
<PAGE>
JORGE E. ORDONEZ
Jorge Ordonez, born October 22, 1939 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a certified
professional engineer in Mexico who resides in Mexico City. He received his
degree in Geological Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de
Mexico in Mexico City in 1962 and his Masters from Stanford University in 1965.
As President of Ordonez Profesional, S.C., Jorge Ordonez is a consultant to
World Bank, international and Mexican Mining Companies, and the Mexican
government. In addition to his affiliation with the Company, Mr. Ordonez is
presently Managing Director of Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Managing
Director of Grupo Gan, Mining Division, Managing Director of Minera Carbonifera
Rio Escondido, Vice President of Minera Montoro, S.A. and a member of the Board
of Directors of Hecla Mining Company (NYSE-USA).
The Mexican National Geology Award was awarded to Mr. Ordonez in 1989,
recognizing contributions made to the mining industry as an Academician with the
Mexican Academy of Engineering and in leading roles with the Mexican Silver
Council, the Silver Institute and the North America Society of Economic
Geologists. He has been a Director of Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. Since June
5, 1996.
PETER BOJTOS
Peter Bojtos, P. Eng., was born on March 26, 1949 and received a Bachelor
of Science Honours degree in Geology from Leicester University, England. He has
an extensive background in the mining industry, with over 23 years in
exploration, production and corporate management. From August 1993 until 1995,
Mr. Bojtos was President and Chief Executive Officer of Greenstone Resources
Ltd..
From 1992 to August 1993 he was President and Chief Executive Officer of
Consolidated Nevada Goldfields Corporation. Prior to that Mr. Bojtos held
several key positions, including vice-president of Corporate Development, during
his twelve years with Kerr Addison Mines, Limited, including that of President
of RFC Resources and New Kelore Mines Ltd.
Mr. Bojtos became a Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Fischer- Watt Gold Company, Inc., in April 1996.
JAMES M. SEED
James Seed was born on April 4, 1941. He was graduated from Brown
University in 1963 and received his MBA from Stanford University in 1965. He is
Chairman, President and Owner of The Astra Ventures Incorporated and The Astra
Projects Incorporated, privately owned land development companies focusing on
creating building sites in the Minneapolis suburban communities and a community
surrounding a Robert Trent Jones, II championship golf course. He has been with
these companies since 1979.
From November 1979 to May 1989, he was the President and Owner of Buffinton
Box Company. From February 1971 to November 1979, Mr. Seed was with Fleet
22
<PAGE>
Financial Group, spending his last two years there as Treasurer of the
Corporation. Mr. Seed is a Commissioner of Rhode Island Investment Commission
and a Trustee of The Galaxy Funds, an $8.4 billion family of 33 mutual funds. He
was a Trustee of the Corporation, Brown University from 1984 to 1990.
Mr. Seed became a Director of Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. on June 1, 1996.
MICHELE D. WOOD
Ms. Wood resigned as Chief Financial Officer on April 13, 1998. The position has
not been filled.
R.M. (MIKE) ROBB. P. E.
- -----------------------
Mike Robb is an Idaho native born in Nampa on May 16, 1940. He has a Bachelor of
Science degree from the University of Idaho in 1963 and did graduate work at the
University's of Arizona and New Mexico. He was appointed Vice President of
Operations in February, 1997. In the two years prior to that he was Director of
Operations for Eldorado Gold Corporation and resided in Hermosillo, Sonora,
Mexico. The year prior to his assignment in Mexico he held the position of
General Manager with Atlas Mining, Eureka, Nevada. The five years prior to that
he held the position of Mine Manager with Boliden International Mining. He has
over thirty years of experience in the mining industry and in addition to
precious metals has worked in the copper, uranium, and coal. He is a Registered
Professional Engineer in five states. Throughout his years in the industry Mr.
Robb has also served in the Marine Corps Reserve, recently retiring as a
Colonel.
Compliance with Exchange Act Section 16(a):
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished
to the Company, the Company believes that the Company its offices, and directors
are in compliance. :
Item 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The following table present the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid
to Mr. George Beattie, the Chief Executive Officer, the only executive officer
whose total annual salary and bonus exceeds $100,000.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
Name and
Principal Fiscal Securities, underlying options/SARs
Position Year Salary $
George Beattie, 1998 100,000
President, CEO 1997 100,000
1996 93,500
1995 80,000 500,000 shares
The Company's chief executive officer is also a director. Directors receive no
cash compensation for their services except directors who are not employees
receive a communications allowance of $250 each six months. Over the past three
years non-employee directors have been issued stock options as compensation for
23
<PAGE>
serving as a director, the exercise price of which was based on fair market
value of the stock and vest after one year's service and expire five years after
vesting. Pursuant to this program Gerald D. Helgeson has been granted options to
purchase 400,000 shares of stock. Anthony P. Taylor has been granted options to
purchase 200,000 shares of stock and Larry J. Buchanan, who resigned as a
director on June 1996 has been granted options to purchase 200,000 shares of
stock. Continuance of this program is currently being evaluated.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-end
Option/SAR Values:
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised In-the-Money
Options/SARs at January 31, 1998 Options/SARs at January 31, 1998
Exercisable/ Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
George Beattie 500,000/-0- $50,000/-0-
George Beattie is currently being paid at the rate of $100,000 per year on
the basis of a two year employment contract dated September 1, 1993 and later
extended for an additional two years. Under the terms of the employment
contract, George Beattie was granted options on 500,000 shares at $.20 per share
which vest at the rate of 20,000 shares per month.
Item 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners, management and all owners of
more than 5% of the outstanding common stock as of May 1, 1999..
Name and Address of Amount and nature of % of
beneficial owner beneficial ownership Class
Cede & Co. 22,301,295 Shares 57.27
Owned indirectly.
Note 1
Kennecott Exploration Company 2,048,000 shares
P O Box 11248 owned directly 5.26%
Salt Lake City, UT 84147
Jeffrey L. Abbas 2,050,000 Shares 5.27%
80 Williams Way Owned directly
Couder Sport, PA 16915
Peter Bojtos 1,150,000 shares
Officer and Director owned directly and
2582 Taft Court indirectly. 2.95%
Lakewood, CO 80215
James M. Seed 2,495,300 shares
Director owned indirectly,
1 Citizens Plaza, Suite 910 Note 3 6.41%
Providence, RI
24
<PAGE>
George Beattie 501,000 shares
Officer and Director owned directly,
1410 Cherrywood Drive Note 4 1.29%
Coeur d' Alene, ID
Gerald D. Helgeson 400,000 shares
Officer and Director owned indirectly,
3770 Poppy Lane Note 5 1.0%
Fallbrook, CA
Jorge E. Ordonez No shares
Director owned directly 0.0%
Ave. Paseo de las Palmas 735-205
Mexico City, Mexico
Michele D. Wood No shares
Chief Financial Officer owned directly 0.0%
R.M.(Mike)Robb No shares
Vice President of Operations owned directly
6004 Buffalo Grass CT, NE Note 6 0.0%
Albuquerque, NM
Directors and 4,546,300 shares
Officers as a Group owned directly,
(six persons) and indirectly 11.68%
Note 1 - Cede & Company is a brokerage clearing company .
Note 2 - Not used
Note 3 - James M. Seed owns no shares, options or warrants directly, but various
related trusts own 2,161,900 shares and own warrants to purchase 333,400 shares.
Note 4 - George Beattie owns 1,000 shares and has presently Exercisable options
to purchase 500,000 shares.
Note 5 - Gerald D. Helgeson's wife owns presently Exercisable options to
purchase 300,000 shares.
Note 6. Mike Robb owns option to purchase 100,000 shares.
Item 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Jorge E. Ordonez became a Director of the Company on June 5, 1996 replacing Mr.
Buchanan. Mr. Ordonez has numerous interests and is a director of Hecla Mining
Company, which is also in the business of mining precious metals. Mr. Ordonez is
a principal shareholder in Minera Montoro S.A. de C.V. ("Montoro"), a Mexican
corporation. The Company holds a 65% interest in Montoro. During the past two
fiscal years no significant or material transactions have occurred between the
Company and Montoro.
25
<PAGE>
Peter Bojtos became a director of the Company on April 24, 1996. Mr. Bojtos had
been engaged on August 25, 1995 by the Company, on a non-exclusive basis as an
independent contractor to raise funds for the Company in the form of issuance of
restricted common stock and warrants to purchase additional shares. He was
compensated in cash at the rate of 10% of the amount raised. He was paid $81,000
for those services. Mr. Bojtos purchased 180,000 units of that offering under
the same terms and conditions as the other subscribers which consisted of
360,000 shares of restricted common stock and warrants to purchase an additional
180,000 shares at any date prior to August 31, 1997 for $.30 per share. Lynn
Bojtos, wife of Peter Bojtos, purchased an additional 170,000 shares, under
these same terms and conditions. In March of 1996, he was again engaged to raise
funds for the Company. The Company completed a $5 million foreign offering
outside the United States pursuant to Regulation "S". Mr. Bojtos was granted for
services to the Company an option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock of
the Company after February 20, 1997 at an exercise price of $.37 per share.
Kennecott Exploration Company, who owns 3,048,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, loaned the Company $500,000 in March 1992. Kennecott had a joint venture
with the Company on the Minas de Oro property in Honduras. In May 1995, both
Kennecott and the Company sold their interests in the Minas de Oro property to a
third party. In connection with that sale, Fischer-Watt received $150,000 and
the $500,000 debt and accrued interest owed to Kennecott was canceled. A
$641,000 gain on the sale of this property was recorded on the fiscal 1996
statement of operations. In a separate transaction, the Company assigned to
Kennecott previously unassigned leases on the Modoc property in California,
subject to a net smelter return royalty interest retained by the Company.
On June 6, 1996, James M. Seed was appointed a director of the Company. Prior to
becoming a director, Mr. Seed and several entities affiliated with Mr. Seed
purchased 333,400 shares of an offering of restricted common stock and warrants
under the same terms and conditions as the other subscribers (see Note 7 to
Financial Statements).
Item 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit Item 601
No. Category Exhibit
1 2 Mining Property Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 1996,
between Fischer- Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Kennecott
Exploration Company ("KEC") whereby FWG purchased mining claims
owned by KEC in Esmeralda County, Nevada, and, upon closing,
delivered to KEC a Promissory Note in the amount of $700,000 and
filed as Exhibit 6.2 to Form 10-QSB filed October 18, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference.
2 2 Letter agreement dated October 14, 1996, between Steve Van Ert
and Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. known as the Sacramento
Mountains Property and filed as Exhibit 7.2 to Form 10-QSB filed
November 15, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
3 3 By-laws of the Corporation. Amended and restated. Filed as
Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10- QSB filed December 16,1996 and
incorporated herein by reference.
26
<PAGE>
4 10 Option effective June 1, 1996, whereby Fischer-Watt Gold Company,
Inc., grants Gerald D. Helgeson an option to purchase 100,000
shares of Fischer-Watt restricted common stock. Filed as Exhibit
31.10 to Form 10-KSB filed September 26, 1996 and incorporated
herein by reference.
5 10 Option effective June 1, 1996 whereby Fischer-Watt Gold Company,
Inc., grants Anthony P. Taylor an option to purchase 100,000
shares of Fischer-Watt restricted common stock. Filed as Exhibit
32.10 to Form 10-KSB filed September 26, 1996 and incorporated
herein by reference.
6 10 Option effective June 1, 1996 whereby Fischer-Watt Gold Company,
Inc., grants Peter Bojtos an option to purchase 100,000 shares of
Fischer-Watt restricted common stock. Filed as Exhibit 33.10 to
Form 10-KSB filed September 26, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference.
7 10 Joint venture agreement dated July 25, 1996, between Great Basin
Exploration and Mining and Digger Resources, Inc. regarding Tempo
mineral property, Lander County, Nevada. filed as Exhibit 36.10
to Form 10-KSB filed September 26, 1996 and incorporated herein
by reference.
8 10 Mineral Lease Agreement and amendment thereto between Great Basin
Exploration and Mining Company, Inc., and H. Walter Schull dated
July 31, 1996 regarding the Coal Canyon property in Eureka
County, Nevada. Filed as Exhibit 47.10 to Form 10- QSB filed
October 18, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
9 10 Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc., non-qualified stock option plan
of May 1987 and filed as Exhibit 36.10 to Form 10-K filed April
23, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.
10 10 Promissory note dated September 30, 1996, whereby Fischer-Watt
Gold Company, Inc., promises to pay $700,000 to Kennecott
Exploration Company, Inc. and filed as Exhibit 48.10 to Form
10-QSB filed October 18, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference.
11 10 Option effective February 1, 1997, whereby Fischer-Watt Gold
Company, Inc., Grant R. M. Robb an option pt purchase 100,000
shares of restricted common stock.. Incorporated herein by
reference.
12 10 labor Supply Agreement entered between Compania Minera Oronorte,
S.A. (a subsidiary of the Company) and Precoperativa de Trabajo
Asociado de Zaragos in which the work cooperative agrees to
supply personnel for mining labor and the Company accepts the
cooperative as the sole supplier of such labor. Incorporated
herein by reference.
13 27 Financial Data Schedule for the year ending January 31, 1998.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the quarter ended January 31, 1999, no reports on Form 8-K were filed by
the registrant.
27
<PAGE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Contents
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-2
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheet F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations F-4
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity F-5 - F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-7
Summary of Accounting Policies F-8 - F-12
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-12 - F-21
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Fischer-Watt Gold
Company, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1999 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the two years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1999, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
two years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
financial statements, the Company incurred net losses of $1,872,927 and
$3,937,667 in fiscal 1999 and 1998, has an accumulated deficit of $13,868,101
and a net working capital deficiency of $2,727,321, and continues to experience
negative cash flows from operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans
in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
Stark Tinter & Associates, LLC
Englewood, Colorado
September 15, 1999
F-2
<PAGE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet
January 31, 1999
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash $ 18,736
Certificate of deposit - restricted 500,000
Accounts receivable 339,712
Inventory 62,846
Other current assets 36,180
------------
Total current assets 957,474
------------
Mineral interests, net 1,616,167
------------
Property and equipment, at cost, net of
accumulated depreciation of $866,493 1,567,667
------------
Other assets 9,742
------------
$ 4,151,050
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 2,288,464
Notes payable - bank 548,296
Notes payable 848,035
------------
Total current liabilities 3,684,795
------------
Commitments and contingencies --
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, non-voting, convertible,
$2 par value, 250,000 shares authorized,
none outstanding --
Common stock, $.001 par value, 50,000,000
shares authorized, 38,188,384 shares
issued and outstanding 38,190
Additional paid-in capital 13,429,830
Capital stock subscribed 720,800
Accumulated deficit (13,868,101)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Currency translation adjustment 145,536
------------
466,255
------------
$ 4,151,050
============
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years Ended January 31, 1999 and 1998
1999 1998
------------ ------------
Sales of precious metals $ 3,250,887 $ 5,502,625
Costs applicable to sales 2,246,046 4,076,361
------------ ------------
Gain from mining operations 1,004,841 1,426,264
Costs and expenses:
Abandoned and impared mineral interests -- 2,031,084
Exploration 1,140,067 1,070,673
General and administrative 1,294,491 1,304,853
------------ ------------
2,434,558 4,406,610
Operating (loss) (1,429,717) (2,980,346)
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense (188,701) (319,461)
Currency exchange (loss) (254,330) (182,909)
Reserve for foreign tax refunds -- (16,419)
Other 70,834 (341,548)
------------ ------------
(372,197) (860,337)
Operating (loss) before taxes (1,801,914) (3,840,683)
Income taxes 71,013 96,984
------------ ------------
Net (loss) (1,872,927) (3,937,667)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (494,394) 385,465
------------ ------------
Comprehensive (loss) $ (2,367,321) $ (3,552,202)
============ ============
Per share information:
Basic (loss) per share $ (0.05) $ (0.12)
============ ============
Weighted average shares outstanding 36,814,567 33,623,991
============ ============
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended January 31, 1998 and 1999
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Additional Capital Stock
Shares Amount Paid in Capital Subscribed
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 31, 1997 31,296,760 $ 31,298 $ 12,044,075 $ 720,800
Issuance of shares for services 100,000 100 52,900 --
Issuance of shares for cash, net of issue
costs of $44,999 918,000 918 440,623 --
Issuance of shares to extinguish debt 185,624 186 108,850 --
Issuance of shares pursuant o warrant exercise 2,659,400 2,659 606,409 --
Effect of currency fluctuations on net assets
of foreign subsidiary -- -- -- --
Net loss for the year -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, January 31, 1998 35,159,784 35,161 13,252,857 720,800
Issuance of shares pursuant to warrant exercise 3,028,600 3,029 176,973 --
Effect of currency fluctuations on net assets
of foreign subsidiary -- -- -- --
Net loss for the year -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, January 31, 1999 38,188,384 $ 38,190 $ 13,429,830 $ 720,800
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended January 31, 1998 and 1999
<CAPTION>
Currency
Accumulated Translation
Deficit Adjustment Total
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 31, 1997 $ (8,057,507) $ 255,365 $ 4,994,031
------------
Issuance of shares for services -- -- 53,000
Issuance of shares for cash, net of issue
costs of $44,999 -- -- 441,541
Issuance of shares to extinguish debt -- -- 109,036
Issuance of shares pursuant o warrant exercise -- -- 609,068
Effect of currency fluctuations on net assets
of foreign subsidiary -- 384,565 384,565
Net loss for the year (3,937,667) -- (3,937,667)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, January 31, 1998 (11,995,174) 639,930 2,653,574
Issuance of shares pursuant to warrant exercise -- -- 180,002
Effect of currency fluctuations on net assets
of foreign subsidiary -- (494,394) (494,394)
Net loss for the year (1,872,927) -- (1,872,927)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, January 31, 1999 $(13,868,101) $ 145,536 $ 466,255
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended January 31, 1999 and 1998
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) $(1,872,927) $(3,937,667)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and depletion 578,920 564,573
Stock issued for services -- 53,000
Currency rate fluctuations (494,394) 384,565
Abandoned mineral interests -- 2,031,084
Minority interest in subsidiaries (21,446) 21,446
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 544,665 (624,377)
Inventory 528,504 385,650
Foreign tax refund -- 435,000
Other assets 68,461 16,617
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 618,407 (713,912)
----------- -----------
Total adjustments 1,823,117 2,553,646
----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) operating activities (49,810) (1,384,021)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in mineral interests (151,251) --
Investment in (redemption of) certificate of deposit -- 25,000
Disposition of property and equipment 90,998 --
Acquisition of property and equipment (1,430) (32,728)
----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) investing activities (61,683) (7,728)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of common shares 180,003 1,050,608
Borrowings on note payable -- 24,023
Repayment of notes payable (216,656) --
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities (36,653) 1,074,631
----------- -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash (148,146) (317,118)
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period 166,882 484,000
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents,
end of period $ 18,736 $ 166,882
=========== ===========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 140,479 $ 319,460
Cash paid for income taxes $ 96,038 $ 156,961
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued for repayment of debt $ -- $ 109,036
</TABLE>
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Accounting policies
Business Activities
Fischer-Watt Gold Company, Inc. ("Fischer-Watt" or the "Company"), its
subsidiaries, and joint ventures are engaged in the business of mining and
mineral exploration. Operating activities of the Company include locating,
acquiring, exploring, developing, improving, selling, leasing and operating
mineral interests, principally those involving precious metals. The Company
presently has mineral interests in North Central Colombia. The Company's current
operational focus is its Oronorte properties, a producing gold mine near
Zaragosa, Colombia.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Fischer-Watt, and
its majority owned subsidiaries. Ownership interests in corporations where the
Company maintains significant influence over but not control of the entity are
accounted for under the equity method. Joint ventures involving non-producing
properties are accounted for at cost.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of balance sheet classification and the statements of cash flows,
the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories consist of gold and silver produced by the Company's Colombian
mining operations, work in process, raw materials used in the production process
and operating supplies. Gold and silver ore concentrate inventories are stated
at their selling prices reduced by the estimated cost of disposal. Gold and
silver broken ore inventory are valued at the lower of average production cost
or net realizable value. Materials and operating supplies used in the production
process are stated at the lower of average cost or replacement value. Production
expenses are included in work in process inventories using an average cost of
production method and work in process inventories are stated at their lower of
cost or net realizable value.
Mineral Interests
The Company records its interest in mineral properties and areas of geological
interest at cost less expenses recovered and receipts from exploration
agreements. Exploration development costs are deferred until the related project
is placed in production or abandoned. Deferred costs are amortized over the
economic life of the related project following commencement of production, by
reference to the ratio of units produced to total estimated production
(estimated proven and probable reserves), or written off if the mineral
properties or projects are sold or abandoned.
F-8
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Costs associated with pre-exploration, exploration, and acquisition generally
are deferred until a determination is made as to the existence of economically
recoverable mineral reserves. If these costs are incurred by the Company during
a period covered under a generative exploration program agreement with a third
party, they are expensed until such time as the third party decides to either
reject a property identified during the exploration period or proceed with
further exploration of the property. If an election to proceed occurs, future
costs are capitalized as incurred. Costs associated with abandoned projects are
expensed at the time of abandonment.
Non-producing mineral interests are initially recorded at acquisition cost. The
cost basis of mineral interests includes acquisition cost, bonus payments made
to attract a joint venture partner, and the cost of exploration and development,
less bonus payments received on unproven properties and advance royalty payments
received.
Mineral interests in unproven properties are evaluated on a quarterly basis for
possible impairment. Management evaluation considers all the facts and
circumstances known about each property including: the results of drilling and
other exploration activities to date; the desirability and likelihood that
additional future exploration activities will be undertaken by the Company or by
others; the land holding costs including work commitments, rental and royalty
payments and other lease and claim maintenance commitments; the expiration date
of the lease including any earlier dates by which notice of intent to terminate
the lease must be given in order to avoid work commitments; the accessibility of
the property; the ability and likelihood of joint venturing the property with
others; and, if producing, the cost and revenue of continued operations.
Unproven properties are considered fully or partially impaired, and are fully or
partially abandoned, at the earliest of the time that: geologic mapping, surface
sample assays or drilling results fail to confirm the geologic concepts involved
at the time the property was acquired; a decision is made not to perform the
work commitments or to make the lease payments required to retain the property;
the Company discontinues its efforts to find a joint venture partner to fund
exploration activities and has decided not to fund those costs itself; or the
time the property interest terminates by contract or by operation of law.
Property, Plant & Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on mining assets
is provided by the units of production method by reference to the ratio of units
produced to total estimated production (proven and probable reserves).
Depreciation on non-mining assets is provided by the straight-line method over
the estimated service lives of the respective assets, ranging from 2 to 20
years.
Stock-based Compensation
The value of stock based awards is determined using the intrinsic value method
whereby compensation costs is the excess of the quoted market prices of the
F-9
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
stock at grant date and other measurement date over the amount an employee must
pay to acquire the stock. In 1998 the Company adopted, for footnote disclosure
purposes only, SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which
requires that companies measure the cost of stock-based employee compensation at
the grant date based on the fair value of the stock option and recognize this
cost over the service period.
Revenue Recognition
Sales revenue is recognized upon the production of precious metals having a
fixed monetary value. Precious metal inventories are recorded at estimated net
realizable value, except in cases where there is no immediate marketability at a
quoted market price, in which case they are recorded at the lower of cost or net
realizable value.
Gains on the sale of mineral interests includes the excess of the net proceeds
from sales over the Company's net book value in that property. In situations
where a non-producing mineral interest is exchanged for a producing mineral
interest, the gain or loss is the difference between the net book value of the
exchanged property and the fair market value of the exchanged property or the
property received, whichever fair market value is more clearly determinable.
Generative exploration program fees, received as part of an agreement whereby a
third party agrees to fund a generative exploration program in connection with
mineral deposits in areas not previously recognized as containing mineralization
in exchange for the right to enter into a joint venture in the future to further
explore or develop specifically identified prospects, are recognized as revenue
in the period earned.
Bonus payments on proven properties, received as an incentive to enter into a
joint exploration and development agreement, are recognized as revenue when
received. For unproven properties, bonus payments received are first applied as
a reduction of the cost basis of the property with any excess being recognized
as revenue.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company accounts for foreign currency translation in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, "Foreign
Currency Translation" ("SFAS No. 52"). The assets and liabilities of the
Company's foreign subsidiary are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at
the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated using the weighted
average rates of exchange prevailing during the period which the foreign
subsidiary was owned. The related translation adjustments are reflected in the
accumulated translation adjustment section of shareholders' equity.
Environmental and Reclamation Costs
The Company currently has no active reclamation projects, but expenditures
relating to ongoing environmental and reclamation programs would either be
expensed as incurred or capitalized and depreciated depending on the status of
F-10
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the related mineral property and their future economic benefits. The recording
of provisions generally commences when a reasonably definitive estimate of cost
and remaining project life can be determined.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). SFAS 109 requires the recognition of deferred income taxes
to provide for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax
basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax
rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to
reverse.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company sells most of its precious metal production to one customer.
However, due to the nature of the precious metals market, the Company is not
dependent upon this significant customer to provide a market for its products.
Although the Company could be directly affected by weakness in the precious
metals processing business, the Company monitors the financial condition of its
significant customer and considers the risk of loss to be remote. The Company
also maintains a certificate of deposit in the amount of $500,000 at a financial
institution which exceeds the federal insurance limit.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash
equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivables, accounts payable and
accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term
maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt
approximates its carrying value as the stated or discount rates of the debt
reflect recent market conditions.
Impairment of long lived assets
Long lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used by the
Company are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances
indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable or is impaired.
F-11
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Loss per share
Basic loss per common share was computed using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the periods presented. Diluted information is not
presented as the effect of common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
year's presentation.
Recent pronouncements
In June, 1998 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 133,
"Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities", which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging
activities. SFAS 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. During September, 1999 the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133",
which delays the effective date of SFAS 133 to years beginning after June 15,
2000. The Company does not expect that SFAS 133 will have a material impact on
its financial statements or disclosures.
Note 2. Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Going Concern
Fischer-Watt incurred a net losses of $1,872,927 and $3,937,667 in fiscal 1999
and 1998, has an accumulated deficit of $13,868,101 and has a net working
capital deficiency of $2,727,321, and continues to experience negative cash
flows from operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Management believes that as the El Limon gold property held by Oronorte is
further developed and production levels increase, sufficient cash flows will
exist to fund the Company's mining operations and exploration and development
efforts in other areas. Management anticipates achieving levels of production
sufficient to fund the Company's operating needs by the end of fiscal 2000, and
until then will fund operations with cash raised from future equity or debt
financings. Expenditures for exploration projects may also be reduced if
necessary.
The ability of the Company to achieve its operating goals and thus positive cash
flows from operations is dependent upon the future market price of gold, future
capital raising efforts, and the ability to achieve future operating
efficiencies anticipated with increased production levels. Management's plans
will require additional financing, reduced exploration activity or disposition
of or joint ventures with respect to mineral properties. While the Company has
been successful in these capital raising endeavors in the past, there can be no
assurance that its future efforts and anticipated operating improvements will be
successful.
F-12
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 3. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of:
Trade $ 25,142
Tax refunds 137,155
Other 192,330
---------
354,627
Less: allowance (14,915)
---------
$ 339,712
=========
Note 4. Inventories
Inventories consist of:
Finished products and products in process $ 13,441
In transit inventory 64,800
Supplies, materials and spare parts 203,362
----------
281,603
Less allowance (218,757)
----------
$ 62,846
==========
Note 5. Mineral Interests
Capitalized costs for mineral interests consist of:
Operating mining property:
El Limon Mine, Oronorte District $ 1,541,293
Less accumulated depletion 845,787
-----------
695,506
Non-operating properties,
net of reserves:
El Carmen, Colombia 463,685
La Aurora, Colombia 284,679
Juan Vara, Colombia 147,466
Cyanyd Plant, Columbia 23,831
El Veinte, Colombia 1,000
-----------
$ 1,616,167
===========
During fiscal 1998 the Company charged $2,031,084 to operations for abandoned
property and mineral rights.
Note 6. Property and equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following:
Land and buildings $ 507,266
Machinery and equipment 1,775,662
Furniture and fixtures 151,232
-----------
2,434,160
Less: accumulated depreciation (866,493)
$ 1,567,667
===========
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $278,920 and $264,573 in fiscal
1999 and 1998.
F-13
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 7. Notes Payable
Pursuant to agreements among Greenstone Resources Ltd. ("Greenstone"), Dual
Resources Ltd. ("Dual"), and the Company, Greenstone made a payment of $300,000
to Dual in August 1995 to acquire 2,800,000 shares of Oronorte common stock for
the benefit of the Company. The Company's obligation to repay Greenstone this
$300,000 is evidenced by a note payable which bears interest at the rate of 10%
per annum. This note became payable, in full, on June 20, 1998 at which time the
Company withheld payment while negotiating the settlement of amounts owed to the
Company by Greenstone (see Note 14).
During fiscal, 1998 the Company issued 185,624 shares of common stock to settle
a note payable and accrued interest aggregating $109,036.
The Company has a $500,000 line of credit with a bank. Advances under this line,
which totaled $400,000 at January 31, 1999, accrue interest at a rate of Libor
plus 3.75% and are due during March, 1999. The line is collateralized by a
$500,000 certificate of deposit.
The Company has $148,296 in amounts payable to a bank at January 31, 1999. The
amounts bear interest at the legal Colombian rate (DTF) plus 10 points (38% at
January 31, 1999), are due on demand and are collateralized by a building.
The Company delivered to Kennecott Exploration Company, a shareholder of the
Company, a promissory note in the amount of $700,000, which bears interest at an
annual interest rate equal to the prime or base rate, or legal rate, if less.
The note was issued in connection with the acquisition of mineral interests.
Principal and interest are due on demand or, at the option of the Company, by
issuance of 1,000,000 (one million) shares of the Company's common stock.
Accrued interest at January 31, 1999 was $148,035. The Company's option to issue
shares in satisfaction of this debt is subject to a limitation that Kennecott's
ownership of Fischer-Watt cannot exceed 10% of the outstanding voting common
stock.
Note 8. Pension Benefits
The Company participates in an employee 401(k) plan, which was set up for the
benefit of substantially all domestic employees. To be eligible, an employee
must be at least 21 years old. Participants may elect to defer 1% to 15% of
eligible compensation of a pre-tax basis. The Company can also elect to make
contributions to the plan, the amount being completely at the discretion of the
Company. No contributions were made in 1998 or 1997.
Note 9. Shareholders' Equity
During March, 1996 the Company completed a $5 million foreign offering of common
stock pursuant to Regulation "S". This offering consisted of the sale of
4,980,000 units at $1.06 per unit. Each unit was composed of two shares of
Fischer-Watt common stock and one share purchase warrant. Each of these warrants
entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of Fischer-Watt common
F-14
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
stock at an exercise price of $.75 through February 28, 1998. These securities
were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or
sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from
registration requirements. The funds raised were used to finance capital
equipment and working capital needs for further development and expansion of
Fischer-Watt's gold mining operation in Colombia and its exploration and
development activities in Colombia and Nevada. As part of this offering, 680,000
units were sold under a subscription agreement and the collected proceeds of
$720,800 are classified as capital stock subscribed within the Company
shareholders' equity accounts. As of January 31, 1998, none of the 680,000
shares had been issued.
During March, 1997 the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock for
services valued at $53,000.
During April 1997, the Company completed a private placement to accredited
investors located in the United States pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). The estimated net
proceeds from this offering of $441,541 are to finance the Company's working
capital requirements and needs related to further development, expansion, and
exploration of mining properties. This Regulation D offering consisted of the
sale of 459,000 units at $1.06 per unit. Each unit was composed of two shares of
Fischer-Watt common stock and one share purchase warrant. Each of these warrants
entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of Fischer-Watt common
stock at an exercise price of $.75 through February 28, 1999. These securities
were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or
sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from
registration requirements.
During July, 1997 the Company issued 185,624 shares of common stock to
extinguish debt of $109,036 (see Note 7).
During the period from June, 1997 through September, 1997 the Company issued
2,659,400 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of warrants at
exercise prices ranging from $.22 to $.30 per share for cash aggregating
$609,068
During fiscal 1999 the Company issued 3,028,600 shares of common stock pursuant
to the exercise of warrants at exercise prices ranging from $.05 to $.07 per
share for cash aggregating $180,002.
Note 10. Common Stock Options and Warrants
In May 1987, the board of directors approved a nonqualified stock option plan.
Two officers, four employees and one independent contractor were granted options
to purchase a total of 710,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share (fair
market value at date of grant). These options vest at rates ranging from 2,000
to 5,000 shares per month per individual and become exercisable six months after
vesting. These options expire 10 years after they become exercisable. At January
F-15
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
31, 1999, options on 417,500 shares had vested and were exercisable and options
on 248,500 shares expired.
In October 1991, three officers and three employees were granted options to
purchase a total of 504,000 shares of common stock at $1.15 per share (fair
market value at the date of grant). Options on 74,000 shares vested immediately
and the remainder vest at rates ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 shares per month,
and become exercisable six months after vesting. These options expire 10 years
after they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999, options on 382,000 shares
had vested and were exercisable.
In July 1993, two officers and four employees were granted options to purchase a
total of 600,000 shares of common stock at $.50 per share (fair market value at
the date of grant). These options vest at the rate of 2,000 shares per month per
employee and become exercisable six months after vesting. These options expire
10 years after they become exercisable. Options granted on 450,000 of the
600,000 shares were later canceled pursuant to employee settlement agreements.
At January 31, 1999, options on 136,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
In conjunction with an employment contract effective September 1, 1993, with an
officer and director, options were granted on 500,000 shares of common stock at
$.20 per share (fair market value at date of grant). These options vest at the
rate of 20,000 shares per month and become exercisable six months after vesting.
These options expire 10 years after they become exercisable. At January 31,
1999, options on 500,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
In October 1993, two officers and four employees were granted options to
purchase a total of 450,000 shares of common stock at $.17 per share (fair
market value at date of grant). These options vested immediately and became
exercisable six months after vesting. The options expire in April 2004. At
January 31, 1999, options on 450,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
In April and July 1994, two directors were each granted options to purchase
100,000 shares of common stock at $.08 and $.05 per share (fair market value at
time of grant), respectively in an agreement separate from the Company's
nonqualified stock option plan. These options vest after approximately one year
of service as a director and become exercisable upon vesting. These options
expire five years after they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999, options on
all 200,000 shares had vested or were exercisable.
On June 1, 1995, two directors and two consultants were each granted options to
purchase a total of 525,000 shares of common stock at $.0625 per share (fair
market value at time of grant) in an agreement separate from the Company's
nonqualified stock option plan. These options became exercisable on June 1, 1998
and expire five years after they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999,
options on all 525,000 shares had been vested or were exercisable.
F-16
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Pursuant to the November 1995 private placement, the Company issued warrants to
purchase 3,033,750 shares of common stock at $.30 per share on or before August
1997. Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, the expiration date
was extended to February 28, 1999, and the exercise price ranges from $.22-$.75
and is to be determined based upon the date of exercise which can fall into four
ranges from August 8, 1997 to February 28, 1999.
On February 20, 1996, two consultants were each granted options to purchase a
total of 200,000 shares of common stock at $.37 per share (fair market value at
the time of grant) in an agreement separate from the Company's nonqualified
stock option plan. These options become exercisable on February 20, 1997 and
expire five years after they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999, options on
200,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
On June 1, 1996, two directors were granted options to purchase a total of
200,000 shares of common stock at $.72 per share (fair market value at the time
of grant) in an agreement separate from the Company's nonqualified stock option
plan. These options become exercisable on June 1, 1997 and expire five years
after they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999, options on 200,000 shares
had vested and were exercisable.
On November 1, 1996, a former employee and an officer were granted options to
purchase 50,000 and 100,000 shares, respectively, of common stock at $.56 per
share (fair market value at the time of grant) in an agreement separate from the
Company's nonqualified stock option plan. These options become exercisable on
November 1, 1997 and expire on November 1, 2002. At January 31, 1999, options on
150,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
On February 1, 1997, an officer was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares
of common stock at $.53 per share (fair market value at the time of grant).
These options become exercisable on March 1, 1998 and expire five years after
they become exercisable. At January 31, 1999, options on 100,000 shares had
vested and were exercisable.
On September 1, 1997, two consultants were granted options to purchase 200,000
shares of common stock at $.22 per share (fair market value at the time of
grant). These options vested immediately and became exercisable one year after
vesting. At January 31, 1999, options on 200,000 shares had vested and were
exercisable.
On October 27, 1997, a director was granted options to purchase 250,000 shares
of common stock at $.165 per share (fair value at the time of grant). These
options vested immediately and became exercisable one year after vesting. At
January 31, 1999, options on 250,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
On December 16, 1997, four directors were granted options to purchase 400,000
shares of common stock at $.1125 per share (fair value at the time of grant).
These options vested immediately and became exercisable one year after vesting.
At January 31, 1999, options on 400,000 shares had vested and were exercisable.
F-17
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has reserved 550,000 common shares for issuance upon exercise of
twelve Warrants issued in January 1996, 1997 and 1998 in consideration for
investment banking and promotional services as follows: 100,000 common shares
are reserved for issuance upon exercise of warrant's issued on January 10, 1996
exercisable at $.28 per share (fair market value at time of grant) prior to
January 10, 2000. 100,000 shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of
warrants issued on January 10, 1996, exercisable at $.31 per share at any time
prior to January 10, 2001. 100,000 shares are reserved for issuance upon
exercise of warrants issued on January 14, 1997, exercisable at $.41 per share
at any time prior to January 14, 2001. The remaining 250,000 shares are reserved
for issuance upon exercise of warrants issued on February 28, 1998, exercisable
at $.22-$.75 per share, depending upon when exercised any time prior to February
28, 1999.
Note 11. Stock-based Compensation Plans
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation plans by applying APB Opinion
#25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations
("APB 25"). Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee
stock options approximates the market price of the underlying stock at the date
of grant, no compensation cost is recognized.
The Company's plan states that the exercise price of each option will be granted
at an amount that equals the market value at the date of grant. All options vest
at a time determined at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. All
options, expire if not exercised within 10 years from the date of grant, unless
stated otherwise by the Board of Directors upon issuance.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS 123"), Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation, requires the Company to provide pro forma information
regarding net income and earnings per share as if compensation cost for the
Company's stock option plans had been determined in accordance with the fair
value based method prescribed in SFAS 123. The fair value of the option grants
is estimated on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following weighted average assumptions for grants in 1999 and
1998, respectively: expected life of options of 5 years and 5 years, expected
volatility of 52% and 43%, risk-free interest rates of 5% and 5% and no dividend
yield. The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for options granted
during 1999 and 1998 approximated $0.04 and $0.07 per option.
Under the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings
(loss) per share would have been reduced (increased) to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
F-18
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
January 31, 1999 1998
Net income (loss)
As reported $(1,872,927) $(3,937,667)
Pro forma $(3,439,000) $(4,020,609)
Primary earnings (loss) per share
As reported $(0.05) $(0.12)
Pro forma $(0.05) $(0.12)
The following table summarizes the stock option activity:
Stock Weighted-average
Options Price per Share
--------- -----------------
Outstanding at February 1, 1997 3,449,000 $ 0.61
Granted 910,000 0.19
Outstanding at January 31, 1998 4,359,000 0.52
Granted 200,000 0.07
Expired (248,500) 1.50
Outstanding at January 31, 1999 4,310,500 $ 0.43
The following table summarizes information about fixed-price stock options :
Outstanding at January 31, 1999:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted- Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average Average
Range of Number Contractual Exercise Number Exercise
Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price
- ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- --------
$ 0.05-$0.08 925,000 2.4 years $ 0.06 725,000 $0.06
$ 0.11-$0.17 1,100,000 4.2 0.15 1,100,000 0.15
$ 0.20-$0.22 700,000 5.5 0.21 700,000 0.21
$ 0.37 200,000 2.8 0.37 200,000 0.37
$ 0.50-$0.56 386,000 4.1 0.53 386,000 0.53
$ 0.72 200,000 3.3 0.72 200,000 0.72
$ 1.15 382,000 4.3 1.15 382,000 1.15
$ 1.50 417,500 1.4 1.50 417,500 1.50
$ 0.05-$1.50 4,310,500 3.7 years $ 0.43 4,110,500 $ 0.45
The Company accounts for transactions with individuals other than employees in
which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of
equity instruments in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, based on the
fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity
instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The components of net income (loss) before taxes for the Company's domestic and
foreign operations were as follows:
F-19
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
January 31, 1999 1998
Domestic $ -- $ (650,394)
Foreign (1,872,927) (3,190,289)
Net income (loss) before taxes $ (1,872,927) $ (3,840,683)
The consolidated tax provision is comprised of the following:
January 31, 1999 1998
Current:
Federal $ -- $ --
State -- --
Foreign 71,013 96,984
Tax Provision $ 71,013 $ 96,984
The difference between the federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate
on net income before taxes is as follows:
January 31, 1999 1998
Federal statutory rate (34.0)% (34.0)%
Utilization of tax loss carry forwards -- --
Increase in net deferred tax asset
valuation allowance 34.0 34.0
Alternative minimum tax -- --
State income taxes -- --
Other -- --
0.0% 0.0%
The Company has regular federal tax loss carryforwards of approximately $11.6
million and federal alternative minimum tax loss carryforwards of approximately
$11.7 million at January 31, 1997 which expire from 2003 to 2014.
Temporary differences between taxable income reported on the Company's federal
tax return and net income reflected in the accompanying statements of operations
result primarily from the capitalization of mine exploration and development
costs for financial reporting purposes and deducting those costs for tax
reporting purposes, partially offset by a lack of tax basis in properties sold,
traded or abandoned. Additional temporary differences related to depreciation,
mineral interest write-downs and non-deductible accruals exist. The tax effect
of each of these temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards for
the years ended January 31, 1999 and 1998, are entirely offset by a valuation
allowance as management does not believe the Company has met the "more likely
than not" standard imposed by FAS 109 to allow recognition of a net deferred tax
asset.
F-20
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 13. Transactions with Related Parties
Anthony P. Taylor has been an officer and director of the Company since June
1994, and an officer, director and major shareholder of GBM when the Company
acquired GBM through a merger that was completed on January 29, 1998. As a
result of the merger, Dr. Taylor received 1,541,694 shares of restricted
Fischer-Watt common stock in exchange for his shares of GBM. Following the
merger of GBM with the Company, Dr. Taylor served as the Company's Vice
President, Exploration until September 16, 1998. Dr. Taylor received a Company
vehicle with an estimated fair market value of $23,375, less debt assumed of
$15,638 during fiscal 1997. Dr. Taylor received compensation as a consulting
geologist of $13,200 in fiscal 1997. In addition, for his services as a
Director, Dr. Taylor received options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock
of the Company at an exercise prices of $.0625 and $.72 per share.
On June 5, 1998, James M. Seed was appointed a director of the Company. Prior to
becoming a director, Mr. Seed and several entities affiliated with Mr. Seed
purchased 333,400 shares of an offering of restricted common stock and warrants
under the same terms and conditions as the other subscribers (see Note 10).
Jorge E. Ordonez became a Director of the Company on June 5, 1998 replacing Mr.
Buchanan. Mr. Ordonez has numerous interests and is a director of Hecla Mining
Company, which is also in the business of mining precious metals. Mr. Ordonez is
a principal shareholder in Minera Montoro S.A. de C.V. ("Montoro"), a Mexican
corporation. The Company holds a 65% interest in Montoro. During the past two
fiscal years no significant or material transactions have occurred between the
Company and Montoro.
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
Upon the purchase of GRC the Company assumed GRC's liabilities related to
transactions governed by Colombian law concerning the movement of foreign
currency into and out of Colombia. The Colombian government has the right to
request an audit of foreign currency movement within a two year time frame. No
request or notice of an audit has been received from the Colombian government to
date. Therefore, the likelihood of a loss resulting from the actions of GRC
prior to the Company's purchase cannot presently be determined.
In connection with the purchase of GRC, Greenstone Resources Canada Ltd.
("Greenstone") agreed to reimburse the Company for certain liabilities existing
at the date of purchase in excess of $1,000,000. Subject to final assessment of
liabilities and GRC's right to offset certain assets against liabilities, the
Company estimates this excess of liabilities to be $309,000. Management is
demanding Greenstone to fund its share of these excess liabilities in accordance
with the terms of the purchase agreement and, however no receivable from
Greenstone has been accrued as of January 31, 1997.
Oronorte is currently the defendant in several claims relating to labor
contracts and employee terminations which occurred during a labor strike. This
F-21
<PAGE>
Fischer Watt Gold Company, Inc.
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
strike and the resulting terminations took place during the former ownership of
Oronorte. The estimated amount of the claims against Oronorte totals
approximately $200,000. The Company is currently seeking to recover this
estimated amount of the claims from Greenstone in connection with the excess
liabilities discussed above.
Note 15. Year 2000
The Company has assessed its exposure to date sensitive computer software
programs that may not be operative subsequent to 1999 and has implemented a
requisite course of action to minimize Year 2000 risk and ensure that neither
significant costs nor disruption of normal business operations are encountered.
However, because there is no guarantee that all systems of outside vendors or
other entities on which the Company's operations rely will be 2000 compliant,
the Company remains susceptible to consequences of the Year 2000 issue.
F-22
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act the Registrant
caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
FISCHER-WATT GOLD COMPANY, INC.
October 12,1999 /s/George Beattie
President, Chief Executive Officer,
(Principal Executive Officer),
Chairman of the Board and Director
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
Signature and Title Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/s/George Beattie October 12, 1999
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Gerald D. Helgeson October 12, 1999
Director, Secretary
and Vice President
James M. Seed October 12, 1999
Director
George Beattie October 12, 1999
President, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Chairman of the Board and Director
Peter Bojtos October 12, 1999
Director and Vice President
Vice Chairman of the Board
Jorge Ordonez October 12, 1999
Director
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements ofr the twelve months ended January 31, 1999 contained in
form 10-KSB for the fiscal period ended January 31,1999 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1999
<CASH> 18736
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 339712
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 62846
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 957474
<PP&E> 2434160
<DEPRECIATION> 866493
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4151050
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3684795
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 38190
<OTHER-SE> 428065
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4151050
<SALES> 3250887
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3250887
<CGS> 2246046
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4680604
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 183496
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> (188701)
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1806914)
<INCOME-TAX> 71013
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<NET-INCOME> (1872927)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.05)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.05)
</TABLE>
