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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the year ended December 31, 1997
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
Commission File Number 0-25786
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NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 22-3386947
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5391 Blundell Road
Richmond BC
Canada V7C 1H3
(address of principal executive offices)
(604) 277-5252
(Issuer's telephone number)
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(former address)
9551 Bridgeport Road
Richmond BC
Canada V6X 1S3
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(Former name, former address and former fiscal year
if changed since last report)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days.
Yes |_| No |X|
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 6,933,500 shares of Common
Stock, $.001 par value, were outstanding, as of December 31, 1997.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):
Yes |_| No |X|
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS........................................................ 3
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY........................................ 11
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................. 12
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............ 12
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS................................... 12
ITEM 6. PLAN OF OPERATION.............................................. 13
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.................... 13
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE......................... 14
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL
PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT..... 14
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION......................................... 15
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT................................................. 16
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS................. 17
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K............................... 18
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Naptau Gold Corporation ("Naptau" or the "Company") is engaged in the
acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, primarily gold
properties located in the Cariboo Mining District of British Columbia.
During 1995, the Company entered into an agreement (the "Exchange Agreement") to
acquire certain placer leases owned by Noble Metal Group Incorporated (a British
Columbia company) ("Noble") in exchange for 4 million common shares of the
Company, representing an initial 59.7% interest in the Company. During 1995 the
Company also acquired from an affiliate (the "Affiliate") an additional placer
lease contiguous with the placer leases acquired from Noble. The Company and
Noble also entered into an operating agreement (the "Operating Agreement")
whereby Noble will remain the operator for the mining activities on the placer
leases acquired from Noble and the Affiliate (collectively, the "Placer Leases")
for a term of ten years, with Noble having the option of renewing the agreement
for a further ten year term.
Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, proceeds from production from the
Placer Leases will be divided between the Company and Noble as follows:
(i) for the first $1,000,000 of proceeds or 2,500 ounces of raw gold
(converted to a dollar amount), whichever is lesser, 10% of such proceeds to
Noble;
(ii) for the next $1,000,000 of proceeds or 2,500 ounces of raw gold
(converted to a dollar amount), whichever is lesser, 17.5% of such proceeds to
Noble; and
(iii) for cumulative operating revenues in excess of $2,000,000 or 5,000
ounces of raw gold (converted to a dollar amount), whichever is lesser, 25% of
such proceeds to Noble.
As a result of certain extensions and modifications made to the Exchange
Agreement and Operating Agreement, the Company is obligated to (i) pay Noble
$954,000 together with interest thereon at the rate of 10% per annum from
December 31, 1995 through June 30, 1997, and 12% per annum thereafter; (ii)
deliver to Noble 4,561 ounces of gold from the Company's share of the gold
produced from the Placer Leases and (iii) deliver to Noble 300 ounces of gold in
satisfaction of the Company's obligations under the 1998 Extension Agreement.
The aggregate of such 4,861 ounces to be delivered in accordance with the
following schedule:
(i) the first 300 ounces of gold due to the Company from 1998 or 1999
mining operations will be paid to Noble;
(ii) up to 40% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due to the
Company from 1998 mining operations, until 4,561 ounces is reached, will be paid
to Noble;
(iii) up to 50% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due to the
Company from 1999 mining operations, until the balance, if any, of the 4,561
ounces is reached, will be paid to Noble;
(iv) up to 60% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due to the
Company from the year 2000 and subsequent years mining operations, until the
balance, if any, of the 4,561 ounces is reached, will be paid to Noble.
The parties also agreed that Naptau shall not sell or assign its interest in the
Placer Leases until such time as these gold obligations are satisfied.
As a result of certain extensions and modifications made to the
Acquisition Agreement with the Affiliate the Company is obligated to pay the
Affiliate $200,000, and deliver the Affiliate 150 ounces of gold.
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In May 1996 the Company recorded the Bill of Sale Absolute on placer claims Lou
1 and Lou 2 (the "Lou Claims") which were earlier staked by William G. Timmins
as agent for Naptau. The addition of these claims gives the Company comfort as
the projected route of the channels under exploration appear to extend into
these claim areas. The claims are adjacent to and contiguous with the present
claims owned.
Because of the inconsistency of placer golds, none of the Company's prospects or
properties may be defined as containing proven or probable reserves. The Company
has carried out extensive exploration and geological delineations of the placer
bearing channels on its properties to the extent that it is of the opinion
(supported by earlier recommendations from Lorimer, September 1980 and January
1982, and completion of the additional site preparation recommended by W.G.T.
Consultants Ltd., October 1986 and Davenport, November 1987) that enough placer
gravels have been identified with indicated economically recoverable gold
content to warrant commencing production.
The Company has never generated any revenues from its mineral exploration
activities and does not expect to generate revenues until such time as it is
able to commence its placer mining operations. The Company's ability to commence
mining operations is dependent upon its ability to raise substantial additional
funds (see Item 7 "Plan of Operation"). All of the Company's exploration
activities to date have been conducted with funds provided from Noble. If the
Company is unable to raise the funds necessary to commence mining operations,
the Company may be unable to realize on the investment in its placer mining
leases. At December 31, 1997 the Company had an accumulated deficit of $341,450.
The financial statements of the Company contained herein have been prepared on a
going concern basis. If the Company were unable to raise the funds necessary to
commence mining operations or was unable to generate positive cash flow form
such operation, it might be forced to liquidate. In such event, it is unlikely
that the Company would realize the amounts indicated on the balance sheet upon
the sale of its placer properties.
For discussion of certain material risks involved in the Company's business, see
"Risk Factors" below.
Property, Location, Description
The Company's exploration properties are comprised of the Placer Mining Leases #
29, 1159, 1160, 1850, 2093 and the Staked Placer Claims Lou 1 and Lou 2
(collectively, the "Properties"). The Properties are adjacent properties which
are located at the confluence of Keithley Creek and Snowshoe Creek, 28 miles
northwest of Likely, British Columbia in the Cariboo Mining District, and are
accessible by gravel road. The town of Likely is about 64 miles northeast of
Williams Lake, British Columbia, and may be reached by paved highway or private
plane. (See "Item 3 - Description of Property").
Exploration Results and Potential Mineral Deposits
The Properties have been the object of considerable exploration and testing
which has resulted in estimates of substantial mineral deposits. In 1982, an
independent mining consultant (Lorimer) calculated that 4,100,000 cubic yards of
gold-bearing gravels containing widely distributed gold values are present on
the north bench of Keithley Creek on Placer Lease #29. Although not homogeneous,
the gold is contained in zones of varying richness.
The "Tertiary Channel", a buried paleogulch channel on Placer Leases #29 and
#1850 which is a former course of Snowshoe Creek, was first identified by a
Seismic Refraction Survey in 1982. This Channel contains an estimated minimum of
1,000,000 cubic yards of recoverable and commercially viable gold bearing
gravels. Previous work and test production figures indicate that the average
grade of the pay zones ranges from 0.02 oz. per cubic yard to 0.03 oz. per cubic
yard. It should be noted that placer gold from Keithley Creek in comparison to
other creeks is of a very high fineness and on the Company's Leases averages 890
fine indicating proximity to the source (by comparison pure gold is 1000 fine
and the average fineness of placer gold obtained in California is 885 fine).
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Significant potential occurs in extensions of buried channels and additional
channels within the Properties. Preliminary interpretation of the results of a
Seismic Refraction Survey which was completed in May 1995 further define the
Tertiary Channel and its rim rock edges on Placer Leases #29 and #1850. A second
sub-parallel north trending channel (the "Eastern Channel") has been located to
the east of the known Tertiary Channel on Placer Leases #29 and #1850. The two
channels appear to converge to the north of Placer Lease #1850. The width of
each channel varies from 50 to 80 meters and the Eastern Channel is shallower
than the known Tertiary Channel to the west.
The 1995 Seismic Refraction Survey also indicates the occurrence of a third,
sub-parallel channel (the "Third Channel") further to the east on Placer Leases
#1159, #1850 and #2093. Additional seismic work is required to define this
channel or fault structure.
Field results of a Seismic Refraction Survey completed in May 1995 on Placer
Lease #1160, traces the northern continuation of the known Tertiary Channel on
Placer Lease #29 through Placer Lease #1160. This Seismic Refraction Survey also
delineates the occurrence of a second placer channel on this lease (the "1160
Channel") converging with the known Tertiary Channel at the center of Placer
Lease #1160.
Within the vicinity of the ancient Tertiary Channel near Keithley Creek on
Placer Lease #29, large gold nuggets up to 1? ounces were recovered from gravel
testing in 1994, thus providing an explanation for the occurrence of the coarse
gold well above the level of Keithley Creek, and significantly further east of
the known Tertiary Channel previously tested.
The newly delineated Channel on Placer Lease #1160 is estimated to be 85 meters
in width at the southern boundary, 40 meters in width at the center of the
Lease, and runs some 200 to 250 meters north, where it converges with the known
Tertiary Channel of Placer Lease #29, which is approximately the same width. The
total width of the two merging channels at the center of Placer Lease #1160 is
about 85 meters, which extends a further 200 meters through the northern
boundary of Placer Lease #1160 onto the Lou Claims. It is estimated that a
minimum of 1,000,000 cubic yards of placer gravels is contained on Placer Lease
#1160.
The Company believes that grades should be similar to the grades obtained on
Placer Lease #29, which were determined by various drilling programs, trenching,
other work and volume testing of the placer gravels. The recovery from the
testing ranged from 0.02 oz. gold per cubic yard of $7.00 to $11.40 per cubic
yard.
Exploration and Development Activities on the Placer Leases
It is estimated that the Company and the prior owners of the Placer Leases have
expended an aggregate of approximately $4,000,000 in exploring and developing
the Properties. Placer Lease #29 was acquired by its original owner in 1978.
Additional placer leases were then staked by such entity in 1979 and 1980.
Preliminary testing was first carried out in 1981. Prior to 1993, access roads
were constructed and upgraded, camp trailers installed and several exploration
programs, including seismic refraction surveys, geochemical soil sampling
analysis, trenching, percussion and sonic drilling, and various bulk tests
utilizing different types of equipment and recovery systems, were carried out.
During 1993-1994 old roads were widened, new roads were constructed, camp
facilities were expanded by the addition of two more trailers, an office and map
room, and a building for tools, supplies and drilling samples. Construction of
the settling and tailing ponds as well as a major water reservoir was commenced.
During the 1995 season the Company continued upgrading the physical site,
buildings and reinforcing roadways. Construction of the settling, tailing and
water reservoir ponds was completed. Clearing and raking of newly opened areas
continued as required. The Company also carried out geological, geophysical and
further Seismic Refraction surveys to delineate the channels and production
area. In total the Company expended just under $400,000 on the site and survey
programs.
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In 1996 an I.P. Survey was carried out on the most southerly tip of the Ancient
Tertiary channel, and the center and eastern channels of Keithley Creek.
The I.P. Survey resistivity values of the center channel revealed a narrow or
gulch-type depression in the bedrock. The resistivity values of the eastern
channel identified a pronounced depression in the bedrock with a magnitude of
some 75 meters in depth. These channels were previously identified by the 1995
Seismic Refraction Survey.
A test program of the upper gravels in the center and most eastern channel (the
third channel) verified the existence of fine gold averaging $5.70 per cubic
yard based on a gold price of $380.00 per ounce.
In preparation for production, over 65,000 cubic yards of overburden material
was removed from the mining area. During the construction of several benches to
prevent slides and sloughing of materials an additional 10,000 cubic yards of
material was removed. Drainage ditches and a main waterway were constructed to
contain and redirect excess water flows during spring runoffs. New hauling roads
were constructed to expedite the movement of materials during production.
Valuation of the Noble Leases and PL # 1160 and Director Lease by W.G.T.
Consultants Ltd.
To assist the Company in determining the value of the Noble Leases and their
potential for future development, in June 1995, the Company obtained an opinion
(the "Noble Valuation") on the fair market value of the Noble Leases from W.G.T.
Consultants Ltd. ("W.G.T."), an independent mining consulting firm then
headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada and subsequently relocated to Vancouver,
BC, Canada.
In rendering the Noble Valuation, W.G.T. relied on published and private
reports, maps and data (the "Exploration Data") provided by the Company and
Noble and past visits by the W.G.T.'s personnel to the Lease sites in 1985,
1986, 1994 and 1995.
Based upon the Exploration Data, for purposes of the Valuation, W.G.T. estimated
that the Noble Leases contained a minimum of 1,000,000 cubic yards of gold
bearing gravels in the "Tertiary Channel" located at Placer Lease # 29, plus a
minimum of 1,000,000 cubic yards in the second channel to the east. In addition,
the Valuation took into account a potential of 2,000,000 cubic yards in the
third channel, and an allowance for additional potential mineral deposits
estimated at 2,000,000 cubic yards for the lower north bench of Placer Lease
#1159, and the presence of other channels on untested portions of the Noble
Leases.
Based upon such estimates and depending on the average recovered grade of gold,
the Fair Market Value of the Noble Leases was estimated to be as follows :
(As of June 1995 - Gold Price US $385.00 per ounce/Exchange
Rate US $1.00 - CAN $1.40)
Assumed Grade
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0.02 oz. Au/cu. yd. 0.03 oz. Au/cu. yd.
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1. Estimated Net Present Value of
Tertiary Channel
and Second Channel CAN $11,911,000 CAN $19,814,000
2. Estimated Net Present Value of
Potential Mineral Deposits CAN $ 7,485,000 CAN $12,990,000
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Total Estimated Net Present Value US $13,854,000 US $23,431,000
In addition, in May 1996, W.G.T. prepared a valuation opinion (the "1160
Valuation") with respect to Placer Lease #1160. Based upon the Exploration Data,
W.G.T., estimated that this Lease contained a minimum of 1,000,000
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cubic yards of gold bearing gravels with a minimum value (based upon anticipated
grades of 0.02 to 0.03 ounces of gold per cubic yard) of $3,000,000.
The foregoing calculations for both the Noble Leases and the 1160 Valuation are
based upon a gold price of $385 per ounce and have been discounted and assigned
various degrees of risk after deducting mining costs.
Copies of the Noble Valuation and the 1160 Valuation are available from the
Company and the foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of such Valuations set forth therein.
W.G.T. received a fee of $1,006.67 from the Company for the preparation of the
Noble Valuation and a fee of $1,712.00 from the Affiliate for the preparation of
the 1160 Valuation.
In considering the foregoing Valuations, it should be noted that at present
because of the inconsistence of placer golds, none of the Company's prospects or
properties may be defined as containing proven or probable reserves. The Company
and prior owners have carried out extensive exploration and geological
delineations of the placer bearing channels to the extent that it is of the
opinion (supported by earlier recommendations from Lorimer, September 1980 and
January 1982 and completion of the additional site preparation recommended by
W.G. T. Consultants Ltd., October 1986 and Davenport, November 1987) that enough
placer gravels have been identified with indicated economically recoverable gold
content to warrant further testing in 1997. If the indicated potential
recoveries are confirmed during testing, the testing program will be escalated
into full-scale operations.
Licenses and Permit
The gold exploration and mining industry in Canada operates under both federal
and provincial legislation governing exploration, development, production and
decommissioning of mines. Such legislation relates to the method of acquisition
and ownership of mineral rights, labor, health and safety standards, royalties,
mining and income taxes, exports, reclamation and rehabilitation of mining lands
and other matters.
The mining industry in Canada is also subject to legislation at both the federal
and provincial levels concerned with the protection of the environment. In
particular, such legislation imposes high standards on the mining industry to
reduce or eliminate the effects of wastes generated by extraction and processing
operations and subsequently deposited on the ground or emitted into the air or
water. Accordingly, the design of mines and mills and the conduct of overall
extraction and processing operations are subject to the restrictions contained
in such legislation. In addition, the construction, development and operation of
a mine, mill and refinery typically entail compliance with applicable
environmental legislation and/or review processes and the obtaining of land use
permits, water licenses, discharge approvals and similar authorizations from
various governmental agencies.
Failure to comply with the requirements of environmental legislation may result
in orders being issued thereunder which may result in the cessation, curtailment
or modification of operations or may require installation of additional
facilities or equipment to protect the environment. Violators may be required to
compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of their mining activities
and such violators, including officers and directors thereof, may be fined or in
some cases imprisoned if convicted of an offense under such legislation.
Provincial mining legislation establishes requirements for the decommissioning,
reclamation and rehabilitation of mining properties in a state of temporary or
permanent closure. Such closure requirements relate to the protection and
restoration of the environment and the protection of public safety.
All the necessary licenses and permits that are required for the Company's
mining operations on the Placer Leases are in place and are valid until December
2001. These include a Mining Permit, Hydraulic License, Water Use Permit and
Disposal Permit. In addition, the Company maintains its "free miner certificate"
from the Province of British Columbia which is required in order to explore for
minerals or placer minerals or acquire a mineral or placer title in British
Columbia.
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Equipment and Facilities
In accordance with the Operating Agreement, Noble has made available the
facilities and equipment necessary to conclude the Company's exploration program
and commence production. The composition and cost of such camp facilities and
equipment is agreed to by budget prior to the commencement of operations each
season. The Company is currently indebted to Noble in the amount of $217,846 for
equipment and facilities provided to date.
Risk Factors
Limited Operations: Need for Additional Funds. To date, prior exploration
programs have produced in excess of 300 ounces of raw gold from various test
programs at the Properties. Nevertheless, the Company, has not generated any
revenues and will not generate revenues until the commencement of placer mining
operations which are subject to the Company's abilities to raise the required
additional funds. Even though carrying costs to maintain the leases in good
standing are minimal, an inability to raise the required capital may result in
the Company being unable to realize a return on its investment in its placer
mining leases and, possibly, forfeiting its interest in the Placer Leases. At
December 31, 1997, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $341,450.
Preparation of Financial Statements. The financial statements of the Company
contained herein have been prepared on a going concern basis. If the Company
were unable to raise the funds necessary to commence mining operations or was
unable to generate positive cash flow from such operations, it might be forced
to liquidate. In such event, it is unlikely that the Company would realize the
amounts indicated on the balance sheet upon the sale of its mineral properties.
No Proven or Probable Reserves. The Company is in the exploration stage, and at
present, because of the inconsistency of placer golds, none of the company's
prospects or properties may be defined as containing proven or probable
reserves. The Company and the prior owners of the Placer Leases have carried out
extensive exploration and geographical delineations of the placer bearing
channels to the extent that the Company is of the opinion (supported by earlier
recommendations from Lorimer, September 1980 and January 1982 and upon
completion of the additional site preparation recommended by W.G.T. Consultants
Ltd., October 1986 and Davenport, November 1987) that enough placer gravels have
been identified with indicated economically recoverable gold content to warrant
commencing production.
When the Company is able to establish proven and probable reserves through
sustained production, market price fluctuations of gold, increased production
costs, or reduced recovery rates may nevertheless render ore reserves containing
relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic and may ultimately result
in a restatement of ore reserves.
Feasibility Studies. The Company has relied heavily upon the study conducted by
W.G.T. Consultants, Lorimer, September 1980 and January 1982, Davenport,
November 1987 and the Company's exploratory activities in determining whether
the Properties can support full scale operations. Such evaluations may prove to
be unreliable.
Risks of Foreign Operations. The Company's operations in British Columbia,
Canada are subject to the risks normally associated with conducting business in
foreign countries, including foreign exchange controls and currency
fluctuations, foreign taxation, labor disputes and uncertain economic
environments or other risks which may limit or disrupt production in markets,
restrict the movement of funds or result in the depravation of contract rights
or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair
compensation. Although the Company has not experienced any problem in Canada
rising from nationalistic policies, political instability, economic instability,
labor disputes or currency fluctuations or restrictions, there can be no
assurance that such a problem will not arise in the future. Laws and policies of
the United States affecting foreign trade, investment and taxation may also
adversely affect the Company's operations and investments.
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Reliance on Third Parties for Exploration and Mining Services. The Company has
entered into the Operating Agreement with its principal stockholder, Noble,
pursuant to which Noble has agreed to provide all of the exploration and mining
services and lease the required equipment and facilities to the Company in order
to develop and operate the Properties. The loss of Noble's services could have a
material adverse affect on the Company.
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of The "Safe Harbor" Provisions of The Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a new "safe harbor" for certain
forward-looking statements. The following factors set forth under "Risk Factors"
among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-KSB, future filings
by the Company with the SEC, in the Company's press releases and in oral
statements made by authorized officers of the Company. When used in this Form
10-KSB, the words "estimate," "project," "anticipate," "expect," "intend,"
"believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements.
Substantial Indebtedness to Related Parties. The Company owed an aggregate of
$1,908,893 to Noble and an Affiliate in consideration of the transfer of the
Placer Leases and services rendered pursuant to the Operating Agreement. In
addition, Noble is entitled to retain a certain percentage of the gold produced
from the Placer Leases for services rendered and the Company has agreed to
deliver to Noble an aggregate of 4,861 ounces of gold from the Company's
portion of the gold produced at the Placer Leases. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to satisfy its obligations to Noble and the
Affiliate.
Conflicts of Interest. The terms upon which the Company acquired the Placer
Leases and the terms of the Operating Agreement were determined by negotiations
between representatives of Noble and the Company. Noble currently owns more than
a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company. Therefore, the agreements
between Noble, the Affiliate and the Company should not be deemed the product of
arms' length negotiations.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLACER LEASES
General
The Company holds a 100% interest in all of its Properties:
Noble Leases
PL # 29 (Tenure #262692)
PL # 1159 (Tenure #282768)
PL # 1160 (Tenure #262769)
PL # 1850 (Tenure #262822)
PL # 2093 (Tenure #282832)
Placer Claims
Lou #1 (Tenure #337015)
Lou #2 (Tenure #337016)
The Placer Properties comprise approximately 430 acres of land in the aggregate
and constitute a contiguous mining site. The Placer Mining Leases are renewable
placer mining leases assigned to the Company pursuant to the Noble Agreement and
the PL#1160 Agreement. To maintain the Leases in full force and effect during
their respective terms, the Company is required to pay, in Canadian dollars,
dependent upon the specific type of lease, an annual licensing expenditure of
$5.00 per hectare of land on any Leases of Placer Minerals, $250.00 on any
Placer Mining Leases (PML) or Placer Leases (PL). The Placer Claims are
renewable annually by carrying out a minimum of $500.00 of qualified work or
paying $500.00 in cash in lieu of work and a $100.00 recording fee. Except for
the
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division of gold with Noble pursuant to the Operating Agreement, there are no
other third party fees or royalty interests payable with respect to the Placer
Leases. The fees payable by the Company with respect to the Placer Leases
aggregate to Cdn. $2,450, per annum, inclusive of payments in lieu of work.
In British Columbia the terms "mineral title" as used the Mineral Tenure Act
includes mineral and placer claims and leases.
Legal title to minerals in the province can be held under four types of tenure:
Freehold:
Crown granted mineral claim:
Located (staked) Mineral or Placer Claim; and
Mining or Placer Lease.
The Company holds the interests in its properties as either Located Mineral or
Placer Claims, or as a Mining or Placer Lease. Title to located Mineral and
Placer Claims, and Mining and Placer Leases is issued and administered by the
Mineral Title Branch, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and are
subject to all provisions of the Mineral Tenure Act which is also administered
by the above noted Department. A claim or lease title conveys to the holder the
right to all minerals or placer minerals as defined in the Mineral Tenure Act
and which were available at the time of location or have subsequently become
available under the terms of the Act.
Placer minerals are ores of metal and other natural substances that occur either
loose or in fragmented rock. They are found in loose earth, gravel and sand,
having been transported from the original bedrock source by natural means such
as glacial and water action. Placer minerals also include materials from placer
mine tailings and previously mined deposits of placer minerals.
There are no surface rights included in the Company's Placer Leases, but the
Company has the right to use the surface of the claim for mining purposes only.
This does not include the right to live on the claim, or build a cabin, house or
any other building or dwelling.
A Mining or Placer Lease contains the same rights as a claim, but is also an
interest in land. However, this is not the same as surface rights and the right
to reside on the land is still contingent to the work program and requires
approval. All work carried out on a claim or lease must receive approval from
the District Inspector of Mines prior to commencement and work which disturbs
the surface by mechanical means requires a Notice of Work under the Mines Act.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company occupies office space provided by its President, E.D. Renyk, at 5391
Blundell Road, Richmond, BC, Canada, V7C 1H3. No rent is paid for the use of
this office. The space is adequate for the planned future conduct of the
Company's business over the next twelve months.
The following is a description of the Placer Leases that were assigned to the
Company in 1995 pursuant to Exchange Agreements with Noble and an Affiliate. All
Placer Leases or Placer Claims carry the right to multiple extensions.
Placer Mining Lease #29 was originally issued to Howard Reid and Addison
Manners of Vancouver, B.C. and acquired on March 15, 1981 by Noble. The
present Lease term of 10 years became effective October 7, 1991 and
expires October 15, 2001.
Placer Mining Lease #1159 was originally issued to J. Emery of Vancouver,
B.C. and acquired on August 21, 1980 by Noble. The present lease term of 5
years became effective June 28, 1993 and expires October 15, 1998.
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<PAGE>
Placer Mining Lease #1850 was issued July 31, 1979 to Noble. The present
lease term of 5 years became effective September 27, 1994 and expires on
October 15, 1999.
Placer Mining Lease #2093 was issued September 14, 1979 to Noble. The
present lease term of 5 years became effective September 27, 1994 and
expires on October 15, 1999.
Placer Mining Lease #1160 was staked by agents for D. Dennis. The present
lease term of five years expires on December 29, 1998.
Placer Claims Lou 1 and Lou 2 were staked by William G. Timmins as agent
for Naptau and registered in Naptau's name May 31, 1996. The present lese
term expires on June 11, 1999.
The Company, through Noble, has filed an application with the governing bodies
for a grouping of leases and to upgrade each of its title to a "Lease of Placer
Minerals" as is now allowed under the revised provisions of the "Mineral Tenure
Amendment Act, 1995.
Placer Claims
Placer claims are valid for one year. To maintain a placer claim the holder
must, on or before the anniversary date of the claim, pay the prescribed
recording fee and either: (a) record the exploration and development work
carried out on that claim during the current anniversary year which must equal
or exceed the minimum specified value per unit; or (b) pay cash in lieu of work.
If the value of work performed in a year is greater than the required minimum,
the surplus is termed excess work. This excess work, in full year multiples, can
be applied to cover work requirements on the claim for additional years, subject
to the limits specified in applicable regulations.
Placer Mining Leases (PML)/Placer Leases (PL)
Placer leases (PML or PL) issued under the former acts are subject to an annual
rental which just be paid on or before the anniversary date each year. If the
annual rentals are not paid these leases automatically forfeit and title to the
ground can only be re-acquired by locating a placer claim. These placer leases
are entitled to one term extension under the Mineral Tenure Act.
The holder of a valid placer lease (PML or PL) issued under the former acts or a
placer claim, or an adjoining group of these, may apply for a Lease of Placer
Minerals (LPM). A LPM is issued for a term of ten years and may be renewed for
further terms of up to ten years each. During the term of the lease an annual
rental must be paid on or before the anniversary date each year. A lease may be
ordered forfeited if the rental is not paid.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not the subject of any pending legal proceedings; and to the
knowledge of management, no proceedings are presently contemplated against the
Company by any federal, state or local governmental agency.
Further, to the knowledge of management, no director or executive officer is
party to any action in which any has an interest adverse to the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
-11-
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
A. Market Information.
At present, no market exists for the Company's securities and there is no
assurance that a regular trading market will ever develop or, if developed, that
it will be sustained. A purchaser of shares may, therefore, be unable to resell
the securities offered herein should he or she desire to do so. Furthermore, it
is unlikely that a lending institution will accept the Company's securities as
pledged collateral for loans unless a regular trading market develops.
B. Holders.
As of December 31, 1997, there were approximately 20 holders of the
Company's Common Stock.
C. Dividends.
The Company has never paid a cash dividend on its Common Stock and has no
present intention to declare or pay cash dividends on the Common Stock in the
foreseeable future. The Company intends to retain any earnings which it may
realize in the foreseeable future to finance its operations. Future dividends,
if any, will depend on earnings, financing requirements and other factors.
ITEM 6. PLAN OF OPERATION
In May 1997 the Company moved a new $250,000 production plant on site with the
expectation of processing 150,000 to 200,000 cubic yards of material over the 5
to 6 month 1997 mining season. This represented an average operating level of
50% of the capacity of the plant. This conservative estimate was based on the
assumption that shakedown time would be required during start-up of production
and the necessity of processing marginal pay gravels while opening the main
channel deposits. Production did not commence during the 1997 mining season due
to the failure of the manufacturer of the production plant to deliver a turnkey
plant. The Company spent the season and approximately $100,000 bringing the
plant to operating status. Concurrently with the preparation of the production
plant, the Company carried out further site preparation and refinement in
anticipation of an upcoming season of production.
At the commencement of the 1998 mining season the Company completed the tasks
necessary to commence production. In May and June 1998 the Company successfully
initiated test runs of the production plant yielding initial limited quantities
of gold.
The Company anticipates that it will continue to process materials through the
balance of the 1998 mining season. The Company intends to stop processing
materials and shut the mine down for winter in late September 1998. The Company
currently anticipates that it will process approximately 300,000 cubic yards of
material over the balance of the 1998 mining season.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had a working capital deficit of approximately
$2,214,000, a substantial portion of which is owed to Noble, $1,708,893, and
officers and directors of the Company, all of whom have a vested interest in
ensuring the Company's continued existence. The Company's continuing operations
and ability to realize the amounts shown as mineral properties on its balance
sheet are dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain the financing necessary
to meet its obligations and continue its exploration and development activities.
To date, substantially all of the financing for the Company's mining activities
has been provided by Noble. There is no assurance that Noble will continue to
fund the Company or that necessary financing will be made available by third
parties or, if made available, be on terms acceptable to the Company.
-12-
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See "Index to Financial Statements," Page 20.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Name Age Positions Held With The Corporation
- ---- --- -----------------------------------
Edward D. Renyk 59 Director, President & Chief
Financial Officer
John J. McIntyre 42 Director, Secretary
Lloyd E. Mear 61 Director
Warren W. Gayle 44 Director
Murray A. Braaten 43 Director
E. D. Renyk. Mr. Renyk has served as the President, Chief Financial Officer and
a Director of the Company since June 8, 1995. Mr. Renyk is a member of the
Canadian, Alberta and British Columbia Institutes of Chartered Accountants. He
has been a Chartered Accountant for 33 years, managing and directing his own
practice for most of that period, specializing in consulting to both private and
publicly traded corporate firms. Prior to establishing his own practice and
subsequent to obtaining his designation as a Chartered Accountant he held
positions ranging from Controller to Vice President of Finance with various
corporations.
Mr. Renyk was admitted as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Alberta in 1962.
J. J. McIntyre. Mr. McIntyre has served as Secretary and a Director of the
Company since June 8, 1995. Mr. McIntyre has recently founded his own law firm,
McIntyre Winteringham, after having practiced from 1984 to 1996 as a partner and
associate of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang. Mr. McIntyre's current and former
firms are located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Previously, Mr. McIntyre was
employed as a Crown Counsel, also in Vancouver, for the Ministry of Attorney
General of British Columbia, from 1981 - 1984. While primarily a litigator, Mr.
McIntyre has been involved in advising mining companies throughout his time in
private practice.
-13-
<PAGE>
Mr. McIntyre is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, located in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He graduated with his LL.B. in 1980 and with his B.Sc.
(High Honors - Chemistry) in 1977.
Lloyd E. Mear. Mr. Mear has served as a Director of the Company since June 8,
1995. Mr. Mear has over thirty years of experience as a Civil Engineer including
fifteen years as an executive in the Mining Industry. From 1967 to date he has
served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of ReDev., Inc., a company
that extracts gold and platinum group metals from water sources throughout the
western United States and Canada.
Mr. Mear received a degree in Civil Engineering/Surveying in 1956 from
University of Alberta, Calgary, Alberta.
Warren W. Gayle. Mr. Gayle has served as a Director of the Company since October
5, 1995. Mr. Gayle owns a Consulting Firm in Vancouver specializing in
structured and tax driven financing for medium to large resource and
manufacturing based organizations. Prior to establishing his Company in 1991,
Mr. Gayle held various sales and management positions with multinational
corporations.
Mr. Gayle received a Bachelor of Commerce Degree - Finance in 1979 from the
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Murray A. Braaten. Mr. Braaten has served as a Director of the Company since
December 8, 1995. Mr. Braaten is a partner in the Vancouver law firm of Lando &
Co. He joined the firm as an Associate in 1981, became a partner two years
later, and has been the managing partner since 1987. Mr. Braaten has extensive
experience in business, business law, construction and real estate development.
Mr. Braaten graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with
Distinction for the University of Regina and a Bachelor of Laws from the
University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Each director is elected for a period of one year at the Company's annual
meeting of shareholders and serves until his successor is duly elected and
qualified. Officers are appointed and serve at the will of the Board of
Directors.
To date the amount of time that Mr. Renyk has devoted to the business of the
Company has ranged from 40% to his full business time depending on the
activities at hand. Mr. McIntyre has expended approximately 25% of his business
time on Company affairs. It is anticipated that Mr. McIntyre will negotiate an
employment agreement with the Company when the demands on his time warrant it.
Messrs. Renyk and McIntyre expect their positions to graduate to full time as
the Company's financing and operations progress. Messrs. Mear, Gayle and Braaten
will expend such time as is required to fulfill their duties as Directors.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 ("fiscal years") payable to Mr. Renyk, the Company's
President. No other officer received any compensation from the Company in these
fiscal years.
-14-
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term
Compensation
Awards
Restricted Stock All Other
Salary(1) Awards Compensation
-------- ------ ------------
Edward Renyk 1996 $90,000 -- --
1997 $90,000 -- --
(1) On June 30, 1995, the Company entered into a five year employment
agreement with the President of the Company that provides for a salary of
$7,500 per month beginning July 1, 1995 (plus a cost of living adjustment
to be made on the first day of each calendar year). The agreement also
provides for additional incentive compensation equal to 1/2 of 1% of net
sales up to $5,000,000, 3/4 of 1% on the next $20,000,000 in net sales and
1 percent of net sales above $25,000,000.
Stock Options
The Company did not grant any stock options to any executive officer during
fiscal years 1996 and 1997.
Stock Option Plan and Stock Grant Program
In June 1995 the Company adopted a non-qualified stock option plan and a stock
grant program with the following provisions:
Stock Option Plan
The Company has reserved 300,000 shares of its authorized Common Stock for
issuance to key employees and consultants of the Company and affiliates.
Under this plan, no employee may receive more than 100,000 stock options.
Options are non-transferable and expire if not exercised within two years
from the date of issue.
The options are issuable to officers, key employees and consultants in
such amounts and prices as determined by the Board of Directors. As of
December 31, 1997, no options were granted pursuant to this plan.
Stock Grant Program
The Company has reserved 300,000 shares of its authorized Common Stock for
issuance to key employees and directors. Under this plan, no employee may
receive more than 100,000 shares. The program requires the employee to
remain in the employ of the Company for at least one year following the
grant and to agree not to engage in any activity which would be considered
in competition with the Company's business. If the employee violates any
one of these conditions the ownership of the shares issued under the
program shall revert back to the Company. The shares issued under the
program are non-transferable, except for transfers back to the Issuer, for
a period of one year from the date of issue. As of December 31, 1996, a
total of 100,000 shares had been granted to five directors pursuant to
this plan. No further grants have been made.
-15-
<PAGE>
Board Compensation
The Board, from time to time, is authorized to establish compensation for the
Directors, but none has been set at this date. All of the directors are
reimbursed for their expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at
Board of Directors meetings.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of December 31, 1997, by its
executive officers and directors, both individually and as a group, and by each
person known by the Company to own more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock.
Number of Percentage of
Name Shares owned (1) Shares Owned (2)
Noble Metal Group Incorporated 4,085,000 58.92%
801-409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1T2
James A. Howell 700,000 10.12%
Maritime Transport & Technology, Inc.
161 W. 15th St., Ste. 7A
New York, New York 10011
E. D. Renyk 390,000 5.62%
5391 Blundell Rd.
Richmond, BC, Canada V7C 1H3
Director, President
& Chief Financial Officer
J. J. McIntyre 390,000 5.62%
McIntyre Winteringham
1501 - 543 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1X8
Director & Secretary
Lloyd Mear 70,000 --
5391 Blundell Rd.
Richmond, BC, Canada V7C 1H3
Director
D. Dennis 808,500 11.66%
705 - 588 Broughton St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6G 3E3
Warren W. Gayle 20,000 --
2081 Gordon Avenue
West Vancouver, BC, Canada V7V 1V8
Murray A. Braaten 20,000 --
708 W. 22nd Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1Z7
Officers and Directors 890,000 12.84%
as a Group (5 persons)
-16-
<PAGE>
o Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated all shares are held of record by the beneficial
holders named above.
(2) Based upon 6,933,500 shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31,
1997.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In February 1988 the Company issued 1,900,000 shares of Common Stock to James A.
Howell in consideration of $1,400 and certain organization expenses paid by Mr.
Howell on behalf of the Company. In May 1995 Mr. Howell transferred 350,000
shares to each of Mr. Renyk and Mr. McIntyre.
In June 1995 the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock to Noble
pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. In April 1996 the Company issued an
additional 85,000 shares to Noble in partial consideration of its agreement to
extend the due date of certain amounts due under the Operating Agreement entered
into with respect to the Placer Leases.
In October 1995 the Company issued 800,000 shares of Common Stock to an
Affiliate as partial consideration for the assignment of the PL #1160 Lease
pursuant to the PL #1160 Agreement. In April 1996 the Company issued an
additional 8,500 shares to this Affiliate in consideration of her agreement to
extend the due date of $200,000 payable pursuant to the PL #1160 Lease
Agreement. For a more complete description of the terms of the PL #1160 lease
Agreement and certain related agreements between the Company and this Affiliate,
see "Item 1. Business."
During 1995 certain officers and directors loaned the Company an aggregate of
$101,677 which loans were non-interest bearing and payable on demand. In 1996,
such officers and directors agreed to convert $96,000 of those loans into 40,000
shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.40 per share.
In accordance with the Operating Agreement, the Company's principal stockholder,
Noble, has agreed to serve as the operator of the Company's mining activities.
The terms of the Operating Agreement are discussed in Item 1 -"Business."
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The following are filed as part of this Report:
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment dated June 23, 1989 to Certificate of
Incorporation (1)
3.3 Certificate of Amendment dated June 1, 1995 to Certificate of
Incorporation (1)
3.4 Certificate for Renewal and Revival of Charter dated June 1, 1995 (1)
3.5 By-laws of the Registrant (1)
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (1)
10.1 Agreement to Exchange Assets for Stock (1)
10.2 Operating Agreement (1)
10.3 Extension Agreement between the Registrant and Noble dated September 1,
1995 (1)
10.4 Second Extension Agreement between the Registrant and Noble dated April
30, 1996 (1)
10.5 Satisfaction of Debt with Stock-Noble Metal Group Incorporated (1)
10.6 Modification and Extension Agreement between Registrant and Noble dated
July 1996 canceling $1,000,000 obligation and further extending date for
payment of $954,500 in consideration for agreement to deliver 3,421 ounces
of gold (1)
10.7 Agreement of Business Combination by Exchange of Assets for Stock
Regarding Place Lease #1160 between the Registrant and Dorothy Dennis
(1)
-17-
<PAGE>
10.8 Extension Agreement between the Registrant and Dorothy Dennis dated
April 30, 1996 (1)
10.9 Satisfaction of Debt with Stock - Dorothy Dennis (1)
10.10 Satisfaction of Debt with Stock - E.D. Renyk (1)
10.11 Satisfaction of Debt with Stock - J.J. McIntyre (1)
10.12 Stock Option Program (1)
10.13 Stock Grant Program (1)
10.14 Employment Agreement of Edward D. Renyk (1)
10.15 Second Extension Agreement between Registrant and Dorothy Dennis dated
October 1996 (1)
24.1 Consent of W.G.T. Consultants Ltd. (1)
- ----------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-SB, Commission File
No. 0-25786
-18-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: July 10, 1998
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Edward D. Renyk
-----------------------
Edward D. Renyk, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Edward D. Renyk President, Director and July 10, 1998
- ------------------- Principal Accounting Officer
Edward D. Renyk
/s/ John J. McIntyre Director July 10, 1998
- --------------------
John J. McIntyre
/s/ Lloyd E. Mear Director July 10, 1998
- -----------------
Lloyd E. Mear
/s/ Warren W. Gayle Director July 10, 1998
- -------------------
Warren W. Gayle
/s/ Murray A. Braaten Director July 10, 1998
- ---------------------
Murray A. Braaten
-19-
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
INDEX
Reports of Independent Chartered Accountants.................................F-1
Balance Sheet................................................................F-2
Statements of Operations.....................................................F-3
Statements of Cash Flows.....................................................F-4
Notes to Financial Statements................................................F-5
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG]
AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
We have audited the balance sheets of Naptau Gold Corporation as at December 31,
1997 and 1996 and the statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for
each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance 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.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 1997 and 1996
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in
the three year period ended December 31, 1997 in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States.
/s/ KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 25, 1998
COMMENTS BY AUDITOR FOR U.S. READERS ON
CANADA-U.S. REPORTING CONFLICT
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of
an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when the financial
statements are affected by significant uncertainties such as that referred to in
the attached balance sheets as at December 31, 1997 and 1996 and as described in
note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. Our report to the shareholders
dated March 25, 1998 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting
standards which do not permit a reference to such an uncertainty in the
auditors' report when the uncertainty is adequately disclosed in the financial
statements.
/s/ KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 25, 1998
F-1
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Balance Sheets
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997 and 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Equipment $ 71,582 $ --
Mineral properties (note 3) 3,341,831 2,988,850
Deferred financing costs -- 9,090
----------- -----------
$ 3,413,413 $ 2,997,940
=========== ===========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 4) $ 277,251 $ 157,183
Contracts payable to related parties (note 3) 1,908,893 1,494,830
Loans payable to related parties (note 4) 27,680 12,770
----------- -----------
2,213,824 1,664,783
Shareholders' equity:
Capital stock (note 5):
Authorized:
5,000,000 preferred shares with a par value of
$0.001 per share
20,000,000 common shares with a par value of
$0.001 per share
Issued and outstanding:
6,933,500 common shares (1995 - 6,700,000) 6,934 6,934
Additional paid-in capital (note 5) 1,534,105 1,534,105
Deficit (341,450) (207,882)
----------- -----------
1,199,589 1,333,157
Continuing operations (note 1)
Commitments and contingency (notes 3 and 6)
----------- -----------
$ 3,413,413 $ 2,997,940
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-2
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Statements of Operations and Deficit
(expressed in United States dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
-----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses:
Interest Expense 2,035 -- --
Management salary (note 6) $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 45,000
Professional fees 17,035 25,940 12,853
Office and administrative 4,105 1,332 757
Stock grant program expense (note 5(c)(ii)) __ -- 100
Write-off of deferred financing costs 20,393 30,000 --
--------- --------- ---------
Loss for the year 133,568 (147,272) (58,710)
Deficit, beginning of year 207,882 (60,610) (1,900)
--------- --------- ---------
Deficit, end of year $ 341,450 $(207,882) $ (60,610)
========= ========= =========
Loss per share $ (0.02) $ (0.02) $ (0.01)
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Statements of Cash Flows (note 8)
(expressed in United States dollars)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
-----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash generated from (used in):
Operations:
Loss for the year $(133,568) $(147,272) $ (58,710)
Add items not involving cash:
Write-off of deferred financing costs 20,393 30,000 --
Stock grant program expense -- -- 100
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 120,068 112,183 45,000
--------- --------- ---------
6,893 (5,089) (13,610)
Financing:
Deferred financing costs recovered (incurred) (11,303) 910 (40,000)
Payment of contracts payable (10,500) -- (45,500)
Loans payable to related parties 14,910 7,073 101,697
--------- --------- ---------
(6,893) 7,983 16,197
Investments:
Mineral properties -- (3,894) (1,587)
--------- --------- ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash $ -- $ (1,000) $ 1,000
Cash, beginning of year -- 1,000 --
--------- --------- ---------
Cash, end of year $ -- $ -- $ 1,000
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
1. Continuing operations:
Naptau Gold Corporation (the "Company") was formed under the laws of
the State of Delaware on January 8, 1988 and was inactive until 1995 when
it entered into an agreement to acquire certain mineral properties (note
3). The Company's principal business activity is the exploration and
development of mineral properties, with its principal mineral properties
comprising various placer leases in the Cariboo Mining Division of British
Columbia, Canada (the "Placer Leases").
These financial statements have been prepared on the basis of
accounting principles applicable to a going concern. At December 31, 1997,
the Company had a working capital deficiency of approximately $2,200,000,
a significant portion of which is due to related parties. The Company's
continuing operations and the ability of the Company to discharge its
liabilities are dependent upon the continued financial support of related
parties and the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing
to meet its liabilities as they come due.
The recoverability of the amounts shown as mineral properties is
dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves,
the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete
the development of its mineral properties and upon future profitable
production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
2. Significant accounting policies:
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
(a) Equipment:
Equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation will commence once the
assets have been put in use and will be provided using the
straight-line method over 10 years, being the estimated useful life
of the assets.
(b) Mineral property interests:
Mineral property acquisition costs and related exploration and
development expenditures are deferred until the property is placed
into production, sold or abandoned. These costs will be amortized on
a unit-of-production basis over the estimated proven and probable
reserves of the property following commencement of commercial
production or written off if the property is sold, allowed to lapse
or abandoned.
Mineral property acquisition costs include cash consideration and
the fair value of common shares issued for mineral properties.
Administrative expenditures are expensed in the period incurred.
On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates the status of its
mineral properties based on results to date to determine the nature
of exploration and development work that is warranted in the future.
If there is little prospect of further work on a property being
carried out, the deferred costs related to that property are written
down to their estimated recoverable amount.
The amounts shown for mineral properties represent costs incurred to
date and is not intended to reflect present or future values.
(c) Deferred financing costs:
The Company defers costs associated with specific financing
activities and charges those costs against the related share capital
or to operations if the financing activity is unsuccessful.
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements, page 2
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
2. Significant accounting policies (continued):
(d) Loss per share:
Loss per share has been calculated using the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the year.
(e) Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of
revenues and expenses during the period. Significant areas requiring
the use of management estimates include impairment of assets and
useful lives for depreciation. Actual results may differ from those
estimates.
(f) Financial instruments:
With the exception of amounts due to related parties, as at December
31, 1997 and 1996, in all material respects the carrying amounts for
the Company's financial instruments approximated fair value due to
the short term nature of these financial instruments. The Company is
unable to determine the fair value of the amounts due to related
parties with sufficient reliability. Accordingly, information on the
characteristics of these balances is described in note 4.
3. Mineral properties:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================
1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Placer Leases, Cariboo Mining Division, British Columbia:
Acquisition costs:
Placer Leases acquired from Noble (note 3(a)) $1,775,000 $1,775,000
Placer Leases acquired from an affiliate of the
Company (note 3(b)) 200,800 200,800
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,975,800 1,975,800
Deferred interest and financing costs:
Paid or accrued to Noble (note 3(a)) 361,970 251,725
Paid to an affiliate of the Company (note 3(b)) 20,400 20,400
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
382,370 272,125
Exploration and development expenditures:
Incurred by Noble 978,181 735,445
Incurred by the Company 5,480 5,480
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
983,661 740,925
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3,341,831 $2,988,850
===================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Placer Leases acquired from Noble:
During 1995, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
certain Placer Leases owned by Noble Metal Group incorporated (a British
Columbia company) ("Noble") in exchange for 4 million common shares of the
Company, representing an initial 59.7% interest in the Company. As Noble
acquired control of the Company by this exchange, it is considered a
common control transaction and, accordingly, the common shares have been
accounted for at the carrying value of the Placer Leases in the accounts
of Noble at December 31,1994 of $1,775,000 (Noble, in association with
limited partnerships, had also expended an additional $550,000 on
exploration of the Placer Leases which was recovered from these limited
partnerships and accordingly, is not reflected in the aforementioned
carrying value). A British Columbia Mineral Tenure Act "Bill of Sale
Absolute" held by the Company relating to the Placer Leases has not yet
been registered with the appropriate authorities and as a result,
registration of the Placer Leases remains in the name of the operator,
Noble. The Company can, at any time and without any restriction, apply to
conclude registration in its name.
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements, page 3
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
3. Mineral properties (continued):
The Company and Noble also entered into an operating agreement
whereby Noble will remain the operator for the mining activities on
the Placer Leases for a term of ten years, with Noble having the
option of renewing the agreement for a further ten year term. The
Company agreed to pay Noble $1,000,000 in consideration for entering
into this operating agreement. In addition, the Company is obligated
to pay $1,000,000 in respect of 1995 exploration and development
expenditures and agreed to fund future annual operating expenditures
on the Placer Leases, including the lease of certain equipment and
facilities owned by Noble. These required payments have been accrued
in contracts payable (see below). However, as this is a common
control transaction, the amount of $1,602,661, being the excess of
these amounts over the estimated book value of the related assets in
the accounts of Noble was charged against additional paid-in capital
during 1995 (note 5). During 1996, this amount was reduced by
$45,500 to reflect the actual book value of the related assets in
the accounts of Noble at December 31, 1995. To December 31, 1995,
the Company had advanced $45,500 to Noble with respect to
exploration and development expenditures on the Placer Leases which
has been recorded as a reduction in the Company's contracts payable.
During 1996, the Company entered into an extension agreement with
Noble with respect to its contract payable to Noble, whereby the
Company issued 85,000 common shares to Noble at an agreed price of
$2.40 per share and agreed to pay Noble 300 ounces of gold from the
Company's share of gold produced from mining operations on its
placer mining leases, if any, to initially extend the due date for
the amount outstanding under the contract payable to June 30, 1996.
The value ascribed to the common shares issued has been included in
deferred interest and financing costs in mineral properties,
however, the value of the gold to be paid to Noble has not been
accrued in these financial statements due to the uncertainty of
ultimate payment.
The Company and Noble subsequently agreed to amend certain of the
terms of the operating agreement originally entered into whereby the
Company was obliged to pay $1,000,000 to Noble as consideration for
entering into the operating agreement. The amending agreement
cancelled the Company's obligation to pay $1,000,000 to Noble and
the Company agreed to pay Noble 3,421 ounces of gold from the
Company's share of gold produced from mining operations on its
placer mining leases, if any. Noble also granted the Company an
extension to June 30, 1997 of the revised balance due of $954,500 as
at December 31, 1995 in consideration for the Company agreeing to
pay interest on such balance at a rate of 10% per annum. The Company
reduced contracts payable and increased additional paid-in capital
by $1,000,000 each during 1996 as a result of this amending
agreement. The value of the gold to be paid to Noble has not been
accrued in these financial statements due to the uncertainty of
ultimate payment.
In addition to funding future annual operating expenditures on the
Placer Leases, the operating agreement provides that proceeds from
production from the Placer Leases, if any, will be divided between
the Company and Noble as follows:
o for the first $1,000,000 of proceeds or 2,500 ounces of gold
(converted to a dollar amount), whichever is lesser, 10% of
such proceeds to Noble;
o for the next $1,000,000 of proceeds or 2,500 ounces of gold
(converted to a dollar amount), whichever is lesser, 17.5% of
such proceeds to Noble; and
o for cumulative proceeds in excess of $2,000,000 or 5,000
ounces of gold (converted to a dollar amount), whichever is
lesser, 25% of such proceeds to Noble (see below).
During 1997, the Company entered into an extension agreement with
Noble which granted the Company a further extension to December 31,
1998 to pay the revised balance of $954,500 due as at December 31,
1995, in consideration for the Company agreeing to pay interest on
such balance at a rate of 10% until June 30, 1997 and at a rate of
12% thereafter. In addition, the Company agreed to pay Noble 4,561
ounces of gold, instead of the 3,421 ounces previously agreed, from
the Company's share of gold produced from mining operations on its
placer mining leases, if any. The Company also advanced $10,500 to
Noble during 1997, which has been recorded as an additional
reduction in contracts payable. The interest on the contracts
payable has been included in deferred interest and financing costs
in mineral properties, however, the value of the gold to be paid to
Noble has not been accrued in these financial statements due to the
uncertainty of ultimate payment.
The parties also agreed to revise the division of gold produced from
the Placer Leases, if any, to incorporate the following:
(i) the first 300 ounces of gold due to the Company from
anticipated 1998 mining operations will be paid to Noble in
satisfaction of the terms of the 1996 extension agreement;
(ii) up to 40% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due
to the Company from anticipated 1998 mining operations, until
the 4,561 ounces referred to above is reached, will be paid to
Noble;
(iii) up to 50% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due
to the Company from anticipated 1999 mining operations, until
the balance, if any, of the 4,561 ounces referred to above is
reached, will be paid to Noble;
(iv) up to 60% of the balance of the number of ounces of gold due
to the Company from anticipated 2000 and subsequent years
mining operations, until the balance, if any, of the 4,561
ounces referred to above is reached, will be paid to Noble.
The parties also agree that Naptau shall not sell or assign its
interest in the Placer Leases until such time as these gold
obligations are satisfied.
(b) Placer Lease acquired from an affiliate of the Company:
During 1995, the Company acquired a Placer Lease owned by an
affiliate of the Company (the "Affiliate"), for $200,000 (accrued
but not yet paid) and 800,000 common shares of the Company that have
been assigned their par value of $0.001 per share.
During 1996, the Company entered into extension agreements with the
Affiliate with respect to its contract payable to the Affiliate,
whereby the Company issued 8,500 common shares at an agreed price of
$2.40 per share to initially extend the due dates for the amount
outstanding under the contract payable to June 30, 1996 and
subsequently agreed to pay the Affiliate 100 ounces of gold from the
Company's share of gold produced from mining operations on all of
its placer mining leases, if any, for extending the due date to
October 12, 1997. The ascribed value for the common shares issued
has been included in deferred interest and financing costs in
mineral properties, however, the value of the gold to be paid to the
Affiliate has not been accrued in these financial statements due to
the uncertainty of ultimate payment.
During 1997, the Company entered into an extension agreement with
the Affiliate with respect to its contract payable to the Affiliate
of $200,000, whereby the Company agreed to pay the Affiliate 150
ounces of gold, instead of the 100 ounces previously agreed, from
the Company's share of gold produced from mining operations on its
placer mining leases, if any, to extend the due date to December
31, 1998.
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements, page 4
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
4. Amounts payable to related parties:
Loans payable to related parties consist of amounts received from
directors and officers, are non-interest bearing and have no specific
terms of repayment. During 1996, the directors and officers converted
$96,000 of these loans into 40,000 shares at a price of $2.40 per share.
At December 31, 1997, accounts payable and accrued liabilities include
accruals totalling $225,000 (1996 - $135,000) for salaries to a director
and officer pursuant to an employment agreement (note 6), which are
included in management salary expense for the period.
5. Capital stock:
(a) Authorized:
During 1995, the Company increased the authorized capital
stock from 200 common shares with a par value of $0.001 per share to
25,000,000 shares consisting of 5,000,000 preferred shares and
20,000,000 common shares, each with a par value of $0.001 per share,
of which 190 common shares were outstanding. The Company
subsequently split the 190 common shares outstanding on a 10,000 new
for 1 old basis. The number of shares issued as at December 31, 1994
have been restated to reflect this share split as if it had occurred
on inception.
(b) Issued:
A continuity of the Company's issued and outstanding capital
stock is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================
Common shares
------------------------------- Additional
Year Consideration Number Amount Paid-in capital Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 (note 5(a)) 1,900,000 $ 1,900 $ -- $ 1,900
1995 Mineral properties (note 3(a)) 4,000,000 4,000 1,771,000 1,775,000
1995 Reduction in additional
paid-in capital relating to
operating agreements with
Noble (note 3(a)) -- -- (1,602,661) (1,602,661)
1995 Mineral properties (note 3(b)) 800,000 800 800
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 6,700,000 $ 6,700 $ 168,339 $ 175,039
1996 Services under stock grant
program (note 5(c)(ii)) 100,000 100 - 100
1996 On conversion of loans payable
to related parties (note 4) 40,000 40 95,960 96,000
1996 As consideration for extending
the due dates of contracts
payable (note 3) 93,500 94 224,306 224,400
1996 Increase in additional paid-in
capital resulting from
amendment to operating
agreement with Noble (note 3(a)) -- -- 1,000,000 1,000,000
1996 Increase in additional paid-in
capital relating to operating
agreements with Noble (note 3(a)) -- -- 45,500 45,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 and 1997 6,933,500 $ 6,934 $ 1,534,105 $ 1,541,039
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements, page 5
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
================================================================================
5. Capital stock (continued):
(c) Stock option plan and stock grant program:
in June, 1995 the Company adopted a non-qualified stock option plan
and a stock grant program with the following provisions:
(i) Stock option plan:
The Company has reserved 300,000 shares of its authorized common
stock for issuance to key employees and consultants of the Company
and affiliates. Under this plan, no employee may receive more than
100,000 stock options. Options are non-transferable and expire if
not exercised within two years. The options may not be exercised by
the employee until after the completion of two years of employment
with the Company. The options are issuable to officers, key
employees and consultants in such amounts and prices as determined
by the Board of Directors. To December 31, 1997, no options were
granted pursuant to this plan.
(ii) Stock grant program:
The Company has reserved 300,000 shares of its authorized common
stock for issuance to key employees and directors. Under this plan,
no employee may receive more than 100,000 shares. The program
requires the employee to remain in the employ of the Company for at
least one year following the grant and to agree not to engage in any
activity which would be considered in competition with the Company's
business. If the employee violates any one of these conditions the
ownership of the shares issued under the program shall revert back
to the Company. The shares issued under the program are
non-transferable for two years. As of December 31,1995, a total of
100,000 shares had been granted to five directors pursuant to this
plan, which were issued in 1996. These shares were recorded during
the period granted at their par value of $0.001 per share and have
been presented as shares allotted but unissued as at December 31,
1995.
6. Commitments:
On June 30, 1995, the Company entered into a five year employment
agreement with the President of the Company that provides for a salary of
$7,500 per month beginning July 1,1995 (plus a cost of living adjustment
to be made on the first day of each calendar year.) The agreement also
provides for additional incentive compensation equal to 1/2 of 1% of net
sales up to $5,000,000, 3/4 of 1% on the next $20,000,000 in net sales and
1 percent of net sales above $25,000,000.
<PAGE>
NAPTAU GOLD CORPORATION
Notes to Financial Statements, page 6
(expressed in United States dollars)
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Income taxes:
Under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes,
deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates for the future income tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases.
For all periods presented, the Company has not recognized any
deferred tax assets or liabilities as the available benefits, primarily as
a result of loss carry forwards of approximately $347,000 arising in 1995
through and 1997, are fully offset by a valuation allowance of the same
amount.
8. Supplementary cash flow information:
The following non-cash financing and investing activities occurred
during the period:
==========================================================================
Year end December 31,
-----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquisition of equipment
for contracts payable $ 71,582 $ -- $ --
Expenditures on mineral properties
by way of increase in contracts
payable 352,981 340,330 --
Acquisition of mineral properties
for contracts payable -- -- 2,200,000
Reduction of contracts payable on
amendment of operating agreement
with Noble and resulting increase
in additional paid-in capital -- 1,000,000 --
Issue of common shares:
For mineral properties, net of
reduction of additional paid-in
capital relating to agreements
with Noble -- 269,900 173,139
On settlement of loans payable
to related parties -- 96,000 --
==========================================================================
The Company did not pay any interest or income taxes during the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 or 1995.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 3,413,413
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,413,413
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,213,824
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 6,934
<OTHER-SE> 1,192,655
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,413,413
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 0
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 133,568
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,035
<INCOME-PRETAX> (133,568)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (133,568)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 133,568
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.02)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.02)
</TABLE>
